When USS Simpson (FFG 56) decommissions at the end of September, the U.S. Navy will be left with only one active frigate on the books.
Simpson, the last active Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is being prepared for inactivation as she takes a sabbatical from active service prior to being sold through the State Department’s foreign military sales (FMS) program.
The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) in Mayport, Florida will prepare Simpson for her end of service. This work includes systematically preparing, inspecting and closing all spaces, removing all classified material from the ship, as well as draining all shipboard fluids. SERMC will also close all valves opening to the sea to avoid the threat of flooding.
Because Simpson will see action again under a different flag, many of the ship’s systems are not dismantled or removed, but put in a “layup” condition such that the systems will require little effort to restart.
After the ship is completely prepared to join the inactive reserve, it will make the journey to Philadelphia where she will wait to be sold.
Simpson returned June 14 from deployment and started her decommissioning availability July 6.
The vessel will have a ceremony to celebrate her 30 years of service, while the crew will scatter to other ships and duty stations throughout the fleet.
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Image: US Navy