About this Unit
USS Halsey (CG-23) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in July 1963. Named in honor of Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr., the ship served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous operations during the Vietnam War and later Cold War exercises. Halsey was involved in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and carrier escort missions, reflecting her advanced missile capabilities for the era. After nearly three decades of service, USS Halsey was decommissioned in January 1994 and subsequently scrapped.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Halsey (CG-23) was named after Fleet Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey Jr., a famous and aggressive World War II naval commander in the Pacific Theater.
• Class and Type: The ship was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser, originally designated as DLG-23 (Destroyer Leader, Guided Missile), and later reclassified as CG-23 (Cruiser, Guided Missile).
• Commissioning: USS Halsey was commissioned on 20 July 1963 at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, marking her entry into active service during the Cold War era.
• Technological Firsts: As part of the Leahy-class, Halsey was among the first US Navy ships designed from the keel up as guided missile warships, featuring the "double-ender" missile system with launchers fore and aft.
• Vietnam War Service: Halsey served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine support and also serving as a positive symbol of US naval power.
• Notable Rescue: In 1972, during operations in the South China Sea, Halsey rendered assistance to a Vietnamese fishing boat in distress, helping to rescue sailors and earning praise for humanitarian efforts.
• Reclassification: On 30 June 1975, Halsey was reclassified from DLG-23 to CG-23 as part of a Navy-wide reorganization to better reflect the ship’s role as a cruiser.
• Flagship Duties: At various times, Halsey served as the flagship for Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5, highlighting her importance in fleet operations and command-and-control functions.
• Decommissioning: After nearly three decades of service, USS Halsey was decommissioned on 28 January 1994 and later scrapped, ending her distinguished naval career.
• Legacy: USS Halsey (CG-23) earned eight battle stars for her Vietnam War service, and her legacy lives on through the current Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Halsey (DDG-97), named in honor of Admiral Halsey.
