She was named for Henry Morganthau Jr (the 52nd Sec of the Treasury) and built by Avondale Shipyards.

She was Commissioned on 10 March 1969 and considered to be "state of the art" with both Pratt & Whitney FT4A Gas Turbine engines and Fairbanks Morse Diesel engines for Main Propulsion.

While on the "birds" her controllable pitch propellers could bring her from 0 to 30 knots in 60 seconds and could bring her to an all stop close to the same time.

Soon after her Commissioning, She was sent to Vietnam for service in the Navy's "Operation Market Time". For exceptionally valorous action in combat, she received a Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal and other awards.

And now after 48 years of faithful service, she has been decommissioned.

And the rub? She will be acquired by Vietnam