USS San Jacinto (CG-56)

• Namesake: USS San Jacinto (CG-56) is named after the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive 1836 battle of the Texas Revolution where Texas won its independence from Mexico. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on January 23, 1988, at Pascagoula, Mississippi, with Captain Stanley J. Bryant as her first commanding officer. • First AEGIS Cruiser to Fire in Combat: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, San Jacinto became the first AEGIS cruiser to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles in combat. • Role in Operation Desert Storm: The ship launched a total of 16 Tomahawk missiles during the first night of Operation Desert Storm, striking targets in Iraq. • Humanitarian Missions: San Jacinto has participated in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. • Pirate Interdiction: In 2009, the cruiser was involved in the capture and detention of suspected Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, showcasing its versatility in modern naval operations. • Modernization: Over its service life, San Jacinto received multiple upgrades, including advanced missile systems and improved radar, maintaining its edge as a multi-mission warship. • Homeport: Throughout most of her service, USS San Jacinto was homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, as part of the Atlantic Fleet. • Flight Deck Operations: The ship is capable of supporting two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, enhancing its anti-submarine and search-and-rescue capabilities. • Decommissioning: After over 35 years of service, USS San Jacinto was decommissioned on September 15, 2023, at Naval Station Norfolk, marking the end of an era for the Ticonderoga-class cruisers.