The ship was named for LTJG Robert W. Moinester who was killed in action during the Battle of Huế on 31 January 1968 and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

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

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

The Knox class had a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km; 5,200 mi) at a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph).

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