TEAM HERALD
VASCO: The USS Paul Hamilton DDG 60 arrived at the Momugao port recently as part of a four-day general visit to Goa, to build a close relationship with the Indian navy.
During its 8-month-long deployment period, the ship has travelled to different countries and the last port visited by the ship was in Malaysia.
Commissioned on May 27, 1995, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer’s mission is to conduct sustained combat operations at sea, in support of the security policy. The ship is equipped to operate offensively in high density, multi-threat environments as an integral member of a strike group, or independent entity.
“The ship has a crew of 320, including 7 female officers, 5 female chefs and 58 other crew members. We will be staying in Goa for a period of 4 days,” said Cdr. John Barasano, executive officer of the USS Paul Hamilton.
“We will have a basketball and football match with the Indian Navy, besides a reception and get-together with the Indian navy. Though we won’t have any drills or exercises at the port, it will help build the relationship with the Indian navy,” added Cdr. Barasano.
The USS Paul Hamilton DDG 60 has 4 LM2500 marine gas turbine engines, much like those used by civilian DC10 aircraft, each rated at over 26,000 HP, and travels at speeds in excess of 30 knots.
The ship also has 3 allison gas turbine generators rated at 2,500 kilowatts and each serve as the ship’s electric plant.
The weapons officer, Bell, briefed media persons about the weapons onboard and revealed that the ship has 64 cells of vertical launching systems, 2 triple torpedo, MK 46 and Mk 50, Close in weapon system , 2 Harpoon Missile launchers and a 5’54 Calibre gun mount.
