About this Unit
USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on February 21, 1987. Named after the Battle of Mobile Bay from the American Civil War, the ship served in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where she provided air defense and missile strike capabilities. Throughout her career, Mobile Bay participated in multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. After more than three decades of service, USS Mobile Bay was decommissioned on August 10, 2023.
Historical Facts
•
Commissioning: USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, commissioned on 21 February 1987 at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi.
•
Name Origin: The ship is named after the Battle of Mobile Bay, a pivotal Civil War naval engagement in 1864, made famous by Admiral David Farragut's order, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"
•
Desert Storm Service: Mobile Bay served as the Air Warfare Commander for the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, directing coalition air defense.
•
Tomahawk Strikes: The cruiser launched Tomahawk cruise missiles during Operation Desert Storm, contributing to the coalition’s success in the conflict.
•
Pioneering Aegis System: As part of the Ticonderoga class, Mobile Bay was among the early U.S. Navy ships equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System, revolutionizing naval air defense.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The ship has participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief efforts in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
•
Homeport: USS Mobile Bay was homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, playing a crucial role in the Asia-Pacific region’s security.
•
Participation in RIMPAC: The cruiser participated in several Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, fostering multinational cooperation and readiness.
•
Life-saving at Sea: In 1991, Mobile Bay rescued the crew of a sinking merchant ship in the Persian Gulf, demonstrating excellence in naval operations and humanitarian response.
•
Decommissioning: After more than 35 years of service, USS Mobile Bay was decommissioned on 10 August 2023, marking the end of an era for this distinguished warship.
