Retiring frigates leave stamp on Mayport

Navy Cmdr. Joe Thomas stood on the deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate De Wert last week talking about what he called “frigate life.”

“It’s kind of unique and challenging,” Thomas said. “Some of our frigates have a crew of 175. Right now we have a company of 200 sailors.”

He motioned across the Naval Station Mayport basin at a cruiser. He said it carried a crew of about 300.

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