USS England (DLG:CG 22)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 7 December 1963, exactly 22 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor. • 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. • 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). • 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. • Distinguished Service: The ship earned multiple awards including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and several campaign and service medals. • Decommissioning: USS England was decommissioned on 21 January 1994 after over 30 years of service and was later scrapped in 2004. • 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.