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USS Wainwright (CG-28)

U.S. Navy•20 members

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About this Unit

USS Wainwright (CG-28)

U.S. Navy

USS Wainwright (CG-28) was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1966. Named after a distinguished family of naval officers, Wainwright served extensively during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and conducting search and rescue operations. Throughout the Cold War, the cruiser participated in numerous NATO exercises, Mediterranean deployments, and operations to project American naval power. USS Wainwright was decommissioned in 1993 after nearly three decades of service, leaving a legacy of versatility and dedication to national defense.

About USS Wainwright (CG-28)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake Legacy: USS Wainwright (CG-28) was named to honor three generations of the Wainwright family, all of whom served with distinction in the U.S. Navy.
Class and Commission: She was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser, originally commissioned as DLG-28 (destroyer leader) on January 8, 1966, and later reclassified as CG-28 in 1975.
Vietnam War Service: Wainwright saw combat in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a radar picket ship to help protect U.S. aircraft carriers.
First Combat Missile Engagement: During the Vietnam War, Wainwright became the first U.S. ship to shoot down a hostile aircraft with guided missiles, using her Terrier missile system.
Cold War Operations: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she was actively involved in Cold War operations, including tracking Soviet naval vessels and aircraft.
Persian Gulf Patrols: In the late 1980s, Wainwright participated in Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War to ensure freedom of navigation.
Lebanon Crisis: She was deployed off the coast of Lebanon in 1983, providing support and acting as a deterrent during the Lebanese Civil War.
Humanitarian Missions: Wainwright took part in humanitarian operations, including rescue missions and disaster relief during her deployments.
Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on November 15, 1993, after nearly 28 years of service, and was later sold for scrap in 2002.
Honors and Awards: USS Wainwright earned numerous awards, including three battle stars for Vietnam service and the Navy Unit Commendation for her exceptional performance in combat.

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USS Wainwright (CG-28)

U.S. Navy•20 members

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About this Unit

USS Wainwright (CG-28)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

john demore

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1986 - 1987

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Alfred Crain

U.S. Navy · 1978 - 1979

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nicole lewis

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1980 - 1981

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Sean Hunter

U.S. Navy Military Retiree

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS Wainwright (CG-28)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Namesake Legacy: USS Wainwright (CG-28) was named to honor three generations of the Wainwright family, all of whom served with distinction in the U.S. Navy.
Class and Commission: She was a Belknap-class guided missile cruiser, originally commissioned as DLG-28 (destroyer leader) on January 8, 1966, and later reclassified as CG-28 in 1975.
Vietnam War Service: Wainwright saw combat in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving as a radar picket ship to help protect U.S. aircraft carriers.
First Combat Missile Engagement: During the Vietnam War, Wainwright became the first U.S. ship to shoot down a hostile aircraft with guided missiles, using her Terrier missile system.
Cold War Operations: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she was actively involved in Cold War operations, including tracking Soviet naval vessels and aircraft.
Persian Gulf Patrols: In the late 1980s, Wainwright participated in Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War to ensure freedom of navigation.
Lebanon Crisis: She was deployed off the coast of Lebanon in 1983, providing support and acting as a deterrent during the Lebanese Civil War.
Humanitarian Missions: Wainwright took part in humanitarian operations, including rescue missions and disaster relief during her deployments.
Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on November 15, 1993, after nearly 28 years of service, and was later sold for scrap in 2002.
Honors and Awards: USS Wainwright earned numerous awards, including three battle stars for Vietnam service and the Navy Unit Commendation for her exceptional performance in combat.