Pre-Launch Construction Positions at Avondale Shipyards, Inc. Ships pictured, left to right:

• Miller {Keel Up}...............................DE-1091
• Ainsworth.........................................DE-1090
• Jesse L. Brown..................................DE-1089
• Barbey...............................................DE-1088
• Kirk {Ready for Launching}............DE-1087

Christening April 15, 1972

Side Launch - April 15, 1972 Into the Mississippi River Avodale's Main Yard

Afloat for the FIRST time

The following characteristics are cited as additional matters of interest:

• Length overall.............440 feet
• Beam {width}................47 feet
• Navigational draft..........25 feet
• Full load displacement...4,200 tons

{figures are approximate}
Upon commissioning, her full compliment would consist of 16 officers and more than 225 enlisted men.

Commissioned March 31, 1973 Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, Virginia

Underway! In the Chesapeake Bay headed out to sea

We're gettin' gas

Highlining over more movies

ASROC

Lookin' forward