USS Hawes (FFG-53) is a later model Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate. She is named for Rear Admiral Richard E. Hawes (1894–1968) who was twice decorated with the Navy Cross for submarine salvage operations. Any ship that bears his name is the only ship in the U.S. naval fleet that can fly the pirate flag, jolly roger, that RDML Hawes designed himself. The contract to build Hawes was awarded to Bath Iron Works 22 May 1981, and her keel was laid 26 August 1983. She was launched 18 February 1984, delivered 1 February 1985, and commissioned 9 February 1985.