About this Unit
USS **Lake Champlain (CG-57)** is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on August 12, 1988. Named after the historic naval battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812, the ship has served extensively in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Over her career, Lake Champlain participated in numerous operations, including support for Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf and humanitarian assistance missions in the Pacific. The cruiser has also been a vital part of carrier strike groups, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities until her decommissioning in 2023.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning: USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, was commissioned on August 12, 1988, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
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Namesake: The ship is named after the Battle of Lake Champlain, a pivotal naval battle during the War of 1812, reflecting a tradition of honoring historic American naval victories.
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First Female Commander: In 2004, Captain Kathryn M. Donovan became the first woman to command USS Lake Champlain and the first woman to command a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
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Operation Desert Storm: Lake Champlain played a key role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, serving as the anti-air warfare commander for a carrier battle group in the Persian Gulf.
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Technological Upgrades: Over her career, the ship received multiple upgrades, including the Aegis Combat System, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.
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Collision Incident: On May 9, 2017, USS Lake Champlain collided with a South Korean fishing vessel in the Sea of Japan. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and both vessels sustained only minor damage.
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Humanitarian Missions: The ship participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
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Unique Crest: The ship’s crest includes a blue and gold color scheme, a depiction of the original USS Lake Champlain (CV-39), and images symbolizing the ship’s namesake battle and modern capabilities.
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Homeport: Throughout most of her service, USS Lake Champlain was homeported in San Diego, California, supporting Pacific Fleet operations.
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Decommissioning: The ship was officially decommissioned on September 1, 2023, after 35 years of service, marking the end of her distinguished career in the US Navy.
