The Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) will depart Naval Station Mayport June 16, for a deployment to U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.
Upon arrival in the Mediterranean Ocean, Samuel B. Roberts crew will conduct Theater Security Operations and provide deterrence, promote peace and security, and preserve freedom of the seas. The crew will provide humanitarian and disaster response as necessary.
Samuel B. Roberts recently completed Joint Warrior 14-1, a semiannual training exercise led by the United Kingdom and designed to provide NATO and allied forces a unique, multi-warfare environment in which to prepare for global operations.
The ship is one of four Mayport-based Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates and is led by Cmdr. Erica L. Hoffmann. The ship, known by Sailors as the “Sammy B”, has a crew of 212. It is the third ship named for Samuel Booker Roberts, Jr., a coxswain who heroically used his Higgins Boat to divert enemy fire, allowing Marines to retreat from Guadalcanal during World War II.
[mappress] Press Release, June 16, 2014; Image: Wikimedia