USS Thach Returned From 7-Month Deployment

19.09.2011 Guided missile frigate USS Thach on Sept 16 returned to San Diego after a 7-month cruise in eastern part of Pacific Ocean which is 4th Fleet's responsibility area, reports Naval Today.

During the cruise, the ship took part in the PANAMAX-2011 and the UNITAS 52 exercises, Operation Southern Seas 2011, paid visits to ports of Panama, Chile, and Ecuador.

Naval forces of the US, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru were involved in the PANAMAX joint exercise. Interaction between participants was trained at the first stage, and practical episodes related to security in the Panama Canal - at the second one.

American mariners practiced voice communications, held search drills, and improved navigational skills at the PANAMAX exercise, said commanding officer of USS Thach Cmdr. Jeff Scudder. Besides, such exercises help to get accustomed to joint work within international task force and to settle atmosphere of confidence, he added.

USS Thach also took part in Pacific phase of the US-led oldest joint exercise UNITAS which is held since 1960. The ship conducted anti-terror, anti-drug trafficking, coast guard assistance, and search activities along with Argentinean, Brazilian, and Mexican warships. The UNITAS 52 maneuvers included firing drills as well.

Visiting ports of Chile and Ecuador, crewmembers of USS Thach played baseball with local children, and the frigate's doctors examined over 150 kids. While staying in Ecuador, the American frigate was visited by Ecuadorian naval officers; they watched engine room, accommodation deck, sailors' cabins, damage control station, and stowage rooms. American servicemen informed their Ecuadorian officers on the ship's communication systems and arms.

US Navy's Operation Southern Seas 2011 has an objective to strengthen relations with allied countries in Central and South Americas as well as keep operability of forces responsible for that region. USS Thach was performing those missions along with USS Boone.

USS Thach is an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate. She was laid down on March 6, 1981; launched on Dec 18, 1982; joined the Navy on March 17, 1983. The ship serves in 7th Destroyer Flotilla stationed at San Diego under command of Capt Jim Morgan.