The last Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate deployment ended on Sunday when USS Kauffman (FFG-59) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va. following six months in U.S. Southern Command last week, ending the Navy’s 42 year hot and cold love affair with these ships.
It’s the end of a heck of a ride that started 10 March 1973 when USS Oliver Hazard Perry (PFG-109, FFG-7) was ordered. As noted by USNI, the once 51-ship class now just has 15 hulls left in Uncle’s inventory, and they are all set to dispose within the year.
150410-N-IG780-186 PANAMA CANAL, Panama (April 10, 2015) The guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) transits the Panama Canal. Kauffman is underway in support of Operation Martillo, a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations within the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shane A. Jackson/Released)
