A Thai royal navy announced the deactivation of four veteran vessels, including the legendary HTMS Pinklao – Recognized as the oldest large naval war ship in active service in the world.
The decision was made due to the advanced state of wear of the vessels and the high maintenance cost, which became unfeasible for the continuity of operations. Deactivation came into force in October 1st.
Originally built during World War II under the name USS inhibitions (De-746)the ship was designed to escort British trains against attacks by German submarines in the Atlantic. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Pacific Theater of Operations, where he acted as an antissubmarino war ship, equipped with sonar and torpedoes.
Em July 22, 1959the destroyer was officially transferred to the Thai royal navy at the New York Naval Shipyard, being renamed as HTMS Pinklao in honor of Rei Rama IV.
For more than six decades, the vessel played an essential role as school and training for cadets and subs, as well as participating in joint exercises with international forces. According to HTMS Pinklao’s official page on Facebook, one of the ship’s most symbolic missions was to integrate Guard of Honor of Real Barcases no Palacio Klai Kangwonin Hua Hin – residence of the deceased Rei Rama IX – which often recorded the ship in photographs during ceremonial greetings.
With its deactivation, the world says goodbye to a true naval icon that has crossed generations and witnessed deep geopolitical transformations since the postwar.
In addition to HTMS Pinklao, the ships were also deactivated HTMS Pupk, HTMS Samui e Htms suriya.
Source and Images: Thaipbs | Thai Navy. This content was created with the help of AI and revised by the editorial team.
