FFG's worn out? Worn out by the end of deployments, systems broken down. OK that's one way to look at them. Please keep in mind that the FFG's were the result of the Jimmy Carter budget cut period. They were also originally intended to be "minimum manned". Unfortuantely the design/hardware issued just made a lot of people bitter (SWO Bitter in fact) that there weren't enough folks on the ship to get their jobs done in a reasonable period of time. Hey aren't we doing the minimum manned thing again now that technology is sooo good these days? And some wonder about where the SW moral problems originate.
Perry Class Frigates were originally designed to be about 40' longer in the original design. MANY systems (auxiliary and electronic) were also not properly designed/executed.
Electrical Example: Originally designed with CATERPILLAR power for the gensets- these were "Jimmy Cartered" into two GM/Allison V-8's married together on common Cam and Crank shafts with spline gear connectors. Guess what happens when the spline gears start to wear? -and that starts way too soon after overhaul.
Structural Example: The reduction in hull length (again Jimmy Cartered)changed the fluid dynamics of the hull, in heavy sea states for even short periods of time cracks would develop in the superstructure right near the XO's cabin. Uh- surprise- the stress points in the hull and superstructure changed when pencil pushers shortened it up.
The list goes on and on. But isn't just about everything in the Navy a product of budget cuts in one way or another? That's why we hire so many great people to repair them.
By the way, the PHM's A-4 talks about were fun to work with and quick (50 to 55 knots foilborne if memory serves). In fact FFG's were the PHM's primary Un-rep refueling ships. And boy did they need fuel often. (It's nice to be the guide once in a while.)
I digress. Maybe later in the week I can post some mid 80-s SWO-photos. Good memories for sure. My apologies for making this into a sailorbobbit type post.
