About this Unit
USS England (DLG/CG 22) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named in honor of Ensign John C. England, the ship was notable for its advanced radar and missile systems, playing a key role in air defense during the Cold War. USS England served extensively in the Pacific, including multiple deployments to the Vietnam War, where she provided naval gunfire support and participated in search and rescue operations. Reclassified from a destroyer leader (DLG) to a guided missile cruiser (CG) in 1975, the ship remained in service until her decommissioning in 1994.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS England (DLG/CG-22) was named after Ensign John C. England, a naval officer who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard USS Oklahoma. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
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Second Ship with the Name: This was the second US Navy ship named USS England. The first, DE-635, was famous for sinking six Japanese submarines in 12 days during World War II.
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Class and Designation: USS England was a Leahy-class guided missile frigate, originally designated DLG-22 (Destroyer Leader, Guided Missile), and later reclassified as CG-22 (Guided Missile Cruiser) in 1975.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 7 December 1963, exactly 22 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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Vietnam War Service: USS England served during the Vietnam War, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine support, as well as participating in naval gunfire support missions.
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Modernizations: Throughout her career, USS England underwent significant modernizations, including upgrades to her missile and radar systems, and was among the first ships equipped with the NTDS (Naval Tactical Data System).
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Operation Praying Mantis: In April 1988, England participated in Operation Praying Mantis in the Persian Gulf, the largest American naval surface engagement since World War II, targeting Iranian naval forces.
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Distinguished Service: The ship earned multiple awards including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and several campaign and service medals.
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Decommissioning: USS England 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 (CG-22) was remembered for her advanced capabilities and as a testament to the legacy of her namesake, upholding the Navy's tradition of valor and innovation.
