SAN DIEGO - The guided-missile frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) is scheduled to be decommissioned after 30 years of service in a ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, May 9.

Commissioned on June 30, 1984, Rentz was named after Chaplain George Snavely Rentz who gave his life during the Battle of Java Sea when the USS Houston (CA 30) was struck by a barrage of enemy torpedo fire and sunk. Chaplain Rentz, in a selfless act of heroism, gave up his lifejacket to a sailor. For his actions, Chaplain Rentz was awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest award for valor in the United States Navy.

"We have done our very best to honor one of the mightiest battle frigates on the waterfront today. Her legacy will definitely live on through all the stories and significant events that have marked a distinguished and remarkable history," said Cmdr. Lance C. Lantier, commanding officer of Rentz. "It has been an absolute honor to command this extraordinary ship. We have always stood ready, put warfighting first and got the job done in true Rentz fashion."

On her final deployment, Rentz conducted Counter-Transnational Organized Crime Operations in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility and interdicted or disrupted nearly 5,000 kilograms of narcotics valued at $116 million in nine drug trafficking cases.

Vice Adm. Martin Jules Mayer (ret.), Rentz's first commanding officer, is scheduled to deliver the principal address.