the Nimitz Battle Group. Along with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, Ford deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. In March 1996, it patrolled the waters off Taiwan amid missile tests conducted by the Chinese in the area. It also cruised the Persian Gulf in support of Southern Watch prior to returning from deployment on 20 May 1996. On 16 February 2007, Ford was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award. Ford completed a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) deployment starting 4 May 2007 and returning home on 20 September 2007. Ford made port visits to Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Saipan, and Guam. Inactivated on 19 August 2013, Ford was decommissioned 31 October 2013. As of September 2016, the ship was in reserve at Bremerton and was slated to be disposed of as a target. 1 October 2019 it was used as a target during a SINKEX near Guam. A MK-48 ADCAP torpedo was used to sink the Ford. Awards Navy Unit Citation with star Meritorious Unit Commendation with star Navy E Ribbon (four awards) Combat Action Ribbon Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with three stars Southwest Asia Service Medal References External links navysite.de: USS Ford MaritimeQuest USS Ford FFG-54 pages Ships built in Los Angeles 1984 ships Gulf War ships of the United States Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates of the United States Navy Ships sunk as targets