Reasoner was laid down 6 January 1969, by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, Seattle, WA and launched 1 August 1970, cosponsored by Mrs. James C. Curry and Mrs. Robert Svingen.

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

[1] The warships 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.

[3] Reasoner first deployed with HSL 31 "Lamps" SH2D in 1973 to Southeast Asia and took part in Operation End Sweep (the removal of mines in Haiphong Harbor).