About this Unit
USS Jouett (CG-29) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1966. Named after Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett, the ship served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and acting as a radar picket. Throughout the Cold War, Jouett participated in numerous exercises and operations, demonstrating advanced anti-air and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1994 and later expended as a target during naval exercises in 2007.
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Jouett (CG-29) was named after Rear Admiral James Edward Jouett, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.
• Class: She was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser, originally designated DLG-29 (destroyer leader), and later reclassified as CG-29 (cruiser) in 1975.
• Commissioning: Jouett was commissioned on 3 December 1966, at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, with Captain Robert S. Hayes in command.
• Vietnam War Service: The ship saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and participating in operations such as "Linebacker" and "Frequent Wind."
• Operation Eagle Pull: In April 1975, USS Jouett took part in Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as the Khmer Rouge advanced on the capital.
• Flagship Duties: Jouett served as the flagship for Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 and for the Commander, Middle East Force, during her career, highlighting her importance in command and control roles.
• Cold War Patrols: Throughout the Cold War, Jouett conducted numerous Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployments, projecting American naval power and supporting US interests worldwide.
• Technological Upgrades: The ship underwent significant upgrades during her service, including the installation of advanced missile systems like the Standard Missile and anti-submarine warfare equipment.
• Decommissioning: USS Jouett was decommissioned on 28 January 1994 after more than 27 years of service and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register the same day.
• Final Fate: In 2007, the ship was sunk as a target during a training exercise off the coast of Hawaii, serving one last time to help train and prepare the next generation of naval personnel.
