Decommissioned USS Wadsworth Finds New Life in Polish Navy

June 14, 2011 Ens. Adam Demeter, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs / NNS – defpro.com

BALTIC SEA | A decommissioned U.S. Navy ship is participating in Baltic Operations 2011, through June 17, as part of the Polish Navy.

USS Wadsworth (FFG-9) was decommissioned in 2002, after 24 years of service. Now, as the Polish ship ORP General Tadeusz Kosciuszko (273), it is one of two Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-Missile frigates in the Polish Navy.

"She is very capable," said Cmdr. Grzegorz Muchia, ORP General Tadeusz Kosciuszko commanding officer. "We are very proud of her."

Lt. Robert Legiedz, ORP General Tadeusz Kosciuszko, said the Polish sailors have taking great pride in their ship, and any remnants of corrosion or wear and tear on the ship are almost nonexistent.

"After supper, we have a cleaning period of one hour per day," said Legiedz, "On Friday, we have a general cleaning that lasts three to four hours."

"I've had the chance sail with many ships from many different countries over the years, and the American ships are my favorite," says Warrant Officer Peter Bieniek, "The American-made ships are different in modern technology, more comfortable, and designed perfectly for long stays overseas."

The Kosciuszko is playing an important role in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2011.

"It's been a great experience to work alongside the Polish navy and to see them breathe new life into an old U.S. Navy vessel," says Lt. Geoffrey Hill, BALTOPS assistant surface warfare syndicate. "They are an extremely proud and professional group of people."

Now in its 39th year, BALTOPS is a multinational naval exercise focusing on peace and security in the region. Nations participating in BALTOPS 2011 include Belgium, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.