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This is the ex-USS Hemminger
(DE 746) in service with the Thai navy in 1999. She was transferred
to Thailand in 1959 and renamed the Pin Klao (#413, ex-DE3, ex-DE1).
Before transfer the 21" torpedo tubes were removed and two triple MK
32 ASW tubes were added in their place. She was also upgraded to the
SPS-6C radar. The latest information I have is a report from 1979
that says the USS Hemminger was being used only as a dockside training
vessel. I am sorry I do not have anything newer but Thailand does not
really share information well. FYI, the Thai people honored the USS
Hemminger with the name Pin Klao. King Pin Klao was the younger brother of
King Rama IV (1803-1868) and he was the Second Sovereign of Thai Kingdom
at that time. Today the main naval hospital, national theater and several
large bridges are also named Pin Klao. In a sense, I suppose they are all
named after the Hemminger... Courtesy of Robert
E. Taylor, Email: taylor794@msn.com
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