About this Unit
USS Sterrett (CG-31) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Throughout her service, she played a significant role during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and missile defense for aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. In the 1970s and 1980s, Sterrett participated in numerous exercises and operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, demonstrating the Navy’s global reach during the Cold War. After over two decades of distinguished service, USS Sterrett was decommissioned in 1994 and eventually scrapped.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS Sterrett (CG-31) was named after Andrew Sterett, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars.
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Belknap-class Guided Missile Cruiser: She was the third ship of the Belknap-class, serving as a guided missile cruiser equipped with advanced weaponry for her era.
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Commissioning Date: USS Sterrett was commissioned on 8 April 1967, joining the US Navy during the Vietnam War period.
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Vietnam War Service: The cruiser saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue operations, and missile defense.
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Operation Linebacker: In 1972, Sterrett played a pivotal role in Operation Linebacker, launching surface-to-air missiles to defend US aircraft and participating in anti-air warfare.
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First Missile "Shoot Down": On 19 April 1972, Sterrett made history by directing the first successful surface-to-air missile (SAM) shoot down of an enemy MiG aircraft during the Vietnam War.
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Multinational Exercises: Throughout her career, Sterrett participated in numerous multinational naval exercises, including RIMPAC, showcasing American naval cooperation with allies.
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Modernization: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sterrett underwent significant modernization, including upgrades to her missile systems and electronic warfare capabilities.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship took part in non-combatant evacuation operations and provided assistance to refugees during the Vietnam War.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Sterrett was decommissioned on 24 March 1994 after 27 years of service, and was later scrapped in 2005, leaving a legacy of technological advancement and distinguished service.
