The Knox class design was derived from the Brooke-class frigate modified to extend range and without a long-range missile system.

[1] The ships were equipped with one Westinghouse geared steam turbine that drove the single propeller shaft.

The ships were equipped with a torpedo-carrying DASH drone helicopter; its telescoping hangar and landing pad were positioned amidships aft of the mack.

Beginning in the 1970s, the DASH was replaced by a SH-2 Seasprite LAMPS I helicopter and the hangar and landing deck were accordingly enlarged.

The body of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier was transported aboard Brewton to Naval Air Station Alameda, California in May 1984.