USS Gettysburg (CG-64)

• 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. • Commissioning: USS Gettysburg was commissioned on June 22, 1991, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, with Captain John M. Langknecht as its first commanding officer. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Homeport: USS Gettysburg is homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, serving as a key asset in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. • 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.