USS Lake Champlain CG-57

• Commissioning: USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, was commissioned on August 12, 1988, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. • 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. • Homeport: Throughout most of her service, USS Lake Champlain was homeported in San Diego, California, supporting Pacific Fleet operations. • 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.