CG-31 USS Sterrett

• 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. • 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. • Commissioning Date: USS Sterrett was commissioned on 8 April 1967, joining the US Navy during the Vietnam War period. • Vietnam War Service: The cruiser saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue operations, and missile defense. • 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. • 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. • Multinational Exercises: Throughout her career, Sterrett participated in numerous multinational naval exercises, including RIMPAC, showcasing American naval cooperation with allies. • Modernization: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sterrett underwent significant modernization, including upgrades to her missile systems and electronic warfare capabilities. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship took part in non-combatant evacuation operations and provided assistance to refugees during the Vietnam War. • 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.