Namesake:
Captain Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham
USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) is the fourth ship to honor the name of Captain
Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham (1802-1891). Captain Ingraham, while
commanding the sloop St. Louis in the Mediterranean Squadron in July
1852, interfered with the Austrian consul's detention of Martin
Kosztca, a Hungarian who had declared in New York his intention of
becoming an American citizen. For his conduct in this matter he was
voted thanks and a medal by Congress.
The first INGRAHAM (DD 111) was commissioned on 15 May 1919. After a
shakedown cruise, the ship sailed for a European tour of duty.
Converted to a minelayer in 1921, it operated in that capacity until
being decommissioned in 1922.
The second INGRAHAM (DD 444) was commissioned on 17 July 1941, and
served as a convoy escort between the United States and the United
Kingdom. On 22 August 1942, in heavy fog, it collided with an oiler off
Nova Scotia and sank almost immediately, leaving only 11 survivors.
The third INGRAHAM (DD 694) was commissioned on 16 January 1944, and
had a long distinguished career, earning battle stars and awards for
its efforts at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Lingayen Gulf.
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Ship's Crest:
 The Shield:
Dark blue and gold are the colors
traditionally associated with the U. S. Navy. The chain broken by the
sword represents Captain Duncan Ingraham forcing the release of Martin
Koszto, a Hungarian confined by an Austrian warship who had earlier
declared his intention of becoming an American citizen. The sword also
emphasizes the Naval protection Captain Ingraham provided the
Hungarian. The color red symbolizes the courage it took for Ingraham to
stand his ground alone far from his country. The crescent, adapted from
the Turkish national flag, refers to Smyrna, Turkey, where the American
Captain held fast and took a stand in 1853. The color white is
expressive of his purity of intent. The separations of the shield honor
the three previous destroyers named "INGRAHAM"; the wavy divisions
reflect the sea. The disc, with three of the colors of the Navy Unit
Commendation Award, commemorates the award earned in World War II by
the third USS INGRAHAM. The powerful anti-aircraft fire of this ship is
underscored by the arrowhead pointing upwards.
The Crest: The eagle, our national
symbol,
portrays swiftness, strength, and constant vigilance. The trident
characterizes Naval weaponry and sea prowess and symbolizes the combat
readiness and modern weapon systems of FFG-61. The seven stars
commemorate the third INGRAHAM's service -- four battle stars earned
for World War II, one for the Korean War and two for the Vietnam
conflict. The wreath of laurel is emblematic of excellence and
accomplishment and also refers to the gold medal awarded to Captain
Ingraham by Congress for his "gallant and judicious conduct" at Smyrna.
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