USS Thomas S. Gates CG51

USS *Thomas S. Gates* (CG-51) was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned on 22 December 1987. Named in honor of Thomas S. Gates, the 7th Secretary of Defense, the ship was equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System and played a vital role in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare operations. During her service, *Thomas S. Gates* participated in multiple deployments, including Operation Desert Storm and operations in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, providing escort and air defense for carrier battle groups. The cruiser was decommissioned on 15 December 2005 after nearly 18 years of distinguished service.