USS Aries, Gasconade, MO
Most legacy Cold War sites are located in remote parts of the country, thereby requiring a road trip and significant windshield time to visit. Occasionally, I find one almost in my backyard and such is the case with the patrol hydrofoil, USS Aries (PHM-5). Located in central Missouri at the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri rivers, the USS Aries is the only remaining ship among the six Pegasus class hydrofoil patrol boats.
The hydrofoil design overcomes the drag limitations of a conventional hull and allows the ship to “fly” above the water.
Aries was heavily armed for a ship of its size with a complement of 8 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 76mm OTO Melara main gun as well as various small arms. Conceived as a response to Soviet and Warsaw Pact small patrol craft, the Pegasus class of boats were originally intended to operate in NATO waters with planned US procurement of 30 boats plus an additional 10 deployed by other NATO countries. The program had the support of ADM Elmo Zumwalt, the Chief of Naval Operations, and buttressed his “high-low” shipbuilding strategy of placing advanced combat systems in smaller (and more affordable) vessels that could be deployed in larger numbers. Boeing had prior experience building hydrofoils and was chosen as the prime contractor but the PHM program ran into political headwinds. Only six ships were constructed and eventually home-ported at NAS Key West where they proved successful at drug interdiction.
Forward Gun Room
Weapons Locker
Bridge
One of two Mercedes diesel engines for hull-borne operation.
Transmission awaits a GE gas turbine for foil-borne operation.
Water tight door.
Door to weather deck.
Let’s meet the people who brought Aries to the Heartland and listen to their story.
The Aries is currently located at the Gasconade Boatyard and is one of several hydrofoil craft on display at the USS Aries Hydrofoil Museum. The Museum is typically open on weekends or by appointment. To my eyes, the profile of the Aries would be greatly improved by the addition of a 76mm OTO Melara and, hopefully, a demilled version can be acquired. Similarly, if surplus Harpoon launch tubes cannot be sourced, perhaps they could be fabricated?
You can visit and/or contribute to the USS Aries Hydrofoil Museum.
Or click on the patch to follow them on Facebook for the latest updates. ➡️