USS Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7

• Namesake: USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero from the War of 1812, best known for his victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. • Lead Ship of the Class: She was the lead ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class of guided-missile frigates, which became a workhorse of the US Navy, with 51 built in the US and 8 in Australia. • Commissioning: USS Oliver Hazard Perry was commissioned on 17 December 1977 at Bath, Maine, entering service as the first of her class. • Cold War Service: The ship was heavily involved in Cold War operations, escorting convoys, tracking Soviet submarines, and participating in NATO exercises. • First of Many: The “Perry-class” would prove so successful that versions were built and exported to several allied navies, including Australia, Spain, and Taiwan. • Missile Armament: FFG-7 was equipped with the Mk 13 single-arm missile launcher, enabling her to fire Standard surface-to-air missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. • Helicopter Capability: The ship was designed to operate two LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) helicopters, greatly enhancing her anti-submarine warfare (ASW) abilities. • Collision Incident: In 1982, USS Oliver Hazard Perry collided with the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during a night underway replenishment near Norfolk, Virginia, suffering significant damage but quickly repaired. • Decommissioning: After nearly two decades of service, the ship was decommissioned on 20 February 1997 and later scrapped, but her legacy continued in the many ships of her class still in service worldwide. • Preserved Legacy: Parts of FFG-7, including her bell and artifacts, have been preserved in museums and naval memorials, ensuring her story is remembered by future generations.