USS Reasoner (FF-1063)

USS "Reasoner" (FF-1063) was a Knox class frigate of the US Navy. "Reasoner", originally (DE-1063), was laid down 6 January 1969 by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, Seattle, Washington and launched 1 August 1970; cosponsored by Mrs. James C. Curry and Mrs. Robert Svinger. "Reasoner" was commissioned 31 July 1971, Cmdr. Francisco Velazquez-Suarez, USN, commanding. "Reasoner" was decommissioned on August 28, 1993, and subsequently leased to Turkey, where the ship was recommissioned as "Kocatepe". On February 22, 2002, she was finally purchased by Turkey.

Namesake

Frank Stanley Reasoner was born 16 September 1937 in Spokane, Washington. Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1955, he reached the rank of sergeant prior to entering the United States Military Academy in 1958. At West Point, he won four consecutive brigade boxing championships. Graduated in June 1962, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Arriving in Vietnam in April 1965, 1st Lt. Frank Reasoner died in action near Danang, Vietnam, 12 July. That day he led a five-man reconnaissance patrol into enemy-controlled territory. He killed two enemy soldiers, and destroyed an automatic weapons position. He died as he aided a wounded Marine. For his bravery in battle and his concern for the wounded, Frank Reasoner was awarded the Medal of Honor.

The ship was featured in the music video for The Village People single In the Navy.

External links

* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/FF1063.htm Naval Vessel Registry - FF1063]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/r3/reasoner.htm DANFS - Reasoner]