Built as Italian modified Lupo class light frigate by Cantieri Navali Riuniti at Riva Trigoso, Italy for the Venezuelan Navy.
19 November 1976 keel laid down.
28 September 1978 launched as the MARISCAL SUCRE (F-21) one of the Mariscal Sucre class.
Displacement 2,208 tons standard, 2,525 ton full load. Dim. 113.5 x 11.3 x 3.7m. (draught).
Powered by GODOG two Fiat GEI LM 2500 boost gas turbines, 34,400 bhp., twin controlable pitch propellers, speed 35 knots. Two GMT A230/20M diesels, 7,800 hp., speed 21 knots.
Armament: 1 – 5/54 DP, 4 – 40mmAA guns, two rocker launchers, 6 A/S torpedo tubes. 8 – Otomat and 8 Aspide missile launchers.
One helicopter. Aft helicopter deck with hangar.
Crew 185.
10 May 1980 completed at the Fincantieri S.p.A. Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia.
14 July 1980 commissioned.
She was the first missile frigate in service by the Venezuelan Navy, followed by 5 sisters.
Modernized between 1998 and 2002 on the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA.
Her diesel engines were replaced by two MTU 20V 1163, and the modernization of the gas turbines.
2010 In service.
Venezuela 1980 1b sg2437, scott1235.
Source: Log Book 10/87-148, 11/53. Various web-sites.