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{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=HS Tolmi (P229) mail transfer.jpg
|Ship image=HS Tolmi (P229) mail transfer.jpg
|Ship caption=''Tolmi'' P-229 of the Hellenic Navy
|Ship caption=''Tolmi'' of the Hellenic Navy
}}
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name=''Asheville''
|Name=''Asheville'' class
|Builders=
|Builders=
|Operators=
|Operators=
|Class before=[[PGM-39 class gunboat]]
|Class before={{sclass2-|PGM-39|gunboat|4}}
|Class after=[[Patrol Ship Multi-Mission|PSMM Mk5 multi-purpose patrol boat]] ''(PSMM)''
|Class after=[[Patrol Ship Multi-Mission|PSMM Mk5 multi-purpose patrol boat]] ''(PSMM)''
|Subclasses=
|Subclasses=
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|Total ships building=
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed=17 commissioned
|Total ships completed=17
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=
|Total ships active=
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|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=
|Ship type=PGM motor gunboat
|Ship type=PGM motor gunboat
|Ship tonnage=
|Ship displacement={{convert|240|LT|t|0|lk=on}}
|Ship displacement={{convert|240|LT|t|0|lk=on}}
|Ship tons burthen=
|Ship length={{convert|164|ft|6|in|m|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship length={{convert|164|ft|6|in|m|1|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|24|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|24|ft|m|abbr=on}}
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|Ship speed=*{{convert|16|kn|km/h|abbr=on|lk=in}} max on diesels
|Ship speed=*{{convert|16|kn|km/h|abbr=on|lk=in}} max on diesels
*{{convert|42|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} max on turbine
*{{convert|42|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} max on turbine
|Ship range={{convert|1700|NM|km|abbr=on|lk=in}}
|Ship range={{convert|1700|nmi|km|abbr=on|lk=in}}
|Ship endurance=
|Ship endurance=
|Ship test depth=
|Ship boats=
|Ship capacity=
|Ship troops=
|Ship complement=24 crew (4 officers)
|Ship complement=24 crew (4 officers)
|Ship sensors=* '''Weapons control''': Mk 63 GFCS
|Ship crew=
⚫
* '''Radar''': [[Sperry Corporation|Sperry]] AN/SPS-53; I/J-band
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors='''Weapons control''': Mk 63 GFCS.
* '''Fire control''': [[Western Electric]] AN/SPG-50; I/J-band
⚫
'''Radar''': [[Sperry Corporation|Sperry]] AN/SPS-53; I/J-band.
'''Fire control''': [[Western Electric]] AN/SPG-50; I/J-band.
|Ship EW=
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=*'''Guns''': 1 × USN {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} /50 Mk 34; 50 rounds/min to {{convert|7|NM|km|abbr=on|lk=in}}; weight of shell 6 kg.
|Ship armament=* '''Guns''': 1 × USN {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} /50 Mk 34; 50 rounds/min to {{convert|7|nmi|km|abbr=on|lk=in}}; weight of shell 6 kg.
*4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) [[machine gun]]s (2 × 2)
* 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) [[machine gun]]s (2 × 2)
*1 × [[Bofors]] 40 mm/70 Mk 10.
* 1 × [[Bofors]] 40 mm/70 Mk 10.
*'''Missiles''': Some units had the 40 mm replaced with various missile configurations
* '''Missiles''': Some units had the 40 mm replaced with various missile configurations
|Ship armour=
|Ship armor=
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=
|Ship aircraft=
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|}
|}


The '''''Asheville''-class gunboats''' were a class of small [[military]] ships built for the [[United States Navy]] in response to the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]]. The class is named for [[Asheville, North Carolina|a city]] in western [[North Carolina]] and the seat of [[Buncombe County, North Carolina|Buncombe County]].
The '''''Asheville''-class gunboats''' were a class of small [[warship]]s built for the [[United States Navy]] in response to the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]]. The class is named for [[Asheville, North Carolina|a city]] in western [[North Carolina]] and the seat of [[Buncombe County, North Carolina|Buncombe County]].
Most ''Asheville''-class [[gunboat]]s have since been donated to museums, scheduled for scrapping, or transferred to the [[Hellenic Navy|Greek]], [[Turkish Navy|Turkish]], [[Colombian National Armada|Colombian]] and [[Republic of Korea Navy|South Korean]] Navies. The exceptions are the {{USS|Chehalis|PGM-94}} and {{USS|Grand Rapids|PGM-98}}, which are operated by the [[Naval Surface Warfare Center]].<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/94_chehalis/pg94.html USS CHEHALIS (PG-94)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Most ''Asheville''-class [[gunboat]]s have since been donated to museums, scheduled for scrapping, or transferred to the [[Hellenic Navy|Greek]], [[Turkish Navy|Turkish]], [[Colombian National Armada|Colombian]] and [[Republic of Korea Navy|South Korean]] Navies. The exceptions are {{USS|Chehalis|PGM-94|6}} and {{USS|Grand Rapids|PGM-98|6}}, which are operated by the [[Naval Surface Warfare Center]].<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/94_chehalis/pg94.html USS CHEHALIS (PG-94)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==Origination==
==Origination==
The ''Asheville''-class gunboats were originally designated PGM motor gunboats, but were reclassified in 1967 as PG [[Patrol boat|patrol combatant]] ships.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/pubs/history_of_the_us_gunboat_navy.html History of the US Gunboat Navy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The ''Asheville''-class gunboats were originally designated PGM motor gunboats, but were reclassified in 1967 as PG [[Patrol boat|patrol combatant]] ships.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/pubs/history_of_the_us_gunboat_navy.html History of the US Gunboat Navy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


''Asheville'' class gunboats employed a [[combined diesel or gas]] turbine (CODOG) propulsion system; twin [[Cummins]] diesel engines for endurance, and a GE [[General Electric LM1500|LM1500]] gas turbine for high-speed dash. Engine controls were operated by pneumatics. The controllable reversible pitch propeller allowed them to stop in less than two ship lengths from full speed. They were the first gas turbine ships in the US Navy, as well as the first with aluminum hulls and fiberglass superstructures.
The ''Asheville'' class employed a [[combined diesel or gas]] turbine (CODOG) propulsion system; twin [[Cummins]] diesel engines for endurance, and a GE [[General Electric LM1500|LM1500]] gas turbine for high-speed dash. Engine controls were operated by pneumatics. The controllable reversible pitch propeller allowed them to stop in less than two ship lengths from full speed. They were the first gas turbine ships in the US Navy, as well as the first with aluminum hulls and fiberglass superstructures.


==History==
==History==
Originally designed for the Caribbean patrols, the ''Asheville'' class ships were deployed into Southeast Asia. They proved successful in coastal work, intercepting small boats attempting to transport arms along the Viet Nam coast. Attempts to use them on the inland rivers proved disastrous to the small lightly armored ships, the USS ''Canon'' was severely damaged by over eight rocket strikes, resulting in half of the crew being wounded.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/90_canon/pg90.html Gunboat Riders Web Site - USS Canon]</ref>
Originally designed for the Caribbean patrols, the ''Asheville'' class were deployed into Southeast Asia. They proved successful in coastal work, intercepting small boats attempting to transport arms along the Vietnam coast. Attempts to use them on the inland rivers proved disastrous to the small lightly armored ships, USS ''Canon'' was severely damaged by over eight rocket strikes, resulting in half of the crew being wounded.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/90_canon/pg90.html Gunboat Riders Web Site - USS Canon]</ref>


The USS ''Surprise'' and the USS ''Beacon'' were deployed in the Mediterranean to counter the Soviet gunboats.
USS ''Surprise'' and USS ''Beacon'' were deployed in the Mediterranean to counter the Soviet gunboats.


Five of the gunboats were fitted with various missile systems replacing the 40mm guns. ''Benicia'' conducted test firings in the spring of 1971 of a modified [[AGM-12 Bullpup]] surface-to-surface missile system and the ''Antelope'' and ''Ready'' were fitted with two launch cells aft plus reload boxes on deck. The ''Grand Rapids'' and ''Douglas'' were fitted with an improved [[Standard ARM]] missile.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/evolution_of_the_asheville_class.html Evolution of the Asheville Class of Patrol Gunboats]</ref>
Five of the gunboats were fitted with various missile systems replacing the 40&nbsp;mm guns. ''Benicia'' conducted test firings in the spring of 1971 of a modified [[AGM-12 Bullpup]] surface-to-surface missile system and ''Antelope'' and ''Ready'' were fitted with two launch cells aft plus reload boxes on deck. ''Grand Rapids'' and ''Douglas'' were fitted with an improved [[Standard ARM]] missile.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/evolution_of_the_asheville_class.html Evolution of the Asheville Class of Patrol Gunboats]</ref>


==Ships==
==Ships==
A total of 17 ''Asheville''-class gunboats were built between 1966 and 1971.
A total of 17 ''Asheville''-class gunboats were built between 1966 and 1971.


During the [[Cod Wars#Third Cod War|Third Cod War]] between [[Iceland]] and Great Britain in 1975-1976 the [[Icelandic Coast Guard]], through the Minister of Justice [[Ólafur Jóhannesson]] (the political leader of the Coast Guard), requested the loan of one or more Asheville boats from the [[United States Navy]]. With their high speed they were considered ideal for the Icelanders to counter the British frigates protecting trawlers on the Icelandic fishing banks. The [[United States Secretary of State|U.S. Secretary of State]] [[Henry Kissinger]] categorically turned down the Icelandic request.<ref>http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?issId=226988&lang=fo</ref> This hardly came as a great surprise to the Icelanders, as the request for the Asheville boats was probably a political ploy, intended to show how serious Iceland was in overcoming the [[Royal Navy]] in the struggle for the fishing banks.<ref>http://www.lhg.is/media/thorskastridin/22_Sigurlaugur_Ingolfsson._Skipakostur_Breta_og_Islendinga_i_torskastridunum.pdf</ref> The seaworthiness of the Ashevilles in the rough seas of the North Atlantic around Iceland has to be considered doubtful, at best.
During the [[Cod Wars#Third Cod War|Third Cod War]] between [[Iceland]] and Great Britain in 1975-1976 the [[Icelandic Coast Guard]], through the Minister of Justice [[Ólafur Jóhannesson]] (the political leader of the Coast Guard), requested the loan of one or more ''Asheville'' boats from the [[United States Navy]]. With their high speed they were considered ideal for the Icelanders to counter the British [[frigate]]s protecting [[fishing trawler]]s on the Icelandic fishing banks. The [[United States Secretary of State|U.S. Secretary of State]] [[Henry Kissinger]] categorically turned down the Icelandic request.<ref>http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?issId=226988&lang=fo</ref> This hardly came as a great surprise to the Icelanders, as the request for the ''Asheville'' boats was probably a political ploy, intended to show how serious Iceland was in overcoming the [[Royal Navy]] in the struggle for the fishing banks.<ref>http://www.lhg.is/media/thorskastridin/22_Sigurlaugur_Ingolfsson._Skipakostur_Breta_og_Islendinga_i_torskastridunum.pdf</ref> The seaworthiness of the Ashevilles in the rough seas of the North Atlantic around Iceland has to be considered doubtful, at best.


===Original commission===
===Original commission===
The following ''Asheville''-class gunboats were commissioned for the U.S. Navy.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/general_spec.html The ASHEVILLE CLASS Patrol Gunboat (PG)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/pg-84-unit.htm PG 84 Asheville<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The following ''Asheville''-class gunboats were commissioned for the U.S. Navy.<ref>[http://www.gunboatriders.com/theboats/general_spec.html The ASHEVILLE CLASS Patrol Gunboat (PG)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/pg-84-unit.htm PG 84 Asheville<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
*{{USS|Asheville|PGM-84}} commissioned on 6 August 1966. It was struck from the [[Navy Register]] on 15 December 1976.
* {{USS|Asheville|PGM-84}} commissioned on 6 August 1966. It was struck from the [[Navy Register]] on 15 December 1976.
*{{USS|Gallup|PGM-85}} commissioned on 22 October 1966. Struck 9 October 1984.
* {{USS|Gallup|PGM-85}} commissioned on 22 October 1966. Struck 9 October 1984.
*{{USS|Antelope|PGM-86}} commissioned on 4 November 1967. Struck 1 October 1977.
* {{USS|Antelope|PGM-86}} commissioned on 4 November 1967. Struck 1 October 1977.
*{{USS|Ready|PGM-87}} commissioned on 6 January 1968. Struck on 1 October 1977.
* {{USS|Ready|PGM-87}} commissioned on 6 January 1968. Struck on 1 October 1977.
*{{USS|Crockett|PGM-88}} commissioned on 24 June 1967. Struck on 15 December 1976.
* {{USS|Crockett|PGM-88}} commissioned on 24 June 1967. Struck on 15 December 1976.
*{{USS|Marathon|PGM-89}} commissioned on 11 May 1968. Struck on 15 December 1976.
* {{USS|Marathon|PGM-89}} commissioned on 11 May 1968. Struck on 15 December 1976.
*{{USS|Canon|PGM-90}} commissioned on 26 July 1968. Struck on 9 October 1984. Currently on donation hold.
* {{USS|Canon|PGM-90}} commissioned on 26 July 1968. Struck on 9 October 1984. Currently on donation hold.
*PGM-91 was not an ''Asheville''-class ship.
* PGM-91 was not an ''Asheville''-class ship.
*{{USS|Tacoma|PGM-92}} commissioned on 14 July 1969. Struck on 12 April 1995.
* {{USS|Tacoma|PGM-92}} commissioned on 14 July 1969. Struck on 12 April 1995.
*{{USS|Welch|PGM-93}} commissioned on 8 September 1969. Struck on 9 October 1984.
* {{USS|Welch|PGM-93}} commissioned on 8 September 1969. Struck on 9 October 1984.
*{{USS|Chehalis|PGM-94}} commissioned on 8 November 1969.
* {{USS|Chehalis|PGM-94}} commissioned on 8 November 1969.
*{{USS|Defiance|PGM-95}} commissioned on 24 September 1969. Struck on 6 August 1987.<!--transferred 08/17/87 per NVR {{NVR url|id=PG95}}!-->
* {{USS|Defiance|PGM-95}} commissioned on 24 September 1969. Struck on 6 August 1987.<!--transferred 08/17/87 per NVR {{NVR url|id=PG95}}!-->
*{{USS|Benicia|PGM-96}} commissioned on 25 April 1970. Struck on 30 August 1996.
* {{USS|Benicia|PGM-96}} commissioned on 25 April 1970. Struck on 30 August 1996.
*[[USS Surprise (PG-97)|USS ''Surprise'' (PGM-97)]] commissioned on 17 October 1969. Struck on 6 August 1987.<!--transferred 08/17/87 per NVR {{NVR url|id=PG97}}!-->
* [[USS Surprise (PG-97)|USS ''Surprise'' (PGM-97)]] commissioned on 17 October 1969. Struck on 6 August 1987.<!--transferred 08/17/87 per NVR {{NVR url|id=PG97}}!-->
*{{USS|Grand Rapids|PGM-98}} commissioned on 5 September 1970.
* {{USS|Grand Rapids|PGM-98}} commissioned on 5 September 1970.
*{{USS|Beacon|PGM-99}} commissioned on 21 November 1969. Struck on 1 July 1975.<!--transferred 30 October 1989 per NVR {{NVR url|id=PG99}}!-->
* {{USS|Beacon|PGM-99}} commissioned on 21 November 1969. Struck on 1 July 1975.<!--transferred 30 October 1989 per NVR {{NVR url|id=PG99}}!-->
*{{USS|Douglas|PGM-100}} commissioned on 7 February 1971. Struck on 1 October 1977.
* {{USS|Douglas|PGM-100}} commissioned on 7 February 1971. Struck on 1 October 1977.
*{{USS|Green Bay|PG-101}} commissioned on 5 December 1969. Struck on 1 July 1975.
* {{USS|Green Bay|PG-101}} commissioned on 5 December 1969. Struck on 1 July 1975.
(PG93, PG95, PG97, PG99 & PG101 were built by Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, WI; most of the remaining PG84 class were built by Tacoma Shipyard)
(PG-93, PG-95, PG-97, PG-99 & PG-101 were built by Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; most of the remaining PG-84 class were built by Tacoma Shipyard)


===Hellenic Navy===
===Hellenic Navy===
Two of the ships were transferred to the navy of Greece; both ships were in reserve from April 1977 before being refitted and transferred. The [[Gas turbine|gas-turbine]] propulsion [[engine]]s were removed prior to transfer and the ships were reclassified as [[patrol boat|coastal patrol craft]].
Two of the ships were transferred to the navy of Greece; both ships were in reserve from April 1977 before being refitted and transferred. The [[Gas turbine|gas-turbine]] propulsion [[engine]]s were removed prior to transfer and the ships were reclassified as [[patrol boat|coastal patrol craft]].
*[[HS Tolmi (P-229)|''Tolmi'']] ({{lang|el|ΤΟΛΜΗ}})'' (ex-{{USS|Green Bay|PG-101|2}}) transferred 30 October 1989<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG101}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Green Bay''</ref> recommissioned on 18 June 1991.<ref>[http://ussgreenbay.mactom.com/HSTolmi/index.html U.S.S. Green Bay (PG-101) Commissioning: HS Tolmi (P-229)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* {{ship|HS|Tolmi|P-229|2}} ({{lang|el|ΤΟΛΜΗ}})'' (ex-{{USS|Green Bay|PG-101|2}}) transferred 30 October 1989<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG101}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Green Bay''</ref> recommissioned on 18 June 1991.<ref>[http://ussgreenbay.mactom.com/HSTolmi/index.html U.S.S. Green Bay (PG-101) Commissioning: HS Tolmi (P-229)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
*[[HS Ormi (P-230)|''Ormi'']] ({{lang|el|ΟΡΜΗ}})'' (ex-{{USS|Beacon|PGM-99|2}}) transferred 30 October 1989<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG99}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Beacon''</ref> recommissioned on 18 June 1991.
* {{ship|HS|Ormi|P-230|2}} ({{lang|el|ΟΡΜΗ}})'' (ex-{{USS|Beacon|PGM-99|2}}) transferred 30 October 1989<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG99}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Beacon''</ref> recommissioned on 18 June 1991.


===Colombian National Armada===
===Colombian National Armada===
*{{USS|Tacoma|PGM-92}} officially released to Colombia on 20 September 1995,<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG92}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Tacoma''</ref> renamed ''ARC Quita Sueño'' (P-111).<ref name="colton">{{cite web|url=http://www.coltoncompany.com/shipbldg/ussbldrs/postwwii/government/namedsmallcombatants.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2007-10-10 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061218184154/http://www.coltoncompany.com/shipbldg/ussbldrs/postwwii/government/namedsmallcombatants.htm |archivedate=18 December 2006 |df=dmy }}</ref>
* {{USS|Tacoma|PGM-92}} officially released to Colombia on 20 September 1995,<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG92}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Tacoma''</ref> renamed ARC ''Quita Sueño'' (P-111).<ref name="colton">{{cite web|url=http://www.coltoncompany.com/shipbldg/ussbldrs/postwwii/government/namedsmallcombatants.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2007-10-10 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061218184154/http://www.coltoncompany.com/shipbldg/ussbldrs/postwwii/government/namedsmallcombatants.htm |archivedate=18 December 2006 |df=dmy }}</ref>
*{{USS|Welch|PGM-93}} officially released to Colombia on 20 September 1995,<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG93}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Welch''</ref> renamed ''ARC Albuquerque'' (P-112).<ref name="colton"/>
* {{USS|Welch|PGM-93}} officially released to Colombia on 20 September 1995,<ref>{{NVR url|id=PG93}} Naval Vessel Register: USS ''Welch''</ref> renamed ARC ''Albuquerque'' (P-112).<ref name="colton"/>


===Turkish Navy===
===Turkish Navy===
*{{USS|Defiance|PGM-95}} transferred to Turkey in 1973 under the [[Foreign Assistance Act]]; renamed ''Yildirim'' (P-338), sunk in 1985.<ref name="colton"/>
* {{USS|Defiance|PGM-95}} transferred to Turkey in 1973 under the [[Foreign Assistance Act]]; renamed ''Yildirim'' (P-338), sunk in 1985.<ref name="colton"/>
*{{USS|Surprise|PGM-97}} transferred to Turkey in 1973 under the Foreign Assistance Act; renamed ''Bora'' (P-339).<ref name="colton"/>
* {{USS|Surprise|PGM-97}} transferred to Turkey in 1973 under the Foreign Assistance Act; renamed ''Bora'' (P-339).<ref name="colton"/>


===Republic of Korea Navy===
===Republic of Korea Navy===
*{{USS|Benicia|PGM-96}} transferred to Korea in 1973; renamed ''Paek Ku'' (PGM 351), scrapped in 1998.<ref>[http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/11096.htm Gunboat PG-96 Benicia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* {{USS|Benicia|PGM-96}} transferred to Korea in 1973; renamed ''Paek Ku'' (PGM 351), scrapped in 1998.<ref>[http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/11096.htm Gunboat PG-96 Benicia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 15:51, 4 November 2018

For the earlier class, see Asheville-class gunboat (1917).

The Asheville-class gunboats were a class of small warships built for the United States Navy in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The class is named for a city in western North Carolina and the seat of Buncombe County. Most Asheville-class gunboats have since been donated to museums, scheduled for scrapping, or transferred to the Greek, Turkish, Colombian and South Korean Navies. The exceptions are USS Chehalis and USS Grand Rapids, which are operated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center.[1]

Origination

The Asheville-class gunboats were originally designated PGM motor gunboats, but were reclassified in 1967 as PG patrol combatant ships.[2]

The Asheville class employed a combined diesel or gas turbine (CODOG) propulsion system; twin Cummins diesel engines for endurance, and a GE LM1500 gas turbine for high-speed dash. Engine controls were operated by pneumatics. The controllable reversible pitch propeller allowed them to stop in less than two ship lengths from full speed. They were the first gas turbine ships in the US Navy, as well as the first with aluminum hulls and fiberglass superstructures.

History

Originally designed for the Caribbean patrols, the Asheville class were deployed into Southeast Asia. They proved successful in coastal work, intercepting small boats attempting to transport arms along the Vietnam coast. Attempts to use them on the inland rivers proved disastrous to the small lightly armored ships, USS Canon was severely damaged by over eight rocket strikes, resulting in half of the crew being wounded.[3]

USS Surprise and USS Beacon were deployed in the Mediterranean to counter the Soviet gunboats.

Five of the gunboats were fitted with various missile systems replacing the 40 mm guns. Benicia conducted test firings in the spring of 1971 of a modified AGM-12 Bullpup surface-to-surface missile system and Antelope and Ready were fitted with two launch cells aft plus reload boxes on deck. Grand Rapids and Douglas were fitted with an improved Standard ARM missile.[4]

Ships

A total of 17 Asheville-class gunboats were built between 1966 and 1971.

During the Third Cod War between Iceland and Great Britain in 1975-1976 the Icelandic Coast Guard, through the Minister of Justice Ólafur Jóhannesson (the political leader of the Coast Guard), requested the loan of one or more Asheville boats from the United States Navy. With their high speed they were considered ideal for the Icelanders to counter the British frigates protecting fishing trawlers on the Icelandic fishing banks. The U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger categorically turned down the Icelandic request.[5] This hardly came as a great surprise to the Icelanders, as the request for the Asheville boats was probably a political ploy, intended to show how serious Iceland was in overcoming the Royal Navy in the struggle for the fishing banks.[6] The seaworthiness of the Ashevilles in the rough seas of the North Atlantic around Iceland has to be considered doubtful, at best.

Original commission

The following Asheville-class gunboats were commissioned for the U.S. Navy.[7][8]

(PG-93, PG-95, PG-97, PG-99 & PG-101 were built by Peterson Builders, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; most of the remaining PG-84 class were built by Tacoma Shipyard)

Hellenic Navy

Two of the ships were transferred to the navy of Greece; both ships were in reserve from April 1977 before being refitted and transferred. The gas-turbine propulsion engines were removed prior to transfer and the ships were reclassified as coastal patrol craft.

  • Tolmi (ΤΟΛΜΗ) (ex-Green Bay) transferred 30 October 1989[9] recommissioned on 18 June 1991.[10]
  • Ormi (ΟΡΜΗ) (ex-Beacon) transferred 30 October 1989[11] recommissioned on 18 June 1991.

Colombian National Armada

Turkish Navy

Republic of Korea Navy

Notes

  1. ^ USS CHEHALIS (PG-94)
  2. ^ History of the US Gunboat Navy
  3. ^ Gunboat Riders Web Site - USS Canon
  4. ^ Evolution of the Asheville Class of Patrol Gunboats
  5. ^ http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?issId=226988&lang=fo
  6. ^ http://www.lhg.is/media/thorskastridin/22_Sigurlaugur_Ingolfsson._Skipakostur_Breta_og_Islendinga_i_torskastridunum.pdf
  7. ^ The ASHEVILLE CLASS Patrol Gunboat (PG)
  8. ^ PG 84 Asheville
  9. ^ http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_PG_101.HTML Naval Vessel Register: USS Green Bay
  10. ^ U.S.S. Green Bay (PG-101) Commissioning: HS Tolmi (P-229)
  11. ^ http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_PG_99.HTML Naval Vessel Register: USS Beacon
  12. ^ http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_PG_92.HTML Naval Vessel Register: USS Tacoma
  13. ^ a b c d "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 18 December 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  14. ^ http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_PG_93.HTML Naval Vessel Register: USS Welch
  15. ^ Gunboat PG-96 Benicia
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special%3ADiff%2F867244982
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