USS Hurricane

• Commissioning: USS Hurricane (PC-3) is a Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship commissioned by the United States Navy on 15 October 1993. • Ship Name Origin: The vessel is named "Hurricane" after the powerful tropical storms, reflecting its speed and agility. It's the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. • Primary Mission: The USS Hurricane was designed for coastal patrol and interdiction, focusing on special operations support, such as insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs. • Operation Enduring Freedom: The ship participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting maritime security and surveillance in the Arabian Gulf. • Size and Speed: At just over 179 feet long, the Cyclone-class ships like Hurricane are among the smallest commissioned warships in the U.S. Navy, but can reach speeds of up to 35 knots. • Homeport: For much of its service, USS Hurricane was homeported in Manama, Bahrain, as part of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, helping protect vital maritime interests in the Persian Gulf. • Joint Exercises: The ship participated in numerous joint exercises with allied navies, enhancing interoperability and maritime security in the region. • Armament: Hurricane is equipped with a 25mm chain gun, machine guns, grenade launchers, and Stinger missiles, making her well-armed for her size. • Decommissioning: The USS Hurricane was officially decommissioned on 20 March 2023 after nearly 30 years of service. • Legacy: Throughout her career, the USS Hurricane contributed to anti-piracy operations, counter-smuggling missions, and the defense of key oil infrastructure in the Middle East.