The USS Whirlwind (PC-11) was the eleventh vessel in the Cyclone-class of patrol ships, designed for littoral and coastal operations. Constructed by Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana, she was laid down on March 4, 1994, and launched later that year on September 9, 1994. The ship was officially commissioned into the United States Navy on July 1, 1995, in Memphis, Tennessee. The USS Whirlwind featured the typical characteristics of the Cyclone-class patrol vessels, which are known for their agility, speed, and versatility in maritime security operations. While specific dimensions and armament details are not provided in this summary, Cyclone-class ships generally have a length of approximately 55 meters (around 180 feet), a beam of about 8.2 meters (27 feet), and a draft of roughly 2.4 meters (8 feet). They are typically equipped with a combination of machine guns, missile systems, and advanced navigation and communication equipment suitable for patrol, interdiction, and special operations. After nearly 27 years of service, the USS Whirlwind was decommissioned at Naval Support Activity Bahrain on March 21, 2022. Following her decommissioning, she transitioned to international service and was commissioned into the Bahraini Navy as RBNS Al-Farooq on March 30, 2022. This transfer underscores her maritime significance, contributing to regional security and maritime cooperation. Throughout her operational life, USS Whirlwind played a vital role in patrol and security missions, exemplifying the capabilities of the Cyclone-class vessels in supporting U.S. naval interests in littoral zones. Her transfer to Bahrain highlights her ongoing maritime utility and her contribution to international naval partnerships.

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