About this Unit
USS Gettysburg (CG-64) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1991. Named after the pivotal Civil War battle, Gettysburg has participated in numerous operations, including enforcement of United Nations sanctions, counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean, and deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, enabling advanced air, surface, and subsurface warfare capabilities. Over its service, USS Gettysburg has been recognized for excellence in battle readiness and has played a key role in multi-national naval exercises and maritime security operations.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Gettysburg (CG-64) is named after the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg of the American Civil War, reflecting its importance in U.S. history and the tradition of naming Ticonderoga-class cruisers after significant battles.
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Commissioning: USS Gettysburg was commissioned on June 22, 1991, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, with Captain John M. Langknecht as its first commanding officer.
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Ticonderoga-class Cruiser: She is the 18th ship of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers, equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which revolutionized naval warfare with advanced radar and missile guidance.
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Operation Allied Force: In 1999, USS Gettysburg participated in NATO’s Operation Allied Force, launching Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Yugoslavia during the Kosovo conflict.
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Anti-Piracy Operations: In 2009, Gettysburg was part of Combined Task Force 151 and played a key role in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, successfully capturing armed pirates and freeing hostages.
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Rescue at Sea: In May 2009, USS Gettysburg rescued Yemeni fishermen who had been held hostage by pirates, demonstrating the ship’s commitment to maritime security and humanitarian missions.
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Battle “E” Awards: Gettysburg has earned multiple Battle Efficiency (“Battle E”) awards, recognizing her as one of the best-performing ships in the Atlantic Fleet.
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Modernization: The cruiser underwent significant upgrades throughout her service, including improvements to the Aegis Combat System, missile launchers, and communications, keeping her at the forefront of naval technology.
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Homeport: USS Gettysburg is homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, serving as a key asset in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
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Decommissioning Plans: Although scheduled for decommissioning in the early 2020s as part of fleet modernization efforts, Gettysburg has received service life extensions, reflecting her enduring value to the Navy.
