The Mexican Navy Ship ARM Brooklyn (D 108): A Unique Story

While New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge typically evokes images of bustling cityscapes and architectural marvels, its name also resonates within the history of the Mexican Navy. The ARM Brooklyn (D 108), a Bronstein-class frigate, held a distinctive significance, embodying a tale of international cooperation and naval service.

Originally commissioned as the USS Wesson (DE-679) for the United States Navy during World War II, she was a destroyer escort designed to protect convoys from submarine attacks. Although completed after the war’s end, the Wesson served in the US Navy until 1968 when she was decommissioned and transferred to Mexico as part of a military assistance program.

Upon her arrival in Mexico, the ship was renamed ARM Brooklyn (E-34) and subsequently reclassified as a frigate (D 108). This renaming marked a symbolic gesture of goodwill, likely referencing the large Mexican community in Brooklyn, New York, and strengthening ties between the two nations. This act of naming a warship after a city in another country was fairly unusual, adding to the ship’s unique character.

For several decades, the ARM Brooklyn served diligently in the Mexican Navy, contributing significantly to maritime patrol, search and rescue operations, and drug interdiction efforts in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Her robust construction and seaworthiness, characteristics inherited from her US Navy origins, made her a reliable platform for these demanding tasks. She underwent modernization programs to keep her equipment updated and extend her operational lifespan, including upgrades to her radar and communication systems.

The Brooklyn was not just a patrol vessel; she also served as a training platform for Mexican naval cadets, providing invaluable at-sea experience. Generations of Mexican sailors learned the fundamentals of seamanship, navigation, and naval warfare aboard her decks. This role cemented her importance as a vital asset in developing and maintaining Mexico’s naval capabilities.

Ultimately, after a long and distinguished career spanning service in both the US and Mexican navies, the ARM Brooklyn was decommissioned. While her physical presence may no longer be felt on the waves, her legacy continues to resonate within the Mexican Navy. She represents a chapter of collaborative history, a symbol of international friendship, and a testament to the enduring importance of maritime security. The story of the ARM Brooklyn serves as a reminder of the complex tapestry of naval history, where even the name of a famous bridge can find its place on the hull of a hardworking warship.