US Navy decommissions FFG-49 Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate

US Navy decommissions Oliver Hazard Perry-class vessel - Naval Technology



USS Robert G. Bradley scheduled for decommission



Frigate Photo Index FFG-49 USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY

Navy decommissions another OHP frigate, slimming down its blue water capability. The LCS is supposed to replace them. This one will probably show up in someone elses Navy.

USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) was one of the seven ubiquitous OHP class, which are being modernised and sold off to other navies such as Poland in 2014 fiscal year. See decommissioning schedule. The US Navy has 29 Oliver Hazard Perry Class guided missile frigates remaining in service of the 50 built for the US Navy during the 1970s and 1980s. Relatively inexpensive and long lived hulls, the frigates have a full load displacement of 4,100t. The maximum speed is 30kt, limited by the dual gas turbine power plant and single screw, and the range at an economical speed is 4,500nm. It has NTDS command and control with moderate capabilities for all phases of naval warfare ASW, AAW, and ASuW, hence could be used as a sort of utility infielder for almost any mission. Crew included 15 officers and 190 enlisted, plus SH-2 detachment of roughly six officer pilots and 15 enlisted maintainers.

The US Navy seems to be moving towards a small fleet of high cost units with reduced manning. Numbers do count in sea control, force projection to a contested littoral, and logistics. The oceans haven't shrunk, and each ship has a limited reach to cover an area with its range, speed of movement, sensors and weapons. The OHP class provided sea control, which the LCS will not. see:
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/presidential-campaign/265143-naval-supremacy-requires-a-fleet-of-sufficient-capability-and-size