Oliver Hazard Perry-class (FFG-7)

The Oliver Hazard Perry class was developed in the mid-1970s as a general-purpose escort vessel. The design was intended to provide a cost-effective platform for replacing World War II-era destroyers and complementing the Knox class. Under Admiral Elmo Zumwalt’s "high-low fleet plan," these frigates served as the low-capability component alongside Spruance-class destroyers. The class was the first in the United States Navy to be designed using computer-aided processes.

The ships were produced in short-hull and long-hull variants. The long-hull configuration supports the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter and employs a hauldown system for flight operations in heavy seas, while short-hull vessels were equipped for the SH-2 Seasprite. The class was among the first U.S. surface ships to utilize gas turbine propulsion, which allowed for automated engine monitoring and bridge-controlled throttle systems. The superstructure was constructed with aluminum, which resulted in structural cracking in some hulls before the issue was addressed.

Primary missions for the class included anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare for the protection of amphibious forces, replenishment groups, and merchant convoys. Over time, the role expanded to include carrier strike group escort and drug interdiction operations. The class saw active combat during the Iran-Iraq War. In 1987, USS Stark was struck by two anti-ship missiles but remained afloat. In 1988, USS Samuel B. Roberts survived a mine strike. During the subsequent Operation Praying Mantis, USS Simpson participated in the sinking of an Iranian gunboat.

In the early 2000s, the U.S. Navy removed the Mk 13 missile launchers from its remaining frigates due to the obsolescence of the Standard SM-1MR missile, effectively shifting the ships to a point-defense role. The U.S. Coast Guard harvested weapon components from retired hulls to support its own cutters. The last U.S. Navy vessel of the class, USS Simpson, was decommissioned in 2015.

While retired from U.S. service, the class remains active in several international navies. Ships were constructed by shipyards in the United States, Australia, Spain, and Taiwan. Current and former operators include Turkey, Egypt, Poland, Pakistan, Chile, and Bahrain. Several nations have implemented modernization programs to extend service lives. Turkey retrofitted its G-class vessels with a digital combat management system and vertical launching systems, while Australia upgraded its Adelaide-class variants with improved radar and sonar before their eventual replacement by Hobart-class destroyers.