USS Klakring (FFG-42)

• Name Origin: USS Klakring (FFG-42) was named after Rear Admiral Thomas B. Klakring, a notable World War II submarine commander credited with several successful war patrols in the Pacific. • Ship Class: She was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, a class widely used by the US Navy from the late 1970s through the early 21st century. • Commissioning: USS Klakring was commissioned on August 20, 1983, with her homeport at Charleston, South Carolina. • Maiden Deployment: Her first deployment was to the Mediterranean Sea in 1985, participating in NATO exercises and supporting US interests in Europe. • Persian Gulf Service: Klakring participated in Operation Earnest Will in 1987-1988, escorting re-flagged Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War. • Anti-Drug Operations: In the 1990s, the frigate was involved in counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean Sea, contributing to the interception of illegal drug shipments. • Technological Upgrades: Throughout her career, Klakring received several upgrades, including improved radar, sonar, and communications systems to keep pace with evolving naval threats. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship provided disaster relief and assistance in several humanitarian missions, including hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean. • Decommissioning: USS Klakring was decommissioned on March 22, 2013, after nearly 30 years of service, and was later sunk as a target during a training exercise. • Legacy: Klakring’s crew received numerous awards and commendations over the years, reflecting the ship's versatility and the dedication of those who served aboard her.