USS Thach (FFG 43)

The guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) conducts operations in the Persian Gulf while participating in Exercise Arabian Gauntlet. Arabian Gauntlet is a multi-lateral surface, air and mine countermeasure exercise designed to practice maritime security operations with our coalition partners and allies in the region. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Richard J. Brunson)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) transits the Persian Gulf. Thach is part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) is anchored in the Strait of Magellan. Thach is deployed supporting Southern Seas 2011. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stuart Phillips/Released)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates USS Boone (FFG 28), left, and USS Thach (FFG 43) are anchored in the Strait of Magellan. Boone and Thach are deployed supporting Southern Seas 2011. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stuart Phillips/Released)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) steams in the Sulu Sea as part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. The frigate is on station to refuel helicopters that have been air-lifting food and water to remote locations on the Philippine Island of Panay. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) comes alongside the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64) for an underway-refueling exercise. Constellation and Thach are currently on deployment in the Arabian Gulf supporting Operation Southern Watch (OSW). (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The U.S. Navy frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) comes alongside the USS Constellation (CV 64). Thach is conducting missions with the Constellation battle group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Felix Garza Jr)

USS Thach (FFG 43)

The guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) passes by the San Diego skyline, with her crew "manning the rail," as she departs on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Thach is part of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64) Battle Group. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographer’s Mate Mahlon K. Miller)