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USS Biddle (CG-34)

U.S. Navy•45 members

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About this Unit

USS Biddle (CG-34)

U.S. Navy

USS Biddle (CG-34) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1967. Originally designated as DLG-34 (a guided missile frigate), she was reclassified as a cruiser (CG-34) in 1975. During her service, Biddle saw extensive action in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a radar picket ship. The ship also participated in various Cold War operations and multinational exercises, earning multiple commendations before being decommissioned in 1993.

About USS Biddle (CG-34)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake: USS Biddle (CG-34) was named in honor of Captain Nicholas Biddle, a distinguished officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.
Class: She was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser, one of the first US Navy ships designed to carry guided missiles as a primary armament.
Commissioning: USS Biddle was commissioned on January 21, 1967, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
Vietnam War Service: Biddle saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a positive control ship for air operations.
Operation Pocket Money: In May 1972, she played a key role in the mining of North Vietnamese ports during Operation Pocket Money, helping enforce the naval blockade.
First Missile Engagement: In 1972, Biddle became the first US Navy ship to successfully engage and destroy enemy aircraft using surface-to-air missiles during combat operations off Vietnam.
Lebanon Deployment: In the 1980s, Biddle participated in peacekeeping operations off the coast of Lebanon, supporting US and allied forces during the Lebanese Civil War.
Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, Biddle conducted numerous North Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, often shadowing Soviet naval vessels and participating in NATO exercises.
Modernization: Biddle underwent major upgrades during her service life, including the installation of the New Threat Upgrade (NTU) system, enhancing her anti-air warfare capabilities.
Decommissioning: After nearly 27 years of service, USS Biddle was decommissioned on November 30, 1993, and later scrapped, marking the end of her storied career.

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USS Biddle (CG-34)

U.S. Navy•45 members

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About this Unit

USS Biddle (CG-34)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

William Mahoney

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1986 - 1990

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Richard Hogue

U.S. Navy · 1986 - 1990

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Robert Krass

U.S. Navy · 1980 - 1984

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Ronald Spano

U.S. Navy · 1989 - 1992

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About USS Biddle (CG-34)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake: USS Biddle (CG-34) was named in honor of Captain Nicholas Biddle, a distinguished officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.
Class: She was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser, one of the first US Navy ships designed to carry guided missiles as a primary armament.
Commissioning: USS Biddle was commissioned on January 21, 1967, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
Vietnam War Service: Biddle saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a positive control ship for air operations.
Operation Pocket Money: In May 1972, she played a key role in the mining of North Vietnamese ports during Operation Pocket Money, helping enforce the naval blockade.
First Missile Engagement: In 1972, Biddle became the first US Navy ship to successfully engage and destroy enemy aircraft using surface-to-air missiles during combat operations off Vietnam.
Lebanon Deployment: In the 1980s, Biddle participated in peacekeeping operations off the coast of Lebanon, supporting US and allied forces during the Lebanese Civil War.
Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, Biddle conducted numerous North Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, often shadowing Soviet naval vessels and participating in NATO exercises.
Modernization: Biddle underwent major upgrades during her service life, including the installation of the New Threat Upgrade (NTU) system, enhancing her anti-air warfare capabilities.
Decommissioning: After nearly 27 years of service, USS Biddle was decommissioned on November 30, 1993, and later scrapped, marking the end of her storied career.