In May of 1984, USS BREWTON had the distinct honor and privilege of participating in the Designation and Departure Ceremony of the Vietnam Unknown Serviceman. After the historic ceremony held at Pearl Harbor on May 17, 1984, the ship set sail on a seven day voyage to Alameda Naval Air Station. Several Coast Guard vessels escorted BREWTON out of Pearl Harbor. On May 24 the ship proudly sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge and into San Francisco Bay. Later that morning, after the ship tied up, an arrival ceremony was held at Alameda Naval Air Station. The Vietnam Unknown Serviceman was home and had completed the first part of the journey to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, D.C.

Below is a reproduction of the letter sent to the CO Commander Ronald Horner by President Ronald Reagan after the event.

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 1, 1984 Dear Commander Horner: This is to express my sincere thanks for the paperweight which accompanied your thoughtful letter and the photograph of your ship. I deeply appreciate being remembered with the first of your ship's special mementos honoring our nation's unknown serviceman from the Vietnam war. You and all the officers and men who participated in the ceremony have every reason to be proud of your part in this historic event. With my deep gratitude to you and the crew of the USS BREWTON for your dedicated service to our country, and with my best wishes for the future. Sincerely, Commander Ronald Horner, USN Commanding Officer USS BREWTON (FF-1086) FPO San Francisco 96661