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General Characteristics Crew List Memorabilia Cruise Books and Booklets About the Ship's Coat of Arms About the Ship's Name Patch Gallery History Image Gallery to end of page |  |  |
USS THOMAS S. GATES was the fifth ship in the TICONDEROGA - class and the last ship of that class equipped with the Mk-26 missile launchers. THOMAS S. GATES was also the only ship in her class to be named after a person and not after a famous American battle. Both decommissioned and stricken from the Navy list on December 16, 2005, the ship spent the following years laid up at Philadelphia, Penn. On December 15, 2014, the THOMAS S. GATES was sold for scrapping to ESCO Marine of Brownsville, Tx. The ship, however, spent another 2 1/2 years at Philadelphia until she was towed to New Orleans, La., for scrapping in June 2017. THOMAS S. GATES arrived at her final destination on June 30, 2017.
| General Characteristics: | Awarded: May 20, 1982 |
| Keel laid: August 31, 1984 | |
| Launched: December 14, 1985 | |
| Commissioned: August 22, 1987 | |
| Decommissioned: December 16, 2005 | |
| Builder: Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine | |
| Propulsion system: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines | |
| Propellers: two | |
| Blades on each Propeller: five | |
| Length: 567 feet (173 meters) | |
| Beam: 55 feet (16.8 meters) | |
| Draft: 34 feet (10.2 meters) | |
| Displacement: approx. 9,600 tons full load | |
| Speed: 30+ knots | |
| Cost: about $1 billion | |
| Aircraft: two | |
| Armament: two | |
| Crew: 33 Officers, 27 Chief Petty Officers and approx. 340 Enlisted |
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageCrew List:
This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS THOMAS S. GATES. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageUSS THOMAS S. GATES Cruise Books:
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The crest is built on the government service of the ship's namesake, the Honorable Thomas S. Gates, Jr. of Philadelphia. The upper section of the shield represents the World War II service of Thomas S. Gates, Jr. aboard various aircraft carriers. The deep blue represents the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the gold symbolizes the U.S. Navy tradition. The heraldic rayonne division of scarlet and gold, simulating fire and flames, is symbolic of the severity of the Japanese Kamikaze attacks concentrated upon U.S. aircraft carriers during the invasions of Lingayen, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, in which Gates participated. The anchor and stars, adapted from the flag of the Secretary of the Navy, refer to his tenure as Under Secretary and Secretary of that Department. His subsequent terms as Deputy Secretary and Secretary of Defense are indicated by the three arrows which appear on the flag of the Secretary of Defense.
On the crest, the eagle, symbolic of power and authority, along with the ship's wheel, allude to the strong leadership Mr. Gates provided while leading the Department of Defense during a period that heralded technological changes from guns to missiles, conventional power to nuclear, piston to jet aircraft engines, and the beginning of space exploration. This era of change is recognized by the alternating colors of the wheel.
Mr. Gates' last public service followed his appointment by President Ford to head the U.S. Liaison Office to the People's Republic of China. He stated that his task would be "to work for the normalization of Chinese-American relations." This concept is indicated by the blue and red stars above the gold rays. The blue represents the USA; red is for China; and the gold rays from the President's Seal emphasize the significance of this appointment, and Mr. Gates' contributions to the United States in this role.
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back to top go to the end of the pageAbout the Ship's Name, about Thomas Sovereign Gates, Jr.:
Thomas Sovereign Gates, Jr. was born in Philadelphia on 10 April 1906 to Thomas Sovereign and Marie Rogers Gates. His father was a lawyer and investment banker who served as President of the University of Pennsylvania from 1930 to 1944. His mother died when he was born. After graduating from Chestnut Hill Academy in 1924, Gates attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Phi Beta Kappa member of the Class of 1928. On 29 September 1928, Gates married Millicent Anne Brengle of Philadelphia. Following graduation, Gates entered his father's investment banking business, Drexel and Co., and in 1940, became a partner. During those years he served in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a private.
A member of the U.S. Naval Reserve since 1935, Gates was called to World War II active duty in April 1942, and commissioned a Lieutenant. He graduated from the Quonset Point Air Intelligence School in Rhode Island and was assigned to the staff of the Commander in Chief, Atlantic Theater to help organize the Naval Air Intelligence Center under that Command. During this tour, he participated in the North African "Casablanca" landings as an observer in the aircraft carrier USS RANGER.
In the summer of 1943, Gates joined the new light carrier USS MONTEREY as Air Combat Intelligence Officer. As part of the Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet, MONTEREY supported amphibious landings at Tarawa and Kwajalein, and participated in strikes against New Britain, New Guinea, and the Island of Truk. Gates returned to the United States in the early summer of 1944 to join the staff of Rear Admiral Calvin T. Durgin as Flag Lieutenant and Air Intelligence Officer, and participated in Operation DRAGOON, the planned invasion of Southern France.
Upon the successful completion of DRAGOON, Durgin's American carriers redeployed to the Pacific, where on the USS MAKIN ISLAND, Gates participated in the invasions of Lingayen, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. For service in these operations, Gates received the Bronze Star Medal. After three additional months of combat operations in support of the Okinawa Invasion, Gates completed his service and arrived in San Francisco on V-J Day, where he reverted to the Naval Reserve with the rank of Commander.
Gates resumed civil life as a partner in Drexel and Co. in the fall of 1945, and shortly thereafter was elected a director of several corporations in the Philadelphia area. Continuing in the reserves, Gates was promoted to Captain and continued to take an interest in local reserve activities, being a founder of the "Reserve Officers of Naval Service." In addition to serving as National Vice President and Director of the Navy League of the United States, he served on the naval advisory council of the Bureau of Aeronautics, in Washington.
In October of 1953, he accepted an appointment as Under Secretary of the Navy from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Four years later, on 1 April 1957, Thomas S. Gates, Jr. assumed the Office of Secretary of the Navy. Admiral Arleigh Burke summed up Gates' time in the Navy Department when he told him "Your service was in an era marked by the most rapid technological changes in the history of the Navy." Missiles were replacing guns, nuclear power for conventional, jets replaced propellers, supersonic speeds, and even exploration into space, were part of the changing Navy. During that time, he participated in a re- organization of the Department, and delineated Navy-Marine Corps relationship to the satisfaction of both services.
In May of 1959, President Eisenhower asked Gates to become Deputy Secretary of Defense. He then succeeded Neil McElroy as Secretary of Defense in December of the same year. During his tenure as Secretary, Gates accomplished management innovations that facilitated the Pentagon's transition to modern weapons and tactics, including long- range ballistic missiles, supersonic jets and tactical atomic bombs. After 14 months as Secretary, Gates left the Pentagon. He was appointed President of Morgan Guaranty Trust, and in 1966 became Chairman of the Board and CEO.
In 1976, Gates was called back to government service when an old shipmate from the MONTEREY, President Gerald Ford, appointed him as head of the U.S. Liaison Office to the People's Republic of China. He relieved Vice President Bush when he took over the post in May 1976. Mr. Gates retired from public life, at the age of 71, in May of 1977.
Thomas S. Gates' service as Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of Defense, and the post with the U.S. Liaison Office to the People's Republic of China are represented by flags.
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USS THOMAS S. GATES Patch Gallery:
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back to top go to the end of the pageHistory of USS THOMAS S. GATES:
USS THOMAS S. GATES was the fifth ship of the TICONDEROGA-class of guided missile cruisers and the last vessel of the class equipped with the original Mk 26 twin-arm guided missile launchers. Unlike later units beginning with USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52), she did not have the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System. USS THOMAS S. GATES was built by Bath Iron Works at Bath, Maine. Her keel was laid on August 31, 1984, and she was launched into the Kennebec River on December 14, 1985. The ship was sponsored by Anne Gates, widow of the former Secretary of Defense. Construction and outfitting continued through 1986 and the first half of 1987, including installation and testing of the propulsion machinery, weapons, radar and communications equipment. After completing builder's trials and acceptance evaluations, the cruiser was delivered to the Navy on June 22, 1987. USS THOMAS S. GATES was commissioned at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 22, 1987, with Capt. Robert Sutton as her first commanding officer. Following commissioning, she proceeded south to Norfolk, Virginia, which became her first homeport.
During the remainder of 1987, USS THOMAS S. GATES concentrated on initial training, equipment evaluations and preparation for operational service. The ship conducted engineering drills, combat systems testing and tactical exercises in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The training program included the integration of the AEGIS combat system with the ship's weapons and communications equipment, aviation certification and exercises intended to prepare the crew for operations with other Atlantic Fleet units. These activities continued into the opening months of 1988.
On January 7, 1988, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Norfolk for refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During approximately one month in the Caribbean, the cruiser conducted engineering exercises, damage control training, weapons drills and tactical evaluations. After completing the training period, she proceeded north to Portland, Maine, where she entered a three-month post-shakedown availability. The shipyard work included corrections and modifications identified during her initial operating period, together with inspections and maintenance of the machinery and combat systems. Following completion of the availability, THOMAS S. GATES returned to sea on June 12 and resumed fleet exercises.
During June 1988, USS THOMAS S. GATES temporarily served as flagship for Rear Adm. Jeremy M. Boorda, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight. The admiral and his staff remained embarked until July 1 while the cruiser participated in exercises involving surface warfare, air defense and tactical communications. During August, THOMAS S. GATES conducted operations at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center near Andros Island in the Bahamas. She subsequently proceeded to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where she participated in naval gunfire support training involving Marine Corps observers. The ship also hosted Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy Seth Cropsey and made a port visit to Antigua before returning to Norfolk on September 2.
From September 2 to September 16, 1988, USS THOMAS S. GATES underwent an intermediate maintenance availability alongside the destroyer tender USS SHENANDOAH (AD 44) at Norfolk. Following completion of the maintenance period, the cruiser participated in a Chief of Naval Operations project involving vertical-launching concepts with the nuclear-powered attack submarines USS PROVIDENCE (SSN 719) and USS BOSTON (SSN 703). These activities were followed by visits to Boston, Massachusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island. THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Boston on September 23 and received approximately 3,500 visitors during a three-day stay. She then proceeded to Newport, arriving on September 27, where she served as a training platform for the Surface Warfare Officers School Command. During the five-day visit, approximately 425 students from engineering, damage control, division officer, department head and prospective commanding officer courses visited the ship. THOMAS S. GATES returned to Norfolk on October 1 and participated in FLEETEX 1-89 during November before entering a period of maintenance and preparations for her first overseas deployment.
During the opening months of 1989, USS THOMAS S. GATES completed additional readiness training, engineering evaluations and exercises in preparation for Mediterranean service. On May 31, 1989, she departed Norfolk for her first extended overseas deployment with the battle group centered on the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV 43). The deployment took place during a period of improving relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, although American and NATO naval forces continued to maintain a substantial presence in the Mediterranean. THOMAS S. GATES joined the U.S. Sixth Fleet on June 10 and participated in Operation National Week from June 10 to June 19. On June 15, she conducted an operational turnover with the guided missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) at Augusta Bay, Sicily.
Following the initial exercise period, USS THOMAS S. GATES visited Palma de Mallorca, Spain, from June 20 to June 27, 1989. She subsequently proceeded to Toulon, France, arriving on June 30 for a port visit and intermediate maintenance availability extending until July 15. The maintenance period provided an opportunity to repair equipment and prepare for operations in the eastern Mediterranean. After leaving Toulon, the cruiser continued eastward and visited Izmir, Turkey, from July 21 to July 23. She then participated in Exercise Demon Jazz 89 from July 24 to July 29, conducting tactical maneuvers, communications exercises and combined operations with American and allied naval forces.
On July 31, 1989, USS THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Istanbul, Turkey, for a port visit lasting until August 2. During the visit, Vice Adm. Paul Ilg, Deputy Commander in Chief of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, embarked aboard the cruiser. THOMAS S. GATES subsequently proceeded through the Turkish Straits into the Black Sea, accompanied by the guided missile frigate USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59). The two American warships arrived at Sevastopol in the Soviet Union on August 4, 1989, for a goodwill visit lasting until August 8.
The visit to Sevastopol was among the first goodwill visits by American warships to a Soviet naval base since the Second World War. It took place during the period of political reform and improving relations associated with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika. During the visit, American and Soviet naval personnel participated in official receptions, ship tours, cultural events and professional exchanges. Vice Adm. Ilg met Adm. Mikhail Khronopulo, Commander in Chief of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, while officers and sailors from both countries visited one another's ships. The visit provided an opportunity for direct contact between two navies that had previously operated primarily as military opponents during the Cold War.
The original American flagship scheduled for the Sevastopol visit had been the guided missile cruiser USS BELKNAP (CG 26), but the developing crisis in Lebanon required changes to the Sixth Fleet operating schedule. USS THOMAS S. GATES and USS KAUFFMAN therefore carried out the visit instead. After departing Sevastopol on August 8, THOMAS S. GATES returned through the Turkish Straits and arrived at Istanbul on August 9, where Vice Adm. Ilg disembarked the following day.
Following the Black Sea visit, USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed Mediterranean operations. During August and early September 1989, she operated in support of American carrier forces off the coast of Lebanon, including the battle groups of USS CORAL SEA and USS AMERICA (CV 66). The deployment coincided with renewed fighting in Lebanon and continuing American concern about the safety of citizens and military personnel in the region. THOMAS S. GATES provided air defense surveillance and tactical support while participating in operations intended to maintain an American naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean.
From September 7 to September 13, 1989, USS THOMAS S. GATES underwent another maintenance period at Toulon, France. She subsequently participated in NATO Exercise Display Determination 89 from September 14 to October 3, operating with French, Turkish and other allied naval forces. The exercise involved coordinated air defense, surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and maritime communications. Following the exercise, THOMAS S. GATES conducted escort operations while proceeding westward across the Mediterranean from October 3 to October 11. She then visited Marseille, France, from October 11 to October 22 for a further maintenance period.
During the final part of her first Mediterranean deployment, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in another National Week exercise from October 24 to October 31, 1989. On October 29, she conducted an operational turnover with her relief, the guided missile cruiser USS YORKTOWN (CG 48), at Pollensa Bay, Mallorca. THOMAS S. GATES completed her Sixth Fleet assignment on October 31 and began the transatlantic return passage. She arrived at Norfolk on November 10, 1989, completing her first overseas deployment. On September 3, during the latter part of the cruise, Capt. Henry C. Giffin III had relieved Capt. Robert Sutton as commanding officer. Following her return, the ship underwent maintenance, training and preparations for further Atlantic Fleet operations.
In January 1990, USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed operational training and embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 9. On January 19, she departed Norfolk to escort the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB 64) to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The ships arrived on January 21. Two days later, THOMAS S. GATES embarked a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment before proceeding to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where Coast Guard Capt. Galen R. Siddall, Commander Caribbean Squadron, also embarked. The cruiser then began maritime counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean.
During the counter-narcotics deployment of January and February 1990, USS THOMAS S. GATES used her surveillance and communications capabilities to assist in identifying and investigating vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs. The operation involved cooperation with the Coast Guard and other American law-enforcement agencies. During the deployment, personnel associated with the cruiser questioned or boarded 41 vessels. THOMAS S. GATES subsequently visited Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles and continued intensive counter-drug operations until February 25. She returned to Norfolk on March 4, 1990.
During the following months, USS THOMAS S. GATES conducted maintenance, readiness training and exercises in the Virginia Capes operating area. She also served as an engineering training ship at Newport, Rhode Island. On June 18, the cruiser conducted sea trials following maintenance and inspections. During June and July, she participated in three midshipman training periods before returning to the Caribbean for further operational training. These activities included exercises with the nuclear-powered submarine USS JOHN MARSHALL (SSN 611). THOMAS S. GATES returned to Norfolk on August 10, 1990, shortly after Iraq had invaded Kuwait on August 2.
The Iraqi invasion resulted in the rapid deployment of American military forces to the Middle East under Operation Desert Shield. USS THOMAS S. GATES received orders to prepare for deployment with the carrier battle group centered on USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), commanded by Rear Adm. Riley D. Mixson. After completing preparations, the cruiser departed Norfolk on August 16, 1990. The battle group conducted several days of exercises in the western Atlantic before proceeding toward the Mediterranean on August 22. THOMAS S. GATES passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on August 30 and continued eastward with the carrier force.
On September 1, 1990, USS THOMAS S. GATES was forced to detach temporarily from the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group because of an engineering casualty requiring replacement of a gas turbine engine. The cruiser proceeded to Augusta Bay, Sicily, where the necessary maintenance was carried out. Following completion of the repairs, she resumed her deployment and rejoined the carrier battle group off Port Said, Egypt, on September 13. The ships began their passage through the Suez Canal on September 14, and THOMAS S. GATES was photographed in the Great Bitter Lake on September 15 while continuing the transit.
After entering the Red Sea, USS THOMAS S. GATES joined Task Group 150.5 and assumed duties as Anti-Air Warfare Commander for the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group. The force operated in support of Operation Desert Shield, which was intended to deter further Iraqi military advances and enforce international sanctions following the invasion of Kuwait. The cruiser's responsibilities included maintaining air surveillance, coordinating defensive preparations and distributing tactical information among the participating ships and aircraft.
On October 15, 1990, USS THOMAS S. GATES detached from the carrier battle group and proceeded through the Strait of Tiran into the Gulf of Aqaba. With a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked, she began maritime interception operations intended to prevent the movement of goods prohibited under United Nations sanctions against Iraq. These operations required the identification and questioning of merchant vessels and the inspection of cargo when necessary. After several days in the Gulf of Aqaba, THOMAS S. GATES visited Hurghada, Egypt, in late October and subsequently assumed surveillance duties near the entrance to the Gulf of Suez.
On October 27, 1990, USS THOMAS S. GATES transited the Suez Canal northbound and resumed operations in the central and eastern Mediterranean. During the following weeks, she made port visits to Naples, Italy, from October 31 to November 2; Izmir, Turkey, from November 7 to November 13; and Haifa, Israel, from November 16 to November 17. She subsequently underwent an intermediate maintenance availability alongside the destroyer tender USS YELLOWSTONE (AD 41) at Souda Bay, Crete, from November 29 to December 5. Following completion of the maintenance period, THOMAS S. GATES prepared to return to the Red Sea.
On December 9, 1990, USS THOMAS S. GATES again transited the Suez Canal southbound and returned to the Red Sea operating area. She resumed maritime interception operations in the Strait of Tiran from December 10 to December 14, completing her thirty-seventh merchant-vessel boarding or inspection operation of the deployment on December 14. The cruiser then returned to escort duties with USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, serving as Anti-Air Warfare Commander and participating in exercises with Royal Air Force units on December 20, December 23 and December 26. On December 29, the cruiser and aircraft carrier arrived at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a port visit. On January 1, 1991, Vice President Dan Quayle visited the ships and addressed their crews.
USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed Operation Desert Shield duties on January 3, 1991. During the opening days of the year, she participated in Operation Camelot, a combined antisubmarine warfare exercise with the Royal Saudi Navy. As the United Nations deadline for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait approached, American and coalition naval forces continued preparations for possible combat operations. Iraq failed to withdraw, and Operation Desert Storm began on January 17, 1991, with coalition air strikes against Iraqi military targets.
During the first month of Operation Desert Storm, USS THOMAS S. GATES served as an air defense coordination ship in the Red Sea, performing the mission known as Red Crown. Her responsibilities included maintaining the recognized air picture, identifying aircraft, coordinating air defense measures and helping ensure the safe return of friendly aircraft operating in the region. The assignment required continuous cooperation with the carrier battle group, supporting aircraft and other American and coalition naval units. THOMAS S. GATES also remained prepared to respond to possible Iraqi air or missile threats against the ships operating in the Red Sea.
After a brief stop at Hurghada in mid-February 1991, USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed Red Sea operations and conducted additional maritime interception missions in the Gulf of Aqaba during the final days of February. Operation Desert Storm's major ground offensive ended with a ceasefire on February 28, but American naval forces continued to enforce sanctions and maintain maritime security. In early March, THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Jeddah, where she underwent an intermediate maintenance availability alongside the destroyer tender USS PUGET SOUND (AD 38).
On March 12, 1991, USS THOMAS S. GATES transited the Suez Canal northbound and returned to the Mediterranean. She conducted several days of antisubmarine warfare exercises before passing through the Strait of Gibraltar on March 18. The cruiser subsequently crossed the Atlantic and arrived at Norfolk on March 28, 1991, completing more than seven months away from her homeport.
During the spring and summer of 1991, USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed maintenance and tactical training in the western Atlantic and Caribbean. She conducted exercises in the Virginia Capes and Puerto Rican operating areas, participated in inspections and visited Port Everglades, Florida. On July 26, Capt. William L. Boyd relieved Capt. Henry C. Giffin III as commanding officer. Three days later, the cruiser departed for Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where Rear Adm. James A. Lair, Commander Carrier Group Two, and Coast Guard Capt. Grant W. Risinger, Commander Caribbean Squadron, embarked. During August, THOMAS S. GATES conducted counter-narcotics operations in Caribbean waters before returning to Norfolk on August 30.
During the remainder of 1991, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued fleet readiness training, including Exercises Fast Break 01 in September and Fast Break 03 in December. In January and February 1992, the cruiser participated in FLEETEX 2-92 in Caribbean waters, serving as flagship for Rear Adm. Philip A. Dur, Commander Destroyer Group Eight. The exercise included missile firing, naval gunfire support qualification, antisubmarine warfare exercises and coordinated battle group operations. Following her return to Norfolk in mid-February, THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercise Fabric Falcon Brave, a multinational exercise conducted in late February in waters off Maine, Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy.
During April 1992, USS THOMAS S. GATES completed maintenance and preparations for another Mediterranean deployment. Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 9, embarked with an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. On May 6, the cruiser departed Norfolk in company with the guided missile cruiser USS BIDDLE (CG 34) and the destroyer USS COMTE DE GRASSE (DD 974). The three ships joined the USS SARATOGA (CV 60) Battle Group on May 9 and entered the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar on May 18.
During the first weeks of the 1992 deployment, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in exercises and made port visits to Augusta Bay, Naples, Gaeta, Ibiza and Villefranche-sur-Mer. She also underwent an intermediate maintenance availability alongside the destroyer tender USS YELLOWSTONE. During June, THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercises Dasix Lafayette 92-1 and Eclipse Bravo, which involved multinational air defense, surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and tactical communications. Following a period of operations in the Gulf of Lyon during July, the cruiser visited Monaco and subsequently conducted antisubmarine warfare training in the Strait of Bonifacio between Corsica and Sardinia.
During the summer of 1992, USS THOMAS S. GATES was redirected to the Adriatic Sea, where NATO and American naval forces were supporting international operations associated with the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cruiser assumed duties as Anti-Air Warfare Commander for Task Force 61 in support of Operation Provide Promise, the humanitarian relief operation established to deliver supplies to civilians affected by the conflict. THOMAS S. GATES monitored aircraft flying into and out of Sarajevo and maintained air surveillance and communications in support of the relief effort. Her AEGIS radar and command facilities enabled her to coordinate information from aircraft and other naval units operating in the Adriatic region.
On September 3, 1992, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in search and rescue operations following the loss of an Italian humanitarian relief aircraft. The incident occurred during a period of considerable danger to aircraft operating in support of relief missions over the former Yugoslavia. The following day, THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Trieste, Italy, for a port visit. After departing on September 14, the cruiser resumed operations in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. She subsequently visited the Turkish naval facility at Aksaz on September 25 before participating in Exercise Display Determination 92, a major NATO training event involving surface ships, aircraft and supporting forces.
On October 2, 1992, a serious accident occurred during Display Determination 92 when two Sea Sparrow missiles were accidentally launched from USS SARATOGA and struck the Turkish destroyer TCG MUAVENET (DM 357). The missile impacts caused a fire and severe damage aboard the Turkish vessel, killing five sailors and injuring others. USS THOMAS S. GATES responded to the emergency and dispatched a damage control team to assist the Turkish crew. The cruiser also provided communications support and firefighting assistance while other participating naval forces responded to the accident. Following the incident, NATO suspended portions of the exercise. Operations subsequently resumed on October 3 at the request of the Turkish government.
During the remainder of Display Determination 92, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued multinational operations and hosted several official visitors. On October 4, Lt. Gen. Mihov, Chief of Staff of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, visited the ship. Two days later, Prince Philippe of Belgium also came aboard. After leaving the exercise, THOMAS S. GATES visited Naples from October 8 to October 11 and subsequently participated in Exercise Dasix Lafayette 92-2 on October 14 and October 15. She returned to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas for additional operations before visiting Trieste again from October 18 to October 20.
On October 22, 1992, USS THOMAS S. GATES transferred her duties as Anti-Air Warfare Commander to the guided missile cruiser USS GETTYSBURG (CG 64). She subsequently detached from the USS SARATOGA Battle Group, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on October 25 and began the transatlantic return passage. THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Norfolk on November 6, 1992, completing another six-month Mediterranean deployment.
During the opening months of 1993, USS THOMAS S. GATES returned to counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. On February 8, she departed Norfolk for Rodman, Panama, with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 9, embarked. After transiting the Panama Canal on February 12, the cruiser embarked Rear Adm. James R. Fitzgerald, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, and began maritime counter-drug operations. On February 23, THOMAS S. GATES again passed through the Panama Canal to monitor air and surface traffic along suspected smuggling routes off northern South America.
Following a visit to Martinique in late February 1993, Rear Adm. Michael A. McDevitt relieved Rear Adm. Fitzgerald aboard THOMAS S. GATES on March 3. The cruiser continued her surveillance and interdiction duties until March 14, when Rear Adm. McDevitt disembarked. During the homeward passage, THOMAS S. GATES was diverted to Mayport, Florida, on March 18 to avoid severe weather. She subsequently continued northward and arrived at Norfolk on March 21.
In April 1993, USS THOMAS S. GATES was assigned to the battle group of the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). Shortly afterward, she departed Norfolk for Port Canaveral, Florida, with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 9, embarked. On April 27, the cruiser began another counter-narcotics deployment in the Caribbean. During the first part of May, THOMAS S. GATES temporarily interrupted her law-enforcement support duties to participate in exercises with the French helicopter carrier JEANNE D'ARC and the escort vessel ENSEIGNE DE VAISSEAU HENRY. The exercises involved tactical maneuvering, communications and cooperation between American and French naval forces. THOMAS S. GATES completed the counter-drug operation on May 19 and subsequently conducted missile firing exercises in the northern Puerto Rican operating area before returning to Norfolk.
During the summer of 1993, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued local operations, readiness training and preparations for a major maintenance period. On April 2, Capt. Billy L. Lewis had relieved Capt. William L. Boyd as commanding officer. On September 7, the cruiser entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a restricted availability that continued until December 17. The shipyard work included machinery and equipment maintenance, repairs and inspections required to sustain the cruiser's operating capabilities. After completing the availability, THOMAS S. GATES began sea trials and refresher training in preparation for another extended deployment.
During January 1994, USS THOMAS S. GATES completed post-maintenance sea trials and operational training. She subsequently participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise 1-94 during the latter part of January, joint task group exercises in March and FLEETEX 2-94 in April. Before deployment, the cruiser also completed a short docking period using the auxiliary floating dry dock SUSTAIN (ADFM 7). Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 9, embarked for the forthcoming cruise. Following a visit by Adm. Jeremy M. Boorda, Chief of Naval Operations, THOMAS S. GATES departed Norfolk with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group on May 20, 1994.
The first major assignment of the 1994 deployment involved participation in ceremonies marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. USS THOMAS S. GATES proceeded to the English Channel with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group and other NATO naval units. On June 5, she anchored off Pointe du Hoc, France, in company with approximately a dozen allied warships, providing a naval presence during commemorative events attended by veterans, military personnel and government representatives. The following day, THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Le Havre, France, where the ship was opened to veterans and visitors.
On June 9, 1994, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed northern European waters and proceeded toward the Mediterranean. After passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, she entered the Adriatic Sea on June 20 and began duties as Red Crown, the air defense coordination ship supporting American and NATO operations over Bosnia and Herzegovina. These activities were associated with Operations Sharp Guard, Deny Flight and Provide Promise. Sharp Guard involved the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against the former Yugoslavia, while Deny Flight enforced restrictions on military aviation over Bosnia. Provide Promise supported the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict.
On June 24, 1994, USS THOMAS S. GATES experienced an engineering casualty requiring repairs and proceeded to Augusta Bay, Sicily. She remained there until July 5 before resuming her deployment. After completing the repairs, the cruiser proceeded to Haifa, Israel, for a port visit from July 10 to July 12. She then returned to the Adriatic on July 16 and resumed air defense coordination duties. During these operations, THOMAS S. GATES monitored aircraft movements and maintained communications with other naval units and supporting aircraft involved in NATO activities over the former Yugoslavia.
After transferring her Adriatic duties on July 27, 1994, USS THOMAS S. GATES proceeded to the western Mediterranean. From August 10 to August 16, she participated in events along the southern coast of France commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Allied landings in Provence during Operation Dragoon in August 1944. Following the ceremonies, the cruiser entered Naples, Italy, for a repair and maintenance period lasting from August 16 to August 23. She subsequently departed the Mediterranean, transited the Suez Canal southbound and continued through the Red Sea toward the Persian Gulf.
From August 27 to September 21, 1994, USS THOMAS S. GATES operated in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. The operation enforced restrictions on Iraqi military aircraft operating south of the 32nd parallel following the 1991 Gulf War. THOMAS S. GATES provided air defense surveillance and coordination for American and coalition aircraft while maintaining readiness to respond to possible Iraqi air threats.
USS THOMAS S. GATES returned to the Mediterranean on September 29, 1994, after completing the Persian Gulf operating period. She participated in NATO Exercise Dynamic Guard 94 from October 2 to October 12, conducting combined air defense, surface warfare and communications training with allied naval forces. From October 17 to October 31, she resumed Red Crown duties in the Adriatic, supporting ongoing NATO air operations over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following the final operating period, THOMAS S. GATES began her transatlantic return passage and arrived at Norfolk on November 17, 1994, completing approximately six months overseas.
During the opening months of 1995, USS THOMAS S. GATES returned to maritime counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. On January 9, the cruiser departed Norfolk with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 9, and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 81 embarked. During the deployment, she conducted maritime surveillance and interdiction activities, naval gunfire support exercises off Puerto Rico and a port visit to Cartagena, Colombia. The operation involved cooperation with federal law-enforcement agencies and the use of shipboard radar and helicopter surveillance to monitor suspected drug-trafficking routes. THOMAS S. GATES returned to Norfolk in early March 1995.
Following the counter-narcotics deployment, USS THOMAS S. GATES entered a restricted availability that continued until November 29, 1995. The extended maintenance period included equipment repairs, machinery inspections and work intended to restore material readiness after several years of overseas deployments. During the availability, Capt. John M. Barry relieved Capt. Billy L. Lewis as commanding officer on January 30. Following completion of the shipyard work, THOMAS S. GATES resumed sea trials and operational training in preparation for further fleet assignments.
During the first three months of 1996, USS THOMAS S. GATES conducted refresher training, equipment inspections and readiness evaluations. In March, she participated in NATO Exercise Unified Spirit 96, a multinational training event designed to improve cooperation between American and allied naval forces. Following the exercise, the cruiser continued preparations for another counter-narcotics assignment. In early May, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 48, Detachment 1, and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 5G embarked aboard the ship.
During May and June 1996, USS THOMAS S. GATES conducted counter-drug operations in the eastern Pacific. Following her departure from Norfolk, she transited the Panama Canal and began patrols along maritime smuggling routes off Central and South America. The deployment involved coordination with Coast Guard personnel, maritime patrol aircraft and regional authorities. The cruiser used her radar and communications equipment to maintain surveillance of suspected trafficking routes while her embarked helicopter provided reconnaissance and tracking capabilities. THOMAS S. GATES completed the deployment and returned to Norfolk on June 22, 1996.
During the second half of 1996, USS THOMAS S. GATES conducted maintenance, service inspections and readiness training in preparation for another Mediterranean deployment. On November 8, Cmdr. Paul K. Rosbolt relieved Capt. John M. Barry as commanding officer. The cruiser subsequently continued training in the western Atlantic and entered a maintenance period at Norfolk. In early 1997, she completed further equipment repairs and participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 97-2 with the carrier battle group centered on USS JOHN F. KENNEDY. The exercise involved coordinated air defense, surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and tactical communications.
On April 29, 1997, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Norfolk for another Mediterranean deployment with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 48, Detachment 1, embarked. The cruiser entered the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility on May 11 and relieved the guided missile destroyer USS RAMAGE (DDG 61) as Anti-Air Warfare Commander. She then participated in Exercise Linked Seas from May 11 to May 18, conducting multinational tactical operations before proceeding to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a five-day port visit.
After leaving Palma de Mallorca on May 26, 1997, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued operations in the western Mediterranean. During the passage, the crew conducted burials at sea for the cremated remains of three Second World War veterans. The cruiser arrived at Barcelona, Spain, on June 3 and remained there until June 9. On June 13, the ship's embarked SH-60B Seahawk helicopter was detached temporarily to participate in the Paris Air Show. THOMAS S. GATES subsequently proceeded to Cannes, France, arriving on June 16 for another port visit.
From June 24 to June 29, 1997, USS THOMAS S. GATES underwent a maintenance period at La Maddalena, Italy, alongside the submarine tender USS SIMON LAKE (AS 33). She then participated in Exercise INVITEX 97 from June 30 to July 18, conducting multinational operations in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Following completion of the exercise, the cruiser visited Naples, Italy, from July 18 to July 25 before proceeding toward the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea.
In August 1997, USS THOMAS S. GATES made a diplomatic visit to Romania, reflecting the continued expansion of naval cooperation between the United States and former Warsaw Pact countries. After a stop at Corfu, Greece, the cruiser arrived at Constanta, Romania, on August 11. During the visit, THOMAS S. GATES hosted Romanian naval officials, military personnel and civilian guests. On August 14, the ship held a press conference and reception attended by more than 200 visitors, including Rear Adm. Traian Atanasiu, Chief of the Romanian Naval General Staff.
Following the Constanta visit, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercise Rescue Eagle 97 in the Black Sea on August 17 and August 18. The exercise involved maritime cooperation and search and rescue procedures with Romanian naval forces. After completing the exercise, THOMAS S. GATES proceeded westward through the Turkish Straits and continued her Mediterranean deployment. She visited Istanbul, Turkey, and Livorno, Italy, before arriving at Rota, Spain, on September 7.
From September 14 to September 21, 1997, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercise Strong Tarpon in the eastern Atlantic. The exercise included multinational surface warfare, air defense and tactical communications training. Following completion of the exercise, the cruiser returned to Mediterranean ports, including Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Cannes. She subsequently visited Gibraltar on October 10 and completed her operational turnover with the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN 37) on October 16.
After completing her Sixth Fleet assignment, USS THOMAS S. GATES began the transatlantic return passage and arrived at Bermuda on October 25, 1997. Relatives of crew members embarked for a tiger cruise during the final passage to Norfolk. Shortly after leaving Bermuda, the cruiser responded to a distress call from the disabled sailing vessel GLOU GLOU, which was drifting at sea. THOMAS S. GATES recovered two men from the vessel and continued toward the United States. She arrived at Norfolk on October 27, 1997, completing another six-month Mediterranean deployment.
Following her return, USS THOMAS S. GATES entered a restricted availability that continued into the opening months of 1998. During the spring, the cruiser resumed operations from Norfolk and participated in a series of readiness exercises. She also served as a training ship at Newport, Rhode Island, and provided an escort for the Military Sealift Command tug USNS APACHE (T-ATF 172) while it towed the former nuclear-powered attack submarine USS GROTON (SSN 694) to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. THOMAS S. GATES subsequently participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 98-2 before entering another maintenance period at Norfolk on May 15.
On June 15, 1998, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Norfolk for operations in the Caribbean. During the deployment, she conducted two SM-1 missile exercises near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as part of Project Handclasp, the Navy's humanitarian assistance program. The visit involved the delivery of donated supplies and cooperation with local organizations. On June 29, the cruiser arrived at Pascagoula, Mississippi, completing a permanent homeport change from Norfolk. She subsequently entered a restricted availability at her new homeport.
The maintenance period continued until September 18, 1998, after which USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed training and operations from Pascagoula. On April 30, Cmdr. Patrick E. Allen had relieved Cmdr. Paul K. Rosbolt as commanding officer. During the final months of 1998, the cruiser conducted exercises in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic. In December, she supported security operations associated with the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-88, the first American space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The cruiser continued readiness training and inspections during the opening months of 1999.
In April 1999, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercise INDEX 99-1 and subsequently prepared for another extended counter-narcotics deployment. Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 44, Detachment 1, embarked before the cruiser departed Pascagoula on June 1. After a brief visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on June 5 to embark a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, THOMAS S. GATES began approximately eight weeks of maritime counter-drug operations in the southern Caribbean.
During the Caribbean operating period of June and July 1999, USS THOMAS S. GATES conducted surveillance and interdiction patrols along suspected maritime smuggling routes. The assignment involved coordination with Coast Guard personnel and other American law-enforcement agencies. The cruiser made port visits to Curacao, Cristobal, Aruba and Cartagena, Colombia, while continuing to monitor maritime traffic in the approaches to Central and South America.
On August 9, 1999, USS THOMAS S. GATES transited the Panama Canal from the Caribbean into the eastern Pacific. She subsequently conducted counter-drug patrols along the Pacific coast of Central and South America until September 12. During this period, the cruiser visited Rodman, Panama, and Manta, Ecuador, for logistical support and crew rest. THOMAS S. GATES returned through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean on September 14 and conducted another week of maritime surveillance before transferring her patrol responsibilities to USS YORKTOWN near Jamaica.
On September 25, 1999, USS THOMAS S. GATES responded to a request for assistance from the Coast Guard cutter USCGC RESOLUTE (WMEC 620), which had intercepted the merchant vessel LOVE. Coast Guard personnel had boarded the vessel, but members of its crew subsequently attempted to scuttle it. THOMAS S. GATES dispatched a damage control team to assist in keeping the merchant ship afloat. Despite repeated attempts to control the flooding, the damage could not be contained. With the vessel partially submerged and presenting a navigational hazard, THOMAS S. GATES used her 5-inch guns to sink LOVE. Following the operation, the cruiser continued her return voyage and arrived at Pascagoula on October 3, 1999, completing the counter-narcotics deployment.
During the remainder of 1999, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued local training, maintenance and readiness evaluations from Pascagoula. On December 4, Cmdr. James D. Bradford relieved Cmdr. Patrick E. Allen as commanding officer. During the first half of 2000, the cruiser conducted operations in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic, preparing for a major deployment to northern European waters. The deployment would involve diplomatic port visits, NATO exercises and operations with allied naval forces in the Baltic Sea, North Sea and adjoining waters.
On July 25, 2000, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Pascagoula for northern Europe. She crossed the Atlantic and arrived at Brest, France, on August 7 for a brief logistical stop. The cruiser subsequently proceeded northward and arrived at Oslo, Norway, on August 10 for a four-day port visit. After leaving Oslo, she continued through northern European waters toward Finland, arriving at Helsinki on August 17.
During the Helsinki visit, USS THOMAS S. GATES hosted American and Finnish civilian and military officials, including U.S. Ambassador Eric S. Edelman and senior representatives of the Finnish Navy. The visit provided an opportunity for professional exchanges and discussions concerning maritime cooperation in the Baltic region. After completing the Finnish visit, the cruiser continued her northern European itinerary, making additional port visits to Kiel, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark, during the latter part of August 2000.
In September 2000, USS THOMAS S. GATES began a series of multinational NATO exercises in northern European waters. She participated in DanEx 2000 in the Skagerrak during the opening days of September, conducting tactical maneuvers, communications training and maritime warfare exercises with Danish and other allied naval forces. The cruiser subsequently visited Gdynia, Poland, in mid-September, reflecting the development of military cooperation with Poland following its accession to NATO in 1999.
During the remainder of September, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued NATO exercises and maritime cooperation activities in the Baltic and North Sea regions, including operations associated with Partnership for Peace. The exercises were designed to improve interoperability among established NATO navies and participating partner countries. Their principal elements included surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare, air defense, maritime communications and the coordination of multinational naval forces.
Following the September operating period, USS THOMAS S. GATES visited Zeebrugge, Belgium, and Den Helder, Netherlands, during late September and early October 2000. She subsequently resumed NATO exercises in the North Sea before continuing westward toward British waters. After a brief visit to Leith, Scotland, the cruiser participated in further operations in the North Sea, Irish Sea, St. George's Channel and Celtic Sea. These exercises involved multinational naval forces operating in geographically confined waters and under the variable weather conditions characteristic of northern Europe.
During November 2000, USS THOMAS S. GATES visited Plymouth, England, and completed the final NATO exercise phase of her deployment. She began the return passage on November 20, making additional logistical stops at Brest, France, and Santander, Spain, before crossing the Atlantic. On December 19, 2000, the cruiser returned to Pascagoula, completing an approximately five-month deployment.
During the opening months of 2001, USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed maintenance and local operations from Pascagoula. On May 7, she entered Bender Marine Shipyard at Mobile, Alabama, for a selected repair availability. The work included maintenance and repairs intended to sustain the ship's readiness for future operations. On June 29, Cmdr. Kevin S. J. Eyer relieved Cmdr. James D. Bradford as commanding officer.
The terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, resulted in increased security measures and operational requirements throughout the Navy. USS THOMAS S. GATES, which was still undergoing maintenance at Mobile, was designated as a contingency-ready ship in support of Operation Noble Eagle, the homeland defense operation established after the attacks. The cruiser completed the selected repair availability and departed the shipyard on September 24. Following her return to operational status, she visited Newport, Rhode Island, during October and resumed Atlantic Fleet training.
On October 25, 2001, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in a group sail conducted under Commander Destroyer Group Six. The exercise continued until November 6 and included tactical training, communications and operational readiness activities. During the remainder of 2001, the cruiser continued maintenance and preparations for another counter-narcotics deployment. Her operating schedule reflected the Navy's continued commitment to maritime security and law-enforcement support in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
During the first months of 2002, USS THOMAS S. GATES completed search and rescue training, administrative inspections and operational preparations. On June 3, 2002, she departed Pascagoula with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 42, Detachment 9, embarked for a three-month counter-narcotics deployment. The assignment was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Interagency Task Force South, whose responsibilities included coordinating the detection and interception of vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs through the eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
On June 7, 2002, USS THOMAS S. GATES transited the Panama Canal and proceeded into the eastern Pacific. The cruiser conducted six patrols operating from Rodman, Panama, maintaining surveillance along maritime trafficking routes off Central America. During the deployment, her crew and embarked law-enforcement personnel participated in the interception of two high-speed smuggling vessels off the coast of El Salvador. The operations resulted in the seizure of approximately 4.5 tons of cocaine. The seizures were carried out in cooperation with American law-enforcement agencies and supporting aircraft.
During the deployment, USS THOMAS S. GATES also conducted tactical training with regional naval forces. The activities included a submarine tracking and gunnery exercise with the Peruvian Navy, as well as participation in Trident Warrior, an exercise involving special operations forces. These events provided opportunities to practice maritime surveillance, communications and coordination with foreign naval and military units. THOMAS S. GATES completed the deployment and returned to Pascagoula on September 9, 2002.
Only two weeks after returning, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Pascagoula again on September 23, 2002, to participate in UNITAS 43-02, the annual multinational naval exercise series conducted with South American and European navies. Participating countries included Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Venezuela and Uruguay. The exercise began on October 8 and involved maritime interdiction procedures, antisubmarine warfare training, tactical maneuvers, communications exercises and coordinated surface warfare operations. THOMAS S. GATES operated with the multinational task force until October 28, when the exercise concluded.
Following UNITAS 43-02, USS THOMAS S. GATES returned to Pascagoula for maintenance and upkeep. She subsequently entered a selected restricted availability lasting approximately two months. The maintenance period continued into early 2003 and was followed by additional inspections and readiness training. On February 14, 2003, Cmdr. Richard A. Rainer Jr. assumed command of the cruiser.
On March 1, 2003, USS THOMAS S. GATES arrived at Mobile, Alabama, for further shipyard work. Following completion of the maintenance period, she returned to Pascagoula and resumed training and operational preparations. During the remainder of 2003, the cruiser conducted engineering inspections, combat systems evaluations and local exercises. She spent the Independence Day period at Savannah, Georgia, and completed cruise missile-related qualifications during August. In November, THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercise Miniwar 03-4, which involved tactical training with other naval units. The cruiser continued operations and maintenance during the final weeks of the year.
On March 10, 2004, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Pascagoula for operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 42, Detachment 9, embarked. During the opening phase of the deployment, the cruiser participated in a law-enforcement operation involving a wanted suspect traveling aboard a commercial cruise ship. On March 21, THOMAS S. GATES rendezvoused with the passenger ship CELEBRITY SUMMIT in the central Caribbean. The ship was carrying Jose Miguel Battle Jr., a fugitive suspected of involvement in organized crime activities associated with a Cuban-American criminal organization known as La Corporacion. With the cooperation of the cruise ship's captain and security personnel, members of the Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked aboard USS THOMAS S. GATES boarded CELEBRITY SUMMIT and arrested Battle. He was subsequently transferred to the cruiser and transported to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for transfer to American law-enforcement authorities. The operation demonstrated the use of Navy surface combatants to support federal law-enforcement activities beyond conventional maritime drug interdiction.
Following the March 2004 operation, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued Atlantic Fleet assignments and made port visits to New London, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Annapolis, Maryland, during April. She subsequently prepared for another extended deployment, this time in connection with the transfer of the newly commissioned aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) from the Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific Fleet. The carrier was scheduled to proceed from the East Coast to her new homeport at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, by sailing around South America.
In May 2004, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Norfolk with USS RONALD REAGAN for the voyage around South America. The deployment was conducted in conjunction with UNITAS 45-04, a multinational naval exercise series involving American and South American naval forces. Participating countries included Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Uruguay. During the voyage, THOMAS S. GATES participated in combined tactical exercises, maritime communications training and surface warfare operations with regional naval forces.
The transit around South America required the American ships to navigate some of the most challenging waters along the southern coast of the continent. USS RONALD REAGAN proceeded through the Strait of Magellan between the South American mainland and Tierra del Fuego. USS THOMAS S. GATES initially followed the planned route but encountered severe weather conditions that required a change of course. The cruiser subsequently navigated through the Smyth Channel and other restricted waterways of the Chilean Patagonian archipelago with assistance from Chilean naval authorities.
The Smyth Channel passage involved approximately 36 hours of navigation through narrow channels and confined waters affected by strong winds, variable currents and limited maneuvering room. Chilean naval pilots assisted the ship's navigation team during the transit. USS THOMAS S. GATES was reported to be the first TICONDEROGA-class cruiser to navigate the route. After completing the passage, she continued northward along the Pacific coast of South America, resuming exercises and port visits associated with UNITAS 45-04.
During the latter part of the 2004 deployment, USS THOMAS S. GATES continued operations with USS RONALD REAGAN and participating South American naval units. The cruise included professional exchanges, combined maritime exercises and opportunities for official and public visits during port calls. The deployment demonstrated cooperation between the U.S. Navy and South American maritime forces while supporting the transfer of the aircraft carrier to the Pacific Fleet. THOMAS S. GATES completed the deployment and returned to Pascagoula on August 2, 2004.
Following her return from UNITAS 45-04, USS THOMAS S. GATES resumed training, inspections and maintenance from Pascagoula. On October 2, 2004, Cmdr. Joseph J. Leonard relieved Cmdr. Richard A. Rainer Jr. as commanding officer. During the remainder of the year, the cruiser conducted readiness evaluations and preparations for further operational assignments. Her activities continued to emphasize maritime security, combined exercises and cooperation with regional naval forces.
During the opening months of 2005, USS THOMAS S. GATES conducted maintenance, training and preparations for her final extended operating period. The Navy had begun retiring the earliest units of the TICONDEROGA-class, whose Mk 26 missile launching systems differed from the Vertical Launching Systems installed in later ships. Despite the planned reduction of the older cruisers, THOMAS S. GATES remained available for operational service and participated in regional exercises during the first half of the year.
In July 2005, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in UNITAS 46-05, a multinational naval exercise involving forces from the United States, Panama, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. The exercise was conducted in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific and included maritime interdiction operations, antisubmarine warfare exercises, tactical maneuvers and missile firing training. The participating naval forces practiced combined procedures intended to improve their ability to operate together during maritime security and military operations.
Following UNITAS 46-05, USS THOMAS S. GATES participated in Exercise PANAMAX 2005 during August. PANAMAX was a multinational exercise intended to improve cooperation among countries involved in the protection of the Panama Canal and surrounding maritime approaches. Participating forces included naval and military units from the United States, Panama, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras and Peru. The exercise included maritime surveillance, interdiction procedures, tactical maneuvering and simulated responses to threats against the canal and associated shipping routes.
On August 9, 2005, USS THOMAS S. GATES departed Balboa, Panama, and passed beneath the Bridge of the Americas during the PANAMAX exercise period. The passage was documented in contemporary U.S. military photographs. After completing PANAMAX, the cruiser returned to her homeport and began preparations for decommissioning. The final operating months also coincided with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the northern Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, and caused extensive damage to Pascagoula and surrounding communities. The storm affected personnel, facilities and normal naval operations along the Gulf Coast.
During the autumn of 2005, USS THOMAS S. GATES underwent the final preparations for removal from active service. These activities included the offloading of ammunition, equipment inventories, personnel transfers and administrative procedures associated with decommissioning. The cruiser subsequently proceeded to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, where the formal ceremony marking the end of her service was arranged.
On December 14, 2005, USS THOMAS S. GATES held her decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, with Cmdr. Joseph J. Leonard serving as her final commanding officer. The ceremony marked the end of more than eighteen years of service in the Atlantic Fleet. The Navy's official records list December 16, 2005, as the date of her formal decommissioning and removal from the Naval Vessel Register.
Following her decommissioning, the former USS THOMAS S. GATES was transferred to the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania. There she remained laid up with other retired U.S. Navy warships. During the following years, the Navy considered disposal arrangements and retained selected equipment for possible use elsewhere in the fleet. A historical evaluation completed in November 2010 determined that the former cruiser did not meet the criteria for preservation under the National Register of Historic Places. She consequently remained in inactive storage pending disposal.
On December 15, 2014, a contract for the dismantling of ex-USS THOMAS S. GATES was awarded to ESCO Marine. Despite the contract award, the former cruiser remained at Philadelphia for several additional years. In June 2017, she was prepared for towing to the New Orleans area of Louisiana, where facilities associated with European Metal Recycling and Southern Recycling were available for the dismantling of former naval vessels. The ship departed Philadelphia under tow and arrived at the recycling facility near New Orleans on June 30, 2017.
During the summer of 2017, dismantling of ex-USS THOMAS S. GATES began at the recycling facility in Louisiana. The process involved the removal of remaining equipment, machinery and structural components, followed by progressive dismantling of the superstructure and hull. Recycling work was underway by August 2017 and continued during the following months.
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back to top go to the end of the pageUSS THOMAS S. GATES Image Gallery:
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The photo below was taken by Karl-Heinz Ahles and shows the USS THOMAS S. GATES at Naval Station Pascagoula, Miss., on May 17, 1999.
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The photos below were taken by me on November 7, 2008, and show the THOMAS S. GATES 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 THOMAS S. GATES still laid up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
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The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning on October 3, 2012, and show the THOMAS S. GATES laid up alongside her sistership YORKTOWN (CG 48) at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Note the holes cut into the hull above the waterline.
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The photos below were taken by Harley Bodden and show the THOMAS S. GATES being scrapped near New Orleans, La. The photos were taken between July and November 2017.
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