 "Downes"s keel was laid 5 September 1968 by Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., Seattle, Washington, and was christened on 13 December 1969 during launching by her sponsor Mrs. Philip L. Kelton, the great-granddaughter of the late Commodore John Downes.The ship was commissioned 28 August 1971

"Downes" performed Anti-Submarine Warfare operations as a part of Destroyer Squadron 31, escort duty and naval diplomacy support, when necessary, for the Pacific Fleet.During RIMPAC 89, the ship rescued one of two crew members washed overboard due to heavy seas.