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What are the FFG-7 & DD-963 Programs?

About FFG-7 & DD-963 Programs

The FFG-7 and DD-963 programs were major U.S. Navy shipbuilding initiatives of the late 20th century. Each program produced a distinct class of surface combatants that played significant roles in U.S. naval operations throughout the Cold War and into the years that followed.

FFG-7 Program (Oliver Hazard Perry-Class Guided-Missile Frigates)

The FFG-7 program, launched in the 1970s, aimed to produce a cost-effective, multi-mission escort ship capable of protecting convoys, amphibious forces, and carrier battle groups. Designed to perform anti-submarine (ASW), anti-air (AAW), and anti-surface (ASuW) missions, the ships offered a balanced blend of affordability and capability.

The overall purpose of the FFG-7 program was part of the Navy’s push to create a balanced fleet, offering escort and patrol capability at lower cost compared to destroyers and cruisers. A total of 71 ships were built between 1975 and 2004. Many FFG-7-class ships were later transferred to allied navies after U.S. decommissioning.

DD-963 Program — Spruance-Class Destroyers

The DD-963 program produced the Spruance-class destroyers, the first large U.S. Navy ships designed from the keel up with modern gas turbine propulsion. With the service period ranging from 1975-2005. Originally optimized for anti-submarine warfare, the class later evolved into a versatile multi-mission platform with major enhancements in strike and air defense capabilities.

The overall purpose of the DD-963 program was to modernize the destroyer force, emphasize anti-submarine capability, technological innovation, and general fleet flexibility. In total, 31 ships were built beginning in the early 1970's. This program featured LM2500 gas turbine engines, which gave them excellent speed and efficiency. The design formed the basis for later ships such as the Ticonderoga-class (CG-47) cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) destroyers. In the end, many were upgraded with Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) for Tomahawk cruise missiles before retirement.

How the FFG-7 and DD-963 Programs Relate to Military Parts Suppliers

The FFG-7 (Oliver Hazard Perry–class frigate) and DD-963 (Spruance-class destroyer) programs were cornerstone U.S. Navy shipbuilding efforts spanning from the 1970s into the early 2000s. Although both classes have since been retired or transferred to allied navies, they continue to represent a significant portion of ongoing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activity within the defense sector.

Continuing Demand for Replacement and Support Parts

Even after decommissioning, these ship programs remain active within foreign military sales (FMS), legacy fleet support, and naval reserve operations. That means there is still a sustained demand for the following:

  • Fasteners, brackets, and mounting hardware.
  • Corrosion-resistant materials and replacement fittings.
  • Structural and precision-machined components.
  • Electrical and mechanical subassemblies.

Suppliers like, Advanced Structures Corp, play a critical role in keeping legacy defense platforms operational by manufacturing or sourcing replacement parts that meet the original military specifications (MIL-SPEC) used in the FFG-7 and DD-963 programs.

Supporting Legacy Platforms Through Quality and Traceability

Defense programs such as these rely on parts suppliers with proven capabilities in the following aspects:

  • Material traceability and lot control.
  • Compliance with military and naval specifications (NAVSEA, MIL-DTL, MIL-S- standards).
  • Precision manufacturing and machining.
  • Documentation and certification (DFARS, QSLM, ITAR, ISO 9001).

At Advanced Structures Corp, we ensure that every part—whether it’s for a legacy destroyer, frigate, or related system—meets stringent quality assurance and traceability standards required by the U.S. Department of Defense and its international partners.

Why It Matters

A dependable military parts supplier is distinguished by its ability to support aging yet still-operational naval platforms. By manufacturing components compatible with FFG-7 and DD-963 systems, these suppliers help extend the operational lifespan of vessels that remain in service around the world, including those used by allied navies that continue to depend on U.S.-approved designs and standards.

Ultimately, companies such as Advanced Structures Corp act as a vital link between legacy U.S. naval programs and today’s defense readiness. They deliver high-quality replacement parts, thorough documentation, and compliance support to help ensure the long-term sustainability of naval fleets.

Contact Us 

Advanced Structures is a leading developer and manufacturer of lightweight marine joiner products for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Many of the Honeycomb Bulkheads, Partitions, and MJ Doors used in the FFG-7 and DD-963 programs of the 1970s were originally designed by our team. This proven construction has since been applied to DDG 51 Class ships and other naval platforms.

If you have questions about our range of marine joiner products—including doors, panels, FDPs, and WC partitions—our team is ready to assist. For high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective military joiner parts, trust Advanced Structures Corporation. Contact us today to get started.

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