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USS LEAHY was the lead ship of the LEAHY-class of guided missile cruisers and the first ship in the Navy named after Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy.
Stricken from the Navy list on October 1, 1993, LEAHY was subsequently laid up at Benicia, CA, as part of the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet. LEAHY was later sold to International Shipbreaking Corp., Brownsville, Tx., for scrapping.
| General Characteristics: | Awarded: November 7, 1958 |
| Keel laid: December 3, 1959 | |
| Launched: July 1, 1961 | |
| Commissioned: August 4, 1962 | |
| Decommissioned: October 1, 1993 | |
| Builder: Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine | |
| Propulsion system:4 - 1200 psi boilers; 2 General Electric geared turbines | |
| Propellers: two | |
| Length: 535 feet (163 meters) | |
| Beam: 53 feet (16.1 meters) | |
| Draft: 26 feet (7.9 meters) | |
| Displacement: approx. 7,800 tons | |
| Speed: 30+ knots | |
| Aircraft: none | |
| Armament: two Mk 141 | |
| Crew: 27 officers and 413 enlisted |
Crew List:
This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS LEAHY. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.
USS LEAHY Cruise Books:
USS LEAHY History:
USS LEAHY's keel was laid at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, on December 3, 1959. She was launched on July 1, 1961, sponsored by Mrs. Michael J. Mansfield, wife of the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, and commissioned at Boston Naval Shipyard on August 4, 1962, with Captain Robert L. Baughan Jr. in command. Initially classified as a guided missile frigate, LEAHY carried the designation DLG 16.
Following commissioning, LEAHY underwent trials, equipment evaluations and shakedown training in the Caribbean. Her early operations included missile firing exercises and the testing of her Terrier surface-to-air missile system. On September 19, 1963, she departed Boston for Charleston, South Carolina, which became her first permanent homeport. At Charleston, Rear Admiral E. E. Grimm, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Six, selected the ship as his flagship. During the remainder of 1963, LEAHY conducted exercises in the Jacksonville operating areas and the Caribbean, concentrating on anti-aircraft warfare, missile employment and coordination with other fleet units.
On January 2, 1964, LEAHY departed Charleston for another period of missile training in the Caribbean, which continued until February 26. From April 1 to 10, she participated in amphibious exercise Quick Kick V, conducting operations in support of amphibious forces. On June 1, she was assigned to Destroyer Squadron Six. These activities preceded her first major overseas deployment.
LEAHY departed Charleston on July 17, 1964, for her first Mediterranean deployment with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. She operated with a fast carrier task group that included USS FORRESTAL (CVA 59), providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine protection for the carrier. During the deployment, LEAHY participated in MEDLANDEX-64, a coordinated fleet exercise conducted between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia. She subsequently conducted independent training in the eastern Mediterranean and departed Naples, Italy, on September 22 to participate in NATO exercise FALLEX-64.
After returning to Naples on October 26, LEAHY continued Sixth Fleet operations and took part in exercise POOPDECK-IV in November. This large-scale exercise brought approximately 40 ships of Task Force 60 together off the Spanish coast. Her Mediterranean itinerary also included port visits in France, Greece, Italy and Spain. LEAHY departed Barcelona on December 2 and subsequently began the return voyage across the Atlantic. She arrived at Charleston on December 22, completing a deployment during which she had steamed more than 32,000 miles. Following her return, she entered a period of restricted availability and prepared for additional evaluations of the Terrier missile system.
During the first months of 1965, LEAHY conducted extensive missile and weapons-system testing in Atlantic and Caribbean operating areas. These trials continued through September, interrupted by a short operational deployment during the crisis in the Dominican Republic. Between April 28 and May 7, LEAHY served with U.S. naval forces assembled off the Dominican Republic following the outbreak of civil conflict. American forces were initially sent to evacuate foreign nationals and subsequently became involved in operations intended to stabilize the situation. LEAHY operated as part of the naval strike and covering force supporting the intervention.
On November 30, 1965, LEAHY departed Charleston for her second Mediterranean deployment. On December 9, she relieved USS WILLIAM V. PRATT (DLG 13) at Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca, and commenced operations with the Sixth Fleet. During the deployment, LEAHY performed anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and surface warfare duties, participated in gunnery and fleet tactical exercises and operated with other NATO naval units. Her activities included operations within Task Group 60.1 and with forces associated with the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CVA 66). The deployment included visits to ports in Italy and Spain. LEAHY returned to Charleston on April 8, 1966.
During June and July 1966, LEAHY embarked approximately 60 midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy for at-sea training. The program included visits to ports along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. On August 24, she departed for UNITAS VII, a multinational training deployment conducted with the navies of South America. The annual UNITAS program was intended to improve cooperation and operational procedures between the U.S. Navy and Latin American naval forces.
During UNITAS VII, LEAHY exercised with participating naval units while visiting ports in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, as well as the Panama Canal Zone and the Caribbean. After transiting the Panama Canal in September, she continued south along the Pacific coast of South America. In late October, she passed through the Strait of Magellan before continuing operations in the South Atlantic. The exercises included anti-submarine warfare, gunnery, communications and coordinated fleet maneuvers. UNITAS VII concluded on December 6, and LEAHY returned to Charleston on December 15, 1966.
On January 27, 1967, LEAHY arrived at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for an extensive modernization. She was decommissioned on February 18 to permit major alterations to her combat systems, electronics and engineering equipment. The modernization included installation of the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS), improvements to her radars and missile fire-control equipment, and changes to her anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare systems. The work was intended to improve the ship's ability to detect, track and engage multiple airborne targets and to coordinate operations with other ships and aircraft.
After more than a year in the shipyard, LEAHY was returned to commission in special status on May 4, 1968, and began testing her modernized systems. Following trials and additional preparation at Philadelphia, she departed on August 18 and arrived at her new homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, on August 21. During the remainder of 1968 and into 1969, she completed further shakedown training, equipment evaluations and operational exercises to integrate her updated combat systems into fleet operations.
On July 25, 1969, LEAHY departed for her second UNITAS deployment, UNITAS X. During the following months, she participated in exercises with naval forces from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Uruguay. The deployment included operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and visits to ports in the Caribbean and along the South American coast. LEAHY conducted tactical maneuvering, anti-aircraft and anti-submarine training, gunnery exercises and communications drills with the participating navies. Her itinerary included Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Venezuela. After completing the deployment, LEAHY returned to Norfolk in December 1969.
During 1970, LEAHY continued training and operations with the Atlantic Fleet. On September 14, while preparing for routine missile exercises, she was ordered to deploy to the Mediterranean in response to the developing crisis in Jordan. Fighting between Jordanian government forces and Palestinian organizations, followed by Syrian military intervention, prompted the United States to reinforce its naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean. LEAHY joined the Sixth Fleet contingency force, which included the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA 67) and other U.S. warships.
During the initial weeks of the deployment, LEAHY operated in support of the American naval presence maintained off the eastern Mediterranean as the United States prepared for possible evacuation and other contingency operations. Following the easing of the immediate crisis, she remained with the Sixth Fleet for regular operations and exercises. The deployment included visits to Greece, Malta, Italy and Spain and cooperation with NATO naval units. LEAHY returned to Norfolk on May 1, 1971, after more than seven months overseas. Her service during the Jordanian crisis resulted in the award of a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
During the remainder of 1971, LEAHY conducted maintenance, training and preparations for another Mediterranean deployment. On February 14, 1972, she departed Norfolk for her fourth tour with the Sixth Fleet. During this deployment, LEAHY operated with a carrier task group centered on USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA 42), providing anti-aircraft defense and participating in combined tactical exercises. Her operations extended throughout the Mediterranean and included port visits in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and France. The deployment ended with her return to Norfolk on September 5, 1972.
Following post-deployment maintenance and training, LEAHY entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard on November 14, 1972, for a regular overhaul. The work included maintenance and repairs to her propulsion machinery, shipboard equipment, electronics and weapons systems. After completing the overhaul on May 10, 1973, she underwent trials, refresher training and operational evaluations. During the remainder of 1973, LEAHY operated in Atlantic and Caribbean waters, preparing for her next Sixth Fleet assignment.
On January 4, 1974, LEAHY departed Norfolk for another Mediterranean deployment. She operated extensively with the battle group of USS AMERICA, conducting carrier escort duties, anti-aircraft warfare exercises and coordinated operations with other Sixth Fleet and NATO units. The deployment included visits to France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey. Throughout the cruise, LEAHY participated in air-defense and fleet tactical training while operating in the western, central and eastern Mediterranean. She returned to Norfolk on July 3, 1974, and subsequently resumed Atlantic Fleet exercises, upkeep and preparations for another overseas deployment.
LEAHY departed Norfolk on April 25, 1975, for her sixth and final Mediterranean deployment, which began with visits to northern European ports. Accompanied by USS TATTNALL (DDG 19), she arrived at Leningrad in the Soviet Union on May 12 for a five-day visit. The two ships became the first U.S. Navy warships to visit the Soviet Union since World War II. Rear Admiral Langille, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Twelve, was embarked during the visit.
The visit took place during a period of improving diplomatic relations between the United States and the Soviet Union and included official receptions, shipboard tours and exchanges between American and Soviet naval personnel. More than 12,300 Soviet visitors toured LEAHY during the five days. Members of her crew participated in sporting events and cultural activities, including visits to a hockey game and a performance by the Kirov Ballet. The ship also received a visit from actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was in Leningrad for the filming of The Blue Bird.
After departing Leningrad on May 17, LEAHY continued to Helsinki, Finland, and Portsmouth, England, before entering the Mediterranean. During the following months, she conducted Sixth Fleet operations and visited ports in Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece and Turkey. Her visit to Monaco coincided with American Independence Day celebrations and Princess Grace's Red Cross Ball. On July 1, 1975, LEAHY was reclassified from a guided missile frigate (DLG 16) to a guided missile cruiser (CG 16) as part of the Navy-wide reclassification of major surface combatants. The new designation reflected her primary role in providing area air defense for naval task forces. LEAHY completed the deployment and returned to Norfolk on October 23, 1975.
In January 1976, LEAHY was transferred from the Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific Fleet. After departing Norfolk, she transited the Panama Canal and proceeded to her new homeport of San Diego, California. During the following months, she conducted exercises and operational training off the West Coast. On June 6, 1976, LEAHY assisted the U.S. Coast Guard during a maritime emergency off southern California. The 120-foot research vessel Acquisition had caught fire and was in danger of sinking. LEAHY participated in the rescue response as the vessel's 19 occupants were evacuated and efforts were made to fight the fire. The damaged research vessel was eventually abandoned and sank.
On September 9, 1976, LEAHY entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a major overhaul, entering drydock on November 1. The shipyard period involved repairs and improvements to her engineering plant, fire-control systems, communications equipment and other shipboard systems. The modernization and overhaul continued into the summer of 1977 and was completed in August. Following sea trials, inspections and refresher training, LEAHY resumed operational duty with the Pacific Fleet.
On July 6, 1978, LEAHY departed San Diego for her first deployment to the Western Pacific. She operated with the battle group of USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64), providing anti-aircraft protection and participating in Seventh Fleet operations. During the deployment, LEAHY visited Hawaii, Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore and Guam. Her activities included exercises with U.S. and allied naval units, carrier escort operations and routine training in the Philippine Sea, South China Sea and adjacent waters. She returned to San Diego on February 19, 1979, completing her first extended Pacific deployment.
After maintenance and training off California, LEAHY departed San Diego on May 15, 1980, for her second Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment. The assignment took place during a period of increased American naval activity in the Indian Ocean following the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and the deterioration of regional security. LEAHY operated with carrier forces that included USS MIDWAY (CV 41) and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), providing anti-aircraft defense and participating in fleet exercises.
By September 1980, LEAHY was operating in the Arabian Sea. Following the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War that month, American naval forces maintained a presence in the region to monitor the conflict and protect U.S. interests. During October, LEAHY entered the Persian Gulf for a short period of air-defense operations connected with the regional security situation. Her deployment included visits to Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Diego Garcia and Kenya. LEAHY returned to San Diego on December 4, 1980.
On January 16, 1981, LEAHY entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for another major overhaul. During the shipyard period, her engineering systems, electronics and weapons equipment received extensive maintenance and modernization. Changes to her armament included the replacement of the original 3-inch gun mounts with Harpoon anti-ship missile capability and Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems, improving her ability to engage surface targets and defend against close-range air and missile threats. The overhaul continued into February 1982. Following completion of the shipyard work, LEAHY conducted sea trials, systems testing and refresher training in preparation for renewed Pacific Fleet operations.
LEAHY departed San Diego on March 20, 1983, for her third Western Pacific deployment. During this cruise, she operated with a surface battle group that included the recently recommissioned battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62). The deployment involved fleet tactical exercises, air-defense operations and visits to Hawaii, Adak in the Aleutian Islands, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Her operations covered the northern and western Pacific, including waters near Japan and the Korean Peninsula. LEAHY returned to San Diego on September 17, 1983.
During the following months, LEAHY conducted additional exercises and maintenance along the California coast. From May 4 to 6, 1984, she became involved in an incident with the Soviet Navy intelligence-collection vessel AZIYA, a BALZAM-class ship operating near the Pacific Missile Test Range off Point Mugu, California. The Soviet vessel had recovered an American target drone that had fallen into the sea during weapons testing. LEAHY was directed to recover the equipment, resulting in several days of communications and maneuvering near the Soviet vessel. After negotiations between the ships, the Soviet crew returned the drone components on May 6. The incident received attention because of Soviet access to American military test equipment during the continuing Cold War.
On October 18, 1984, LEAHY departed San Diego for her fourth Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment. She operated with the carrier battle group of USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), whose deployment had begun several days earlier. The carrier group conducted an extended period of operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, including more than three consecutive months of operations in the Indian Ocean. LEAHY provided anti-aircraft protection, participated in fleet tactical exercises and maintained operational readiness during sustained periods at sea.
The deployment included visits to Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, Kenya and Australia. Among the destinations were Mombasa, Kenya, and Perth, Australia. The cruise also involved replenishment operations, communications exercises and training intended to maintain the ships' ability to conduct coordinated operations over large distances. During this deployment, LEAHY received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for service performed between November 10, 1984, and May 7, 1985. She returned to San Diego on May 25, 1985.
Following her return, LEAHY underwent maintenance and continued tactical and weapons training in Pacific Fleet operating areas. On August 12, 1986, she departed for her fifth Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment, again operating with USS CARL VINSON and its battle group. During the deployment, LEAHY conducted anti-aircraft and anti-submarine exercises, maintained carrier escort stations and supported extended operations in the Indian Ocean. Her itinerary included Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, the Maldives, Kenya, Diego Garcia and Australia. The ship also operated in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters as part of the continuing American naval presence in the region. LEAHY returned to San Diego on February 6, 1987.
On July 27, 1987, LEAHY entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for an extensive New Threat Upgrade (NTU) modernization. The program was intended to improve the ability of older guided missile cruisers to counter increasingly sophisticated aircraft and anti-ship missiles. LEAHY received upgrades to her air-search and fire-control systems, combat-system computers and missile engagement capabilities. The improvements enhanced target tracking, threat evaluation and the employment of Standard surface-to-air missiles, allowing the ship to operate more effectively in conjunction with other modernized U.S. Navy combatants.
The shipyard period also included maintenance and repairs to major engineering and shipboard systems. The modernization continued until August 25, 1988. Following completion of the work, LEAHY underwent sea trials, weapons-system evaluations and refresher training before returning to normal Pacific Fleet operations.
On August 10, 1989, LEAHY departed San Diego for her sixth Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment. During the following six months, she operated in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, conducting maritime security patrols, anti-aircraft warfare training and exercises with other American and allied naval forces. Although the Iran-Iraq War had ended in a ceasefire in August 1988, the Persian Gulf remained an important area of American naval operations, particularly because of continuing regional tensions and the need to protect commercial shipping.
LEAHY's deployment included visits to Hawaii, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Bahrain, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Hong Kong. In the Arabian Gulf region, she conducted air-defense and surveillance duties and participated in operational training. LEAHY returned to San Diego on February 9, 1990.
In the summer of 1990, LEAHY participated in preparations for a Soviet naval visit to San Diego, an event arranged during a period of improving relations between the United States and the Soviet Union. From July 31 to August 4, three Soviet Navy ships visited the city: the destroyers ADMIRAL VINOGRADOV and BOYEVOY and the fleet tanker ARGUN. LEAHY served as the senior host ship, supported by USS MERRILL (DD 976) and USS McCLUSKY (FFG 41). The visit included official receptions, professional exchanges, tours and recreational activities involving the American and Soviet crews. It was the first visit by Soviet naval vessels to a U.S. West Coast naval base.
During the remainder of 1990 and early 1991, LEAHY conducted training, inspections and maintenance in preparation for another overseas deployment. On February 26, 1991, she departed San Diego for her seventh Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment. The deployment began during the concluding days of Operation Desert Storm, the coalition campaign launched in January 1991 following Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. Although major combat operations ended shortly after LEAHY sailed, the United States continued to maintain substantial naval forces in the Persian Gulf.
LEAHY arrived in the Gulf region in April 1991 and participated in postwar maritime security operations, including surveillance, air-defense duties and support for the continuing American naval presence. The aftermath of the war required coalition forces to maintain security in regional waters while Iraq's compliance with United Nations resolutions was monitored. During the deployment, LEAHY visited Hawaii, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Thailand and Hong Kong. She returned to San Diego on August 26, 1991.
During the following months, LEAHY continued operations with the Pacific Fleet. In June and July 1992, she participated in the multinational Rim of the Pacific exercise, RIMPAC 1992, conducted in Hawaiian waters. The exercise involved naval forces from several Pacific nations and included anti-aircraft warfare, surface warfare, anti-submarine exercises and coordinated fleet operations. LEAHY served as Anti-Air Warfare Commander, using the tactical designation "Alfa Whiskey", and participated in missile firing exercises involving Standard surface-to-air and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
On November 3, 1992, LEAHY departed San Diego for her eighth and final Western Pacific deployment. She operated as part of a battle group centered on USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). The deployment began with operations in the Pacific and subsequently extended into the Indian Ocean, where American naval forces were increasingly involved in the crisis in Somalia.
During December 1992, LEAHY was assigned to Operation Restore Hope, the American-led multinational intervention intended to secure humanitarian aid distribution in Somalia. Years of civil conflict, the breakdown of central government authority and widespread famine had severely disrupted the delivery of food and medical supplies. United Nations Security Council Resolution 794, adopted on December 3, authorized military measures to establish a secure environment for humanitarian relief operations. American naval forces moved into waters off Somalia to support the arrival of troops and supplies.
Operating off Mogadishu in December, LEAHY assumed an important air traffic control function for the multinational relief effort. The radar facilities at Mogadishu's airport were not functioning, complicating the handling of the large number of military and humanitarian aircraft transporting personnel, food, equipment and medical supplies into the country. Air traffic controllers from USS KITTY HAWK were embarked aboard LEAHY to establish an approach-control facility using the cruiser's radar and communications equipment.
E-2C Hawkeye early-warning aircraft operating from USS KITTY HAWK provided long-range surveillance and initial control of incoming aircraft. As the aircraft approached Mogadishu, controllers aboard LEAHY assumed responsibility for guiding them closer to the airport before transferring control to U.S. Marine personnel ashore for the final approach. This arrangement supported hundreds of military and United Nations relief flights and helped maintain the flow of supplies into Somalia during the initial phase of Operation Restore Hope.
On December 27, 1992, following repeated Iraqi violations of United Nations restrictions and increasing tensions over the no-fly zone in southern Iraq, USS KITTY HAWK and accompanying ships were ordered to leave the Somali operating area and proceed at high speed to the Persian Gulf. LEAHY and the fast combat support ship USS SACRAMENTO (AOE 1) accompanied the carrier during the transit.
On December 31, the carrier group passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf and joined other American naval forces, including USS COWPENS (CG 63) and USS JARRETT (FFG 33). LEAHY resumed air-defense and surveillance duties as part of the naval force supporting Operation Southern Watch, which enforced restrictions on Iraqi military aviation south of the 32nd parallel.
On January 13, 1993, following further Iraqi violations of United Nations resolutions, a coalition force of approximately 110 aircraft conducted strikes against Iraqi surface-to-air missile installations and command-and-control facilities. The force included 35 aircraft operating from USS KITTY HAWK, together with U.S. Air Force and allied aircraft. LEAHY remained with the naval force in the northern Persian Gulf, contributing to the air-defense posture and supporting the carrier group's operations. Further coalition air operations followed during January as tensions with Iraq continued.
During the remainder of her final deployment, LEAHY continued operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean before beginning the voyage back to California. Her return itinerary included ports in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Hawaii. LEAHY arrived at San Diego on May 3, 1993, completing her final overseas deployment.
During the return voyage, LEAHY was informed that she had earned the Battle Effectiveness Award, commonly known as the Battle "E", for the Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five competitive cycle covering January 1, 1991, through December 31, 1992. The ship also received mission-area excellence awards for anti-aircraft warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime warfare and power projection, command and control, supply, and engineering and survivability. She additionally received the Pacific Fleet's Anti-Air Warfare Excellence Award.
Following her return to San Diego, LEAHY entered the final months of her operational career. Budget reductions, changing fleet requirements and the growing reliance on newer Aegis-equipped guided missile cruisers and destroyers contributed to the retirement of older surface combatants, including ships of the LEAHY-class. After final preparations and the transfer of equipment and personnel, USS LEAHY was decommissioned at San Diego on October 1, 1993, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register the same day.
On October 8, 1993, the former cruiser was transferred to the Maritime Administration and placed in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet near Benicia, California. She remained in inactive storage for more than a decade while awaiting final disposal. During 2004, arrangements were made to transfer the ship to a dismantling facility in Texas. Ex-USS LEAHY was subsequently taken under tow by USNS NAVAJO (T-ATF 169) for the voyage from California toward the Panama Canal. After reaching the former Rodman Naval Station in Panama, she continued toward the Gulf of Mexico under tow by USNS MOHAWK (T-ATF 170). The former cruiser arrived at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Beaumont, Texas, on June 21, 2004.
On July 24, 2004, ex-LEAHY was moved to the International Shipbreaking Limited facility in Brownsville, Texas, where dismantling began in early August. The scrapping process was completed on July 6, 2005. Selected artifacts from the ship, including her bell and builder's plaque, were subsequently preserved. In October 2013, several items associated with LEAHY were placed on long-term loan to the Franklin County Historical Society Museum in Hampton, Iowa, for an exhibition commemorating Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy.
USS LEAHY's Commanding Officers:
| Period | Name |
|---|---|
| August 4, 1962 - July 7, 1964 | Captain Robert L. Baughan Jr., USN |
| July 8, 1964 - February 3, 1967 | Captain S. N. Anastasion, USN |
| February 4, 1967 - February 17, 1967 | Commander Charles J. Bauman Jr., USN |
| February 18, 1967 - May 3, 1968 | Captain Floyd W. Gooch Jr., USN |
| May 4, 1968 - July 22, 1969 | Captain William B. Murray Jr., USN |
| July 23, 1969 - February 19, 1971 | Captain Orlin N. Putman, USN |
| February 20, 1971 - September 11, 1972 | Captain Roy F. Hoffmann, USN |
| September 12, 1972 - July 31, 1974 | Captain Watt W. Jordan Jr., USN |
| August 1, 1974 - October 22, 1976 | Captain Alexander M. Sinclair, USN |
| October 23, 1976 - November 11, 1978 | Captain Samuel S. Pearlman, USN |
| November 12, 1978 - March 14, 1981 | Captain Charles H. Ulrich, USN |
| March 15, 1981 - July 22, 1983 | Captain Walter W. Salmon Jr., USN |
| July 23, 1983 - July 24, 1985 | Captain Fred W. Bailey, USN |
| July 25, 1985 - July 17, 1987 | Captain Gerald D. Anderson, USN |
| July 18, 1987 - October 31, 1989 | Captain James R. Stark, USN |
| November 1, 1989 - November 23, 1991 | Captain Richard D. West, USN |
| November 24, 1991 - June 19, 1993 | Captain William H. Smith, USN |
| June 20, 1993 - October 1, 1993 | Lieutenant Commander Mark T. Jaszkowski, USN |
USS LEAHY Image Gallery:
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