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USS Halsey (CG 23)

Coat of Arms contributed by Douglas West

USS HALSEY was the eighth ship in the LEAHY-class of guided missile cruisers and the first ship in the Navy named after Fleet Admiral Halsey. The commissioning ceremony of USS HALSEY even included a eulogy by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, on Fleet Admiral Halsey's illustrious career.

Commissioned as a guided missile frigate and later reclassified a guided missile cruiser on June 30, 1975, HALSEY was decommissioned and stricken from the Navy Register on January 28, 1994 at San Diego. Transferred March 7 the same year to the Maritime Administration, she was laid up at the Suisun Bay, CA. reserve to await final disposal. HALSEY was 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 HALSEY. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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• Click here to see which USS HALSEY memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS HALSEY Cruise Books:

• Recommissioning and WestPac Cruise Book 1972-74
• WestPac Cruise Book 1984
• WestPac Cruise Book 1991-92

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USS HALSEY's Commanding Officers:

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• Click here to read more about the Ship's Namesake - Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr.

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USS HALSEY History:

Built at San Francisco Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California, USS HALSEY's keel was laid on August 26, 1960. She was launched on January 15, 1962, sponsored by Mrs. Margaret Denham and Miss Jane Halsey, granddaughters of the late Fleet Admiral. HALSEY was commissioned on July 20, 1963, with Captain Herbert H. Anderson in command. The commissioning ceremony included an address by Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who had commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II.

Following commissioning, HALSEY remained in the San Francisco Bay area for initial training, inspections, and equipment evaluations. On November 25, 1963, she departed San Francisco for Dabob Bay and Carr Island in Washington State, where she conducted antisubmarine warfare system alignment tests and acoustic noise measurements. These trials continued until December 7.

HALSEY arrived at her new homeport of San Diego, California, on December 11, 1963. Two days later, she was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 7, Destroyer Division 71. From December 15-18, the ship participated in a special demonstration of American naval power for the Secretary of the Navy, serving as screen commander during the exercise.

During the opening months of 1964, HALSEY conducted extensive weapons qualifications and operational evaluations. From January 15 to February 14, she tested her missile launchers, fire-control systems, and associated equipment. On February 10, 1964, she fired her first guided missiles on the Pacific Missile Range. Additional engineering trials, communications exercises, and combat-system evaluations followed. On March 16, 1964, HALSEY began her shakedown cruise, conducting training and exercises intended to prepare the crew for extended operations. The cruise continued until May 1. She subsequently returned to San Francisco Naval Shipyard on May 15 for post-shakedown repairs and modifications. The shipyard period ended on July 17, and HALSEY resumed operations with the Pacific Fleet.

During her early service, HALSEY also participated in an evaluation of a revised internal shipboard organization. The arrangement placed weapons systems and Combat Information Center functions under a single combat officer, while hull maintenance and communications administration were organized separately. The experiment was intended to improve the coordination of the increasingly complex combat systems installed aboard guided missile ships. During the remainder of 1964 and throughout 1965, HALSEY conducted training and operational assignments along the Pacific coast. These activities included air-defense exercises, missile qualifications, antisubmarine warfare training, engineering inspections, and operations with other Pacific Fleet units. The ship continued preparing for the increasing demands placed on American naval forces as the United States expanded its military involvement in Vietnam.

On July 2, 1966, HALSEY departed San Diego for a deployment to the Western Pacific. She proceeded toward Subic Bay, Philippines, a principal support facility for American naval operations in Southeast Asia. The deployment took place during a period of sustained carrier-based air operations against targets in North and South Vietnam. By August 1966, HALSEY was conducting antisubmarine warfare and air-sea rescue operations in the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin. Her duties included protecting aircraft carrier formations, maintaining radar surveillance of aircraft operating over the Gulf, and providing search and rescue support for American aircrews conducting combat missions over North Vietnam.

The ship operated on radar picket and search and rescue stations in the Gulf of Tonkin, where American surface combatants maintained continuous communications with carrier aircraft and monitored activity along the North Vietnamese coast. When aircraft were damaged or aircrews were forced to eject, ships assigned to search and rescue stations coordinated helicopter and surface recovery operations. During her Vietnam service, HALSEY participated in the recovery of approximately 16 American airmen during two operational cruises in the Gulf of Tonkin. These rescue operations formed an important part of her duties and involved coordination between the ship's operations personnel, embarked helicopter detachments, and aircraft providing rescue combat air patrols.

Periods of operations off Vietnam were interrupted by maintenance, replenishment, and crew rest in Western Pacific ports. Subic Bay provided repair and logistical support, while facilities in Japan supported additional maintenance and training. On December 5, 1966, HALSEY departed Yokosuka, Japan, for the United States. She arrived at San Diego on December 21, completing her deployment.

During the first quarter of 1967, HALSEY conducted training exercises along the California coast. Her activities included missile and gunnery training, engineering inspections, and operational readiness evaluations. On April 10, she departed San Diego for a scheduled overhaul at San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard. The overhaul continued through August 1967 and included maintenance of the ship's propulsion machinery, weapons systems, sensors, and auxiliary equipment. Following completion of the work, HALSEY returned to sea in September and resumed exercises intended to restore operational readiness.

During the final months of 1967, HALSEY prepared for another Western Pacific deployment. The United States was continuing extensive naval air operations against North Vietnam, and guided missile ships were assigned to provide air defense, radar surveillance, and rescue support for carrier forces.

In early 1968, HALSEY returned to the Western Pacific and resumed operations in the Gulf of Tonkin. During this deployment, she operated in support of American aircraft carrier forces, including units associated with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN 65) and the nuclear-powered guided missile frigate USS TRUXTUN (DLGN 35). Her assignments included surveillance of aircraft operating over North Vietnam, antisubmarine warfare exercises, and the maintenance of search and rescue stations near the North Vietnamese coast. These duties required close coordination with carrier air wings and rescue helicopters assigned to recover downed aviators.

On April 15, 1968, HALSEY participated in a combat search and rescue operation following the collision of two F-4B Phantom II fighters from Fighter Squadron 114, operating from the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63). The aircraft collided while returning from a combat mission near Vinh, North Vietnam, and all four crew members ejected into the Gulf of Tonkin close to the coast. At the time, HALSEY was operating on a southern search and rescue station with helicopters from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven embarked. Following notification of the accident, the ship prepared her helicopters for immediate launch.

An SH-3A Sea King rescue helicopter, operating under the call sign Big Mother 71, and a UH-2B Seasprite, operating as Clementine Two, were dispatched toward the reported location of the survivors. The two helicopters located the airmen close to the North Vietnamese coast, where shore-based forces were firing on the rescue operation. American aircraft in the area provided protective fire while the helicopters maneuvered to recover the four airmen. Despite the proximity of enemy positions and the continuing gunfire, all four were successfully rescued. The operation was subsequently documented in the rescue reports of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven.

HALSEY continued operational assignments in the Gulf of Tonkin during the following months. Her duties included maintaining radar surveillance, supporting carrier flight operations, and remaining ready to provide emergency assistance to aircrews operating over North Vietnam.

During 1969, HALSEY continued Western Pacific service as American naval forces supported combat operations in Vietnam. Her assignments included air-defense and search and rescue operations in the Gulf of Tonkin and exercises with Seventh Fleet units. American naval activities during this period also included the monitoring of developments near the Korean Peninsula following incidents involving North Korean forces and American reconnaissance aircraft.

HALSEY participated in contingency operations in waters near Korea during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The presence of American naval forces in the Sea of Japan was associated with continuing tensions following the seizure of the intelligence ship USS PUEBLO in January 1968 and the destruction of a U.S. Navy EC-121 reconnaissance aircraft by North Korean fighters in April 1969.

During 1970, HALSEY again operated in the Western Pacific, including assignments with carrier forces associated with USS HANCOCK (CVA 19). Her duties included carrier screening, radar surveillance, antisubmarine warfare training, and search and rescue support. The ship continued to use naval facilities in Japan and the Philippines for replenishment and maintenance during these operations.

In 1971, HALSEY continued Pacific Fleet assignments, including operations in waters near Vietnam and Korea. During the first part of the year, she participated in further naval activities associated with the American military presence in Southeast Asia and the northwestern Pacific. Following the completion of these assignments, HALSEY returned to the United States and prepared for an extensive overhaul and modernization. On October 27, 1971, she entered Bath Iron Works at Bath, Maine, where major alterations were scheduled.

On November 4, 1971, HALSEY was formally decommissioned to permit the extensive shipyard work to proceed. Her machinery, weapons systems, electrical installations, and combat equipment were subjected to major maintenance and modernization. Structural modifications and improvements to accommodations and supporting facilities were also undertaken. The modernization continued through 1972. During this period, the ship's equipment was prepared for renewed service, and the crew organization was rebuilt as the work approached completion. Personnel conducted familiarization training, technical inspections, and preparations for the return of the ship to active operations.

On December 16, 1972, HALSEY was recommissioned at Bath Iron Works, with Captain Joseph D. Nolan in command. Following the ceremony, the ship began post-overhaul tests and preparations for the return voyage to the Pacific Fleet.

During the opening months of 1973, HALSEY conducted engineering and combat-system trials following the modernization. These included evaluations of propulsion equipment, missile systems, radar installations, communications facilities, and auxiliary machinery. The ship subsequently underwent refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the crew completed navigation, engineering, damage-control, gunnery, and combat readiness exercises. Following completion of the training period, HALSEY proceeded through the Panama Canal and returned to San Diego.

During the remainder of 1973, HALSEY continued operational training and preparations for another Western Pacific deployment. The activities included missile and gunnery exercises, antisubmarine warfare training, engineering inspections, and exercises with other Pacific Fleet units.

During 1974, HALSEY deployed again to the Western Pacific. The deployment involved operations with Seventh Fleet forces in the waters surrounding Japan, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. Although the United States had withdrawn its principal combat forces from Vietnam under the Paris Peace Accords, American naval units continued maintaining a presence in the region.

HALSEY participated in air-defense and antisubmarine warfare exercises, fleet surveillance operations, and carrier support assignments during the deployment. The ship also conducted training intended to evaluate the performance of the combat systems installed during the 1971-1972 modernization.

The deployment included visits to Western Pacific ports for replenishment, maintenance, and crew rest. Following completion of the Western Pacific assignment, HALSEY returned to San Diego and resumed Pacific Fleet training and maintenance.

On June 30, 1975, HALSEY was redesignated from guided missile frigate DLG 23 to guided missile cruiser CG 23 as part of the Navy-wide reclassification of major surface combatants. The change reflected the Navy's revised classification system for large guided missile ships equipped for fleet air defense and other surface warfare missions.

During 1975 and 1976, HALSEY continued operating with the Pacific Fleet. Her activities included weapons qualifications, engineering inspections, operational training, and deployments to the Western Pacific. She participated in exercises with carrier formations and other surface combatants while maintaining her capabilities in air defense, antisubmarine warfare, and maritime surveillance.

During 1977, HALSEY underwent another significant maintenance and modernization period at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The work included improvements to the ship's weapons and combat systems as well as maintenance of engineering machinery and supporting equipment. During the modernization undertaken in the latter part of the decade, the ship's original 3-inch/50-caliber gun mounts were removed and replaced by the Harpoon antiship missile system. The installation provided HALSEY with the ability to engage surface targets at considerably greater ranges than had been possible with her earlier gun armament. Additional improvements were made to missile fire-control equipment, electronic systems, and other combat installations. These alterations were part of the continuing effort to maintain the effectiveness of the LEAHY-class cruisers as newer aircraft, antiship missiles, and submarines entered service with foreign navies.

Following completion of the maintenance and modernization work, HALSEY resumed training and operations with the Pacific Fleet. Her activities included missile qualifications, antisubmarine warfare exercises, fleet maneuvering, and operational readiness inspections.

During the closing years of the 1970s, increasing political instability in the Middle East affected American naval deployments. Developments in Iran, tensions in the Persian Gulf, and expanding Soviet naval operations in the Indian Ocean resulted in a larger American naval presence in the region.

In 1980, HALSEY participated in Indian Ocean contingency operations associated with the American response to regional developments, including the continuing hostage crisis in Iran. These activities formed part of the deployment of American carrier and surface forces to waters near the Arabian Peninsula. The ship's assignments included air-defense readiness, surveillance, antisubmarine warfare training, and operations with other American naval vessels. During extended periods at sea, HALSEY maintained her radar and missile systems in readiness while participating in the protection of carrier and support forces.

Following the Indian Ocean operations, HALSEY returned to Pacific Fleet training and maintenance. During 1981, she participated in another major Western Pacific deployment, operating with forces associated with the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK. The deployment included operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, where the carrier battle group conducted exercises, surveillance, and routine air operations. HALSEY contributed to the formation's antiair warfare capabilities and conducted additional antisubmarine warfare and surface warfare training.

Between operational periods, the ship used naval facilities in Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and other Western Pacific locations for replenishment and maintenance. She subsequently returned to the United States and resumed training along the Pacific coast.

During 1982 and 1983, HALSEY continued participating in Pacific Fleet exercises and readiness evaluations. These activities included missile and gunnery training, engineering inspections, damage-control exercises, and operations with aircraft carrier battle groups. The ship also underwent periodic maintenance to sustain the reliability of her propulsion machinery, communications systems, and missile equipment. Exercises with other American naval units included coordinated air defense, antisubmarine warfare, and surface warfare operations.

In early 1984, HALSEY began preparations for another extended Western Pacific deployment. The cruise would take the ship to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and other locations in Southeast Asia. During March 1984, HALSEY departed the California coast and proceeded westward across the Pacific. She visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from March 23-24 before continuing toward Guam and the Philippines. HALSEY made a stop at Guam on April 12 and subsequently arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, where she remained from April 20-26. During the deployment, Subic Bay served as an important logistical center for replenishment, repairs, and the preparation of equipment for further operations.

After departing the Philippines, HALSEY proceeded to Thailand, visiting Pattaya from May 1-6, 1984. The ship then returned to Subic Bay from May 11-16 before proceeding northward toward Japan and Korea. HALSEY visited Sasebo, Japan, from May 25 to June 2, followed by a short visit to Beppu from June 8-9. These visits were interspersed with training and operational assignments in the East China Sea and other waters near Japan. During June, HALSEY continued operations in waters near the Korean Peninsula. She visited Chinhae, South Korea, from June 15-17 and returned to Sasebo from June 23-24.

Following the Japanese and Korean port visits, HALSEY proceeded southward and arrived at Hong Kong on June 28. She remained there until July 4, 1984, before returning to Subic Bay for a maintenance and replenishment period from July 7-20. During the next phase of the deployment, HALSEY again operated in Southeast Asian waters. She visited Pattaya, Thailand, from July 25-29 and subsequently conducted further operations near Malaysia and Singapore. The ship visited Songkhla, Thailand, from August 9-11, followed by a series of brief visits to Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, between August 13 and 20. She subsequently proceeded to Singapore, where she remained from August 22-25.

Throughout the deployment, HALSEY participated in air-defense, surface warfare, and antisubmarine warfare training. These exercises included coordination with other American naval units and operations intended to maintain readiness in the Western Pacific. Following the Singapore visit, HALSEY returned toward the Philippines and completed additional maintenance and preparations for the homeward passage. She subsequently crossed the Pacific, visiting Pearl Harbor from September 22-24 before continuing to the West Coast.

During 1985, HALSEY resumed Pacific Fleet operations following her return from the Western Pacific. The year included training exercises, engineering inspections, weapons qualifications, and maintenance periods in preparation for further overseas operations. On August 29, 1985, Captain Dennis R. Conley relieved Captain Paul D. Moses as commanding officer. HALSEY continued conducting exercises in Pacific waters while maintaining her capability to operate with aircraft carrier battle groups.

During 1986, HALSEY participated in additional Pacific Fleet training and operational assignments. The ship conducted air-defense and antisubmarine warfare exercises, missile-system evaluations, and routine maintenance. Preparations also began for another major deployment involving an aircraft carrier formation.

On January 3, 1987, HALSEY departed San Diego as part of the battle group centered on the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK. The carrier was beginning a world cruise that would take the formation across the Pacific, through the Indian Ocean, and toward the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Other ships operating with the carrier group included the guided missile destroyer USS CALLAGHAN (DDG 994), the guided missile frigate USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48), the frigates USS STEIN (FF 1065) and USS BARBEY (FF 1088), the ammunition ship USS MOUNT HOOD (AE 29), the fleet oiler USS WILLAMETTE (AO 180), and the combat stores ship USS MARS (AFS 1).

During the transpacific passage and subsequent Western Pacific operations, HALSEY performed air-defense and screening assignments. Her radar, missile, and communications systems contributed to the protection of the carrier formation while aircraft from USS KITTY HAWK conducted routine training and surveillance operations. On March 2, 1987, HALSEY was photographed underway with the USS KITTY HAWK battle group in the Pacific. The formation included USS CALLAGHAN, USS VANDEGRIFT, USS STEIN, USS BARBEY, USS MOUNT HOOD, USS WILLAMETTE, and USS MARS.

The deployment took place during increasing attacks on merchant shipping in the Persian Gulf associated with the Iran-Iraq War. As the carrier group entered the Indian Ocean, American naval forces were maintaining a presence in the Arabian Sea and waters near the Strait of Hormuz. HALSEY participated in operational assignments and exercises associated with the battle group's presence in the region. These included air-defense readiness, surveillance, antisubmarine warfare training, and the protection of naval formations operating in the northern Indian Ocean.

The USS KITTY HAWK world cruise continued through the Mediterranean and Atlantic to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the carrier entered a major shipyard overhaul.

During 1988, HALSEY was assigned to operations in the Persian Gulf as part of the American naval presence maintained during the final year of the Iran-Iraq War. American warships were protecting selected merchant vessels and monitoring Iranian naval and air activity under the broader maritime security effort that included Operation Earnest Will. The operating environment included attacks on merchant ships, the presence of naval mines, and incidents involving Iranian aircraft and small naval craft. American surface combatants maintained radar surveillance and conducted escort and air-defense patrols throughout the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

On July 2, 1988, HALSEY issued radio warnings to two Iranian military aircraft operating near the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft altered their courses following the warnings. The incident was later documented in the official investigation into the destruction of Iran Air Flight 655. On July 3, 1988, HALSEY was operating in the northern Persian Gulf when the guided missile cruiser USS VINCENNES (CG 49) shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the southern Persian Gulf. The civilian Airbus A300 was destroyed, killing all 290 people aboard. HALSEY was not one of the ships directly involved in the engagement. The official investigation identified her as a non-participant operating elsewhere in the Persian Gulf at the time of the incident.

Following the incident, American naval forces continued their escort and surveillance assignments in the region. HALSEY maintained her participation in maritime security operations during the final phase of the Iran-Iraq War, which ended with the implementation of a ceasefire in August 1988. After completing her Persian Gulf assignment, HALSEY returned to the United States and prepared for a major modernization. In October 1988, she entered Continental Maritime in San Diego for a New Threat Upgrade (NTU), intended to extend the operational effectiveness of the older LEAHY-class guided missile cruisers.

The modernization involved extensive modifications to the ship's air-defense and combat-direction systems. The improvements included upgrades to radar installations, missile fire-control equipment, tactical data processing, and the integration of Standard SM-2 surface-to-air missiles. These modifications were intended to improve the detection and tracking of multiple air targets and permit more effective coordination of long-range air-defense engagements. The work also included maintenance and improvements to communications facilities, electronic warfare equipment, propulsion machinery, and other shipboard systems. During 1989, HALSEY remained engaged in the modernization and associated shipyard work. The lengthy overhaul required extensive testing and integration of equipment, followed by engineering inspections and preparations for the restoration of operational readiness.

The modernization continued into 1990. Following completion of the principal installation and shipyard work toward the end of the year, HALSEY underwent additional inspections and preparations for post-modernization trials and training. The return to operational service required qualification of the modernized radar and missile-control systems, engineering plant evaluations, and renewed training of the ship's combat information and weapons personnel.

During 1991, HALSEY resumed operational training following the NTU modernization. The ship conducted exercises intended to qualify her upgraded air-defense systems and restore readiness for extended overseas deployment. These activities took place during a period of major American naval operations following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The United States and its coalition partners had conducted Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, followed by continuing maritime security and sanctions-enforcement operations in the Middle East.

HALSEY subsequently undertook another extended Western Pacific deployment covering parts of 1991 and 1992. During the deployment, HALSEY participated in fleet training and operational assignments associated with the American naval presence in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Her duties included air-defense readiness, surface surveillance, communications exercises, and operations with other naval units.

The ship's modernized combat systems provided improved capabilities for the detection and tracking of aircraft and missiles, while her Harpoon and antisubmarine warfare systems remained available for surface and submarine threats. The cruise included periods at sea interspersed with port visits, maintenance, and replenishment. HALSEY continued operating under the Seventh Fleet's operational arrangements during the Western Pacific portions of the deployment. During the opening months of 1992, HALSEY continued the overseas assignment before returning to the eastern Pacific. Following completion of the deployment, the ship resumed maintenance, inspections, and operational training.

On April 2, 1992, Captain Lloyd P. Amborn relieved Captain George A. Klein III as commanding officer of HALSEY. The change of command occurred during the final phase of the cruiser's active career, as the Navy was reassessing the future of its older steam-powered guided missile ships following the end of the Cold War. During the remainder of 1992, HALSEY participated in Pacific Fleet training and operational assignments. These activities included engineering inspections, readiness evaluations, weapons-system maintenance, and exercises intended to preserve the ship's operational capabilities.

In 1993, HALSEY continued operating from San Diego during her final year of commissioned service. The ship conducted training and maintenance while the Navy prepared to reduce the number of older cruisers and destroyers in active service. The post-Cold War reorganization of the fleet included the retirement of steam-powered guided missile cruisers as newer gas-turbine-powered combatants entered service. Although HALSEY had undergone the New Threat Upgrade, her age, maintenance requirements, and operating costs contributed to the decision to remove her from active service.

During the final months of 1993, the crew began preparations for decommissioning. These included the removal of ammunition and equipment, preservation of machinery, administrative preparations, and the securing of shipboard systems. On January 28, 1994, USS HALSEY 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 naval service.

On March 7, 1994, the former HALSEY was transferred to the custody of the Maritime Administration and subsequently placed in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet near Benicia, California. She remained in inactive status while awaiting final disposal. After several years in the reserve fleet, the former cruiser was sold for scrapping to International Shipbreaking Corporation at Brownsville, Texas. She was subsequently moved to the company's dismantling facilities, where the remaining equipment and hull structure were broken up. The scrapping process was completed on November 30, 2003.

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