USS Jack Williams (FFG-24), sixteenth ship of the of guided-missile frigates, was named for Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Construction and career Ordered from Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, on 28 February 1977 as part of the FY77 program, Jack Williams was laid down on 25 February 1980; launched on 30 August 1980, sponsored by Mrs. Fern Williams Carr, sister of PhM3c Williams; and commissioned on 19 September 1981. in 1983, the ship accidentally launched a live MK-46 torpedo while berthed at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. The torpedo skidded across the top of a concrete pier but did not detonate. Decommissioned and stricken on 13 September 1996, she was transferred to Bahrain the same day and recommissioned as . Jack Williams (FFG-24) was the first ship of that name in the US Navy. References External links 1980 ships Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the Bahraini Navy Ships built in Bath, Maine Cold War frigates and destroyer escorts of the United States