Oliver Hazard Perry-class (FFG-7)

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate was conceived as a cost-effective surface combatant during the Cold War era, with a primary mission of providing escort services for amphibious landing forces, replenishment groups, and merchant convoys. These ships were designed with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), although they were equipped with a variety of weapons systems that enabled them to fulfill multi-role missions, including air defense and surface warfare.

Originating in the United States in the 1970s, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class was intended to replace World War II-era destroyers and aging frigates. It was part of a Navy strategy to have a larger number of moderately capable ships instead of fewer, highly capable and correspondingly expensive ships. The design aimed at simplicity and survivability which was reflected in features like the absence of a superstructure aft of the mast, which minimized radar cross-section.

The design of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class features a single-arm missile launcher capable of firing both Standard surface-to-air missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, indicating its emphasis on both anti-aircraft and anti-surface capabilities. For close-in threats, the class was initially equipped with a Phalanx CIWS and later some units were fitted with the RAM missile system. A towed sonar array and lightweight torpedoes served its ASW functions. These vessels also carried an SH-2 Seasprite helicopter, later replaced by the more capable SH-60 Seahawk, to extend their surveillance and ASW capabilities.

In operational history, these frigates have seen extensive service. They have been involved in major US naval operations from the latter part of the Cold War through post-Cold War conflicts, participating in maritime interception operations, as well as providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Their contributions have been global, from patrolling the Persian Gulf to participating in standing NATO maritime groups.

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class was decommissioned from the US Navy by 2015, but many of the ships continue to serve in a variety of roles in the navies of other countries. These operating countries include Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey, reflecting the transfer of the frigates to allies after they were retired from US service.