The general manager of Los Angeles Express Lanes for the Americas Commercial & State Transportation Group, Captain David Schnell served 27 years in the United States Navy. Over the course of his military career, Captain David Schnell commanded two American warships including the USS Ford. An Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, the USS Ford bears the name of Gunner’s Mate Second Class and Vietnam War hero Patrick Osborne Ford. The Los Angeles division of the Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation constructed the ship. Todd Pacific laid the USS Ford’s keel on July 16, 1983. The ship’s christening took place June 23, 1984, and the Navy commissioned the vessel on June 29, 1985. The USS Ford measured 453 feet in length and supported 17 officers and 198 enlisted sailors. Using two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines and two 350-horsepower electric-drive auxiliary propulsion units to power a single five-bladed propeller, the ship was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 28 knots. Decommissioned on October 31, 2013, the USS Ford received a formal farewell ceremony at Washington State’s Naval Station Everett.
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About Captain David SchnellA decorated officer of the United States Navy, Captain David Schnell earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Metal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal during his many years of service. Archives
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