About this Unit
USS England (CG-22) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1963. Named in honor of Ensign John C. England and the famed WWII destroyer escort that sank six enemy submarines, CG-22 served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout the Cold War, the ship participated in numerous operations, including Vietnam War combat support, carrier escort duties, and multinational exercises. USS England was decommissioned in 1994 after over three decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS England (CG-22) was named in honor of Ensign John Charles England, a naval officer who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard USS Oklahoma (BB-37).
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Second Ship: She was the second US Navy ship to bear the name England, following the famous destroyer escort DE-635, which set a record by sinking six Japanese submarines in 13 days during World War II.
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Leahy-class Cruiser: USS England was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser, originally classified as a guided missile destroyer leader (DLG-22) before being redesignated as CG-22 in 1975.
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Commissioning: She was commissioned on 7 December 1963, exactly 22 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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Vietnam War Service: England participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, conducting plane guard, search and rescue, and shore bombardment missions.
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Rescue Operations: In 1973, USS England played a critical role in rescuing Vietnamese refugees from the South China Sea.
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Modernization: She underwent a major overhaul and modernization in the late 1970s, receiving updated missile systems, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities.
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Cold War Patrols: Throughout the Cold War, England operated in the Pacific, including carrier escort, anti-air, and anti-submarine missions, and participated in multiple RIMPAC exercises.
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Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on 21 January 1994 after over 30 years of service and was later scrapped in 2004.
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Legacy: USS England was highly decorated, receiving numerous awards including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Vietnam Service Medal, and is remembered for upholding the legacy of her namesake and predecessor.
