USS FLATLEY
- Name: USS FLATLEY
- Ship Class: Guided Missile Frigate
- Ship Number: FFG-21
- Date Commissioned:
- Status: Unknown
Ship History:
The fifteenth ship of the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Class of guided missile frigates, FLATLEY’s mission is to provide in-depth protection for military and merchant shipping, amphibious task forces, and underway replenishment groups. With her speed, maneuverability, and ability to strike at foes under, over, and on the surface of the ocean, she is particularly well suited to this mission.In order to ensure a large homogeneous class of capable, yet relatively inexpensive ships, many innovative concepts are incorporated into her design. Some of these include modular construction techniques and the use of numerous labor-saving devices, which reduce the number of personnel required to operate her. Her present complement of two hundred is nearly half that of a conventional ship her size. Also incorporated are many improvements in shipboard habitability, including lounge areas of all berthing spaces, and improved messing facilities.
The propulsion system is a computer-controlled gas turbine power plant using two marine versions of the same engine used in the DC-10 and C5A aircraft, coupled to a controllable reversible pitch propeller, giving FLATLEY a degree of maneuverability unique among warships of her size. The ship’s propulsion system can be “on line” and ready in less than 10 minutes, as opposed to the four hours required for conventional steam-powered ships. She is capable of sustained speeds in excess of 28 knots.
The combat systems suite is also a new and innovative design, integrating a computerized Command and Decision system with the ship’s sensors and weapons, enabling her to operate independently or in company with amphibious or carrier task forces, carrying out a wide variety of missions. For anti-submarine warfare, FLATLEY is equipped with the sophisticated AN/SQS-56 SONAR and twin triple-barreled MK 32 torpedo tubes. For her role in anti-air warfare, she carries the SM-1 Standard Missile system and one 76 millimeter gun. Her Harpoon anti- ship cruise missile system provides a powerful over-the-horizon surface strike capability. In addition to her other systems, the Vulcan- Phalanx Close-in-Weapons System, SLQ-342 electronics surveillance and Super RBOC launcher system provide an excellent missile defense capability. FLATLEY is also fitted with the landing platform and hangar facilities to support the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter. All of her systems are tied into the Navy Tactical Data System which, aided by two computers, provides rapid evaluation of potential threats radars, SONAR and other shipboard sensors.
In today’s volatile defense environment, the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to a variety of threats is the key to success. The hard fact is that our nation and the free nations of the world depend upon the seas for our very survival. FLATLEY’s systems are designed to meet these vital requirements.
Honoring the memory of Vice Admiral James H. Flatley, who distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage during the Battle of the Coral Sea, FLATLEY was constructed by Bath Iron works in Bath, Maine, and commissioned on 20 June 1981. She joined Destroyer Squadron Eight in July 1981, and commenced the rigorous life of an operational unit of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. After completing three deployments and numerous special operations, FLATLEY joined the Naval Reserve Force in November of 1987.
DISPLACEMENT 3,700 Tons COMPLEMENT 15 Officers,
DIMENSIONS – LENGTH 445 Feet 13 Chief Petty Officers,
– BEAM 45 Feet 110 Enlisted
– NAVIGATIONAL
DRAFT 24-1/2 Feet
