The Navy decommissions USS Jarrett in San Diego on April 21.
Last week, the Navy decommissioned the USS Jarrett, a guided-missile frigate. Time spent at sea sears memories, and I well recall the several days I spent aboard Jarrett in 2000, shadowing Commander Kathleen McGrath, the captain of the ship. She also happened to be the first woman in U.S. history to command a warship.
Kathleen McGrath
By all accounts McGrath did a good job at Jarrett‘s helm. Unfortunately, she died of cancer in 2002, only 50 years old. Now the ship she led in her historic command has also sailed into history after 27 years at sea. A toast to FFG 33, and all who served aboard her.