Special Report - PHM-1 USS PEGASUS Deployment Experience RIMPAC-78, Anton Maier, Jr., 9 Sep 85 (0149)
The US Navy Patrol Hydrofoil, Missile (PHM) USS PEGASUS became the first hydrofoil as a commissioned naval combatant ship to join a mid-Pacific, multi-national fleet exercise in March 1978 as an integral unit of the US Navy Battle Group. This historical event represents an operational and logistical milestone for small combatant advanced type ships I demonstrating trans oceanic long deployment sustainability while still maintaining a full and continuous combat readiness status. USS PEGASUS's initial role was to serve as a surface escort in company with six amphibious ships en route from San Diego to the mid-Pacific exercise area. A simulated submarine threat scenario necessitated a nine day transit due to frequent course changes. On 4 Apr 1978, USS PEGASUS joined the main group of a four-nation naval exercise involving 41 ships, 225 aircraft, and 22,000 personnel. The exercise named "RIMPAC-78" involved the "Rim of the Pacific" nations' maritime forces from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.