The Perry Shipyard project continues to be in the press and share updates on our efforts to secure the USS Halyburton (FFG-40). Press inquiries can be directed to OHPS Board Member Mark Squeglia at [email protected].
November 25, 2024: United Stated Navy Declines OHPS Phase II Application For Donation of USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40)
U.S. Navy has declined the Phase II application of the USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) to the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard. The U.S. Navy listed several reasons for the decision that include: additional funding on hand, the first 5 years of operating expenditures and a long term lease with the Western Erie Port Authority. These were several of the items that the Navy wanted to see more concrete information about.
This is the end of the nearly 6-year long journey to bring an Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate to Erie, Pennsylvania. “This is a sad day for the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard and the many Navy veterans that served on the Perry Class Frigates. For the past 5 years our efforts to bring the USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) to Erie have been rigorous and diligent. We have exhausted all available avenues with the Navy and now we have brought the project to an end.” said Dr. Joe Pfadt Chief Executive Officer of the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard.
“We gave it our best effort but came up short. This was a long and very detailed process.” said Pfadt. There are no other known plans on the part of the Navy to release a Perry Class Frigate for historic display anywhere else in the country. The USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) will most likely be reduced to scrap or used as a target ship and sunk by the Navy.
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September 9, 2024: Our very own Executive Director, Joe Pfadt, of the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard, was interviewed on an update about the USS Halyburton (FFG 40) coming to Erie, PA. We continue to wait for the Navy’s response to our Phase II application.
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September 27, 2023: Feature story in War History Online about our project following the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. Read the full story here: Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard Vying to Become New Home of the USS Halyburton (FFG-40).
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We shared our vision for the Perry Shipyard at the East Basin of Presque Isle Bay. We were excited to show what we are working toward. You can see the local news coverage of the announcement here:
· USS Halyburton could be finding a new home port in Erie
· Proposed Site for USS Halyburton
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OHPS submitted its Phase II application to the Navy ahead of its September 11, 2022 deadline. Achieving this critical step in the Navy’s 3-phase donation process marks a significant advancement for the project. OHPS worked with experts to conduct an extensive environmental and engineering assessment of the project and economic impact study as part of the Phase II process. Letters of support from businesses, individuals, organizations, as well as federal, state, and local officials demonstrated the broad community and regional support for OHPS.
· August 26, 2022: The Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard Project Reaches Phase II
· March 16, 2022: Perry-class Frigate to Erie project endorsed by Erie County Council (example of support)
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During Tall Ships weekend (August 25-28, 2022), OHPS hosted former commanding officer of the USS Halyburton, Rear Admiral Robert Dunham (Rob) Reilly, Jr. (USN, Retired). Reilly met with local media to express his support for the effort to bring the Halyburton to Erie. Reilly serves as an OHPS advisor.
· August 27, 2022: USS Halyburton could be finding a new home port in Erie
· August 27, 2022: Ret. Rear Admiral Visits Hagen History Center
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OHPS launched a survey for public input on the project in November 2021. Data from the survey informed the marketing and feasibility study OHPS submitted to the Navy.
· November 16, 2021: Survey Seeks Feedback on Plans to Bring Oliver Hazard Perry-Clas – Erie News Now | WICU and WSEE in Erie, PA