USS De Wert (FFG-45)

• Namesake Honor: USS De Wert (FFG-45) was named after Hospitalman Richard De Wert, a Navy corpsman who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War. • Olson Class: She was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, one of the most numerous and versatile surface combatants in the U.S. Navy during the late 20th century. • Commissioning: USS De Wert was laid down on June 14, 1982, launched on December 18, 1982, and commissioned into service on November 19, 1983. • Cold War Service: The ship was part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during the height of the Cold War, conducting patrols and exercises aimed at deterring Soviet naval activity. • Anti-Submarine Warfare: De Wert was equipped with advanced sonar and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, including the ability to operate SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters. • Operation Enduring Freedom: In the early 2000s, De Wert participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing maritime security and escort duties in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. • Counter-Piracy Operations: In August 2011, De Wert, alongside the British RFA Fort Victoria, played a key role in disrupting pirate operations off the coast of Somalia and rescuing the Italian merchant vessel Montecristo. • Joint Exercises: De Wert took part in numerous multinational exercises, including NATO operations, enhancing interoperability with allied naval forces. • Decommissioning: After almost 30 years of service, USS De Wert was decommissioned on April 4, 2014, at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. • Legacy and Fate: As of its decommissioning, the ship was placed in reserve status. Her legacy lives on in the stories of her crew and the missions she accomplished in service to the United States.