USS VICKSBURG (CG 69)

• Commissioned in 1992: USS VICKSBURG (CG 69) was commissioned on November 14, 1992, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. • Named After a Civil War Battle: The ship is named for the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, a pivotal Union victory in 1863 that gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. • Second Ship with the Name: This is the second warship named "VICKSBURG." The first was a gunboat that served during the Spanish-American War and World War I. • Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser: VICKSBURG is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, primarily designed for air defense and equipped with the Aegis Combat System. • Gulf War Namesake: Although CG 69 was commissioned after the Gulf War, her predecessor, USS VICKSBURG (CL 86), served in World War II and earned two battle stars. • Anti-Piracy Operations: In 2005, VICKSBURG played a major role in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, helping to deter and disrupt piracy along key shipping routes. • Bosnia Operations: In 1995, the ship provided air defense for aircraft carriers involved in Operation Deny Flight and Operation Deliberate Force over Bosnia-Herzegovina. • Humanitarian Missions: USS VICKSBURG has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including support following hurricanes and other natural disasters. • Flagship Duties: The cruiser has served as flagship for several Carrier Strike Groups and multinational task forces, showcasing her command and control capabilities. • Decommissioning Plans: Despite several proposed decommissioning dates due to Navy modernization plans, VICKSBURG has been repeatedly retained in service as of 2024, reflecting her ongoing operational value.