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PNS Alamgir (F 260) [ex-FFG-8 McInerney]

On July 19, 2011 Ex USS Mcinerney (FFG-8) acquired from the US Navy was commissioned as PNS ALAMGIR (F 260). FFG 8 Ex USS MCINERNEY, an Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate, was built in Bath Iron Works and later commissioned into US Navy in Dec 1979. It was second of the series of total 51 OHPs commissioned into US Navy. Apart from US Navy, Australia, Spain, Poland, Bahrain, Egypt, Taiwan, Turkey and now Pakistan are operating this class/ or ships constructed taking OHPs design. A total of 59 OHPs are active in various navies today. FFG 8 was handed over to Pakistan Navy on 31 Aug 10 and was subsequently commissioned on the same day as PNS ALAMGIR into Pakistan Navy at Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida. PNS ALAMGIR is 453 feet long and displaces 4100 tons. It is propelled by 2 Gas turbines on a single shaft and can achieve speeds in excess of 30 kts in 100 secs. Ship is well equipped for various national and multinational taskings. PNS ALAMGIR can carry two helicopters for multiple tasks.

On October 19, 2008 US President George W Bush approved provision of a refurbished US anti-submarine frigate to Pakistan, which is scheduled for delivery in August 2010, giving the country's navy a boost, according to Pakistani Embassy officials. FFG-8 McInerney frigate's mission is to provide multi-threat protection for military and merchant shipping and amphibious task forces. It will be refurbished with anti-submarine missiles and other latest systems at a cost of $65 million. The Pakistan Embassy in Washington has been informed that the US President signed a bill authorising provision of Frigate FFG-8 McInerney anti-submarine (type Oliver Hazard Perry) from the American fleet. The US Congress had already endorsed the decision.

On 19 February 2010, the US DSCA announced Pakistan's official request to buy the Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigate USS McInerney [FFG 8], plus refurbishment and anti-submarine improvements. That deal was reportedly the first step in an 8-ship purchase. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Feb. 18 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan for refurbishment of one OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Class Frigate and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $78 million. The Government of Pakistan requested a possible sale for refurbishment of one OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Class Frigate, USS MCINERNEY (FFG-8), being provided as Excess Defense Articles (grant EDA notification is being submitted separately) with onboard spares, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost of the refurbishment and support is $78 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be a partner in combating insurgents in Pakistan. Pakistan requires the capabilities of USS McINERNEY (FFG-8) to participate in U.S. and coalition led counter-narcotics and counter-piracy operations and to assist with Pakistan’s efforts to secure its maritime border. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing the ship into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani had been actively engaged over last few weeks on the Capitol Hill and worked closely with the US Departments of State and Defence as well as senior officials at the White House to secure support for Pakistan's request, which received a positive response inside a month. In his several interactions, officials said Haqqani made a strong case for Pakistan, arguing that the United States should help improve its ally's maritime security capabilities. This ship will enhance Pakistan's ability to monitor territorial waters, an embassy official said. Pakistan plays a key role as a member of the Combined Task Force 150 of anti-terrorism allies which conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Pakistan had twice commanded the force.

McInerney's refurbishments are aimed at improving its anti-submarine capability only, making the term "guided missile frigate" something of a misnomer. Unless Pakistan undertakes additional approved work, its Alamgir Class will be anti-submarine frigates only, their weaponry outclassed by Pakistan's new Chinese F-22P/ Zulfiquar Class multi-role frigates, and even its older British Type 21/ Tariq Class ships.

PNS ALAMGIR is the first ship in Squadron which successfully completed both Counter Piracy Deployment (CPD) and Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP), deployment.

PNS ALAMGIR with embarked Z9EC participated in CMCP from 19 Jun 11 to 26 Aug 11. It was ship's maiden deployment after commissioning into Pakistan Navy. Apart from various national and coalition tasking, ship conducted PASSEX with HMAS TOOWOOMBA on 17 and 18 Aug in GOO (Gulf of Oman). Ship also visited Port Mina Ash Shuwaikh, Kuwait and Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat from 02 to 06 Jul 11 and 06 to 10 Aug 11 respectively.

PNS ALAMGIR with embarked Z9EC undertook Counter Piracy Deployment from 02 Apr to 01 May 12. Ship remained deployed in GOA to conduct Counter Piracy Ops under the Tactical Control of CCTF 151, Rear Admiral Tanin Litikawong, Royal Thai Navy (exercising command from RFA FORT VICTORIA). During the course of deployment, ship remained primarily deployed for Baseline Counter Piracy Operations (BCP) south of International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) and established RMP, monitored traffic in AOO and conducted BMP queries of merchant ships transiting through GoA. Ship visited Jeddah(Saudi Arabia) from 15 to 18 Apr 12. PASSEX was also conducted with HMAS MAKKAH with embarked helicopter.