ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher (FFCG-113)
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ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher
Orion-class Frigate
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| ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher on patrol, 2192. | |||||
| Operation History | |||||
| Builder | Bayl Ironworks, Schrschnell | ||||
| Laid Down | December 2nd, 2191 | ||||
| Launched | May 21st, 2192 | ||||
| Commissioned | August 24th, 2192 | ||||
| Homeport | Tardide, Wuste | ||||
The ZNS Hamilton T. Thratcher (FFCG-113) is an Orion-Class Frigate, designed by the Imperial Union's VAE Shipyards, and produced under license by Bayl Ironworks of 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 2192, and has been serving the CCG for nearly 10 years.
Construction and Sea Trials
Her design began in late 2187, during the height of the Pugaryan 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 2190 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 60-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 2191, with Hamilton T. Thratcher being next in line, her keel being laid December 2nd, 2191.
The Arvene Crisis
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 2193-2194.
In January of 2195, 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 2198, 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
In 2199, 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 2199, 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.