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USS Gettysburg (CG 64)

USS GETTYSBURG is the 18^th TICONDEROGA class guided missile cruiser and the third ship in the Navy named after the Battle of Gettysburg.

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Crew List:

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

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USS GETTYSBURG Cruise Books:

• Counter-Piracy Cruise Book 2009
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 2013-14

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Shield:

Dark Blue and gold are the traditional Navy colors. The shield, divided dark blue and gray, refers to the colors of the Union and Confederate Armies and a country split by war. White expresses peace and optimism and red is a reminder of the immeasurable valor and blood shed at the epic battle of Gettysburg. The three pheons represent the number of days of this intense Civil War battle and allude to the Union and Confederate assault lines. The pheons point up portraying GETTYSBURG's vertical launch capabilities. Their number also reflects three major Aegis cruiser missions, anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. The arch recalls Seminary Ridge, Culp's Hill and Little Round Top, critical positions on the Gettysburg battlefield. The anchor symbolizes sea prowess and the ties with the ship's Maine birthplace, the two stars represent the two previous ship's named "GETTYSBURG".

The Crest:

At the dedication of the National Cemetery on the Gettysburg battle ground, President Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address. The scroll with a drop of blood honors those famous words, especially "... that these dead shall not have died in vain." Our national bird, the bald eagle, appropriately represents President Lincoln and the Union he strove to preserve; and the eagle also emphasizes the Union's victory. Gettysburg was the turning point in the Civil War, which ultimately forged a stronger nation. The inverted wreath honors all who died, Union and Confederate alike. Muskets were in general use during the Civil War and highlight the hand to hand combat as both sides exploded in a tremendous clash of musketry.

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USS GETTYSBURG in the News:

• May 6, 2003 - USS Gettysburg Saves Fishermen at Sea

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About the Ship's Name, about the Battle of Gettysburg:

USS GETTYSBURG was the third United States Navy ship to bear the name Gettysburg. She was named in commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to 3, 1863, in southern Pennsylvania. The battle was one of the largest and bloodiest engagements of the American Civil War and ended in a decisive Union victory.

In June 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania, hoping to achieve a military victory on Northern territory. The Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General George G. Meade, moved north to intercept him. On July 1, the opposing forces encountered one another near Gettysburg. After heavy fighting, Union troops withdrew through the town and established defensive positions on the surrounding high ground.

On July 2, Confederate forces attacked both flanks of the Union army. Particularly intense fighting occurred at Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Wheatfield, and Culp's Hill. Despite considerable losses, Union forces maintained their principal positions. On July 3, Lee ordered a major assault against the Union center on Cemetery Ridge. Approximately 12,000 to 13,000 Confederate soldiers advanced across open ground in what became known as Pickett's Charge. The attack was repulsed with heavy casualties, effectively ending the battle. Lee began withdrawing his army toward Virginia on July 4.

The three days of fighting resulted in approximately 51,000 casualties, including killed, wounded, captured, and missing soldiers. The Union victory ended Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania and marked a major turning point in the Civil War, although the conflict continued until 1865.

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. In his brief speech, Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and reaffirmed the principles of liberty, equality, and national unity. Today, the battlefield is preserved as Gettysburg National Military Park.

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Accidents aboard USS GETTYSBURG:

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History of USS GETTYSBURG:

USS GETTYSBURG (CG 64) was laid down at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, on August 17, 1988, launched on July 22, 1989, and commissioned on June 22, 1991. The ship's sponsor was Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughter of former President Richard Nixon. Following commissioning, GETTYSBURG completed initial training, weapons-system evaluations, and operational exercises along the United States East Coast and in the Caribbean. The cruiser was assigned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, which remained her homeport until 2015.

On October 7, 1992, GETTYSBURG departed for her maiden overseas deployment as part of the battle group centered on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Other ships accompanying the carrier included the guided-missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) and the guided-missile frigate USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40). After crossing the Atlantic, GETTYSBURG entered the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility on October 19, 1992. The cruiser subsequently operated in the Adriatic Sea, where NATO naval forces were monitoring developments associated with the wars following the breakup of Yugoslavia. During the deployment, GETTYSBURG provided escort and air-defense support for USS JOHN F. KENNEDY.

GETTYSBURG arrived at Naples, Italy, on October 30, 1992, for a port visit that lasted until November 3. The cruiser subsequently participated in Exercise Minor Manar 92-2 with Tunisian forces on November 8-9. When a Tunisian F-5 fighter crashed into the Mediterranean on November 9, GETTYSBURG proceeded to the scene and coordinated search-and-rescue efforts until Tunisian authorities assumed responsibility the following morning. The ship then rejoined USS JOHN F. KENNEDY for Exercise Seawind with Egyptian naval and air forces. On November 14, GETTYSBURG and the carrier anchored off Alexandria, Egypt, for exercise preparations and meetings with Egyptian military representatives. The exercise continued through November 21.

During the remainder of the deployment, GETTYSBURG operated in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas as part of the American naval presence associated with developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the enforcement of United Nations resolutions. On January 20, 1993, GETTYSBURG conducted operations with USS JOHN F. KENNEDY and USS LEYTE GULF in the eastern Mediterranean during a period of renewed military tension involving Iraq. Following additional exercises and operational commitments, the cruiser returned to Mayport in April 1993.

On October 15, 1993, GETTYSBURG was among the U.S. Navy ships ordered to enforce a maritime trade embargo against Haiti. The operation followed the reimposition of United Nations sanctions intended to pressure the country's military authorities to restore constitutional government. GETTYSBURG participated in maritime surveillance and interdiction activities associated with Operation Support Democracy. The cruiser was relieved from this assignment later in October and resumed previously scheduled operations.

In June 1994, GETTYSBURG participated in BALTOPS 94, an annual multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea. The exercise brought together U.S. and European naval forces for maritime operations and interoperability training. Later that year, GETTYSBURG deployed to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf region. From November 8-14, 1994, GETTYSBURG and USS HALYBURTON visited Simon's Town and Cape Town, South Africa. These visits marked the first calls by U.S. Navy warships at South African ports since 1967, following the political changes that had brought an end to apartheid and the establishment of a democratically elected government earlier in 1994.

On November 30, 1994, GETTYSBURG and USS HALYBURTON were diverted to assist the Italian passenger ship ACHILLE LAURO, which had caught fire in the Indian Ocean approximately 130 miles east of Somalia. GETTYSBURG dispatched a helicopter to assess the situation and subsequently delivered food and medical supplies for passengers and crew who had abandoned the vessel. The cruiser also supported the coordination of rescue operations and the onward movement of survivors to Djibouti. The damaged passenger ship sank on December 2, 1994. GETTYSBURG subsequently continued her scheduled operations in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf before returning to Mayport on April 20, 1995.

During 1995 and early 1996, GETTYSBURG conducted maintenance, training, and exercises in preparation for another overseas deployment. In September 1996, the cruiser entered the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of responsibility with the battle group of the aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). The deployment coincided with Operation Desert Strike, the American response to Iraqi military operations against Kurdish forces in northern Iraq. GETTYSBURG conducted air-defense, escort, and maritime-security operations in the Persian Gulf.

On October 13, 1996, GETTYSBURG collided with the Iranian corvette BAYANDOR while maneuvering in the northern Persian Gulf and performing plane-guard duties for USS ENTERPRISE. The collision caused no serious damage to either vessel, and GETTYSBURG continued her assigned operations. The incident occurred during a period of frequent encounters between American and Iranian naval units in the Persian Gulf. Following the deployment, GETTYSBURG returned to Mayport and resumed training and maintenance activities.

On November 6, 1998, GETTYSBURG deployed again with the USS ENTERPRISE Battle Group. The deployment included operations in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. In December 1998, the cruiser participated in Operation Desert Fox, a four-day American and British military operation against Iraqi targets following Iraq's failure to cooperate with United Nations weapons inspections. During the operation, which began on December 16, GETTYSBURG performed air-defense duties for the battle group and launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq. Other American warships participating in the operation included USS STOUT (DDG 55). GETTYSBURG subsequently continued maritime interdiction operations in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. The cruiser returned from deployment in May 1999.

During the remainder of 1999 and throughout 2000, GETTYSBURG alternated between maintenance periods at Mayport, Atlantic Fleet exercises, and training for subsequent deployments. Activities included combat-system readiness evaluations, air-defense training, and preparations for operations with carrier battle groups.

In 2001, GETTYSBURG was again assigned to the USS ENTERPRISE Battle Group during its deployment to the Mediterranean and Middle East. At the time of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, USS ENTERPRISE was nearing the end of its deployment and subsequently reversed course to support the American military response. GETTYSBURG, however, was among the battle group's ships that had already departed the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility or remained outside the area. Although the carrier subsequently participated in the opening phase of Operation Enduring Freedom against targets in Afghanistan, GETTYSBURG was not among the ships documented as taking part in those initial strikes. Following the deployment period, the cruiser conducted further training, maintenance, and operational preparations along the East Coast.

In March 2002, GETTYSBURG supported ballistic-missile testing conducted by the Naval Ordnance Test Unit near Port Canaveral, Florida. During operations on March 16-19, the cruiser served as an observation and tracking platform for missile-test activities. The assignment formed part of the ship's continuing work with naval air-defense and missile-tracking systems. Additional exercises and combat-system evaluations occupied the remainder of the year.

In April 2003, GETTYSBURG participated in Fleet Week activities at Port Everglades, Florida, arriving on April 28. On May 3, while operating approximately 50 miles off Mayport, the cruiser responded to a distress situation involving four fishermen whose vessel had capsized. GETTYSBURG assisted in rescuing the men and subsequently returned to her scheduled activities. During the following months, the ship completed training and preparations for another deployment with the USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group.

In early October 2003, GETTYSBURG departed for a deployment to the Mediterranean and Middle East with USS ENTERPRISE. The strike group included USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) and other surface combatants, supported by naval logistics ships. The deployment took place during continuing American military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, following the invasion of Iraq earlier that year. GETTYSBURG performed air-defense, escort, maritime-security, and surveillance duties in support of the strike group. Its operations included the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf.

During January 14-19, 2004, GETTYSBURG visited Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. After completing operations in the Middle East, the cruiser returned through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean, where port visits during the homeward transit included Naples, Italy, and Malaga, Spain. GETTYSBURG returned to Naval Station Mayport on February 27, 2004.

During the summer of 2004, GETTYSBURG participated in additional Atlantic and NATO exercises. The cruiser operated in northern European waters, including activities near Scotland and the British Isles. Training included naval gunfire exercises in the Cape Wrath area. The ship also visited the Glenmallan naval facility in Scotland and arrived at Portsmouth, England, on July 2, 2004. After returning to the United States, GETTYSBURG underwent further maintenance and preparations for counter-narcotics operations.

On October 11, 2005, GETTYSBURG departed Mayport for a deployment supporting Joint Interagency Task Force South, whose responsibilities included the detection and monitoring of maritime drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. The cruiser embarked a helicopter detachment from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 46 and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, allowing Coast Guard personnel to conduct authorized boardings and law-enforcement operations. The deployment involved extended patrols, surveillance of suspected trafficking vessels, and cooperation with regional authorities.

During the deployment, GETTYSBURG operated in both the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, using the Panama Canal to move between operating areas. Port visits and logistics stops included Willemstad, Curacao; Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Panama; and Cartagena, Colombia. In December 2005, the cruiser participated in the interception of a vessel carrying approximately ten metric tons of cocaine, one of the substantial narcotics seizures associated with the deployment.

On January 12, 2006, GETTYSBURG intercepted the freighter PERSEUS V, where an inspection revealed approximately 1.6 metric tons of cocaine concealed aboard the vessel. Further interdictions followed during February and March. These operations involved maritime patrol aircraft, shipborne helicopters, and Coast Guard boarding teams. Over the course of the deployment, GETTYSBURG and its embarked personnel contributed to the seizure of approximately 28 metric tons of illegal narcotics. The cruiser concluded its deployment with a return to Mayport on April 4, 2006.

Following maintenance and training during 2006 and the first half of 2007, GETTYSBURG departed Mayport on July 6, 2007, for another Middle East deployment, operating with the USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group. The cruiser entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility and conducted maritime-security operations in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Duties included surveillance, air defense, escort missions, and the protection of maritime approaches to Iraqi oil-export facilities. These facilities remained strategically important to Iraq's economy and were protected by coalition naval forces. GETTYSBURG spent an extended period operating in the northern Persian Gulf before returning to Mayport on December 19, 2007.

In June 2008, GETTYSBURG returned to the Baltic Sea to participate in BALTOPS 2008. The exercise involved naval forces from NATO countries and partner nations and included combined maritime operations, communications training, and tactical exercises. American units participating included USS COLE (DDG 67) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS PATUXENT (T-AO 201). Following the exercise, GETTYSBURG visited Kiel, Germany, where the cruiser was present on June 20-21, 2008. The remainder of the year included maintenance and preparations for the ship's next deployment.

On February 21, 2009, GETTYSBURG departed Mayport for a deployment with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group. During the deployment, the cruiser operated in the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden, and Somali Basin. The mission included counter-piracy operations at a time when attacks against commercial shipping off Somalia had increased substantially. GETTYSBURG was assigned to Combined Task Force 151, the multinational naval organization established in January 2009 to conduct counter-piracy operations in the region.

GETTYSBURG served as a flagship for Combined Task Force 151 during a substantial part of the deployment. On May 3, 2009, Turkish Rear Admiral Caner Bener assumed command of the task force and embarked aboard the cruiser with his multinational staff. GETTYSBURG subsequently conducted patrols and interdiction operations under the Turkish-led task force command, operating with warships from several nations. The mission involved surveillance of suspected pirate vessels, responses to distress calls, and the disruption of attacks on merchant shipping.

On May 13, 2009, GETTYSBURG responded to reports of an attempted pirate attack involving the Egyptian merchant ship AMIRA in the Gulf of Aden. Working with other coalition forces, including the South Korean destroyer ROKS MUNMU THE GREAT (DDH 976), the cruiser located a dhow suspected of being used as a pirate mothership. Boarding operations resulted in the detention of 17 suspected pirates. The operation also led to the seizure of equipment associated with pirate attacks. The detained suspects were subsequently transferred to Kenyan authorities for prosecution.

During the deployment, GETTYSBURG participated in additional counter-piracy operations and assisted vessels requiring help in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. By the conclusion of the deployment, the cruiser and its embarked personnel had captured a total of 38 suspected pirates. In late June, USS ANZIO (CG 68) assumed the flagship duties of Combined Task Force 151. GETTYSBURG subsequently completed its remaining assignments and returned to Naval Station Mayport on July 28, 2009.

During the remainder of 2009 and throughout 2010, GETTYSBURG conducted maintenance, crew training, and operational exercises along the East Coast. Preparations for renewed carrier strike group operations included air-defense exercises and a Composite Training Unit Exercise with the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group, completed in February 2011.

On May 10, 2011, GETTYSBURG departed Mayport for deployment with Carrier Strike Group Two, centered on USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH. During May, the strike group participated in Exercise Saxon Warrior, a multinational exercise in the eastern Atlantic designed to improve cooperation between American and allied naval forces. GETTYSBURG operated with British and Spanish warships during the exercise. The cruiser subsequently anchored off Benidorm, Spain, from June 6-9, followed by a visit to Naples, Italy, from June 11-14.

After passing through the Suez Canal in June 2011, GETTYSBURG entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. The ship conducted air-defense, maritime-security, and escort operations in support of the carrier strike group, which was operating during continuing military commitments in Afghanistan and Iraq. During the summer, GETTYSBURG made logistics visits to Bahrain, including a visit in July. The ship continued operational assignments in the region during the following months before beginning the return voyage to the United States. GETTYSBURG arrived back at Mayport on December 8, 2011.

On September 17, 2012, GETTYSBURG departed the United States for northern European waters to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 12-2. The deployment was conducted in company with USS MITSCHER (DDG 57), with logistics support from USNS LEROY GRUMMAN (T-AO 195). Joint Warrior was a British-led multinational exercise involving naval, air, and other military forces from NATO and partner nations. Its training scenarios included air defense, surface and antisubmarine warfare, and the coordination of combined operations. GETTYSBURG visited HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, Scotland, from September 26-30, 2012, before participating in the exercise in waters around Scotland. After completing the principal exercise activities, the cruiser visited Portsmouth, England, from October 13-18. GETTYSBURG returned to the United States on October 31, 2012, and subsequently resumed maintenance and training at Mayport.

During the first half of 2013, GETTYSBURG completed training and preparations for another extended deployment. On July 22, 2013, the cruiser departed Mayport to join Carrier Strike Group Ten, centered on USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Other ships assigned to the strike group included the guided-missile cruiser USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56), the destroyers USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) and USS MASON (DDG 87), and the fast combat support ship USNS ARCTIC (T-AOE 8). GETTYSBURG was assigned air and missile defense responsibilities within the strike group.

The deployment took place during continuing American and coalition operations in Afghanistan and a period of growing instability in Syria and the wider Middle East. After crossing the Atlantic and entering the Mediterranean, the strike group transited the Suez Canal and entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility in August 2013. On August 18, the strike group entered the Fifth Fleet operating area. GETTYSBURG subsequently operated in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf, supporting maritime-security operations, carrier escort duties, and air-defense coordination.

During the deployment, GETTYSBURG conducted replenishment operations with other strike group units, including USNS ARCTIC. On January 29, 2014, the cruiser conducted an underway replenishment in the Gulf of Oman while operating in company with USS HARRY S. TRUMAN. On February 16, GETTYSBURG provided assistance to three Iranian mariners aboard a disabled dhow approximately 45 miles north of Muscat, Oman. The men had exhausted their supplies of food and drinking water, and their vessel's engine was inoperative. Personnel from GETTYSBURG initially delivered food and water by rigid-hull inflatable boat before bringing the men aboard for medical assessment and assistance. Arrangements were subsequently made for their return ashore.

In late March 2014, GETTYSBURG transited the Suez Canal northbound and returned to the Mediterranean Sea. On April 2, the cruiser arrived at Toulon, France, for a scheduled port visit during the homeward passage. Following the Atlantic crossing, GETTYSBURG returned to Naval Station Mayport on April 18, 2014, after approximately nine months away from homeport. During the deployment, the ship had supported the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility. GETTYSBURG was also recognized with the 2013 Battenberg Cup and received consecutive Battle Effectiveness awards for 2013 and 2014.

During 2015, GETTYSBURG was selected for the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program, an initiative intended to extend the service lives of selected TICONDEROGA-class cruisers through extensive repairs and equipment upgrades. Following a change of command in March 2015, the ship entered the modernization process and transferred its administrative homeport from Mayport to Norfolk, Virginia. GETTYSBURG was subsequently towed to Norfolk by the rescue and salvage ship USNS GRAPPLE (T-ARS 53).

On April 27, 2016, the Navy awarded a contract for a Special Selected Restricted Availability at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. GETTYSBURG entered the shipyard on June 6, 2016, for work involving the ship's hull, machinery, electrical equipment, and associated systems. After completing this phase of the availability, the cruiser returned to Naval Station Norfolk in December 2016. Further modernization activities continued in subsequent years, with additional contracts and funding providing for extensive work on the ship's engineering equipment and AEGIS combat system.

During 2017 and 2018, GETTYSBURG remained in the modernization program at Norfolk. A major additional contract award in August 2018 continued work on the ship's systems and equipment. The extended modernization period involved repairs and upgrades intended to restore operational capability and permit the cruiser to return to the active fleet. On July 7, 2021, a small fire occurred aboard GETTYSBURG while the cruiser was undergoing work at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. Sparks from hot work in a machinery space caused the fire, which was extinguished by shipboard personnel and responding firefighters. Four sailors were taken to a local hospital for treatment, but no damage to the ship was reported. GETTYSBURG departed the shipyard on October 14, 2021, and returned to Naval Station Norfolk, where further preparations for reactivation continued.

On February 28, 2023, GETTYSBURG got underway from Norfolk for the first time in approximately nine years following the extended modernization period. The cruiser subsequently conducted sea trials, equipment testing, crew training, and operational certification activities as it was prepared for renewed fleet service. The modernization included work on the ship's hull, mechanical and electrical systems, and combat equipment. During the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, GETTYSBURG completed further preparations for an operational deployment.

On September 24, 2024, GETTYSBURG departed Naval Station Norfolk for deployment with the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group. Other surface combatants associated with the deployment included USS STOUT and USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109). The deployment initially took the group into the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility, where the ships conducted exercises and maritime-security operations in European waters. It was GETTYSBURG's first overseas deployment following the extended modernization program.

On November 4, 2024, the Navy announced that GETTYSBURG would receive a service-life extension, allowing the cruiser to remain in commission beyond its previously anticipated retirement date. The decision formed part of a plan to retain several modernized cruisers, including USS CHOSIN (CG 65) and USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71), for additional operational service.

On November 18, 2024, GETTYSBURG arrived at Wilhelmshaven, Germany, for a scheduled port visit. The cruiser entered the naval base after passing through the approaches to the German North Sea coast. The visit took place during operations with the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group in European waters. Following the visit and further operations in the region, GETTYSBURG proceeded toward the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

During December 2024, the strike group operated in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden amid continuing attacks by Houthi forces against commercial shipping and military vessels. American naval forces conducted defensive operations against missiles and unmanned aircraft and carried out strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen. GETTYSBURG performed air-defense duties as part of the force protecting the carrier and other ships in the operating area.

On December 22, 2024, GETTYSBURG accidentally shot down an American F/A-18F Super Hornet operating from USS HARRY S. TRUMAN during military operations in the Red Sea. Both aviators ejected and were rescued. The incident occurred while American naval forces were engaged in operations involving Houthi drones and missiles. An investigation was initiated to establish the circumstances of the mistaken engagement.

On January 30, 2025, GETTYSBURG conducted an at-sea change of command during the deployment. Captain John S. Lucas relieved Captain Justin S. Hodges as commanding officer. The cruiser subsequently continued operations with the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. These activities included air and missile defense, maritime security, and support for ongoing naval operations in the region.

After completing its operational commitments, GETTYSBURG began the return voyage to the United States. On June 6, 2025, the cruiser arrived at Naval Station Norfolk following an approximately eight-month deployment. Following its return, GETTYSBURG entered a period of post-deployment maintenance, inspections, and training.

In October 2025, GETTYSBURG departed Norfolk for a deployment to the Caribbean in support of U.S. Southern Command. By late October, the cruiser was operating in the region as part of the American naval presence associated with Operation Southern Spear. The mission included maritime surveillance, the deterrence of narcotics trafficking, and support for the enforcement of American sanctions. GETTYSBURG operated independently and in coordination with other naval forces assigned to the Southern Command area of responsibility.

During the deployment, GETTYSBURG operated with naval formations that included the USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) Amphibious Ready Group and the USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) Carrier Strike Group. American naval forces were conducting a substantial series of operations in the Caribbean during this period, including counter-narcotics and security missions. GETTYSBURG's documented assignments included maritime-security operations and support for U.S. Southern Command objectives.

In December 2025, the Navy released the findings of its investigation into the December 22, 2024, friendly-fire incident involving GETTYSBURG and the F/A-18F Super Hornet from USS HARRY S. TRUMAN. The investigation identified shortcomings involving coordination, training, and the procedures used to identify and engage aircraft during combat operations. The findings also documented a separate dangerous engagement involving another American aircraft that narrowly avoided being struck. The investigation examined the circumstances of the incidents and identified corrective measures intended to reduce the risk of similar events.

On March 23, 2026, GETTYSBURG returned to Naval Station Norfolk after nearly five months operating in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. The deployment had included operations in the Caribbean alongside other American naval units assigned to regional security and counter-narcotics missions. Following the return, the cruiser resumed its homeport activities at Norfolk.

On July 17, 2026, GETTYSBURG held a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Captain Keith T. Turner relieved Captain John S. Lucas as commanding officer.

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Homeports of USS GETTYSBURG:

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USS GETTYSBURG Patch Gallery:

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USS GETTYSBURG Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by me and show the GETTYSBURG at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on July 31, 2000.

The photos below were taken by me and show the GETTYSBURG at Kiel, Germany, on June 20-21, 2008, after her participation in BALTOPS 2008.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on April 13, 2016. The GETTYSBURG is presently involved in the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program which means that the ship is presently laid up and maintained by a small 45-person crew. The ship will later undergo modernization and return to service by 2021, replacing an older sistership. The procedure started in 2015 at the ship's homeport of Mayport, Fla., from where she was later towed to her new administrative homeport of Norfolk, Va., by the USNS GRAPPLE (T-ARS 53). The program follows a 2-4-6 plan meaning that each year no more than two cruisers will be placed in phased modernization; no cruiser will remain in phased modernization for more than 4 years; and no more than six cruisers may be in phased modernization at the same time. Note the Battenberg Cup painting on the forward superstructure commemorating the GETTYSBURG as the 2013 winner of the trophy which is an annual award for the best East Coast-based Navy ship.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG undergoing a Special Selected Restricted Availability (SSRA) at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair on October 12, 2016. GETTYSBURG entered the shipyard on June 6, 2016. The SSRA is part of the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program.

The photos below were taken by Steven Collingwood and show the GETTYSBURG laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on April 16, 2017, after completing her Special Selected Restricted Availability (SSRA) at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. GETTYSBURG entered the shipyard on June 6, 2016, and returned to the Naval Base in December. The SSRA was part of the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 4, 2017.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on September 21, 2018.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on December 26, 2021. GETTYSBURG left the BAE Systems shipyard on October 14, 2021, and will soon join the fleet again. Note the Phalanx CIWS on the pier.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on September 6, 2022. She will soon end the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program after being laid up for almost 7 years.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the GETTYSBURG as an operational vessel again at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 9, 2023.

The photos below were taken by Marco Ziemann and show USS GETTYSBURG passing the island of Wangerooge on her way to Naval Base Wilhelmshaven, Germany, on November 18, 2024. USS GETTYSBURG is on her first deployment after more than 10 years of lay-up and modernization. The cruiser is operating as part of the HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group.

The photos below were taken by me and show USS GETTYSBURG arriving at Naval Base Wilhelmshaven, Germany, on November 18, 2024. USS GETTYSBURG - the only East Coast cruiser to successfully make it through the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program - is on her first deployment after more than 10 years of lay-up and modernization. The cruiser is operating as part of the HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group.

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