ROCN Chi Yang class (ex-Knox class) frigate

[Ayoshi]

From: globalsecurity.org

In 1998 the United States agreed to provide four Knox class frigates to Taiwan as part of the third batch of delivery and to sell all six of the same class of frigates which were previously leased to Taiwan. The former Knox-class frigates Aylwin (FF-1081) and Valdez (FF-1096) became the Ning Yang and Yi Yang, the seventh and eighth of their class in Taiwanese service when they were recommissioned on 18 October 2000 after refits in South Carolina. Another two frigates, to be bought at bargain prices, will be scrapped and their parts used as logistics support for other frigates of same class. The ROC Navy will possess eight Knox class frigates at the same time, counting the original six frigates.

Under the ROC Navy's long-term Weapons System Modernization [WSM] Plan, the Knox class frigates will be upgraded when budget constraints ease. The Plan is aimed at greatly upgrading the frigates' air defense, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare capabilities. The Plan calls for modernizing the Knox class frigates with a new type of combat combat command center and equipping them with new radars, active towed array sonars, Phalanx or area air defense vertical launch systems, and active and passive electronic warfare systems. Some of the equipment will also be fitted in other new-generation warships, such as replacing the much-criticized Sea Chaparral missiles on the Kang Ding class frigates with a similar type of new air defense vertical launch system.

[Ayoshi]

https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/taiwan/chi-yang-pics.htm


Photo taken from globalsecurity.org

[Ayoshi]

ROC navy frigates decommissioned in Kaohsiung | taiwantoday.tw - May 04, 2015

According to the Ministry of National Defense, Chi Yang was built by Lockheed Ship Building and Drydock Co. in Seattle and began service as the USS Robert E Peary in 1972. The Knox-class frigate was transferred to the ROC Navy in 1992.

Hai Yang was constructed by Avondale Shipyard in Louisiana and commissioned in 1971. Formerly USS Cook, the high-performance anti-submarine vessel entered ROC navy service in 1999.

Since the two frigates commenced active duties, the MND said they have detected on numerous occasions submarines passing through waters of east Taiwan. The decision to retire them was taken as a result of increasing downtime for maintenance and repairs.

The MND said the pair will be mothballed, with parts cannibalized for use in the six other operational Chi Yang-class frigates. Some components such as anchors, engine order telegraphs and propellers may be mounted for public display at sites around Taiwan. (SFC-JSM)

ROC navy personnel salute the Chi Yang frigate during a decommissioning ceremony May 1 in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung port. (CNA)