USS Rentz Set for SOUTHCOM Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Rentz (FFG 38) will depart Naval Station San Diego, May 9, for a deployment to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.

Rentz is commanded by Cmdr. Michael Davis.

Rentz and its crew of more than 200 officers and enlisted Sailors will participate in multi-national exercises, patrols and training missions. Rentz is part of an on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security and counter drug operations.

Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates are fast warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.

During the past few months, USS Rentz has conducted several ship's training and certification exercises off the Pacific Coast, including anti-submarine warfare. It is fully prepared and ready to deploy in support of contingency and humanitarian missions.

Rentz's mission during the deployment will directly support the U.S. Maritime Strategy by focusing on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world's sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

Rentz helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.