First among the second generation of post-World War II escorts designed for the US Navy were Bronstein and McCloy. Authorized in FY 1960, both were laid down at New Orleans’ Avondale Shipyards in 1961, launched in 1962, commissioned in 1963 as DEs 1037 and 1038,

FF 1038 McCloy.

redesignated frigates (FF) in 1975, decommissioned in 1990, stricken in 1991 and sold to Mexico in 1993.
   While their length and tonnage were similar to late-World War II destroyer designs, their horsepower was only 1/3 as much and delivered to a single shaft. A new hull form with a raked stem, designed around a bow-mounted sonar dome, made possible higher speed than preceding destroyer escort designs, e.g., the Dealey class.
   The Bronsteins carried a combined mast and stack—a “mack”—on which were mounted SPS-10 and SPS-40 search radars. A twin enclosed 3-inch/50 was fitted forward and a single mount aft for a total of three barrels. The two ships were also the first built with an 8-tube ASROC launcher forward. A helicopter landing deck was provided aft.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 372' overall; 350' waterline.
Beam: 41'.
Draft: 23' including sonar dome.
Displacement: 2,650 tons (full load)
Power Plant: 2 x 600 psi boilers; 1 geared turbine, 1 shaft; 20,000 shaft horsepower.
Speed: 26 knots (design).
Complement: 13 officers; 178 enlisted.