<p>The U.S. Navy frigate USS <i>Downes</i> (FF-1070) underway in the Pacific Ocean. In the 1970s, <i>Downes</i> was often used as a test ship. She was the only <i>Knox</i>-class frigate to receive a Mk 29 Improved basic point defense missile system (IBPDMS), able to launch the RIM-7F <i>Sea Sparrow</i> missile. Associated with the Mk 29 launcher was the TAS Mk 23 radar and the Mk 99 illumination radar on a mast above the bridge. The mast on the hangar was originally used for tests with the SPS-58 radar and later carried the SPS-40 radar after it was replaced bs TAS Mk 23 on the mack. In this photo SPS-40 was again mounted on the mack an the small mast carries a QE-82 satellite antenna.<br></p>
In the early 1980s, <i>Downes</i> was rebuilt into a standard <i>Knox</i>-class frigate, also receiving a CIWS <i>Phalanx</i> aft. This photo also clearly shows that <i>Downes</i> received the enlarged helicopter hangar for the LAMPS I heliccopter (Kaman SH-2D/F <i>Seasprite</i>). The the heightened bow was added later.
PH2 Dan O'Sullivan, USN
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