The USS Reid (FFG-30) was the twenty-second ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates built for the United States Navy. Constructed by Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division in San Pedro, California, the vessel was ordered on January 23, 1978, as part of the FY78 program. The keel was laid down on October 8, 1980, and the ship was launched on June 27, 1981. Mrs. William C. Abhau, the great-great-granddaughter of Sailing Master Samuel Chester Reid, sponsored the launch, with her daughter Miss Elliot Abhau assisting. The USS Reid was officially commissioned on February 19, 1983. Designed as a versatile and capable guided-missile frigate, the USS Reid played an active role in U.S. naval operations during her service life. Notably, on August 18, 1990, she fired the first shots of Operation Desert Shield, marking her involvement in the Gulf War. During the 1980s, she earned the nickname "Reidski," a moniker that reflected her frequent participation on the "orange" team during fleet exercises, indicating her active engagement in fleet training and readiness operations. The vessel's operational history includes her participation in various naval missions until her decommissioning and striking from the Naval Vessel Register on September 25, 1998. Subsequently, she was transferred to Turkey on January 5, 1999, where she was recommissioned as the TCG Gelibolu (F 493). As of 2023, the ship remains in active service with the Turkish Navy, exemplifying the durability and continued utility of Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates beyond their original U.S. Navy service. Overall, USS Reid (FFG-30) was a significant asset during the late Cold War period, notable for her combat initiation in the Gulf War and her enduring service in the Turkish Navy.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.