Geo 436 WASHINGTON: Pakistan and United States has signed the contract for the transfer of the guided missile frigate USS McInerney here on Tuesday. Capton Abdur Rehman, defence Procurement Attache signed the contract on behalf of Pakistan Navy. The $ 65 million contract will enable Pakistan to take over USS McInerney at US Naval station Mayport, Florida on August 31 this year after which it will be commissioned as PNS AlAMGHIR. A comprehensive refurbishment of the ship will be undertaken under the supervision of US Navy which will be completed in Jan. 2011. Succesful culmination of this contarct will also pave way for acquisition of more vessels of same class for Pakistan navy to raise a squadron of 8 Perry Class Frigates. This will greatly enhance operational readiness of Pakistan navy. USS McInerney was the second ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class of guided-missile frigates and first US Navy ship named for US Vice Admiral Francis McInerney (18991956). In September 2008 the US Congress had approved selling the frigate to Pakistan with a delivery date of August 2010. Pakistan is considered a major non NATO Ally and is able to receive older unneeded US military equipment. Additionally, the 32-year-old frigate will be given a 65 million dollar refurbishment including anti-submarine capability paid for with foreign military aid provided by the U.S to friendly countries. Pakistan will pay $78 million for 30-year-old frigate.
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