USS PAUL F. FOSTER DD-964 was the second ship in the Spruance class of destroyers and the first ship in the Navy named after Vice Admiral Paul F. Foster. Last homeported in Everett, Wash., the USS PAUL F. FOSTER is currently at Port Hueneme, Calif., serving as EDD 964 as the Navy’s new Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS).
Keel Laid: February 6, 1973
Launched: February 23, 1974
Commissioned: February 21, 1976
Decommissioned: March 14, 2003
Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, West Bank, Pascagoula, Miss.
Propulsion system: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines
Propellers: two
Blades on each Propeller: five
Length: 564,3 feet (172 meters)
Beam: 55,1 feet (16.8 meters)
Draft: 28,9 feet (8.8 meters)
Displacement: approx. 9,200 tons full load
Speed: 30+ knots
Aircraft: two SH-60B Seahawk (LAMPS 3)
Armament: two Mk 45 5-inch/54 caliber lightweight guns, one MK 41 VLS for Tomahawk, ASROC and Standard missiles, Mk 46 torpedoes (two triple tube mounts), Harpoon missile launchers, one Sea Sparrow launcher, one Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) System, two 20mm Phalanx CIWS
Crew: approx. 340
The design of the PAUL F. FOSTER Coat of Arms is a composite of emblems representing the many outstanding honors and achievements of Vice Admiral Foster during his long and vigorous service to his country and the Navy.
Within the shield of the Coat of Arms is a chevron also appearing in the blazon of the Foster family. A traditional symbol of support and achievement, the chevron has been divided into three sections. These sections represent the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Distinguished Service Medal, all awarded to Admiral Foster during his brilliant career. The three five-pointed stars within the chevron represent his final rank of Vice Admiral.
A triple towered castle forms the crest of the ship's emblem. The same castle appears as part of the Coat of Arms from the port of Vera Cruz, representing where, the Ensign Foster, distinguished himself and earned the Medal of Honor. The tower's red color alludes to the turret explosion on the USS TRENTON and extraordinary heroism in that crisis for which he was awarded the Navy Cross. The navy blue border represents the service during World War I and the sinking of a German submarine, for which he received the Distinguished Service Medal.
Below the shield, on a scroll of navy blue, is the ship's motto: "Honor, Valor, Service", each word having come from the citations accompanying the decorations awarded to Admiral Foster.
