ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher (FFCG-113)

ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher Orion-class Frigate
ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher on patrol, 2180.
Operation History
Builder		Bayl Ironworks, Schrschnell
Laid Down		December 2nd, 2171
Launched		May 21st, 2172
Commissioned		August 24th, 2172
Homeport		Tardide, Wuste

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The ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher (FFCG-113) is an Orion-Class frighate, designed by the Orion Empire, and constructed in Bayl Ironworks, Schrschnell. She is the first Zokesian ship to bear the name of Rear Admiral Hamilton Tyrell Thratcher, the commander of Task Force 17 during Operation Carolinas, which saw the successful invasion of North Point and eventual reclamation of the UIF from Arcadia. The second ship built in a group of 10 in Bayl Ironworks, she was delivered to the Confederate Coast Guard in may of 2172, and has been serving the CCG for over 30 years.

Construction and Sea Trials

Her design began in late 2167, during the height of the Nuvastian civil war and the Arvene-SFRK war. Its design was drawn up when the political situation around the world was uncertain and the need for a small, inexpensive vessel able to both provide fleet escort ability and low cost power projection. The design was forwarded to Confederate High Command in 2170 and an order for 10 was granted, to be built in Zokesia over the next five years. All 10 vessels were to be given to the Confederate Coast Guard, whose most modern vessels to that point were 40-year old Lafayette-Class corvettes designed for Mamb use. The vessels retained their CIWS armament as originally designed as well as Type-41 VLS launchers, but were expected to operate with a much reduced armament and no missiles in peacetime to limit costs while enabling a quick turnaround should they be called into conflict. The first of the class was laid down in September 2171, with Hamilton T. Thratcher being next in line, her keel being laid December 2nd, 2171. While the class was designed to protect Confederate interests abroad, they were too late to see action in any of the crises they were designed for: the Nuvastian civil war ending with a bang and the fall of Arvene in January and October of 2169, respectively.

The Arvene Crisis

ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher after her midlife refit in 2190. Note the large swiftboat launching crane amidships.

Following the fall of Arvene, the diaspora of citizens was in the millions, many of which took to the seas to try to sail to Kafrica and Kolus to live in the Confederacy and Aontas, rather than live in SFRK and be sent to labor camps. The Hamilton T. Thratcher was dispatched, almost immediately on commissioning, to assist refugee boats and pick up survivors during storms on their way to freedom.

Upon completion of the mission, she was stationed in Bayl, Schrschnell as part of 2nd fleet, operating in home waters from 2173-2184.

In January of 2185, Hamilton T. Thratcher was dispatched to Chikushinal to train the Strelkans on performing anti-piracy patrols, which had troubled the nation since the 40s.

She returned to Bayl for a midlife refit in 2190, where she spent almost a year receiving fire-control upgrades, a new swiftboat and deck crane, and improved hangar amenities for her two ZH-60SCG Greyhawk helicopters, before returning to Kafrica following the Avalon Typhoon.

Disaster Relief in Kafrica

"Hammy-Tee" underway in Kafrica, delivering disaster relief to the impoverished citizens of Diosca.

In 2191, the most severe typhoon in a century hit Kafrica, causing thousands of kerbals to lose their lives and millions more displaced. Worst hit was the ex-capitol of the Kroman Empire, Diosca, which had been almost completely flooded by the downpour. Hamilton T. Thratcher spent 10 months shipping supplies to the people on the island and providing medivac flights to those critically wounded in the days following the devastation.

Desert Star

In 2191, Hamilton T. Thratcher was sent to Wuste to patrol the trade routes from the Confederacy to Aontas, where the now-infamous "Culcheth Pirates" were wreaking havoc on international shipping.