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

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

[3] The USS Joseph Hewes (FF-1078) and subsequent ships of the Knox-class frigate class were modified to enable them to serve as flagships.

On 15 February 1985, Joseph Hewes arrived to the scene where the M/V A. Regina, a passenger cargo ferry ran aground on a reef off Isla de Mona.

Joseph Hewes remained on scene to assist and using its helicopter, delivered hot food, soft drinks, and water to the A. Regina evacuees on Mona Island.