USS Leyte Gulf CG 55

• Namesake: USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) is named after the historic Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle of World War II, fought in October 1944 in the Philippines. • Commissioning: Leyte Gulf was commissioned on September 26, 1987, at Norfolk, Virginia, becoming the ninth Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. • Class and Capabilities: As a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, Leyte Gulf is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, enabling advanced air, surface, and subsurface warfare operations. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, Leyte Gulf deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing air defense and launching Tomahawk missiles. • Bosnia Operations: In the mid-1990s, the ship participated in NATO operations in the Adriatic Sea, enforcing embargoes and supporting air strikes during the Bosnian War. • 2005 Collision: On February 5, 2005, Leyte Gulf was involved in a minor collision with the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA-2) off the coast of Florida. There were no injuries, but both ships sustained damage. • Humanitarian Missions: Leyte Gulf has taken part in various humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including operations off the coast of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. • Anti-Piracy Operations: In the 2000s, Leyte Gulf was deployed to regions prone to piracy, such as off the Horn of Africa, supporting international efforts to protect shipping lanes. • Decommissioning Plans: The ship was announced for decommissioning as part of the U.S. Navy’s 2024 shipbuilding plan, reflecting changes in fleet modernization priorities. • Crest Symbolism: The ship’s crest features crossed swords and a depiction of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, representing both the ship’s namesake and its readiness for combat operations.