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USS Belknap (CG 26)

USS BELKNAP was the lead ship of the BELKNAP-class of guided missile cruisers and the first ship in the Navy to carry the SH-2 helicopter on deployment. She was the second United States Navy ship named in honor of Rear Admiral George Eugene Belknap and his son, Rear Admiral Reginald Rowan Belknap. In July 1986, BELKNAP relieved the USS CORONADO (AGF 11) as the Sixth Fleet Command Ship and was homeported in Gaeta, Italy. Later, BELKNAP was relieved by the USS LA SALLE (AGF 3).

In 1995, the BELKNAP was decommissioned and about 3 1/2 years later she became the "victim" of a Sinkex of the Navy. The BELKNAP was sunk on September 24, 1998, off the east coast of the United States. The exact location is 036° 31' 00.3" North, 071° 58' 00.5" West.

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Crew List:

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

• Click here to view the list.

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

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USS BELKNAP Cruise Books:

• WestPac Cruise Book 1969-70
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1971-72
• UNITAS Cruise Book 1974
• Sixth Fleet Flagship Cruise Book 1986-94

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Accidents aboard USS BELKNAP:

Date	Where	Events
November 21, 1975	Ionian Sea, 25 nautical miles off Italy	USS BELKNAP is involved in an oil spill during refueling with the USNS WACCAMAW (T-AO 109) in the Ionian Sea.
November 22, 1975	70 nautical miles east off Sicily, Italy	USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) and USS BELKNAP collide in rough seas at night during air exercises east of Sicily. The overhanging flight deck of the carrier cuts into the superstructure of the cruiser setting off fires on the BELKNAP which are not controlled for two-and-one-half hours on account of frequent flarebacks. Because of the presence of nuclear weapons on board both ships the commander of Carrier Striking Forces for the Sixth Fleet sent a secret nuclear weapons accident message (a "Broken Arrow") to the Pentagon, warning of the "high probability that nuclear weapons aboard the BELKNAP (W45 Terrier missile warheads) were involved in fire and explosion but there were no direct communications with the BELKNAP at that time and no positive indications that explosions were directly related to nuclear weapons. An hour after the Broken Arrow message was sent the USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG 5), alongside the BELKNAP fighting the fire, reported that BELKNAP personnel said "no radiation hazard exists aboard". Seven people aboard BELKNAP and one aboard the KENNEDY are killed. The sailor aboard the KENNEDY died from smoke inhalation when he entered a smoke filled compartment without an OBA. Both ships got assistance from other ships: BELKNAP had three other ships helping her and the JFK had one. The BELKNAP suffers serious damage, is put out of commission, and towed back to the US to effect repairs lasting four years. BELKNAP's destroyed superstructures were rebuilt at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from 1978-80. BELKNAP rejoind the fleet in 1980. Smaller fires and other damage aboard USS KENNEDY are quickly contained and the carrier continues operations. The seven sailors killed aboard USS BELKNAP are: MM1 James W. Cass MM2 Douglas S. Freeman EM2 Michael W. Kawola DS3 Gerald A. Ketcham STG3 Brent W. Lassen FA David A. Messmer DS2 Gordon T. St. Marie      ( click to enlarge )

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About the Ship's Name:

USS BELKNAP was named after Rear Admiral George Eugene Belknap and his son, Rear Admiral Reginald Rowe Belknap.

George Eugene Belknap was born on January 22, 1832, in Newport, New Hampshire. He was appointed a midshipman on October 7, 1847. During 1856-1957, he served with the East India Squadron, taking a prominent part in engagements with the Barrier Forts, Canton River, China, in November of 1856.

Admiral Belknap’s role in the Civil War was an outstanding one. He commanded a division of boats from USS ST. LOUIS, which reinforced Fort Pickens, Florida, in April 1861. He participated in the operations in Charleston Harbor and commanded the ironclad CANONICUS in attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on December 24-25, 1864 and on January 13-15, 1865, which occasioned its surrender. He “fired the last gun” against the Charleston defenses prior to their collapse.

In 1867-1868, he commanded USS HARTFORD on Asiatic Station, and led the expedition against Formosa. During 1873-1874, he performed important work surveying in the Pacific, and from 1875 until the time of his retirement on January 1894 performed eminently in diverse positions at sea and ashore. During the latter period he was commissioned Rear Admiral, to date from February 12, 1889.

Rear Admiral Belknap died at Key West, Florida, on April 7, 1903, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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USS BELKNAP History:

USS BELKNAP was built by Bath Iron Works at Bath, Maine. Her keel was laid on February 5, 1962, and she was launched on July 20, 1963, sponsored by Mrs. Leonard B. Cresswell, a descendant of both admirals. BELKNAP was commissioned at Boston Naval Shipyard on November 7, 1964, with Captain John T. Law in command. Following commissioning, she joined the Atlantic Fleet with Norfolk, Virginia, as her homeport.

Throughout 1965, BELKNAP conducted an extensive series of trials and evaluations along the United States East Coast and in the Caribbean. These included testing of her missile and gun systems, sonar measurements, torpedo and ASROC firings, engineering trials, radar evaluations, and combat system integration. She operated from Norfolk and visited Boston, Newport, Mayport, Port Everglades, Bermuda, and several Caribbean locations. The testing period included visits to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, as well as inspections and maintenance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

During the opening months of 1966, BELKNAP completed additional maintenance and underwent shakedown training at Guantanamo Bay. On May 2, she joined the U.S. Second Fleet. In July, Captain Ernest C. Hipp Jr. relieved Captain Law as commanding officer. In August, BELKNAP participated in the NATO exercise Straight Laced, operating with American and allied warships in the northern Atlantic and Norwegian Sea. The exercise took her north of the Arctic Circle and included a visit to Stockholm, Sweden, from August 22-26.

On September 27, 1966, BELKNAP began her first extended deployment to the Mediterranean Sea for duty with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The deployment introduced the ship to the fleet exercises, carrier screening assignments, and multinational operations that would occupy much of her early career. She visited Naples, Italy, in October, Izmir, Turkey, in November, and Athens, Greece, during the Christmas period. She subsequently visited Taranto, Italy, around the beginning of 1967. In December 1966, BELKNAP participated in search and rescue operations following the sinking of the Greek passenger ferry HERAKLION in the Aegean Sea.

BELKNAP continued Mediterranean operations during January 1967, including exercises near Sardinia and a visit to the French Riviera. She returned to Norfolk on February 1. In March, she participated in Operation Springboard in the Caribbean, conducting antisubmarine warfare exercises and ASROC evaluations. A three-month maintenance period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard followed from late March through early July. After completing repairs and deployment preparations, the ship was assigned to the U.S. Seventh Fleet for operations in the Western Pacific and off Vietnam.

BELKNAP departed Norfolk on September 3, 1967, beginning her first Western Pacific deployment. She transited the Panama Canal on September 10, visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in late September, and continued westward via Guam and Subic Bay, Philippines. By mid-October, she had reached the Gulf of Tonkin, where American carrier aircraft were conducting operations against North Vietnam.

On October 12, 1967, BELKNAP assumed Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone (PIRAZ) duties in the Gulf of Tonkin. This assignment required continuous radar surveillance, identification and tracking of aircraft, coordination with carrier air operations, and the transmission of air-defense information to other naval units. The ship also supported search and rescue operations for American aircrews operating over North Vietnam and the surrounding waters. Her helicopter facilities provided support for search and rescue aircraft, and on November 7, personnel operating from BELKNAP assisted in the recovery of a downed aviator.

Following her initial period on PIRAZ station, BELKNAP was relieved by USS CHICAGO (CG 11) and proceeded to Japan, arriving at Yokosuka on November 24. She remained there until December 9 before returning to the Gulf of Tonkin for further operations. Captain J. H. Aldrich assumed command on December 8, 1967.

During January 1968, BELKNAP continued radar surveillance, air-control, and search and rescue duties off Vietnam. The seizure of the American intelligence ship USS PUEBLO by North Korea on January 23 caused a rapid redistribution of American naval forces in the Western Pacific. Following the departure of CHICAGO for operations in the Sea of Japan, BELKNAP continued supporting air operations in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The ship visited Hong Kong from January 16-21 and Subic Bay from January 23-27 before resuming operational duties on January 28. Another visit to Subic Bay followed from February 18-21. At the conclusion of her Vietnam assignment, BELKNAP began the return voyage to the United States by way of the Southern Hemisphere. She visited Fremantle, Australia, from February 28 to March 3, Melbourne from March 8-12, and Papeete, Tahiti, from March 19-22. After transiting the Panama Canal, she arrived at Norfolk on April 6, 1968.

During the remainder of 1968, BELKNAP conducted local operations and training along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. She also hosted King Olav V of Norway during a visit to the United States. In September, she entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a major overhaul that continued into the following year. The overhaul included improvements to her radar and weapons systems, including installation of the AN/SPS-48 three-dimensional air-search radar and modifications associated with the Standard surface-to-air missile. BELKNAP departed the shipyard on April 7, 1969, and subsequently conducted antisubmarine warfare trials, missile firings, and refresher training at Guantanamo Bay. Additional exercises and inspections during the summer prepared the ship for another Western Pacific deployment.

On October 23, 1969, BELKNAP departed Norfolk for her second deployment to the U.S. Seventh Fleet. After transiting the Panama Canal on October 28, she proceeded through Pearl Harbor and crossed the International Date Line on November 18. She subsequently visited Subic Bay before returning to operational waters off Vietnam. On December 1, 1969, BELKNAP again assumed PIRAZ responsibilities in the Gulf of Tonkin. Her duties included monitoring aircraft operating over the Gulf, maintaining the recognized air picture, coordinating aircraft identification procedures, and supporting search and rescue operations. After a visit to Sasebo, Japan, in December, she received orders to proceed to the Sea of Japan.

Beginning December 22, BELKNAP operated off the Korean Peninsula as a radar picket and surveillance ship in support of Protection of Aerial Reconnaissance during Peacetime Operations (PARPRO). These missions were conducted during a period of continuing tension with North Korea following the seizure of USS PUEBLO in 1968 and the destruction of an American EC-121 reconnaissance aircraft in April 1969. BELKNAP monitored regional air activity and contributed to the protection of American reconnaissance operations.

After continuing these assignments into January 1970, BELKNAP arrived at Yokosuka on January 14 for maintenance and replenishment. She departed on January 21 and returned to the Gulf of Tonkin, where she resumed PIRAZ and search and rescue duties from January 28 through March 20. A visit to Hong Kong from February 28 to March 6 interrupted this operational period. She subsequently returned to Subic Bay from March 25-30.

At the conclusion of her Western Pacific deployment, BELKNAP proceeded toward Australia and the South Pacific. She visited Sydney from April 9-17, 1970, and Wellington, New Zealand, from April 20-28, where she participated in activities associated with Anzac Day. After crossing the Pacific, she called at Pago Pago, American Samoa, in May and passed through the Panama Canal on her return to the Atlantic. BELKNAP arrived at Norfolk on May 23, 1970.

During the summer, BELKNAP conducted a midshipman training cruise and resumed Atlantic Fleet exercises. In September, while participating in RIMEX 1-71 in the Caribbean, she received unexpected orders to deploy to the Mediterranean in response to the crisis in Jordan. Fighting between Jordanian government forces and Palestinian organizations had raised concerns about regional stability and prompted the United States to increase its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean.

BELKNAP proceeded toward the Mediterranean on short notice, reaching the operating area in September. She participated in Sixth Fleet contingency operations and subsequently visited several Mediterranean ports, including Palma de Mallorca, Naples, and Athens. The deployment ended with her return to Norfolk on November 9, 1970. Her activities during the year included service in both the Western Pacific and Mediterranean, and the ship received a Meritorious Unit Commendation and Battle Efficiency recognition.

During the first nine months of 1971, BELKNAP operated primarily from Norfolk and participated in exercises along the East Coast and in the Caribbean. These included Squeeze Play antisubmarine warfare exercises, Exercise Exotic Dancer, and NATO Exercise Rough Rider. Her activities also included evaluation and preparation of the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS), which was being introduced to extend the antisubmarine surveillance capabilities of surface combatants through the use of embarked helicopters.

In September 1971, BELKNAP departed for another Mediterranean deployment. After operating in the Caribbean and visiting Roosevelt Roads, she crossed the Atlantic and arrived at Rota, Spain, on October 11. She subsequently visited Palma de Mallorca from October 16-18 and Naples from October 22 to November 1.

During the following weeks, BELKNAP conducted antisubmarine warfare and fleet exercises in the eastern Mediterranean. She visited Souda Bay, Crete, from November 9-11, and Athens, Greece, from November 20-26. Another visit to Souda Bay followed in early December. In December 1971, BELKNAP embarked an operational SH-2D Seasprite helicopter detachment equipped for the LAMPS mission, becoming one of the first U.S. Navy ships to deploy the new helicopter-based antisubmarine warfare system. The ship subsequently entered a maintenance period at the Hellenic Shipyards near Athens.

BELKNAP continued Sixth Fleet operations into 1972, conducting antisubmarine warfare exercises, missile firings, and multinational maneuvers. She participated in National Week XII and visited several Mediterranean ports, including Trieste, Italy, and Patras, Greece. During this period, her embarked helicopter detachment participated in training and operational evaluations associated with the LAMPS program. The ship also assisted in the search for a missing aircraft associated with USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67).

After completing her Mediterranean assignment, BELKNAP departed for the United States in March 1972. She entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard on March 27 for an overhaul lasting approximately seven months. Following completion of the work in November, she conducted post-repair trials and antisubmarine warfare evaluations, including SHAREM XIII, before returning to operational readiness.

In January and February 1973, BELKNAP underwent refresher training at Guantanamo Bay and conducted additional exercises in Puerto Rican waters. Following preparations at Norfolk, she began another Mediterranean deployment in late May. During the Atlantic transit, she participated in LANTREADEX 3-73 and SEACONEX-1, which included evaluations of antisubmarine warfare tactics and the developing sea-control ship concept.

After entering the Mediterranean in June 1973, BELKNAP participated in a series of Sixth Fleet and NATO exercises. These included missile firings at ranges near Italy and Crete, antisubmarine warfare exercises, and operations with NATO naval forces. She visited Rota, Spain, on June 20, Port Mahon, Menorca, on June 24, Naples on July 8, and Palma de Mallorca on July 27. During August, the ship operated in the central and eastern Mediterranean, including visits to Giardini, Sicily, and Athens, Greece.

In October 1973, the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War between Israel and a coalition led by Egypt and Syria caused a significant increase in American and Soviet naval activity in the Mediterranean. BELKNAP participated in Sixth Fleet contingency operations during the crisis, when American carrier groups and surface combatants were deployed to monitor developments and maintain a naval presence in the region. Her operations during the year also included exercises with Greek and Turkish naval units and activities associated with the NATO exercise Deep Furrow. BELKNAP returned to Norfolk on November 27, 1973.

During the opening months of 1974, BELKNAP underwent testing of newly installed electronic warfare equipment, including the SLQ-17 system. In February, she participated in Operation Springboard in the Caribbean. Further maintenance, inspections, and training occupied the spring and early summer as the ship prepared for a deployment to South American waters.

On July 25, 1974, BELKNAP departed Norfolk to participate in UNITAS XV, the annual series of multinational naval exercises conducted by the United States with South American navies. The deployment involved extensive operations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and provided opportunities for combined antisubmarine warfare, surface warfare, communications, and seamanship training with regional naval forces.

After operations in the Caribbean, BELKNAP visited Cartagena, Colombia, from August 9-12. She then proceeded southward along the Atlantic coast of South America, crossing the equator in late August. The itinerary included Salvador, Brazil, from August 29-31, Rio de Janeiro in early September, Rio Grande do Sul, and Montevideo, Uruguay, from September 16-20.

Continuing the UNITAS deployment, BELKNAP operated with Argentine naval forces and visited Puerto Belgrano, Argentina, in early October. She subsequently rounded the southern end of South America through the Strait of Magellan and proceeded north along the Pacific coast. The ship visited Talcahuano, Chile, on October 16 and Valparaiso on October 30. Additional exercises and port visits followed in Peru and Venezuela, including Callao and La Guaira. BELKNAP returned to Norfolk in December 1974 after completing the South American deployment.

During the first part of 1975, BELKNAP underwent a restricted availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard lasting approximately ten weeks. The work included modifications to the superstructure and crew accommodations. Following completion of the shipyard period, she participated in Exercise Agate Punch in April and Solid Shield 75 in May. As part of the Navy-wide reclassification of major surface combatants, BELKNAP was redesignated from guided missile frigate DLG 26 to guided missile cruiser CG 26, effective July 1, 1975.

On August 21, 1975, BELKNAP departed Norfolk for another deployment to the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet. Following her arrival, she conducted training and operational assignments with American and allied naval forces. A port visit to Naples began on September 7, followed by several weeks of maintenance and local operations. In October, BELKNAP participated in Operation Silver Fox, which included a transit through the Turkish Straits into the Black Sea. The operation placed the American cruiser in an area of considerable Soviet naval activity during the Cold War.

After returning to the Mediterranean, BELKNAP continued operations with the Sixth Fleet. She visited Souda Bay, Crete, in October and subsequently operated in the Ionian Sea. By November, she was assigned to operate with the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, which was conducting flight operations in the central Mediterranean.

On the night of November 22, 1975, BELKNAP was involved in a major collision with JOHN F. KENNEDY approximately 70 nautical miles east of Sicily. At about 9:59 p.m. local time, while maneuvering into position during the carrier's night flight operations, BELKNAP collided with the carrier's port side. The overhanging angled flight deck of JOHN F. KENNEDY struck the cruiser's superstructure, tearing through its upper works and rupturing aviation fuel lines aboard the carrier.

A large quantity of JP-5 aviation fuel spilled onto BELKNAP and ignited. Fires spread rapidly through the cruiser's superstructure, damaging communications equipment, electrical installations, and several compartments. The aluminum construction of much of the original superstructure complicated firefighting and contributed to the extensive destruction. Additional hazards developed when ammunition in ready-service lockers was exposed to the fire.

Nearby American warships immediately responded to the emergency. USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG 5), commanded by Commander Robert C. Powers, maneuvered alongside BELKNAP and assisted with firefighting and the evacuation of injured personnel. USS BORDELON (DD 881) also came alongside to help combat the fire. Meanwhile, USS PHARRIS (FF 1094) was assigned to assist JOHN F. KENNEDY, which had also sustained fires and damage during the collision.

The fires aboard BELKNAP continued for more than two and a half hours before they were brought under control. Seven BELKNAP crew members were killed and 47 injured. One sailor aboard JOHN F. KENNEDY died from smoke inhalation. The cruiser's superstructure was almost completely destroyed, and significant damage extended into her internal compartments. Despite the severity of the fire, the ship remained afloat.

Following emergency damage-control measures, BELKNAP was taken under tow by BORDELON and brought to Augusta Bay, Sicily. There, personnel continued assessing the damage and preparing the ship for further movement. Ammunition and other hazardous material were removed, with USS MOUNT BAKER (AE 34) assisting in the transfer of ordnance. The rescue and salvage ship USS HOIST (ARS 40) subsequently towed BELKNAP from Augusta Bay to Naples, where additional preparations were made for the transatlantic passage. BELKNAP was placed in an Out of Commission (Special) status on December 20, 1975. HOIST later undertook the tow across the Atlantic to Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where the damaged cruiser arrived in early 1976.

Following her arrival at Philadelphia, BELKNAP remained inactive while the Navy evaluated the extent of the damage and considered the options for reconstruction. The decision was eventually made to rebuild and extensively modernize the ship rather than dispose of her. In 1977, Congress provided funding for the reconstruction, and major work formally began at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on January 9, 1978.

The reconstruction involved replacement of the destroyed aluminum superstructure with a predominantly steel structure and a comprehensive modernization of the ship's combat and engineering systems. The original Terrier missile system was modified to employ improved Standard surface-to-air missiles, while radar improvements included the AN/SPS-48C three-dimensional and AN/SPS-49 two-dimensional air-search radars. The Naval Tactical Data System was upgraded, and the ship received Harpoon antiship missiles, Phalanx close-in weapon systems, improved sonar equipment, and additional electronic warfare capabilities.

Other modifications included improvements to the 5-inch gun fire-control system, antisubmarine warfare equipment, communications facilities, propulsion machinery, electrical systems, and damage-control arrangements. Fire protection was improved through additional insulation and structural modifications, while increased freshwater production and air-conditioning capacity improved habitability. Additional accommodations and command spaces were also incorporated to support the embarkation of a naval task force commander and staff.

During 1979, the precommissioning organization was established and expanded as the ship approached completion. Machinery trials began in January 1980, marking BELKNAP's first underway operations since the 1975 collision. Builders' trials followed in February, and acceptance trials were conducted from April 7-11. The crew moved aboard during April, and the reconstructed ship was formally delivered to the Navy on April 30.

BELKNAP was recommissioned at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on May 10, 1980. Following the ceremony, she proceeded to Norfolk, which again became her homeport. During the following months, the ship conducted extensive trials, inspections, weapons evaluations, and training to qualify her new systems and restore operational proficiency. She underwent refresher training at Guantanamo Bay during November and December and conducted her first carrier screening and plane-guard operations since reconstruction from November 20-25.

In January 1981, BELKNAP entered Newport News Shipbuilding for a post-shakedown availability that continued into March. She subsequently underwent refresher training at Guantanamo Bay from late April through early June, including gunfire qualifications, missile firings, engineering inspections, and an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination. During the summer, the cruiser participated in Atlantic Fleet training and Exercise Ocean Venture, including a visit to Newport, Rhode Island, in August.

In September and October 1981, BELKNAP participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 1-82 and served as flagship for Rear Admiral Peter C. Conrad, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12. In November, she deployed to the Mediterranean as the command ship for Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12, a role distinct from the permanent Sixth Fleet flagship assignment she would receive several years later. The ship visited Palma de Mallorca during the Christmas holiday period.

During January and February 1982, BELKNAP participated in National Week exercises and the amphibious exercise Phiblex 82 in the western Mediterranean. Her schedule included operations with American and allied naval forces and port visits to Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, and Barcelona, Spain, where she remained from February 22-27. She subsequently participated in Operation Sardinia 82 and visited Split, Yugoslavia, in early March.

After further exercises, including a sinking exercise, BELKNAP visited Oran, Algeria, on March 22 and Rota, Spain, on March 27. She returned to Norfolk on April 8, 1982. Following maintenance and training along the East Coast, the cruiser participated in NATO Exercise United Effort 82 and Northern Wedding 82 from August through October. These operations took her into northern European waters, including the North Sea and Baltic Sea, where she exercised with NATO naval forces and participated in BALTOPS 82 activities. Port visits included Copenhagen, Denmark, in September, Stockholm, Sweden, on September 24, and Cherbourg, France, in early October. BELKNAP returned to Norfolk in October.

During the opening months of 1983, BELKNAP conducted training and inspections, including READEX 1-83 in March. On April 29, she departed Norfolk for another Mediterranean deployment, this time serving as flagship for Rear Admiral M. E. Chang, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. After arriving in the Mediterranean, BELKNAP participated in NATO Exercise Distant Drum and conducted operations with naval forces from several allied countries. During May and June, she visited Naples, Catania, and Trieste, Italy. She also participated in maritime operations near Albania and Libya and observed Soviet naval activities in the Mediterranean, including movements of the Soviet aircraft carrier NOVOROSSIYSK.

The deployment coincided with increasing instability in Lebanon and armed conflict involving Libya and Chad. BELKNAP supported American carrier and surface force operations in the eastern Mediterranean as the Sixth Fleet monitored developments and maintained forces available for contingency operations. During July and August, operational requirements kept BELKNAP at sea for an extended period of approximately 56 days.

In September 1983, BELKNAP operated in the eastern Mediterranean during the escalation of fighting in Lebanon, where American Marines were serving as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. Naval forces offshore were increasingly tasked with surveillance, air operations, and naval gunfire support. BELKNAP's activities included operations in support of the American naval presence off Beirut and participation in exercises involving American and Egyptian forces. During this deployment, she also made her first transit through the Suez Canal, on September 4-5.

BELKNAP continued Mediterranean operations during October, participating in NATO exercises and visiting Palma de Mallorca and Villefranche-sur-Mer. She departed for the United States in November and returned to Norfolk on November 21, 1983.

During 1984, BELKNAP remained primarily in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. Her schedule included inspections, maintenance periods, and training with American and allied warships. In March, she entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a selected restricted availability. Following completion of the work, she returned to Guantanamo Bay in June for refresher training and an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination. The remainder of the year included carrier support operations, antisubmarine warfare training, and exercises with NATO forces, including Exercise Safepass 84. BELKNAP also participated in operations with the Standing Naval Force Atlantic and underwent additional inspections and maintenance at Norfolk.

On January 14, 1985, the Navy informed BELKNAP that she had been selected to become the permanent flagship of Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. The assignment required substantial alterations to accommodate the fleet commander, his staff, and the communications and command facilities needed for directing American naval operations throughout the Mediterranean.

During January and February 1985, BELKNAP completed scheduled training, including carrier operations and Exercise SEABAT 2-85, which involved coordination between Navy and Air Force aircraft. After completing preparations, she entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard in April for a nine-month conversion and overhaul. The work included the installation and modification of staff working spaces, additional berthing facilities, communications equipment, and command-and-control systems. The conversion continued into early 1986. Following completion of the shipyard work, BELKNAP conducted missile firings, gunnery training, antisubmarine warfare qualifications, and refresher training at Guantanamo Bay. In May, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James D. Watkins visited the ship before her departure for the Mediterranean.

On June 13, 1986, BELKNAP departed Norfolk for her new assignment in the Mediterranean. She arrived at Gaeta, Italy, on June 27. On July 7, 1986, BELKNAP formally relieved USS CORONADO (AGF 11) as flagship of Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. Gaeta became her new homeport, and the cruiser began carrying the fleet commander and his embarked staff.

The assignment changed BELKNAP's operational routine substantially. In addition to maintaining her capabilities as a guided missile cruiser, she now served as a headquarters and communications platform for the Vice Admiral commanding the Sixth Fleet. The ship regularly operated from Gaeta, undertaking exercises, fleet inspections, diplomatic visits, and deployments to different parts of the Mediterranean in support of the fleet commander's responsibilities.

During the second half of 1986, BELKNAP participated in the NATO exercise Display Determination and conducted visits to several Mediterranean countries. Her itinerary included Taormina, Sicily, in August, Alexandria, Egypt, from August 23-26, Toulon, France, in September, Haifa, Israel, in October, Izmir, Turkey, in November, and Split, Yugoslavia, in December. The ship also participated in a sinking exercise involving the former Italian frigate CIGNO.

During 1987, BELKNAP continued operating as the Sixth Fleet flagship. Her activities included major NATO and multinational exercises, port visits, and naval operations in the central and eastern Mediterranean. Early in the year, she visited Tunis, Tunisia, where a fouled anchor required additional work after becoming entangled with an underwater wreck. She subsequently underwent maintenance at Toulon, France.

During the spring, BELKNAP participated in Exercise Dragon Hammer 87 and in Exercise Eldest Frost with French naval forces. She also conducted operations off Libya in international waters during a period of continuing tension between the United States and the Libyan government.

In June and July 1987, BELKNAP visited several ports on the French Riviera and participated in activities associated with Operation Friendship. Visits included Palma de Mallorca, Cannes, and Monaco. Later in the year, she took part in Exercise Display Determination, steaming more than 5,400 miles during the operation. The exercise included the assembly of three American carrier battle groups in Augusta Bay, Sicily. BELKNAP continued operations in the eastern Mediterranean during the autumn, including visits to Haifa and Izmir.

During 1988, BELKNAP participated in three major fleet exercises and made official visits to ten ports in seven countries. Her itinerary included Tunis, Augusta Bay, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, Trieste, Dubrovnik, Cannes, Istanbul, Toulon, and Rota. In April, Prince Rainier III of Monaco visited the ship and met with the Sixth Fleet commander during a luncheon aboard.

In July 1988, BELKNAP participated in antisubmarine warfare exercises with the Israeli Navy. The ship also conducted operations with Egyptian naval forces during the year and took part in NATO Exercise Dragon Hammer 88. A change-of-command ceremony for Commander, Sixth Fleet, was held aboard during the summer. Regular maintenance and an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination were completed while the cruiser continued her responsibilities as the fleet's command ship.

During 1989, BELKNAP participated in three major fleet exercises and conducted official visits to ports in seven countries. These included Villefranche-sur-Mer, Haifa, Izmir, Dubrovnik, Barcelona, Cannes, and Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, she participated in Exercise Dragon Hammer 89, operating with NATO naval forces from several European countries.

Later in the year, BELKNAP entered a French naval shipyard at Toulon for a major maintenance availability costing approximately $14 million. The work lasted about two months, from September into early November, and included drydocking, repairs, and maintenance of the ship's engineering and support systems.

In late November 1989, BELKNAP was assigned to support the summit meeting between U.S. President George H. W. Bush and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on Malta. The meeting, scheduled for December 2-3, was among the major diplomatic events marking the changing relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union during the final years of the Cold War. BELKNAP anchored in Marsaxlokk Bay, Malta, where she was joined by the Soviet guided missile cruiser SLAVA. President Bush arrived aboard BELKNAP on December 1, and the ship provided accommodations, communications, and support facilities for the American delegation. The Soviet delegation used the cruise ship MAXIM GORKY as its principal meeting location.

Severe weather affected the summit arrangements. Strong winds and rough seas interfered with the planned movement of the two delegations between ships, and several meetings were held aboard MAXIM GORKY. During the night of December 2-3, winds reached approximately 55 knots, causing difficulties with BELKNAP's anchoring arrangements. The ship used her engines to reduce the strain on the anchors while remaining in the vicinity of the summit. Following the meeting, BELKNAP resumed her duties as Sixth Fleet flagship. The ship received the Battle Efficiency Award for 1989.

During 1990, BELKNAP continued her Mediterranean assignment, participating in six fleet exercises and conducting official visits to ports in seven countries. Her itinerary included Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cartagena, Dubrovnik, Trieste, Cannes, Palma de Mallorca, Istanbul, Toulon, Rota, and Tangier. Maintenance, weapons system inspections, and fleet exercises were conducted between these visits.

On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, leading to a major deployment of American and allied forces to the Middle East under Operation Desert Shield. Although BELKNAP remained in the Mediterranean, the Sixth Fleet became involved in the movement, support, and protection of forces traveling toward the Persian Gulf. BELKNAP participated in contingency operations in the central and eastern Mediterranean as American and allied naval units supported the expanding military presence in the region.

The ship's command facilities supported the Sixth Fleet commander and staff during the crisis, while BELKNAP continued operating with other naval forces in the Mediterranean. She also participated in surveillance and security operations associated with the movement of reinforcements and military supplies toward the Middle East. The ship received further Battle Efficiency recognition and a Golden Anchor Award for personnel retention during this period.

Following the beginning of Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, BELKNAP was ordered to sea on short notice. Throughout the conflict, she operated primarily in the central Mediterranean off the Libyan coast, working with naval forces from several countries. Her responsibilities included monitoring Libyan naval and air activities and supporting the protection of maritime routes used by American and coalition forces.

After the Gulf War, BELKNAP resumed regular Sixth Fleet operations and diplomatic visits. During the spring and summer of 1991, she visited ports including Palermo, Marseille, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Palma de Mallorca, La Maddalena, and Saint-Tropez. In August 1991, BELKNAP transited the Turkish Straits and entered the Black Sea for visits to countries undergoing political changes following the collapse of communist governments in Eastern Europe. She visited Constanta, Romania, in August and subsequently called at a Bulgarian port. These visits were among the early American naval contacts with the two countries following the political changes of 1989. BELKNAP later returned to the Mediterranean, visiting Istanbul and Toulon before the end of the year.

During 1992, BELKNAP participated in fleet exercises and multinational operations in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea. The dissolution of Yugoslavia and the outbreak of armed conflicts in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina had brought new responsibilities to NATO and American naval forces. International sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia also resulted in increasing naval surveillance and maritime enforcement operations in the Adriatic.

BELKNAP participated in two multinational operations in the Adriatic during the year. Her command and communications facilities supported the activities of Sixth Fleet forces operating in the region. The ship also continued its diplomatic and training schedule, including visits to Athens, Antalya, Palma de Mallorca, Corfu, Souda Bay, Kos, Izmir, Toulon, and Livorno.

During 1992, BELKNAP underwent additional maintenance and equipment changes. Some antisubmarine warfare equipment was removed as part of modifications to the ship's operational configuration. An accident involving the handling equipment for the Admiral's barge caused damage when a davit assembly failed and the barge fell onto the boat deck. A subsequent investigation found no negligence or operator error. In October, Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney visited BELKNAP during a Mediterranean visit.

During 1993, BELKNAP continued serving as the command platform for the Sixth Fleet during the international response to the war in the former Yugoslavia. She supported operations associated with the enforcement of United Nations sanctions and the monitoring of maritime traffic in the Adriatic Sea. The ship also participated in activities connected with Operation Deny Flight, the NATO mission established to enforce restrictions on military flights over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BELKNAP's duties included support for the coordination and monitoring of air and maritime operations associated with Deny Flight and Operation Provide Promise, which supported humanitarian relief efforts in Bosnia. The ship served as a command and communications platform for the Sixth Fleet while naval forces operated in the Adriatic and surrounding waters.

During January 1993, BELKNAP visited Naples, Casablanca, and Lisbon. Further visits during the spring included Saint-Raphael, Monaco, and Venice. In June, she proceeded through the Turkish Straits into the Black Sea, visiting Varna, Bulgaria, from June 18-22 and Constanta, Romania, from June 23-25. She subsequently returned to the Mediterranean via Souda Bay, Crete. The remainder of 1993 included additional fleet exercises, diplomatic visits, and maintenance. BELKNAP participated in multinational missile exercises and completed naval gunfire support qualifications. Her port visits during the second half of the year included Kos, Frejus, Alexandria, and Haifa. An Operational Propulsion Plant Examination was successfully completed in October.

During 1994, BELKNAP continued operating from Gaeta as the permanent flagship of Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. Her activities included exercises, diplomatic visits, and continued support for the fleet's responsibilities in the Mediterranean and southeastern Europe. With the Cold War over, visits to countries in the Black Sea region formed an increasingly important part of the Sixth Fleet's diplomatic and military contacts.

During the year, BELKNAP visited a number of Mediterranean and Black Sea ports, including Casablanca, Lisbon, Cannes, Malta, Trieste, Varna, Constanta, and Rhodes. She also made visits to ports in Ukraine and Russia as the United States expanded contacts with the navies of the former Soviet Union. On September 30, 1994, BELKNAP visited Odessa, Ukraine. The visit provided an opportunity for discussions between American and Ukrainian naval officers and was regarded as the first direct contact between the two navies following Ukrainian independence. The ship also visited Novorossiysk, Russia, during her final year in the Mediterranean.

On November 8, 1994, BELKNAP was relieved by USS LA SALLE (AGF 3) as flagship of Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. The transfer ended more than eight years of continuous service as the fleet's principal command ship at Gaeta. Following the change of flagship, BELKNAP departed the Mediterranean and returned to Norfolk for preparations for decommissioning.

USS BELKNAP was decommissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, on February 15, 1995, and was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the same date. Following the ceremony, she was towed to the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she remained in inactive status pending final disposal. On September 24, 1998, the former USS BELKNAP was sunk as a target during a U.S. Navy fleet training exercise in the Atlantic Ocean off the Virginia coast. The sinking involved attacks by F-14 Tomcat aircraft from several Navy fighter squadrons. The wreck came to rest in deep water at approximately 36° 31' 00.3" North, 71° 58' 00.5" West.

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