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USS England (CG 22)

USS ENGLAND was the seventh ship in the LEAHY - class of guided missile cruisers and the second ship in the Navy to bear the name. The name commemorated the destroyer escort USS ENGLAND (DE 635), which had been named in honor of Ensign John Charles England, who was killed aboard USS OKLAHOMA during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The first ENGLAND had received the Presidential Unit Citation for sinking six Japanese submarines during a twelve-day period in May 1944. CG 22 was last homeported in San Diego, Ca. After decommissioning, the ship was laid up at the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet in Benicia, Ca., until sold to International Shipbreaking Corp., Brownsville, Tx., for scrapping.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS ENGLAND. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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USS ENGLAND Cruise Books:

• WestPac Cruise Book 1968
• WestPac Cruise Book 1972
• WestPac Cruise Book 1979
• Persian Gulf Cruise Book 1990

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Accidents aboard USS ENGLAND:

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USS ENGLAND History:

USS ENGLAND was built by Todd Shipyards Corporation at San Pedro, California. Her keel was laid on October 4, 1960, and she was launched on March 6, 1962, sponsored by Mrs. Lucretia C. Engel. On March 30, 1962, while the ship was still under construction, an explosion and fire occurred at the shipyard in San Pedro, injuring 18 workers. Following completion of construction, fitting-out, and preliminary trials, ENGLAND was commissioned at Long Beach Naval Shipyard on December 7, 1963, with Captain William J. Caspari in command.

Following commissioning, ENGLAND began a period of trials, inspections, and shakedown training along the California coast. During 1964, the crew conducted engineering evaluations, missile-system qualifications, gunnery exercises, damage-control training, and other activities intended to prepare the ship for operational service with the Pacific Fleet. The testing included the integration of her radar and missile-control systems and the qualification of personnel responsible for operating the ship's combat equipment.

During the second half of 1964, ENGLAND continued her training and completed preparations for her first deployment to the Western Pacific. American naval forces were increasing their presence in Southeast Asia as the political and military situation in Vietnam deteriorated. Following the Gulf of Tonkin incidents in August 1964, the U.S. Seventh Fleet assumed an expanding role in providing carrier-based air support and conducting surveillance operations in waters off Vietnam.

In early 1965, ENGLAND began operations with Seventh Fleet forces in the Western Pacific. Her Vietnam-related service is officially documented for the periods from January 31 to March 2 and from March 12-21, 1965, for which the ship received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. During these operations, ENGLAND performed air-defense, surveillance, and escort duties in support of American naval units operating in Southeast Asian waters. The ship's long-range radar and guided missile systems were employed in the protection of carrier formations and the monitoring of aircraft operating in the region.

Throughout the remainder of 1965, ENGLAND continued participating in Pacific Fleet exercises and operational assignments. Her activities included radar surveillance, antisubmarine warfare training, missile-system evaluations, and the screening of aircraft carriers. Periods at sea were interrupted by maintenance and replenishment at naval facilities in the Western Pacific. In November 1965, Captain Leslie H. Shell relieved Captain Richard E. Brega as commanding officer. ENGLAND subsequently continued preparing for the increasing operational demands associated with American carrier operations off North Vietnam.

During 1966, ENGLAND operated extensively in the Gulf of Tonkin as American air operations against North Vietnam expanded. Aircraft carriers operating on Yankee Station launched repeated strikes against military installations, transportation facilities, and supply routes, while surface combatants provided surveillance, air defense, and search and rescue support. ENGLAND served on radar picket and search and rescue stations, where her equipment was used to identify and track aircraft, maintain communications with carrier formations, and contribute to the air-surveillance picture over the Gulf of Tonkin. These assignments required close coordination between the ship's combat information center, carrier air-control facilities, and helicopters assigned to rescue downed aviators.

When American aircraft were damaged during missions over North Vietnam, surface ships and helicopters operating on search and rescue stations were responsible for locating and recovering their crews. ENGLAND participated in these operations while maintaining readiness against possible air and surface threats. The ship's service from January 3 to June 6, 1966, earned her a Navy Unit Commendation. The award recognized her performance during the sustained operational period in the Gulf of Tonkin, including her contribution to air-defense surveillance and the recovery of American aircrews.

Following the operational period, ENGLAND continued Seventh Fleet assignments and underwent maintenance and replenishment. In September 1966, Captain Robert H. Ewing relieved Captain Shell as commanding officer.

During 1967, ENGLAND continued operating in the Western Pacific, including assignments connected with the American military campaign in Vietnam. Her activities included carrier screening, radar surveillance, air-defense exercises, and search and rescue support.

On March 9, 1967, ENGLAND sent a motor whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor to obtain operational briefings. This documented small-boat movement was associated with her activities in Vietnamese waters and provides a specific record of the ship's presence off the South Vietnamese coast. During periods away from the operational areas, ENGLAND conducted maintenance and training at Western Pacific naval facilities. Subic Bay, Philippines, and ports in Japan served as important logistical centers for American warships assigned to the Seventh Fleet.

In February 1968, Captain Gary A. Mitchell assumed command of ENGLAND. The ship subsequently continued operations in the Gulf of Tonkin during a period of intensified American air activity associated with the Tet Offensive and the continuing campaign against North Vietnamese military targets.

The 1968 Western Pacific deployment included repeated periods of radar surveillance, carrier support, and search and rescue assignments. Ships equipped with long-range antiaircraft missiles maintained stations from which they could monitor aircraft operating near North Vietnam and provide tactical information to carrier air-control organizations. ENGLAND's duties also included remaining ready to assist American aircrews forced to abandon aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin. During these operations, the ship maintained communications with helicopters and supporting aircraft assigned to combat search and rescue missions.

The deployment involved extended periods at sea, interrupted by maintenance, replenishment, and visits to ports in the Western Pacific. On July 30, 1968, ENGLAND again sent a motor whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mission briefings. The movement provides another documented connection between the ship and operational facilities supporting American naval activities along the South Vietnamese coast. During the remainder of 1968, ENGLAND continued fulfilling Seventh Fleet assignments in support of American operations in Southeast Asia. Her activities included air-defense surveillance, carrier escort duties, and participation in exercises intended to maintain the ship's antisubmarine warfare and guided missile capabilities.

In May 1969, Captain Oliver L. Norman Jr. relieved Captain Mitchell as commanding officer. During 1969 and the opening months of 1970, ENGLAND continued operations and training with the Pacific Fleet while preparations were made for a major modernization.

On April 10, 1970, ENGLAND was formally decommissioned to undergo an extensive overhaul at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The work was intended to modernize her combat systems and extend her operational service life. The modernization involved improvements to the ship's antiaircraft warfare capabilities, radar systems, missile-control equipment, communications facilities, and engineering machinery. The ship's combat information and tactical data-processing arrangements were modified to accommodate changes in naval weapons technology and the increasing importance of coordinated fleet air defense. Additional work included structural repairs, maintenance of the steam propulsion plant, electrical system improvements, and modifications to accommodations and auxiliary equipment. The crew organization was reestablished as the ship approached completion of the work.

On June 26, 1971, ENGLAND was recommissioned at Bath Iron Works, with Captain Joseph J. Paulis Jr. in command. Following recommissioning, she began a period of engineering trials, combat-system evaluations, and refresher training designed to qualify the ship and crew for renewed operational service. The training included navigation, damage control, weapons handling, missile-system operation, communications, and engineering readiness evaluations. After completing the necessary trials and preparations, ENGLAND returned to the Pacific Fleet and resumed activities associated with Seventh Fleet operations.

In 1972, ENGLAND deployed again to the Western Pacific during one of the most intensive periods of American naval operations in the Vietnam War. The deployment extended from May into December and coincided with the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive, which began on March 30, and the subsequent expansion of American air and naval operations.

The United States responded to the offensive by increasing carrier strikes, naval gunfire support, and maritime operations against North Vietnamese military and logistical targets. In May 1972, Operation Pocket Money introduced naval mines into the approaches to Haiphong and other North Vietnamese ports, while Operation Linebacker expanded the air campaign against military and transportation targets. ENGLAND operated in the Gulf of Tonkin during this period, carrying out air-defense, radar surveillance, and search and rescue responsibilities. Her long-range missile systems and radar equipment were particularly relevant to operations involving large numbers of American aircraft flying near North Vietnamese air-defense positions.

The ship served on northern search and rescue stations, where surface combatants and helicopters remained prepared to recover aviators forced down during combat missions. These stations required continuous surveillance of aircraft movements and coordination with supporting fighter aircraft and rescue helicopters. During one of her operational periods, ENGLAND was accompanied by the destroyer escort USS ROARK (DE 1053), which served as a close protective escort, or shotgun, while ENGLAND performed her radar and search and rescue duties. ROARK also served in this role with the guided missile frigate USS BIDDLE (DLG 34).

The presence of a close escort provided additional antisubmarine and surface-defense capabilities while the radar and missile ships maintained stations associated with search and rescue operations off North Vietnam. The ships operated in waters where American aircraft were conducting frequent missions and where naval units were required to respond rapidly to reports of downed aircrews.

ENGLAND continued operating in the Gulf of Tonkin through the summer and autumn of 1972. Her responsibilities included the tracking and identification of aircraft, maintenance of the recognized air picture, and coordination with other Seventh Fleet units supporting the air campaign. In October 1972, Commander James R. Hogg relieved Captain Paulis as commanding officer while ENGLAND was deployed in the Western Pacific. The change of command occurred during the final months of the extended Vietnam deployment.

The ship's service from May 30 to December 3, 1972, earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. The award recognized her contribution to American naval operations during the period of intensive combat activity associated with the Easter Offensive and the Linebacker campaign. Following completion of the deployment, ENGLAND returned to the United States for maintenance and preparations for further operations.

In early 1973, ENGLAND resumed Pacific Fleet training while the political and military situation in Vietnam underwent major changes. The Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973, establishing a ceasefire and providing for the withdrawal of American combat forces. American naval forces nevertheless continued maintaining a presence in the Western Pacific.

In June 1973, ENGLAND began another extended Western Pacific deployment under the command of Commander Hogg. The voyage continued until January 1974 and took place during the period following the formal end of direct American combat operations in Vietnam. During this deployment, ENGLAND participated in Seventh Fleet operational assignments, carrier support activities, and training exercises. American naval forces continued monitoring developments in Southeast Asia while maintaining commitments to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other regional partners.

The cruiser also conducted air-defense and antisubmarine warfare exercises intended to maintain readiness against potential threats from Soviet naval and air forces operating in the northwestern Pacific. Following completion of the deployment in January 1974, ENGLAND returned to the United States and resumed maintenance and training. The ship continued participating in Pacific Fleet exercises during the following months.

On October 5, 1974, Commander John M. Poindexter relieved Commander Hogg as commanding officer. Under his command, ENGLAND continued participating in operational readiness exercises, weapons qualifications, and fleet training. On June 30, 1975, ENGLAND was redesignated from guided missile frigate DLG 22 to guided missile cruiser CG 22 as part of the Navy-wide reclassification of major surface combatants. The change reflected the revised classification of large missile-armed ships capable of performing fleet air-defense and other cruiser missions.

During the remainder of 1975, ENGLAND continued Pacific Fleet operations. Her activities included maintenance, weapons-system qualifications, and exercises with other surface combatants and carrier formations. On April 30, 1976, Captain C. Neil Ammerman relieved Commander Poindexter as commanding officer. ENGLAND continued training and operational assignments throughout the year, maintaining her ability to operate with aircraft carrier battle groups in the Western Pacific. The ship received a Battle Efficiency Award for the evaluation period from January 1, 1976, to June 30, 1977. The award recognized performance across several areas of operational readiness, including combat systems, engineering, and crew training.

During 1977, ENGLAND continued Pacific Fleet exercises and maintenance. Her assignments included fleet maneuvering, air-defense training, antisubmarine warfare exercises, and readiness evaluations. During the latter part of the decade, her combat capabilities were further improved through the introduction of Harpoon antiship missiles, providing a longer-range weapon against surface targets.

On May 26, 1978, Captain Hugh L. Webster relieved Captain Ammerman as commanding officer. ENGLAND subsequently continued preparations for another Western Pacific deployment during a period of growing political instability in the Middle East.

In 1979, ENGLAND deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The deployment coincided with the Iranian Revolution and increasing concern about the security of American diplomatic personnel and regional maritime routes. During the opening months of 1979, the collapse of the Iranian monarchy and the establishment of a new political order in Iran led to uncertainty throughout the Persian Gulf region. American naval forces maintained a presence in the northern Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea while monitoring developments and remaining available for contingency operations.

ENGLAND participated in these operations from April 7 to June 6, 1979, a period for which she received the Navy Expeditionary Medal for service connected with Iran and the Indian Ocean. During the assignment, ENGLAND conducted surveillance, air-defense readiness operations, and exercises with other American naval forces. Her missile and radar systems supported the protection of naval formations operating in the region, while the ship maintained communications and operational readiness during extended periods at sea. Following the Indian Ocean operations, ENGLAND continued her deployment in Southeast Asian waters.

On July 26, 1979, ENGLAND encountered a sinking boat carrying Vietnamese refugees in the Gulf of Thailand. The small craft was in distress, and its occupants were unable to continue their voyage safely. ENGLAND rescued all 44 refugees from the vessel. The ship's crew provided assistance to the survivors, including food, water, medical attention, and temporary accommodations while arrangements were made for their subsequent transfer to appropriate authorities. The rescue took place during the continuing exodus of refugees from Vietnam and other parts of Indochina following the end of the Vietnam War. Large numbers of people attempted to reach neighboring countries in small boats, often facing dangerous weather, mechanical failures, shortages of supplies, and attacks by pirates.

For the rescue operation on July 26, 1979, ENGLAND received the Humanitarian Service Medal. The event was among the ship's documented humanitarian operations during her service in the Western Pacific. Following completion of the deployment, ENGLAND resumed Pacific Fleet assignments. During the remainder of 1979, the ship conducted training and maintenance while preparing for further operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants occupied the United States Embassy in Tehran and took American diplomatic personnel hostage. The crisis led to an increase in American naval activity in the northern Indian Ocean, where aircraft carriers and surface combatants maintained a presence near the approaches to the Persian Gulf.

In 1980, ENGLAND operated with the Seventh Fleet in the Indian Ocean during the continuing Iranian hostage crisis. Her assignments included carrier escort, air-defense surveillance, and exercises with other American naval units. During this period, ENGLAND operated as part of a formation centered on the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). A contemporary Navy photograph documents ENGLAND in the Indian Ocean with MIDWAY, the fast combat support ship USS CAMDEN (AOE 2), the guided missile destroyer USS ROBISON (DDG 12), the destroyer USS ELLIOT (DD 967), and the frigate USS DOWNES (FF 1070).

The formation conducted operations during a period when American aircraft carriers were maintaining a sustained presence in the Indian Ocean. Surface combatants provided antiair warfare protection, surveillance, antisubmarine warfare capabilities, and coordination with aircraft conducting routine patrols and training missions. ENGLAND participated in these assignments while maintaining the combat readiness of her guided missile and radar systems. Extended operations at sea required frequent replenishment and maintenance of the ship's engineering and weapons equipment.

On August 2, 1980, Captain Henry H. Mauz Jr. assumed command of ENGLAND, relieving Captain Webster. The ship continued operations and training under his command. ENGLAND received a second Battle Efficiency Award for the evaluation period from January 1, 1979, to June 30, 1980. The award covered a period that included the Indian Ocean deployment and the humanitarian rescue in the Gulf of Thailand.

During 1981 and 1982, ENGLAND continued operating with Pacific Fleet and Seventh Fleet forces. Her activities included exercises with aircraft carrier battle groups, missile-system training, antisubmarine warfare operations, and surveillance missions in the Western Pacific. The ship's operational schedule included training in waters surrounding Japan and the Philippines and preparations for extended deployments. The continuing Cold War confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union required American naval forces in the Pacific to monitor Soviet surface ships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft.

ENGLAND's long-range radar and guided missile systems enabled her to perform air-defense assignments within carrier formations, while her sonar and antisubmarine weapons contributed to the defensive capabilities of the group. In October 1982, Captain Donald L. Gurke assumed command of ENGLAND. During the following year, the cruiser continued exercises and maintenance intended to preserve her operational readiness.

During 1983, ENGLAND participated in further Western Pacific operations and replenishment exercises. Contemporary photographs document the ship operating at sea with fleet support vessels and show the Harpoon antiship missile launchers installed during her earlier modernization.

The ship continued conducting surveillance and training during a period of extensive American and Soviet naval activity in the Pacific. Carrier battle groups were regularly required to maintain air-defense readiness while Soviet reconnaissance aircraft monitored their movements.

During 1984, ENGLAND continued her assignments with the Pacific Fleet, including air-defense exercises, weapons qualifications, and operations with American and allied surface ships. These activities involved the coordination of radar information and the use of missile fire-control equipment during simulated attacks by aircraft and surface targets. In September 1984, Captain Gerald L. Dunn assumed command of ENGLAND. The ship subsequently continued preparations for further deployments and modernization.

During 1985, ENGLAND operated in the Pacific and participated in training intended to maintain the readiness of her weapons, engineering, and communications systems. By this time, the Navy was preparing to introduce major improvements to the combat capabilities of several older guided missile cruiser classes. The increasing range, speed, and sophistication of antiship missiles had created new requirements for fleet air-defense systems. In response, the Navy developed the New Threat Upgrade program to improve radar performance, target tracking, missile control, and the ability to engage multiple air threats.

In 1986, ENGLAND was selected to become the first Pacific Fleet ship to receive the New Threat Upgrade. The modernization was scheduled as part of a regular overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. On September 6, 1986, Captain George M. Musick III relieved Captain Dunn as commanding officer. In October, ENGLAND entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for the major modernization.

The NTU program included improvements to the ship's radar and missile-control systems, changes to the combat information center, and modifications to the Naval Tactical Data System. The work was intended to improve the detection, tracking, and engagement of aircraft and antiship missiles, particularly during attacks involving several simultaneous targets. The modernization included upgrades associated with the AN/SPS-48 three-dimensional air-search radar, the AN/SPS-49 two-dimensional air-search radar, and the SPG-55 missile fire-control system. The improvements increased the effectiveness of the ship's Standard surface-to-air missile capability and the coordination of engagements with other naval units. Additional work included maintenance and improvements to communications and electronic warfare systems, propulsion machinery, electrical equipment, and other shipboard installations.

The overhaul continued into 1987. Following completion of the principal shipyard work, ENGLAND underwent engineering inspections, combat-system tests, missile-control evaluations, and refresher training intended to qualify the modernized equipment and restore operational readiness. After completing the modernization, ENGLAND resumed Pacific Fleet operations and preparations for further Western Pacific deployments.

During September 1987, ENGLAND was operating in the Western Pacific with Battle Group ALFA, centered on USS MIDWAY. The battle group conducted coordinated air-defense, antisubmarine warfare, surface warfare, and replenishment operations during its deployment. On September 28, 1987, ENGLAND was photographed in formation with USS REEVES (CG 24), the destroyer USS OLDENDORF (DD 972), the guided missile destroyers USS TOWERS (DDG 9) and USS COCHRANE (DDG 21), and the frigates USS KIRK (FF 1087) and USS KNOX (FF 1052), together with additional combat support ships. The formation was operating in the Makassar Strait, Indonesia, when the photographs were taken. The images provide a documented record of ENGLAND's participation in the carrier battle group during the final years of the Cold War.

As part of Battle Group ALFA, ENGLAND contributed to the formation's air-defense capabilities and participated in the coordination of radar surveillance, communications, and tactical exercises. The ship continued Pacific Fleet operations during the remainder of 1987, including training and maintenance following the NTU modernization.

During 1988, ENGLAND maintained her operational assignments with the Pacific Fleet. Her activities included readiness evaluations, air-defense exercises, and preparations for further operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. On August 12, 1988, Captain Coenraad Van der Schroeff relieved Captain Musick as commanding officer. The ship continued operating during a period of considerable naval activity associated with the Iran-Iraq War and the protection of merchant shipping in the Persian Gulf.

During 1989, ENGLAND participated in operations in the Persian Gulf region. A contemporary Navy photograph documents the cruiser at anchor in the Gulf, where American warships maintained a presence to support maritime security and the protection of shipping. These operations followed the conclusion of the Iran-Iraq War in August 1988. Although the ceasefire had reduced direct hostilities between Iran and Iraq, American naval forces continued patrolling important shipping routes and monitoring developments in the region.

During periods away from operational assignments, ENGLAND continued training and maintenance to preserve the reliability of her steam propulsion plant, radar equipment, and missile systems.

In 1990, ENGLAND was again operating in the Persian Gulf as tensions increased following Iraqi threats against Kuwait. The ship was assigned to the American Middle East Force, which maintained a continuous naval presence in the region.

On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, beginning a major international crisis. At the time of the invasion, ENGLAND was already on station in the southern Persian Gulf, together with the guided missile frigate USS REID (FFG 30) and the frigate USS BARBEY (FF 1088).

The United States began Operation Desert Shield to deter further Iraqi military advances and support the defense of Saudi Arabia. American naval forces in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters were assigned additional responsibilities as the United Nations imposed economic sanctions against Iraq. United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 established sanctions against Iraq, including restrictions on imports and exports. The American naval presence subsequently became involved in a multinational maritime interception effort intended to monitor commercial shipping and identify cargoes prohibited under the sanctions.

On August 17, 1990, United States Central Command directed the commencement of maritime interception operations. Naval units began questioning merchant vessels by radio to determine their nationality, cargo, port of origin, and destination. The first American maritime interception occurred in the Red Sea, where USS JOHN L. HALL (FFG 32) questioned the Iraqi tanker AL FAO. The tanker was determined to be empty and was permitted to continue its voyage.

Approximately four hours later, ENGLAND conducted the first American interception in the Persian Gulf. She challenged two northbound Iraqi vessels, AL ABID and AL BYAA, requesting information concerning their cargoes and destinations. Both vessels initially refused to stop, claiming that they were empty and returning to their homeport. Their masters also reported that their crews had only limited food and water remaining aboard. After considering the vessels' apparent condition and the circumstances, ENGLAND permitted them to continue rather than attempting a nighttime boarding.

On August 18, 1990, maritime interception operations intensified. USS REID fired warning shots across the bow of an Iraqi tanker that refused to comply with instructions. Other American vessels also began conducting inspections and enforcing the sanctions against merchant traffic. During the same day, a boarding team from ENGLAND carried out the first documented American boarding and inspection of a merchant vessel during the operation. The vessel was the Chinese freighter HENG CHUNG HAI.

The boarding party inspected the ship's cargo and shipping documents to determine whether it was carrying supplies prohibited under the United Nations sanctions against Iraq. The inspection established that the vessel was empty, and the freighter was permitted to proceed. The boarding represented an early stage in the development of the maritime interception procedures subsequently used by American and allied naval forces during Operation Desert Shield. These procedures involved radio challenges, verification of shipping documents, cargo inspections, and the diversion of vessels carrying prohibited goods.

As the interception operation expanded, American warships coordinated their patrols with naval forces from other countries participating in the enforcement of United Nations sanctions. Merchant vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz and other important maritime routes were monitored, questioned, and, when necessary, boarded.

ENGLAND continued her maritime surveillance and interception assignments in the Persian Gulf during the following weeks. Her responsibilities included monitoring shipping movements, maintaining communications with other naval units, and conducting air-defense surveillance while operating in a region where Iraqi aircraft and naval units remained potential threats.

The cruiser maintained readiness to respond to incidents involving commercial vessels or military forces operating in the Persian Gulf. Her long-range radar and Standard missile systems provided additional defensive capabilities during the maritime interception operations. Throughout September and October 1990, ENGLAND continued participating in Operation Desert Shield. American naval forces in the Middle East expanded considerably as additional carrier battle groups, amphibious forces, and support ships arrived in the region.

The international maritime interception effort also expanded, with ships from several allied navies assisting in the enforcement of the sanctions. Surface combatants monitored commercial vessels and coordinated boarding operations while carrier forces maintained air patrols and other defensive activities. On September 14, 1990, Captain James W. Orvis relieved Captain Van der Schroeff as commanding officer of ENGLAND. The change occurred during the cruiser's extended deployment associated with the Gulf crisis.

ENGLAND continued operating in the region into November. Her service from August 2 to November 1, 1990, earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. The ship also qualified for the Southwest Asia Service Medal for the period from August 2 to November 3. On November 1, 1990, ENGLAND was photographed underway in the Gulf of Oman with the frigate USS BREWTON (FF 1086). The photograph documents the final period of her deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield.

Following completion of her Middle East assignment, ENGLAND proceeded toward the Western Pacific. By November 16, 1990, she was in Hong Kong, where contemporary photographs show the cruiser in harbor. The return to the Western Pacific ended the documented 1990 operational period associated with Desert Shield and ENGLAND subsequently returned to her homeport.

During 1991, ENGLAND continued serving with the Pacific Fleet as the Navy adjusted its operational commitments following the Gulf War and the end of the Cold War. The ship maintained her training and operational readiness while the Navy began planning reductions in the number of older steam-powered cruisers and destroyers. The modernized combat systems installed during the NTU overhaul remained part of the cruiser's operational capabilities. Continued maintenance and technical inspections were required to sustain the reliability of the ship's engineering and missile systems.

During 1992, ENGLAND continued operations in the Western Pacific. Contemporary Navy photographs document her underway during the year, including a transit from Sasebo, Japan, toward Hong Kong in early March. The withdrawal of American forces from Naval Station Subic Bay, Philippines, formed an important part of the changing American military presence in the Western Pacific during this period. Following the decision not to renew the American military base agreement, the United States began reducing operations at Subic Bay and preparing to transfer the installation to Philippine authorities.

During 1992, ENGLAND made her final departure from Subic Bay before the closure of the American naval facility. A contemporary photograph shows the cruiser being assisted out of the harbor by a Navy harbor tug. The departure marked the end of her visits to a facility that had served as a major logistical and maintenance base throughout much of her operational career.

ENGLAND subsequently continued Pacific Fleet operations and returned to the United States. During the remainder of 1992, the ship underwent maintenance and participated in training and readiness activities while the Navy continued reviewing the future of older guided missile cruisers. On August 8, 1992, Captain Peter J. Gaskin II relieved Captain Orvis as commanding officer. He would remain in command during the final period of the ship's commissioned service.

During 1993, ENGLAND continued operating from San Diego, California, her final homeport. The Navy was reducing the number of older surface combatants in active service following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the resulting changes in American defense planning. The LEAHY-class cruisers had been designed during the early Cold War primarily for fleet air defense and antisubmarine warfare. By the beginning of the 1990s, newer combatants equipped with advanced radar, missile, and propulsion systems were replacing many of the older steam-powered vessels.

Although ENGLAND had received substantial modernization during her service life, the ship was selected for retirement as part of the Navy's force reductions. During her final months in commission, the crew carried out preparations for inactivation, including the removal of ammunition and equipment, administrative processing, and the securing of shipboard systems.

On January 21, 1994, USS ENGLAND was decommissioned at San Diego, California, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the same date. Her retirement ended more than 30 years of commissioned service. Following decommissioning, the former ENGLAND was transferred to the custody of the Maritime Administration on February 22, 1994, and laid up in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet near Benicia, California. The former cruiser remained in inactive status for several years while awaiting final disposal. She was eventually sold for scrapping to International Shipbreaking Corporation in Brownsville, Texas. After being transferred to the dismantling facility, ENGLAND underwent the removal of remaining equipment and the systematic breakup of her hull and superstructure. The scrapping process was completed on October 20, 2004.

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USS ENGLAND's Commanding Officers:

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About the Ship's Name, about Ensign John Charles England, USNR:

John Charles England was born in Harris, Mo., on December 11, 1920. His family then moved to Alhambra, Ca. where he attended Alhambra High School. He later attended Pasadena City College, Pasadena, California, graduating in spring 1940.

He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an Apprentice Seaman at Los Angeles on September 6, 1940 After active duty training on board the USS NEW YORK from November 25, to December 21, 1940 he attended Naval Reserve Midshipman's School, New York, N.Y., and was appointed Midshipman, USNR, March 6, 1941. He completed his training on June 5 and was commissioned Ensign, USNR, June 6, 1941.

He was next assigned duty under instruction at the Naval Radio School, Norton Heights, Connecticut, reposting June 20, 1941. Upon detachment from school, he reported on September 3, 1941 to the USS OKLAHOMA (BB 37) at Pear Harbor.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, just four days from his 21st birthday John C. England volunteered to work in the ships radio room for a friend so that he might have more time with his family when they arrived. That morning the Japanese attacked Pear Harbor and the USS OKLAHOMA was one of their first targets.

OKLAHOMA was moored Battleship Row 7, outboard alongside MARYLAND. USS OKLAHOMA took 3 torpedo hits almost immediately after the first Japanese bombs fell. As she began to capsize, 2 more torpedoes struck home, and her men were strafed as they abandoned ship. Within 20 minutes after the attack began, she had swung over until halted by her masts touching bottom, her starboard side above water, and a part of her keel clear.

Ensign England survived the initial attack and escaped topside as the ship was capsizing. He remembered the men still in the radio room. He returned three times to the radio room, each time guiding a man to safety. He left to go back below decks for the fourth time and was never seen again. He was one of twenty officers and 395 enlisted men who were killed on board USS OKLAHOMA that morning. Ensign England's gallant effort saved three, but cost him his own life.

His family would hear of his death by Postal Telegram sent by Rear Admiral Nimitz on December 16, 1941.

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USS ENGLAND Image Gallery:

The two photos below are from International Shipbreaking Corp., Brownsville, Tx. The photo on the left shows the ENGLAND arriving at Brownsville and the photo on the right shows the cruiser being scrapped.

The two photos below were taken and contributed by Michael Martin and show the ENGLAND being scrapped at International Shipbreaking Corp., Brownsville, Tx., on February 27, 2004.

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