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Accidents aboard the Ship

About the Name "Ticonderoga"

COs of USS Ticonderoga

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USS Ticonderoga (CG 47)

USS TICONDEROGA was the lead ship of the TICONDEROGA - class of guided missile cruisers and the fifth ship in the Navy to bear the name. She was the world's first warship equipped with the AEGIS combat system. USS TICONDEROGA was decommissioned on September 30, 2004, and was subsequently laid up at the Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility, Philadelphia, Penn. In September 2020, she was towed to Brownsville, Tx., for scrapping. The dismantling was completed on June 22, 2022.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS TICONDEROGA. 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 TICONDEROGA memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS TICONDEROGA Cruise Books and Pamphlets:

• Maiden Cruise Book 1983-84
• Med/NorLant/IO Cruise Book 1987-88
• Middle East Cruise Book 1991-92
• SouthCom Cruise Book 2001
• Counter Narcotics Cruise Book 2004
• Decommissioning Pamphlet

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Shield:

The history of the name Ticonderoga and the four ships that have borne that name is represented by the symbols on the shield. The name Ticonderoga is from the Iroquois Indian word meaning "between two waters" and is symbolized by the white band separating the blue lower half of the shield. The four dark blue stars symbolize the previous four ships bearing the name TICONDEROGA. The historical capture of Fort Ticonderoga is commemorated by the embattled partition line with the gold lion on the red field above it signifying the British adversary during the Revolutionary War. The motto "FIRST AEGIS CRUISER" emphasizes the significance of the new combat system and the ship which carries it.

The Crest:

The AEGIS Weapon System, a surface ship combat systems which has as its motto "Shield of the Fleet", is symbolized by the blue shield of a shape distinctive to the AEGIS System. The single gold star represents CG 47, the fifth ship to bear the name TICONDEROGA and the first combatant to carry the shield to sea. The spears extending from the shield reflect TICONDEROGA's mighty offensive armament capabilities and unparalleled firepower which permit her to operate in a multi-threat environment and take on any air, surface and subsurface target which the Battle Group might encounter.

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Accidents aboard USS TICONDEROGA:

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About the Name "TICONDEROGA":

When the Department of Navy announced in February 1980 that the lead ship of a new class of AEGIS-equipped, guided missile cruisers would be called TICONDEROGA, it marked the fifth time in U.S. Navy history that a ship would bear that historic name.

The newest ship was named, not after the great stone fortress itself, but in commemoration of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga on 10 May 1775 by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. The first ship named TICONDEROGA (1814 - 1825) was a 17-gun schooner of Commodore MacDonough's Flotilla in the victorious Battle of Lake Champlain on 11 September 1814. The second TICONDEROGA (1863 - 1881) was a steam sloop-of-war which served with distinction during the Civil War. A former German cargo ship was transformed into the third TICONDEROGA (1917 - 1918), which served the Naval Overseas Transportation Service during World War I. The fourth ship was the famed aircraft carrier TICONDEROGA (CV 14), affectionately known as "The Big T," which served from 1944 to 1973, earning 17 Battle Stars for service during World War II and the Vietnam War. The carrier also received three awards of the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service during the Vietnam War.

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USS TICONDEROGA's Commanding Officers:

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History of USS TICONDEROGA:

USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47) was the lead ship of the TICONDEROGA class of guided missile cruisers and the first operational U.S. Navy surface combatant equipped with the AEGIS combat system. Originally designated DDG 47 during the early stages of the program, she was reclassified as a guided missile cruiser before construction began. Her design was based on the hull and machinery arrangement of the SPRUANCE-class destroyers but incorporated a substantially different superstructure to accommodate the SPY-1 phased-array radar, the AEGIS weapon system and associated command and control facilities. Unlike later ships of the class, beginning with USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52), TICONDEROGA was equipped with two Mk 26 twin-arm guided missile launchers rather than the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.

Construction of USS TICONDEROGA was authorized under the fiscal year 1978 shipbuilding program and assigned to Ingalls Shipbuilding at Pascagoula, Mississippi. Her keel was laid on January 21, 1980, followed by a formal keel-laying ceremony on January 27. The ship was constructed using modular building techniques, with prefabricated hull and superstructure sections assembled before launching. On April 25, 1981, TICONDEROGA was launched from a floating dry dock at Pascagoula. Her christening ceremony took place on May 16, 1981, with First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as sponsor. Approximately 9,000 guests attended the event. Outfitting, combat systems installation and crew training continued through 1981 and 1982. Initial propulsion trials were conducted in May 1982, followed by further builder's trials in August and November. During these trials, the cruiser tested her gas turbine propulsion plant and completed a series of weapons evaluations, including launches of Harpoon test missiles, Standard surface-to-air missiles, firing exercises with her 5-inch guns and Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and engagements against aerial targets at the Eglin test range. TICONDEROGA was delivered to the U.S. Navy on December 13, 1982.

USS TICONDEROGA was commissioned at Pascagoula on January 22, 1983, with Capt. Roland G. Guilbault as her first commanding officer. Following commissioning, she conducted initial training, equipment evaluations and operational certification in the Atlantic and Caribbean. The ship's early operations included engineering and combat systems exercises intended to evaluate the integration of the new AEGIS system into fleet operations. After completing initial training along the eastern seaboard, TICONDEROGA arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on June 3, 1983, establishing her first homeport. During the summer, she returned to Pascagoula for a six-week post-shakedown availability to correct deficiencies identified during the initial operating period and complete additional equipment work. Afterward, she resumed preparations for her first overseas deployment.

On October 20, 1983, USS TICONDEROGA departed Norfolk with the battle group centered on the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The deployment took place during a period of increasing tension in the eastern Mediterranean following the deployment of American and multinational forces to Lebanon. On October 23, the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut killed 241 American service members. USS INDEPENDENCE and other units of the task force were temporarily diverted toward Grenada following the American intervention there, while TICONDEROGA continued her transatlantic passage. From October 30 to November 5, the cruiser made her first overseas port visit at Portsmouth, England. She subsequently proceeded to the Mediterranean and joined American naval forces operating off the Lebanese coast.

From November 15 to December 26, 1983, USS TICONDEROGA operated in waters off Beirut, where U.S. naval forces were supporting the multinational peacekeeping presence and responding to attacks against American personnel and aircraft. During the deployment, the cruiser operated in the same general area as the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62), which was conducting naval gunfire support missions against hostile positions ashore. TICONDEROGA's principal responsibilities included air defense, surveillance and the protection of American naval forces. On December 13, 1983, she fired her 5-inch guns against positions associated with hostile fire directed at American reconnaissance aircraft over Lebanon. The action marked an early combat use of the cruiser's weapons and demonstrated the integration of her surveillance and fire-control capabilities into an operational environment. After completing approximately six weeks of operations off Lebanon, TICONDEROGA departed the area and visited Haifa, Israel, from December 28, 1983, to January 5, 1984.

During the early months of 1984, USS TICONDEROGA continued operations with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. The deployment included fleet exercises, readiness training, air defense operations and routine support of American maritime forces in the region. Following the completion of her overseas assignment, she crossed the Atlantic and returned to Norfolk on May 4, 1984. The remainder of the summer was devoted to maintenance, inspections, combat systems training and exercises off the eastern United States. On September 8, 1984, while operating approximately 180 nautical miles east of Mayport, Florida, a fire broke out in the ship's aft main engine exhaust uptake at approximately 2:08 a.m. The fire injured 13 crew members and caused damage that required subsequent repairs. The crew brought the fire under control, and TICONDEROGA was able to return to port under her own power. Following the incident, the cruiser underwent repairs, engineering inspections and additional maintenance before resuming her operating schedule. Toward the end of the year, she entered a three-month availability at Berkley Shipyard in Norfolk.

At the beginning of 1985, USS TICONDEROGA completed the final stages of her maintenance availability and proceeded to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown to replenish ammunition. On January 19, 1985, Capt. Raymond M. Walsh relieved Capt. Roland G. Guilbault as commanding officer. Nine days later, on January 28, the cruiser departed Norfolk for Central American operations in the Caribbean and waters off northern South America, with Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight embarked. During the southbound passage, TICONDEROGA conducted air defense and data-link exercises in cooperation with American military aircraft and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The exercises examined the ability of the AEGIS system to support the detection and interception of airborne targets beyond the normal coverage of shore-based surveillance systems.

On February 2, 1985, USS TICONDEROGA arrived at Barbados for the first port visit of her Central American deployment. After departing on February 6, she conducted joint training and personnel transfer exercises with the Dutch frigate HNLMS ABRAHAM CRIJNSSEN while proceeding toward Venezuela. TICONDEROGA arrived at Puerto La Cruz on February 8 and remained until February 11. Following the visit, she conducted combined operations with the Venezuelan Navy vessels GENERAL SALOM and the submarine CARIBE. The exercises included tactical maneuvering, communications and maritime cooperation procedures. TICONDEROGA subsequently proceeded to Colon, Panama, arriving on February 16, and continued to Puerto Cortes, Honduras, where she arrived on February 23. During the Honduran visit, members of the crew participated in a community relations project involving repairs to a kindergarten. The cruiser departed Puerto Cortes on February 27 and returned to Norfolk on March 4, 1985.

Following her return, USS TICONDEROGA underwent an upgrade to the Baseline One configuration of her AEGIS combat system software. She resumed operations on April 11 and proceeded to Annapolis, Maryland, for a visit beginning on April 12, during which Naval Academy midshipmen were introduced to the ship's combat systems and operating procedures. Thirty midshipmen subsequently embarked for training during the passage to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. During the latter part of April, TICONDEROGA participated in combined task unit exercises and conducted escort training with the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Her combat systems evaluations included a successful engagement of a high-speed aerial target. In May, she participated in SEABAT exercises involving a complex electronic warfare environment and coordinated air attacks by American military aircraft. These activities were followed by engineering drills, an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination and further readiness training during June and July. The cruiser also conducted exercises in support of Atlantic Fleet tactical training programs before preparing for additional deployments.

During the second half of 1985, USS TICONDEROGA participated in Atlantic Fleet and NATO training activities, including operations in northern European waters associated with exercise Ocean Safari. The exercises involved multinational naval forces operating across the North Atlantic and tested convoy protection, antisubmarine warfare, air defense and the reinforcement of European maritime forces. TICONDEROGA's role emphasized the use of her AEGIS radar and command facilities to coordinate the air defense of a surface force. After completing the exercise period, she returned to Norfolk for maintenance and preparations for another Mediterranean deployment.

USS TICONDEROGA began 1986 with a docking availability at Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation from January 14 to January 29, during which her sonar dome was replaced. After completing sea trials, she participated in FLEETEX 1-86 during February and returned to Norfolk for final deployment preparations. On March 10, 1986, TICONDEROGA departed for her second Mediterranean deployment. She entered the Mediterranean on March 19 and began operations in the central Mediterranean and Gulf of Sidra on March 20. The deployment coincided with a period of confrontation between the United States and Libya over the Libyan government's claim that the entire Gulf of Sidra constituted Libyan territorial waters. The United States rejected this claim and conducted freedom-of-navigation operations beyond the internationally recognized limits of territorial waters.

On March 24, 1986, USS TICONDEROGA operated with the destroyers USS CARON (DD 970) and USS SCOTT (DDG 995) during the American naval operation known as Attain Document III. The three ships crossed the line unilaterally declared by Libya across the Gulf of Sidra, sometimes referred to as the Line of Death. TICONDEROGA served in an air defense coordination role while American carrier aircraft supported the surface units. Libyan forces responded with surface-to-air missile launches against American aircraft. During the confrontation, U.S. Navy carrier aircraft attacked Libyan missile positions and naval vessels, including targets engaged by A-6E Intruder aircraft. The American operation demonstrated the U.S. position regarding freedom of navigation in international waters and was followed by a period of heightened military tension between the two countries. TICONDEROGA continued operating in the area until March 27 before proceeding to Augusta Bay, Sicily, for an anchorage lasting until April 2.

After leaving Augusta Bay, USS TICONDEROGA operated in the Tyrrhenian Sea and visited Genoa, Italy, from April 4 to April 9, 1986. She subsequently resumed operations in the central Mediterranean during another period of increased tension with Libya. On April 14 and 15, American aircraft conducted Operation El Dorado Canyon, a series of air strikes against Libyan military targets in response to terrorist attacks attributed to the Libyan government. Aircraft from the carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66), other U.S. Navy carriers and U.S. Air Force units took part in the operation. TICONDEROGA supported the naval force through air defense and surveillance operations. During the strikes, a U.S. Air Force F-111F aircraft was lost with its two crew members. Search and rescue efforts were conducted, but the missing crewmen were not recovered alive. The precise circumstances of the aircraft's loss were not conclusively established.

Following the Libyan operations, USS TICONDEROGA continued her Mediterranean deployment. From April 29 to May 4, 1986, she visited Naples, Italy. She then participated in NATO exercise Distant Hammer from May 5 to May 19 in the central Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. After the exercise, the cruiser visited Sainte-Maxime, France, from May 20 to May 28. She subsequently took part in exercise Poopdeck in the western Mediterranean before visiting Palma de Mallorca, Spain, from June 13 to June 19. From June 20 to June 27, TICONDEROGA participated in NATO exercise Tridente, followed by a visit to Cannes, France, from June 28 to July 7. She continued operations in the Tyrrhenian Sea before arriving at Naples for another port visit extending from July 14 to July 26. Further western Mediterranean operations were followed by visits to Cartagena, Spain, from July 29 to August 6, and Gaeta, Italy, from August 11 to August 17. TICONDEROGA continued training and surveillance operations in the central Mediterranean until August 28. She completed her turnover at Rota, Spain, between August 29 and August 31, began her transatlantic passage on September 1 and returned to Norfolk on September 10, 1986.

Following post-deployment maintenance, USS TICONDEROGA conducted additional training in the Virginia Capes operating area and participated in an advanced antisubmarine warfare exercise during November 1986. In the opening months of 1987, she underwent modifications and maintenance at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The work included replacement of topside aluminum blast doors, installation of an SPS-64 navigation radar and modifications intended to improve the ship's stability. Approximately 130 tons of lead ballast were added to the keel, and the sonar preservation system received extensive maintenance. On March 7, 1987, Capt. James M. Arrison III relieved Capt. Raymond M. Walsh as commanding officer. During May, TICONDEROGA completed an inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey and resumed Atlantic Fleet training. She visited Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the Memorial Day period, and the Secretary of the Navy embarked for part of the return passage. During June, the ship conducted missile firing exercises against high-speed targets simulating Soviet antiship missiles. In July, she participated in FLEETEX 3-87 and naval gunfire support training off Vieques, Puerto Rico, operating in association with the destroyer USS HAYLER (DD 997).

On September 10, 1987, USS TICONDEROGA departed Norfolk with the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) for an extended deployment that would include the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Other warships associated with portions of the deployment included USS DEYO (DD 989), USS DEWEY (DDG 45), USS PAUL (FF 1080) and the fleet oiler USS CANISTEO (AO 99). The cruiser joined the Sixth Fleet on September 20 and conducted a training anchorage at Capo Teulada, Sardinia, the following day. From September 23 to September 26, she visited Naples, Italy, before participating in NATO exercise Display Determination from October 1 to October 6. The exercise involved warships, submarines and aircraft from several NATO countries and emphasized combined maritime operations in the Mediterranean. Following the exercise, TICONDEROGA visited Istanbul, Turkey, from October 8 to October 11, and subsequently participated in National Week 88A from October 14 to October 16.

During the latter part of October 1987, USS TICONDEROGA's operating schedule was altered when she was redirected from the Mediterranean toward the North Atlantic. In company with USS IOWA and USS DEYO, she joined NATO operations in northern waters, including exercises in the Norwegian Sea and areas north of the Arctic Circle. TICONDEROGA crossed the Arctic Circle on October 29 and visited Bergen, Norway, from October 30 to November 1. After completing the northern European assignment, she returned to the Mediterranean and arrived at Marseille, France, on November 10 for a maintenance availability lasting until November 19. The maintenance period included equipment repairs and inspections in preparation for operations in the Indian Ocean and Middle East.

On November 20, 1987, USS TICONDEROGA departed Marseille for the eastern Mediterranean and subsequently conducted a missile firing exercise at the NATO Missile Firing Installation near Crete. On November 25, she transited the Suez Canal in company with USS IOWA and proceeded through the Red Sea toward the Indian Ocean. After crossing the equator on December 2, TICONDEROGA arrived at Diego Garcia on December 4 for a port visit and operational turnover with the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS LONG BEACH (CGN 9). The ship departed Diego Garcia on December 7 and proceeded toward the North Arabian Sea, where she joined Joint Task Force Middle East. On December 15, TICONDEROGA assumed duties as anti-air warfare commander for Battle Group Alpha, operating in support of the American naval presence in the Middle East. These operations were connected with Operation Earnest Will, the effort to protect reflagged Kuwaiti tankers and other shipping threatened during the Iran-Iraq War. TICONDEROGA conducted maritime surveillance, air defense coordination and escort support while operating with American naval units near the approaches to the Persian Gulf. On December 21, she participated in an Earnest Will escort mission identified in the ship's records as mission 87022.

USS TICONDEROGA began 1988 operating in the North Arabian Sea. During January, she continued surveillance, escort and air defense duties in support of Operation Earnest Will. On January 6, she participated in a covering-force mission, followed by an escort assignment on January 7. From January 10 to January 15, the cruiser underwent an intermediate maintenance availability alongside the destroyer tender USS CAPE COD (AD 43) near Masirah, Oman. After resuming patrol operations, she participated in another Earnest Will escort assignment on February 11 and February 12. TICONDEROGA departed the operating area in mid-February and transited the Suez Canal northbound on February 20. After entering the Mediterranean, she proceeded to Rota, Spain, where she remained from February 26 to February 28 for a port visit and equipment inspection. She subsequently crossed the Atlantic and returned to Norfolk on March 10, 1988, completing the six-month deployment.

Following her return, USS TICONDEROGA entered a maintenance and training period at Norfolk. In April, she conducted weapons exercises, including missile engagements in the Virginia Capes operating area, and subsequently visited Newport, Rhode Island, from April 27 to May 2. During May and June, the cruiser underwent an intermediate maintenance availability with the destroyer tender USS SHENANDOAH (AD 44) at Norfolk. She later participated in advanced training in the Puerto Rican operating area, including activities associated with the aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). From June 17 to June 19, TICONDEROGA visited St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles. The second half of 1988 was devoted primarily to training, inspections, maintenance and fleet readiness exercises in the western Atlantic.

In early 1989, USS TICONDEROGA completed a docking selected restricted availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and conducted subsequent sea trials. During March, she participated in naval gunfire support training off Vieques, Puerto Rico, before proceeding to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for an interim refresher training period lasting from March 20 to April 19. The ship then visited Grand Cayman from April 20 to April 22 and returned to Norfolk on April 26. On April 28, she departed for New York City to participate in Fleet Week 1989, remaining there from April 29 to May 4. After returning to Norfolk, she conducted missile firing exercises in the Puerto Rican operating area and visited Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, on May 18.

On June 7, 1989, USS TICONDEROGA departed for northern Europe to participate in exercise BALTOPS 89. She arrived at Kiel, West Germany, on June 18 and remained until June 25. After the Kiel visit, the cruiser conducted combined operations in the Baltic Sea with participating NATO naval forces. She then visited Stockholm, Sweden, from July 2 to July 6, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, from July 10 to July 15. BALTOPS provided an opportunity for American and allied naval units to operate in confined Baltic waters, conduct tactical exercises and demonstrate maritime cooperation during the final stages of the Cold War. TICONDEROGA returned to Norfolk on July 27. On August 4, 1989, Capt. Morris C. Foote relieved Capt. James M. Arrison III as commanding officer. The remainder of the year included engineering training, combat systems evaluations and preparations for the cruiser's next Mediterranean deployment.

USS TICONDEROGA began 1990 at Norfolk, where she completed maintenance and prepared for deployment with the aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). On January 25, the cruiser departed for FLEETEX 1-90 in the Puerto Rican operating area, serving as anti-air warfare commander for the carrier battle group. The exercise included combined air defense, surface warfare and antisubmarine scenarios, as well as naval gunfire support training at Vieques. TICONDEROGA also participated in operations off North Carolina in support of an amphibious readiness group before returning to Norfolk on February 11. On February 14, the cruiser hosted a delegation from the Soviet Supreme Soviet's Committee on Defense and State Security, reflecting the changes underway in relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during the final years of the Cold War.

On March 8, 1990, USS TICONDEROGA departed Norfolk with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group for a Mediterranean deployment. She entered the Sixth Fleet area of operations on March 19 and participated in National Week exercises involving the battle groups of USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER and USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). TICONDEROGA served as a combined air-warfare commander during part of the exercise, coordinating air defense and missile firing activities. On March 25, she relieved USS YORKTOWN (CG 48) as anti-air warfare commander for Battle Force Sixth Fleet. After an anchorage at Augusta Bay, Sicily, on March 31, TICONDEROGA arrived at Toulon, France, on April 2 for a port visit lasting until April 11.

During April and May 1990, USS TICONDEROGA continued operations throughout the Mediterranean. She participated in exercise Distant Thunder from April 12 to April 21, including operations in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, and visited Haifa, Israel, from April 22 to April 29. From April 30 to May 17, she took part in NATO exercise Dragon Hammer, a major multinational exercise involving air, surface and amphibious forces from several allied countries. TICONDEROGA served in an air defense coordination role during operations involving multiple carrier groups. Following the exercise, she visited Cannes, France, from May 18 to May 24, and participated in exercise Poopdeck from May 25 to June 3. The cruiser then visited Naples, Italy, from June 4 to June 18. During this period, she underwent maintenance alongside the destroyer tender USS SIERRA (AD 18) and hosted a United Service Organizations event attended by American and foreign military and civilian guests.

During the summer of 1990, USS TICONDEROGA continued port visits and exercises in the western Mediterranean. She visited Marseille, France, from June 25 to June 29 and again from July 2 to July 7, including participation in American Independence Day ceremonies. From July 8 to July 11, the cruiser conducted a passing exercise with Tunisian naval forces. She subsequently visited Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, from July 12 to July 16, followed by a short visit to Menton on July 16 and July 17. From July 19 to July 31, TICONDEROGA remained at Palma de Mallorca, Spain, where she underwent another intermediate maintenance period supported by USS SIERRA.

The situation in the Middle East changed on August 2, 1990, when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait. USS TICONDEROGA, which had departed Palma de Mallorca on August 1 for exercise Flashing Scimitar, was redirected to support the American response to the invasion. On August 8, TICONDEROGA transited the Suez Canal southbound, leading elements of the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group into the Red Sea. The cruiser was among the first American naval units to arrive in the Red Sea operating area in support of Operation Desert Shield. During the following two weeks, Capt. Morris C. Foote served as both anti-air warfare commander and surface screen commander for the initial American force operating in the area. The group included USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, USS SCOTT, USS JOHN L. HALL (FFG 32), the ammunition ship USS SURIBACHI (AE 21) and the Military Sealift Command fleet oiler USNS NEOSHO (T-AO 143).

During Operation Desert Shield, USS TICONDEROGA coordinated air and surface surveillance in the Red Sea and helped provide protection for the carrier battle group while American forces were being deployed to Saudi Arabia. She participated in maritime interception operations intended to enforce United Nations sanctions against Iraq and monitored shipping in the approaches to the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba. The cruiser remained in the Red Sea until August 24, when she transited the Suez Canal northbound following the arrival of additional American naval forces. She then continued operations in the eastern and central Mediterranean before being relieved by elements of the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) Battle Group in early September. USS TICONDEROGA crossed the Atlantic and returned to Norfolk on September 12, 1990. Although the deployment supported Operation Desert Shield, the cruiser did not enter the Persian Gulf during this phase of the operation. After returning home, she underwent combat systems evaluations, an inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey and additional maintenance. On December 18 and December 19, the ship offloaded ammunition at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown in preparation for a scheduled shipyard availability.

At the beginning of 1991, USS TICONDEROGA entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a ten-week selected restricted availability beginning on January 8. The work included maintenance and the installation of AEGIS Baseline 1.3 software. Following completion of the availability, the cruiser conducted post-maintenance sea trials on March 14 and March 15 before returning to Norfolk. During March, she loaded Standard missiles, Harpoon missiles and 5-inch ammunition at Yorktown. In April, TICONDEROGA participated in Type Commander's Core Training 4-91 in the Puerto Rican operating area. The training included air defense, surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and naval gunfire support exercises at Vieques. She subsequently visited Nassau, Bahamas, from April 18 to April 21 and returned to Norfolk on April 23.

During the spring and summer of 1991, USS TICONDEROGA completed further readiness inspections, aviation certification, engineering evaluations and fleet exercises. On June 21, Capt. Edward F. Messina relieved Capt. Morris C. Foote as commanding officer. On June 24, TICONDEROGA operated in the Virginia Capes area with the newly commissioned guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) during a photographic exercise. Additional training included an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination, fleet exercises and antisubmarine warfare evaluations. During August, she underwent an intermediate maintenance availability alongside the destroyer tender USS PUGET SOUND (AD 38) at Norfolk. The ship subsequently loaded ammunition at Yorktown and entered final preparations for another Middle East deployment.

On September 26, 1991, USS TICONDEROGA departed Norfolk for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. She entered the Sixth Fleet area on October 8 and transited the Suez Canal southbound on October 13. After proceeding through the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman, she passed through the Strait of Hormuz on October 28 and entered the Persian Gulf. Assigned to Battle Force Zulu, TICONDEROGA assumed responsibilities as Arabian Gulf Force Track Coordinator, maintaining and distributing a recognized maritime and air picture for American and coalition naval units operating in the region. The deployment took place after the cessation of major combat operations in Operation Desert Storm, while American forces continued to enforce United Nations restrictions on Iraq and maintain a naval presence in the Persian Gulf. TICONDEROGA visited Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from November 9 to November 12, 1991. She subsequently resumed operations in the Persian Gulf before entering Jebel Ali for a restricted maintenance availability from November 27 to December 3. After another operating period, the cruiser returned to Abu Dhabi on December 22 and remained there through the end of the year.

USS TICONDEROGA began 1992 in Abu Dhabi before departing on January 2 for operations in the Gulf of Oman. She transited the Strait of Hormuz on January 3 and participated in exercise Red Reef III from January 4 to January 11. During January, she also conducted missile firing exercises and received support from a gas turbine mobile training team. On January 18, TICONDEROGA returned through the Strait of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf. She subsequently underwent a maintenance availability at Jebel Ali from January 21 to January 30 before resuming operations. The cruiser left the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on February 4 and proceeded through the North Arabian Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. She transited the Suez Canal northbound on February 26 and visited Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, from March 1 to March 5.

After passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, USS TICONDEROGA proceeded northward to participate in exercise Teamwork 92 in the North Atlantic. She made a brief refueling stop at Loch Striven, Scotland, on March 10, before beginning the exercise. Teamwork 92 involved NATO naval forces conducting operations under difficult North Atlantic conditions and included tactical training in antisubmarine warfare, air defense and maritime communications. Following the exercise, TICONDEROGA crossed the Atlantic and returned to Norfolk in early April 1992, completing the deployment.

During the spring and summer of 1992, USS TICONDEROGA resumed Atlantic Fleet training and conducted counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. In May, she operated with USS YORKTOWN during a missile exercise in the Puerto Rican operating area. She subsequently conducted drug interdiction patrols, naval gunfire support training at Vieques and further operations near Puerto Rico and the eastern Caribbean. Her port visits included Frederiksted, St. Croix, and Fort-de-France, Martinique. During June, she returned to Norfolk before conducting additional training in the western Atlantic. In July, she visited Newport, Rhode Island, and later proceeded to Earle, New Jersey, for ammunition offloading. The cruiser subsequently visited Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning to Norfolk. On October 12, 1992, TICONDEROGA began a major overhaul at Metro Machine Corporation in Norfolk. The ship was placed in the Old Dominion dry dock, where hull, machinery and combat systems maintenance continued through the end of the year.

USS TICONDEROGA remained at Metro Machine Corporation during the first half of 1993 for the completion of her regular overhaul. The work included machinery repairs, electrical and equipment maintenance, combat systems restoration and inspections of the ship's engineering spaces. She was undocked on February 27 and continued outfitting and equipment testing alongside the shipyard. The AEGIS system was reactivated during March, and further work continued during April and May. The crew returned to the ship in late April while final equipment installation and certification procedures were carried out. Following dock trials and a fast cruise, TICONDEROGA conducted sea trials in June and completed the overhaul period later that month. On June 30, 1993, Capt. Gary A. Storm relieved Capt. Edward F. Messina as commanding officer.

During the second half of 1993, USS TICONDEROGA concentrated on restoring full operational readiness following the overhaul. The ship completed aviation certification, tactical training and combat systems evaluations in the Virginia Capes operating area. In September, she proceeded to the Puerto Rican operating area, where she conducted naval gunfire support exercises at Vieques, antisubmarine warfare training and weapons evaluations. The exercises included torpedo and antisubmarine rocket firing activities near St. Croix. The remainder of the year was devoted to additional readiness assessments, combat systems evaluations and training required before the cruiser could resume extended operations.

In January 1994, USS TICONDEROGA conducted counter-narcotics operations with an embarked SH-60B Seahawk helicopter detachment. The deployment was followed by maintenance and combat systems training at Norfolk. In March, the cruiser participated in a missile exercise and visited Nassau, Bahamas, from March 14 to March 16. She subsequently conducted joint air defense and joint engagement zone exercises intended to improve the integration of naval surveillance systems with supporting aircraft. On March 26, TICONDEROGA arrived at Pascagoula, Mississippi, for a brief port visit before returning to Norfolk for further maintenance and training.

During June 1994, USS TICONDEROGA returned to the Caribbean for another counter-narcotics assignment. She operated under a joint task force responsible for coordinating the surveillance and interception of suspected drug-trafficking aircraft and vessels. The ship's AEGIS radar and command facilities allowed her to contribute to air surveillance and tactical coordination in addition to conventional surface interdiction activities. During the patrol, she made a brief fuel stop at Cartagena, Colombia, from June 9 to June 13 and visited Barbados from June 30 to July 3. TICONDEROGA returned to Norfolk on July 4 and resumed engineering and combat systems training.

During the remainder of 1994, USS TICONDEROGA prepared for another Mediterranean deployment. Her training included combined operations with USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, air defense exercises, antisubmarine warfare training and Operational Propulsion Plant Examinations. During September, she visited Winter Harbor, Maine, and participated in additional training exercises. In October and November, the ship completed combat systems readiness evaluations and operational certification procedures. The year concluded with preparations for deployment with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group.

USS TICONDEROGA began 1995 with final preparations for her Mediterranean deployment. During January, she embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 46, Detachment 2, and participated in a Joint Task Force Exercise with other elements of the battle group. The ship subsequently underwent final inspections and maintenance before departing Norfolk on March 22, 1995, as part of Joint Task Group 95-2. The deployment took place during NATO operations connected with the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, including the enforcement of United Nations sanctions in the Adriatic and the implementation of the no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the transatlantic passage, TICONDEROGA visited Rota, Spain, and Palma de Mallorca before assuming Red Crown duties in the Adriatic Sea. The Red Crown assignment involved coordinating air surveillance and air defense information for NATO aircraft operating in the region.

From April 18 to April 27, 1995, USS TICONDEROGA continued Red Crown operations in the Adriatic. She subsequently participated in NATO exercise Destined Glory 95 from April 28 to May 11. The exercise was conducted in the Mediterranean south of Sardinia and involved more than twenty ships and military forces from several NATO countries. Its purpose was to test combined amphibious operations, air defense, maritime command and control and coordination between naval and ground forces. TICONDEROGA contributed air defense surveillance and command capabilities during the exercise. Following Destined Glory, she visited Genoa, Italy, from May 13 to May 16 and Toulon, France, from May 18 to May 22. During the Toulon visit, members of the crew attended a memorial ceremony at Draguignan commemorating American service personnel who had died during the Second World War. From May 23 to May 31, TICONDEROGA participated in NATO exercise Tridente 95 before continuing Mediterranean operations.

During this period, the carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT operated in support of American missions in the Middle East and later returned to the Mediterranean. USS TICONDEROGA did not accompany the carrier on its Persian Gulf operating period. Instead, the cruiser remained in the Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises, air defense assignments and port visits.

On June 5, 1995, USS TICONDEROGA arrived at Cartagena, Spain, for a maintenance period lasting until June 11. On June 8, Cmdr. Charles T. Bush relieved Capt. Gary A. Storm as commanding officer. After departing Cartagena, the ship conducted Mediterranean training exercises with the Coast Guard cutter USCGC DALLAS from June 12 to June 21. She then returned to Toulon, France, from June 21 to June 25. During the final days of June, TICONDEROGA conducted additional training in preparation for returning to Adriatic operations. From June 30 to July 6, she visited Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, where she hosted Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia on July 6.

From July 9 to July 23, 1995, USS TICONDEROGA resumed Red Crown and Operation Sharp Guard duties in the Adriatic. Operation Sharp Guard was the combined NATO and Western European Union maritime enforcement operation established to implement United Nations sanctions against the former Yugoslavia. TICONDEROGA conducted surveillance, command and control and maritime security operations during the assignment. She subsequently visited Trieste, Italy, from July 24 to July 28 and received notification of the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy award on July 27. From July 29 to August 11, TICONDEROGA operated as an escort for USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, completing exercises and air defense operations with the carrier battle group. On August 10, she conducted a missile exercise at the NATO Missile Firing Installation near Crete.

During the final weeks of the 1995 Mediterranean deployment, USS TICONDEROGA visited Rhodes, Greece, from August 21 to August 25, Monaco from August 28 to August 31 and Barcelona, Spain, from September 1 to September 6. She subsequently completed turnover procedures with relieving American naval forces on September 8 and began her transatlantic return passage the following day. The cruiser arrived at Norfolk on September 21, 1995, completing approximately six months overseas. Following post-deployment leave and maintenance, she offloaded ammunition at Yorktown during October. On November 16, TICONDEROGA entered Moon Engineering Shipyard at Norfolk for a selected restricted availability extending into 1996.

The shipyard period continued during January 1996, with engineering work, machinery inspections and repairs carried out at Moon Engineering Shipyard. USS TICONDEROGA completed post-availability sea trials in early February and subsequently loaded ammunition at Earle, New Jersey. On February 27, the cruiser departed for counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The deployment initially included a contingency operation designated Standoff Four following the February 24 shootdown of two civilian aircraft belonging to the Cuban-American organization Brothers to the Rescue by Cuban fighter aircraft. TICONDEROGA conducted surveillance and monitoring operations north of Cuba before transiting the Panama Canal southbound on March 8. After a brief fuel stop at Rodman, Panama, she proceeded into the eastern Pacific for maritime counter-narcotics patrols.

During March 1996, USS TICONDEROGA continued surveillance and interdiction activities off the Pacific coast of Central America. On March 20, she assumed responsibilities for coordinating air surveillance over the Caribbean operating area, integrating information received from ships and aircraft and supporting the control of American surveillance and interception assets. On March 23, TICONDEROGA responded to a distress call from the sailing vessel BALEENA, which had lost propulsion and sailing capability. The cruiser towed the disabled vessel for two days to Rodman, Panama, where repairs could be arranged. Following another brief fuel stop on March 30, she transited the Panama Canal northbound and returned to Norfolk on April 5, completing the counter-narcotics deployment.

During April and May 1996, USS TICONDEROGA underwent inspections, engineering evaluations and tactical training in preparation for her forthcoming homeport change. On May 20, she departed for New York City to participate in Fleet Week 1996. Her first commanding officer, retired Rear Adm. Roland G. Guilbault, embarked during the visit. After returning from New York, TICONDEROGA completed further training and began preparations for the transfer of her homeport from Norfolk to Pascagoula, Mississippi. She arrived at Naval Station Pascagoula on June 22, 1996, formally joining the Western Hemisphere Group. The homeport change reflected a shift in operational emphasis from carrier battle group air defense missions toward independent operations, maritime surveillance and counter-narcotics assignments in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

During the second half of 1996, USS TICONDEROGA conducted extensive engineering training and combat systems evaluations from Pascagoula. In August, she completed an Operational Propulsion Plant Examination and installed a Thermal Imaging Sensor System intended to improve visual identification of surface contacts during maritime surveillance operations. The cruiser also conducted naval gunfire support training at Vieques and prepared for further counter-narcotics assignments. On December 3, 1996, Cmdr. David G. Yoshihara relieved Cmdr. Charles T. Bush as commanding officer. The ship subsequently continued preparations for operations under the Western Hemisphere Group.

During 1997, USS TICONDEROGA operated from Pascagoula under the Western Hemisphere Group, concentrating on counter-narcotics surveillance and interdiction duties. Her assignments involved monitoring suspected smuggling routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, coordinating radar surveillance with maritime patrol aircraft and supporting law-enforcement boardings. These missions reflected the increasing use of surface combatants in counter-drug operations after the Cold War. The cruiser's AEGIS system was employed primarily for surveillance and command and control, while her embarked SH-60B helicopter and Coast Guard law-enforcement personnel provided capabilities for identifying, tracking and inspecting suspected smuggling vessels. During the year, TICONDEROGA participated in Operation Carib Dagger and continued periodic maintenance, exercises and readiness evaluations between operational patrols.

During 1998, USS TICONDEROGA continued counter-narcotics deployments under the tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force East. The ship operated in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, conducting coordinated air and surface surveillance in support of efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking. She embarked an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 46 and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. These assets allowed the cruiser to identify suspected smuggling vessels, maintain surveillance and support boarding operations. During one deployment, two Coast Guard law-enforcement detachments served aboard for overlapping periods, providing personnel for extended interdiction activities. On June 30, 1998, Cmdr. King H. Dietrich relieved Cmdr. David G. Yoshihara as commanding officer. TICONDEROGA continued her counter-narcotics assignment and associated readiness training during the remainder of the year.

USS TICONDEROGA began 1999 with another counter-drug deployment in the Caribbean under Joint Interagency Task Force East. The cruiser embarked an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter and Coast Guard law-enforcement personnel for the deployment, using the ship's surveillance capabilities to support the detection and monitoring of suspected narcotics traffickers. Following completion of the deployment, she returned to Pascagoula and began preparations for a major modernization program. In April 1999, TICONDEROGA entered an extended maintenance and modernization availability for installation of the Smart Ship system. The program was intended to replace selected analog and manually operated shipboard control systems with integrated digital technology, reducing operating costs and improving the monitoring and control of machinery and shipboard equipment.

The Smart Ship modernization involved extensive changes to USS TICONDEROGA's bridge, engineering control spaces, damage control facilities and internal communications. New equipment included an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Condition Assessment System, Damage Control System, Machinery Control System, Fuel Control System, Shipwide Area Network and Wireless Internal Communications System. Installation and testing continued through 1999, together with structural modifications, cable installation and crew training on the new equipment. TICONDEROGA became the first production Smart Ship cruiser to receive this integrated modernization configuration. The work represented an experiment in reducing manpower requirements and improving the efficiency of shipboard operations through digital control systems.

During the first half of 2000, USS TICONDEROGA completed the final phases of her Smart Ship modernization. The new equipment underwent installation testing, calibration, crew familiarization and engineering evaluations before the ship resumed unrestricted operations. On June 1 and June 2, TICONDEROGA completed post-modernization sea trials, including evaluations of propulsion plant controls, bridge systems and machinery monitoring equipment. On June 9, 2000, Cmdr. Glen R. Sears II relieved Cmdr. King H. Dietrich as commanding officer at Naval Station Pascagoula. Following sea trials, the ship completed further readiness inspections and prepared for a multinational deployment to South American waters.

Later in 2000, USS TICONDEROGA deployed to participate in UNITAS 41-00, the annual multinational naval exercise series conducted by the United States with South American navies. The cruiser served as the American flagship during the Atlantic phase of the exercise, with Commander Destroyer Squadron Fourteen embarked. An SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 3, provided aviation support. UNITAS involved combined tactical maneuvering, communications, maritime surveillance, air defense and surface warfare exercises with participating South American naval forces. The deployment also included opportunities for professional exchanges and port visits intended to develop interoperability and cooperation between the participating navies.

During UNITAS 41-00, USS TICONDEROGA operated along the Atlantic coast of South America and visited ports in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. In early October 2000, she called at Ushuaia, Argentina, near the southern tip of South America, departing on October 4. She subsequently continued the Atlantic phase of UNITAS and arrived at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 23 with other participating American warships. The exercise series provided an opportunity to test the recently modernized cruiser's command and control equipment during extended operations with multinational naval forces. Following completion of UNITAS, TICONDEROGA returned to Pascagoula and entered a period of maintenance and readiness training.

During January 2001, USS TICONDEROGA served as flagship for Commander Destroyer Squadron Six during a group sail intended to prepare participating ships for upcoming deployments. Other ships involved included USS STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29) and USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40). The exercises included tactical maneuvering, communications drills, electronic warfare training, antiair warfare exercises and simulated maritime interdiction operations. During the exercise period, TICONDEROGA visited Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, on January 27 and subsequently conducted additional exercises in the Puerto Rican operating area. The ship also carried out missile firing training and prepared for an inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey.

During the spring of 2001, USS TICONDEROGA completed maintenance and combat systems readiness evaluations before departing on another South American deployment. From April through August, she operated in support of U.S. Southern Command, participating in multinational exercises and maritime security cooperation activities in the eastern Pacific. The deployment included exercise Teamwork South, conducted with Chilean naval forces, the British destroyer HMS EDINBURGH (D 97) and the American guided missile frigate USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60). The exercise involved surface maneuvers, communications, air defense training, missile operations and naval gunfire support exercises with participating Chilean warships. During the deployment, TICONDEROGA visited several ports along the Pacific coast of South America, including Antofagasta, Caldera, Coquimbo and Valparaiso, Chile, and Callao, Peru.

On July 10, 2001, USS TICONDEROGA participated in a live-fire sinking exercise off Chile involving the former tank landing ship USS LA MOURE COUNTY (LST 1194). The amphibious ship had run aground off Chile in September 2000 and was subsequently decommissioned after the cost of repairs was judged uneconomical. During the exercise, TICONDEROGA engaged the former landing ship with her 5-inch guns and launched Standard and Harpoon missiles against the target. Other participating vessels included USS RODNEY M. DAVIS, HMS EDINBURGH and Chilean naval units. Following the surface and missile engagements, the damaged former USS LA MOURE COUNTY was sunk by torpedoes fired from the Chilean submarine O'BRIEN. The exercise provided an opportunity for participating naval forces to evaluate the effects of different weapons against a full-sized ship target.

Following the completion of Teamwork South, USS TICONDEROGA continued operations in the eastern Pacific and participated in the multinational antisubmarine warfare exercise SIFOREX 2001. She subsequently returned to Pascagoula. After the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, the ship was assigned to Operation Noble Eagle, the domestic security operation established to protect American airspace and critical infrastructure. TICONDEROGA was among the first warships to depart Pascagoula following the attacks and served as Southeast Sector Air Defense Group Commander. Her duties included maritime air defense surveillance and coordination in support of measures introduced after the attacks. During the latter part of 2001, the cruiser resumed maintenance and readiness activities at Pascagoula.

At the beginning of 2002, USS TICONDEROGA entered a dry-docking selected restricted availability at Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Company in Mobile, Alabama. The shipyard work, supported by a contract modification valued at approximately $8 million, included hull maintenance, machinery repairs and equipment modernization. The availability continued until June 2002. Following completion of the work, TICONDEROGA resumed engineering evaluations, equipment inspections and training in preparation for future operational assignments. The year was devoted largely to maintaining the cruiser in an operationally ready condition while she continued to support the Atlantic Fleet's surface combatant requirements.

During 2003, USS TICONDEROGA completed an extensive schedule of training, combat systems evaluations and operational inspections. In January, she conducted a naval gunfire support qualification exercise at the Vieques training range in Puerto Rico, achieving a final grade of 98.16 percent. During the exercise period, TICONDEROGA fired the final naval gunfire round into the Vieques training range before the Navy ceased training operations there. The event marked the end of decades of naval weapons training on the island. The ship subsequently continued operational training and combat systems evaluations in the western Atlantic and Caribbean.

During the summer and autumn of 2003, USS TICONDEROGA participated in several group sails, two Composite Training Unit Exercises and additional tactical training events. These activities included antiair warfare, maritime surveillance, communications and surface warfare exercises. TICONDEROGA also completed a Vandal missile engagement against a high-speed aerial target and participated in a multinational maritime exercise. By October, she had completed the principal certifications required for her next deployment. The cruiser received several awards for operational and material readiness during the year, including the Battle Efficiency Award, the Command and Control, Communications and Information Warfare Excellence Award, the Supply Management Excellence Award and the Type Commander Ship Safety Award. She was also selected for the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy for 2003 in recognition of her improvement in operational readiness and performance. During this period, TICONDEROGA remained under the command of Cmdr. Glenn W. Zeiders III, who had assumed command on January 30, 2002.

USS TICONDEROGA began 2004 preparing for her final operational deployment. On January 16, she departed Pascagoula for Mayport, Florida, where she underwent a training availability from January 19 to February 5. After returning to Pascagoula on February 9, the ship completed maintenance and pre-deployment preparations. On March 10, 2004, TICONDEROGA departed Pascagoula for a counter-narcotics deployment to the Caribbean and eastern Pacific under U.S. Southern Command. The deployment was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, Joint Interagency Task Force South and regional military and law-enforcement agencies. The ship's missions included maritime surveillance, identification and tracking of suspected smuggling vessels, the interception of illicit cargo and support for Coast Guard boarding operations.

During the initial phase of the deployment, USS TICONDEROGA visited Cozumel, Mexico, from March 15 to March 17 and Colon, Panama, from March 27 to March 28. She subsequently proceeded to Mayport, Florida, where she remained from April 1 to April 9. On April 10, while operating in the Caribbean, TICONDEROGA responded to a sailing vessel carrying eight Cuban migrants. The vessel was in an unseaworthy condition, and the cruiser took the occupants aboard before transferring them to U.S. Coast Guard authorities. From April 12 to April 13, the ship visited Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for logistical support before continuing counter-narcotics patrols. On April 27, TICONDEROGA arrived at Cartagena, Colombia, for a port visit lasting until April 29.

During May 2004, USS TICONDEROGA continued counter-narcotics operations in cooperation with Colombian military and law-enforcement authorities. Her embarked Coast Guard personnel conducted boarding and evidence-collection operations against suspected smuggling vessels, while the ship's helicopter and radar systems supported the detection and tracking of contacts. On May 6, TICONDEROGA arrived at Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Panama, for a brief port visit lasting until May 7. She subsequently visited Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, from May 17 to May 19 and returned to Vasco Nunez de Balboa from May 28 to May 30. The ship continued operations along suspected smuggling routes in the eastern Pacific, coordinating with American and regional surveillance aircraft to locate and intercept fast-moving vessels.

During June and early July 2004, USS TICONDEROGA continued her maritime interdiction mission in the eastern Pacific. Her port visits included Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Panama, from June 11 to June 13, June 22 to June 24 and July 8 to July 10. During the deployment, the cruiser participated in five interdictions of high-speed go-fast smuggling vessels and one fishing vessel associated with narcotics trafficking. Her operations led to the seizure of more than 14,000 pounds of cocaine and the detention of 25 suspected traffickers. TICONDEROGA also supported cooperative interdiction operations involving Costa Rican and Colombian naval forces and monitored vessels suspected of providing logistical support to drug-trafficking operations. The deployment reflected the use of large surface combatants for maritime surveillance and law-enforcement support during the final years of the ship's service.

On July 15, 2004, USS TICONDEROGA arrived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for a brief port visit lasting until July 16. She then proceeded to Mayport, Florida, where she remained from July 19 to July 23 for offloading of stores and equipment in preparation for decommissioning. From July 26 to July 30, the cruiser visited Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia, to offload her remaining ammunition. Following completion of the weapons offload, TICONDEROGA proceeded to Pascagoula, Mississippi, arriving on August 3, 2004. The ship subsequently began final decommissioning preparations, including the removal of equipment, completion of administrative procedures and preparation for transfer to inactive status.

On September 30, 2004, USS TICONDEROGA was decommissioned at Naval Station Pascagoula, Mississippi, after more than 21 years of commissioned service. She was the first AEGIS-equipped cruiser to be retired from U.S. naval service. Her final commanding officer was Cmdr. Glenn W. Zeiders III. Following her decommissioning, TICONDEROGA was towed from Pascagoula to the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania, where she arrived on October 10, 2004.

During the following years, the former USS TICONDEROGA remained laid up in Philadelphia with other decommissioned U.S. Navy warships. The Navy considered possible alternatives for her disposal, including preservation as a museum ship, but no permanent museum arrangement was established. She remained in inactive storage while equipment and systems were removed or retained for possible use elsewhere in the fleet. The ship was eventually designated for disposal by dismantling. On September 3, 2020, the former cruiser departed Philadelphia under tow for International Shipbreaking Limited at Brownsville, Texas. After passing along the U.S. Atlantic coast and through the Gulf of Mexico, she arrived at Brownsville on September 23, 2020.

Dismantling of the former USS TICONDEROGA subsequently began at International Shipbreaking Limited in Brownsville. The recycling process involved the removal of remaining equipment, dismantling of the superstructure, separation of machinery and structural components and processing of the hull for scrap metal. The dismantling was completed on June 22, 2022.

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USS TICONDEROGA Patch Gallery:

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USS TICONDEROGA Image Gallery:

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The photo below was taken by Karl-Heinz Ahles and shows USS TICONDEROGA at Naval Station Pascagoula, Miss., on May 17, 1999.

The photos below were taken by Brian Barton on October 13, 2008, and show the TICONDEROGA laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The ships next to the TICONDEROGA are CONOLLY (DD 979), THOMAS S. GATES (CG 51) and the ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD 968).

The photos below were taken by me on November 7, 2008, and show the TICONDEROGA laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

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The photos below were taken by me on October 26, 2010, and show the TICONDEROGA still laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

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The photos below were taken by me on May 4, 2012, and show the TICONDEROGA still laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

The photo below was taken by Michael Jenning on October 3, 2012, and shows the TICONDEROGA laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning on October 7, 2018, and show the TICONDEROGA laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

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