The USS Taylor.

The US Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) has completed its post-repair sea trials after work on its damaged propeller hub assembly.

Mainly aimed at assessing whether the frigate was ready to be re-commissioned to operations, the sea trials also determined its performance, general seaworthiness, speed and manoeuvrability, while conducting tests on equipment and safety features.

In February 2012, Taylor was grounded in Samsun, Turkey, after damaging its propeller hub assembly in the Black Sea.

The ship was then hauled to the United States Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay so the propeller blades and hub could be replaced.

Taylor will now again be able to support maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the US 6th Fleet area.

"The frigate has a full load displacement of 4,100t, maximum speed of more than 28kt and its range at an economical speed is 4,500nm."

In addition, the ship will also carry out activities such as establishing and improving cooperation, as well as mutual training and interoperability with regional partner nations and Nato allies.

Built by Bath Iron Works, Taylor was launched and commissioned in 1983 and 1984 respectively. The frigate has a full load displacement of 4,100t, maximum speed of more than 28kt and its range at an economical speed is 4,500nm.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the US 6th Fleet executes a complete range of maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation missions in collaboration with allied, joint and inter-agency associates in a bid to bolster security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Image: US Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class USS Taylor (FFG 50) frigate. Photo: courtesy of Cobatfor.