The USS Valdez (FF-1096) is the forty-fifth Knox-class frigate and was built by Avondale Shipyard, Westwego, Louisiana, and originally assigned as a Knox-class destroyer escort (DE-1096). She was propelled by one Westinghouse steam turbine with a total of 35,000 shp. Keel laid 30 June 1972; launched 24 March 1973; sponsored by Mrs Manuelita Valdez (mother of Hospitalman Valdez); and commissioned at Charleston, South Carolina 27 July 1974, CDR Joe D. Peden in command. Decommissioned 16 December 1991 after seventeen years and four months in active, in commission and struck from the Navy Register on 11 January 1995. Valdez is currently assigned to the Security Assistance program, for cash sale and was taken to Charleston, South Carolina for conversion and transfer to Taiwan.