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USS Virginia (CGN 38)

USS VIRGINIA was the lead ship of a class of four nuclear powered guided missile cruisers and the eighth ship in the Navy named after the state of Virginia. USS VIRGINIA was homeported in Norfolk, VA.

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Crew List:

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

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USS VIRGINIA Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1979

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History of USS VIRGINIA:

USS VIRGINIA was the lead ship of a class of four nuclear-powered guided-missile cruisers built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia. Originally classified as a nuclear-powered guided-missile frigate (DLGN 38), her keel was laid on August 19, 1972. She was launched on December 14, 1974, sponsored by Miss Virginia S. Warner, daughter of former Secretary of the Navy John W. Warner. On June 30, 1975, she was reclassified as a nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser and redesignated CGN 38 as part of the Navy's general reclassification of surface combatants.

Following construction, fitting out, and sea trials, VIRGINIA was commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on September 11, 1976, with Capt. George W. Davis Jr. as her first commanding officer. She became the sixth nuclear-powered cruiser commissioned by the U.S. Navy and the first ship of a new class designed to provide air-defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and command-and-control capabilities for carrier battle groups and independent naval operations.

VIRGINIA was equipped with two General Electric D2G nuclear reactors powering two shafts, providing a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots. Her original armament included two twin-arm Mk 26 guided-missile launchers capable of firing Standard surface-to-air missiles and ASROC anti-submarine weapons, two 5-inch/54-caliber Mk 45 guns, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Mk 46 torpedoes. The ship was also designed with facilities for operating a Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter, including a below-deck hangar and an elevator incorporated into the stern.

Following commissioning, VIRGINIA began a series of trials and training operations along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean. These activities included engineering evaluations, weapons testing, navigation trials, combat-system qualifications, and exercises intended to prepare the crew for regular Atlantic Fleet operations.

During the first six months of her commissioned service, VIRGINIA made several voyages to the West Indies for shakedown training and post-commissioning trials. The testing program included evaluations of the nuclear propulsion plant, radar systems, missile launchers, sonar equipment, and shipboard command-and-control systems.

On April 25, 1977, VIRGINIA entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, for a five-month Post-Shakedown Availability. The shipyard corrected deficiencies identified during the initial trials and completed additional work on the ship's engineering, electrical, and combat systems. Following the availability, VIRGINIA resumed sea trials and completed her final post-shakedown testing on September 28, 1977. The cruiser then joined the Atlantic Fleet as an operational unit, with Norfolk remaining her homeport.

During November 1977, VIRGINIA conducted anti-submarine warfare exercises along the New England and Canadian coasts. The exercises included submarine detection and tracking, tactical maneuvering, and coordination between the ship's sonar and weapons systems. In December, the cruiser returned to the Caribbean to conduct missile-firing exercises at the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility. She completed the training on December 13 and returned to Norfolk on December 16 for holiday leave and maintenance.

During January 1978, VIRGINIA conducted local operations in the Virginia Capes operating areas. On January 28, she departed Norfolk for another period of special testing off Florida and in the West Indies. The tests were conducted under the direction of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and involved evaluations of equipment and operational procedures. VIRGINIA returned to Norfolk on March 23.

During the following months, the cruiser continued training and operational evaluations along the East Coast. Her activities included anti-submarine warfare exercises, missile-system training, and preparations for multinational naval operations in the North Atlantic.

On August 23, 1978, VIRGINIA departed Norfolk for northern European waters to participate in NATO Exercise Northern Wedding. The exercise was designed to test the ability of NATO naval and amphibious forces to reinforce Western Europe during a simulated military confrontation with Warsaw Pact forces. The exercise involved naval forces operating in the North Atlantic, North Sea, and approaches to northern Europe. VIRGINIA participated in coordinated maritime operations, air-defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare training, and fleet maneuvering with allied ships and aircraft. During the deployment, VIRGINIA visited Oslo, Norway; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Portsmouth, England. The cruiser departed Portsmouth on October 3 and returned to Norfolk on October 12, completing her first major North Atlantic deployment.

On November 16, 1978, VIRGINIA departed Norfolk for additional training in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. During this voyage, she visited Mobile, Alabama, and conducted naval gunfire support training at Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. The training included the use of the ship's 5-inch guns against designated shore targets, allowing the crew to practice fire-control procedures and coordination with personnel ashore. The cruiser subsequently visited St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands on December 6 and 7 before returning to Norfolk on December 11. During the final weeks of 1978, VIRGINIA completed maintenance and preparations for her first Mediterranean deployment.

In January 1979, VIRGINIA departed Norfolk for her first deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, operating with the battle group centered on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Another nuclear-powered cruiser, USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN 37), was also assigned to the group. The deployment began during a period of continuing political instability in the Middle East and substantial Soviet naval activity in the Mediterranean. American Sixth Fleet forces maintained a regular presence in the region, conducting surveillance, training, and operations with NATO allies.

VIRGINIA served as a carrier escort and provided air-defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the battle group. Her assignments included maintaining the air and surface surveillance picture, monitoring contacts of interest, participating in tactical exercises, and conducting replenishments at sea. The deployment also provided opportunities for the crew to exercise the ship's nuclear propulsion plant and combat systems during extended operations away from her homeport. During the Mediterranean cruise, VIRGINIA visited Tangier, Morocco; Gaeta, Italy; Kalamata, Greece; Alexandria, Egypt; Augusta Bay, Sicily; Volos, Greece; Naples, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Rota, Spain.

The port visits included logistics, maintenance, and crew liberty periods, as well as meetings with American and allied naval personnel. Organized excursions were conducted to Rome and Cairo, including visits to historical sites in Egypt. During the deployment, VIRGINIA participated in a search-and-rescue mission involving a disabled Military Sealift Command vessel. The cruiser also provided medical assistance to a crew member of the attack submarine USS WHALE (SSN 638). While at Alexandria, VIRGINIA supported arrangements associated with a visit by President Jimmy Carter and members of his staff to Egypt. The presidential visit formed part of diplomatic activities connected with the Egyptian-Israeli peace process.

During the deployment, the United States and its allies continued monitoring naval activity in the Mediterranean, while American forces also maintained their regular training and operational commitments throughout the region. VIRGINIA completed her first Mediterranean deployment in July 1979 and returned to Norfolk after approximately six months overseas.

Following the deployment, the cruiser entered a period of maintenance and training. During the second half of 1979, her crew completed engineering evaluations, combat-system inspections, and preparations for another extended overseas assignment.

The political situation in Southwest Asia changed substantially during 1979. The Iranian Revolution led to the collapse of the government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and the seizure of the American embassy in Tehran on November 4 resulted in the detention of American diplomatic personnel. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 further increased American military attention to the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean regions. The Navy subsequently deployed additional naval forces to the area.

In April 1980, VIRGINIA deployed with USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER and USS SOUTH CAROLINA for an extended deployment to the Indian Ocean. The three nuclear-powered ships formed the principal elements of a battle group assigned to maintain an American naval presence in the region during the Iranian hostage crisis and the continuing Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan. USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER departed Norfolk on April 15, 1980. The deployment continued for more than eight months and included prolonged operations in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

During this period, VIRGINIA conducted carrier escort, air-defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime surveillance operations. The cruiser also participated in tactical training and underway replenishments with other American naval units. The extended operating periods placed considerable demands on shipboard machinery and equipment, particularly because opportunities for repairs and maintenance at established naval facilities were limited.

On June 21, 1980, a leak developed in the rubber window of VIRGINIA's bow-mounted sonar dome. The damage was subsequently identified as a split approximately eleven inches long and half an inch wide. The defect required the cruiser to restrict her speed to approximately five to seven knots while arrangements were made for repairs. Because the sonar dome was an important component of the ship's underwater detection system, the damage also affected her ability to perform certain anti-submarine warfare duties.

VIRGINIA was subsequently detached from her operating area and proceeded toward the Philippines for repairs. On July 22, 1980, VIRGINIA arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, where repair work began on the damaged sonar dome. The ship entered dry dock to permit inspections and repairs to the underwater equipment. Following the completion of the repairs and associated testing, VIRGINIA resumed operational duties in the Indian Ocean.

During the remainder of the deployment, the cruiser continued working with American naval forces assigned to the region, including USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER and USS SOUTH CAROLINA. The carrier battle group maintained a prolonged presence in the Indian Ocean while the American hostages remained in Iran. The deployment also included exercises with American and allied forces operating in the region.

On December 20, 1980, President Jimmy Carter sent a message to the crews of USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, USS SOUTH CAROLINA, and VIRGINIA as they neared the end of their deployment. On December 22, the three nuclear-powered ships returned to Hampton Roads, Virginia, completing an extended deployment of more than eight months.

During the first months of 1981, VIRGINIA conducted post-deployment maintenance and operational training along the U.S. East Coast. The cruiser resumed exercises involving surface warfare, air defense, and coordinated operations with other nuclear-powered surface combatants. On February 26, 1981, VIRGINIA participated in Exercise READEX 1-81 in the Atlantic Ocean. During the exercise, six nuclear-powered guided-missile cruisers operated together in formation. The participating ships were USS TEXAS (CGN 39), USS MISSISSIPPI (CGN 40), USS CALIFORNIA (CGN 36), USS SOUTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, and USS ARKANSAS (CGN 41).

The exercise included coordinated fleet maneuvering and tactical training between ships equipped with nuclear propulsion plants and guided-missile weapon systems. Following READEX, VIRGINIA continued training in Atlantic Fleet operating areas and completed maintenance and readiness evaluations during the remainder of 1981.

In January 1982, VIRGINIA deployed again to the Mediterranean Sea with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group. USS SOUTH CAROLINA was also assigned to the formation. During this deployment, the battle group conducted Sixth Fleet operations and exercises with NATO naval forces. VIRGINIA provided carrier escort, air-defense coordination, maritime surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare support. The deployment took place against the background of continued tensions between Israel and neighboring countries and a deteriorating security situation in Lebanon. American naval forces maintained a presence in the eastern Mediterranean while conducting routine operational training and exercises.

VIRGINIA participated in coordinated operations with surface ships, submarines, and aircraft assigned to the Sixth Fleet. These activities included air-defense exercises, submarine detection and tracking, tactical communications, and replenishment at sea. The battle group's deployment included operations in the western, central, and eastern Mediterranean. The cruiser completed the deployment in July 1982 and returned to Norfolk.

Following the Mediterranean deployment, VIRGINIA conducted maintenance and training during the remainder of 1982. Preparations began for another overseas assignment as the security situation in Lebanon continued to deteriorate.

During 1983, VIRGINIA deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for her third Mediterranean deployment. The cruiser operated with Sixth Fleet forces during the Lebanese Civil War and the presence of the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. American Marines had been deployed to Lebanon as part of a multinational force that also included French, Italian, and British troops. Their mission was connected with efforts to stabilize the country following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and the continuing fighting between Lebanese factions.

VIRGINIA operated with the battle group centered on USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER. Other American naval units in the region included the destroyer USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD 968). During the deployment, VIRGINIA conducted operations throughout the Mediterranean, including carrier escort duties, air-defense exercises, and maritime surveillance. She was also assigned to naval forces operating off the Lebanese coast.

In June 1983, VIRGINIA operated near Beirut during a relatively quieter phase of the conflict. Members of the crew were able to visit American Marine positions ashore. According to the ship's cruise book, approximately forty sailors participated in a visit to the Marine camp during this period. As fighting around Beirut intensified, the cruiser returned to the area on several occasions. The security situation increasingly restricted shore visits and other activities involving American personnel.

In September 1983, VIRGINIA was again operating off Lebanon as fighting increased between Lebanese government forces and militias opposed to the government of President Amin Gemayel. Particular concern centered on Suq al-Gharb, a strategically important town southeast of Beirut. Lebanese Army units defending the area came under heavy artillery and infantry attacks from Druze and allied militia forces. American military authorities authorized naval gunfire support to assist the Lebanese Army in defending its positions.

On September 19, 1983, VIRGINIA and the destroyer USS JOHN RODGERS (DD 983) provided naval gunfire support against militia positions threatening Lebanese government forces near Suq al-Gharb. The two ships moved closer to the Lebanese coast and fired their 5-inch guns against designated targets ashore. American forward observers working with Lebanese Army personnel assisted in identifying targets and adjusting the fall of shot.

Contemporary accounts recorded several hundred rounds fired by the two ships during the operation. VIRGINIA's own 1983 cruise book credits the cruiser with firing a total of 293 rounds of 5-inch ammunition during her naval gunfire support operations off Lebanon. The naval gunfire was directed against positions from which militia forces were attacking Lebanese Army units and threatening areas occupied by American and other multinational personnel.

During the following weeks, VIRGINIA continued providing naval gunfire support when ordered and maintained her position off Beirut as part of the Sixth Fleet presence. The battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) arrived off Lebanon in late September to reinforce American naval forces in the region. A cease-fire agreement was reached in early October, but sporadic fighting and attacks on multinational forces continued.

On October 23, 1983, a suicide truck bomber attacked the headquarters of the U.S. Marine contingent at Beirut International Airport. The explosion destroyed the Marine barracks and killed 241 American service members. A separate attack against the French military contingent killed 58 French paratroopers. Following the attack, VIRGINIA sent her medical officer, a hospital corpsman, and a group of sixteen volunteers ashore to assist the relief effort. The cruiser also provided blood and medical supplies for the treatment of casualties.

VIRGINIA remained off Beirut following the bombing while American and allied forces continued operations in the area. During the remaining weeks of the deployment, the cruiser maintained readiness for naval gunfire support and continued operating with Sixth Fleet units near Lebanon. VIRGINIA completed her Mediterranean deployment toward the end of 1983 and returned to Norfolk. Her crew received recognition for its performance during the deployment, including being cited as a Sixth Fleet Top Hand.

In 1984, VIRGINIA entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a major overhaul and modernization. The work involved extensive maintenance of the ship's propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and combat systems, together with modifications to her weapons and aviation facilities. An important part of the modernization was the introduction of Tomahawk cruise missiles. The ship received armored box launchers capable of carrying Tomahawk land-attack and anti-ship missiles. The launchers were installed in the aft part of the ship, replacing the original helicopter hangar and elevator installation. The original aviation arrangement had incorporated a below-deck hangar beneath the stern flight deck. A large elevator was intended to raise and lower a LAMPS helicopter between the hangar and the landing platform. The installation had experienced technical difficulties, including problems with the elevator and the seals surrounding the hangar enclosure. Seawater entering the hangar area had required extensive cleaning and maintenance. During the modernization, the helicopter facilities were removed, and the space was adapted for the Tomahawk weapon system and associated equipment.

Additional improvements included modifications associated with the Standard Missile-2 surface-to-air missile system and the installation or upgrading of close-in defensive weapons and electronic equipment. The overhaul also included inspections and maintenance of the ship's nuclear propulsion plant and associated machinery. Following completion of the principal overhaul work, VIRGINIA resumed sea trials and equipment testing.

During March and April 1985, the cruiser conducted post-overhaul trials and Standard Missile-2 Medium Range operational testing at the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility. These trials included checks of missile launching equipment, radar and fire-control systems, navigation equipment, and engineering machinery. The crew also completed training associated with the new and modified combat systems.

During the remainder of 1985, VIRGINIA conducted Atlantic Fleet exercises and operational training as her crew restored the ship's full range of qualifications following the modernization. In January and February 1986, VIRGINIA operated in the Guantanamo Bay training areas near Cuba. The training included refresher exercises in navigation, engineering, damage control, gunnery, and coordinated combat-system operations. The cruiser subsequently returned to Norfolk and continued operational preparations during the remainder of the year.

In April 1987, VIRGINIA began another Mediterranean deployment. During the deployment, she operated with Sixth Fleet naval forces in the Mediterranean Sea, conducting air-defense, anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and surface warfare operations. The deployment included training with American and NATO ships and aircraft, as well as evaluations of the ship's weapons and command-and-control systems. During this period, VIRGINIA operated in company with other nuclear-powered surface combatants, including USS SOUTH CAROLINA. The cruiser's Tomahawk capability provided an additional long-range strike option, while her Standard missile systems continued to support fleet air-defense operations. VIRGINIA completed the Mediterranean deployment in November 1987 and returned to Norfolk for maintenance and post-deployment training.

In January 1988, Capt. Gary M. Voorheis relieved Capt. Thomas R. Sheridan as commanding officer. During 1988, VIRGINIA conducted Atlantic Fleet training and maintenance, including exercises designed to maintain the operational qualifications of her nuclear propulsion plant, combat systems, and weapons crews. From September to October 1988, the cruiser conducted refresher training in the Guantanamo Bay operating areas. The training included navigation, damage control, engineering drills, air-defense exercises, and weapons qualifications. After returning to Norfolk, VIRGINIA began preparing for another Mediterranean deployment.

In May 1989, VIRGINIA deployed again to the Mediterranean Sea for a six-month Sixth Fleet assignment. The deployment included operations with American and allied naval forces throughout the Mediterranean. During the cruise, the ship conducted air-defense, surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare training, as well as operational exercises involving her missile systems. The cruiser participated in carrier battle group operations and conducted underway replenishments and tactical training with other ships in the region.

Port visits during the deployment provided opportunities for logistics support, maintenance, and crew liberty. Throughout the deployment, the crew maintained readiness for surface, air, and subsurface threats while continuing to operate the ship's nuclear propulsion plant during extended periods underway. The ship's medical department provided treatment for crew members during the cruise. The 1989 cruise book records 1,580 patient visits during the deployment, including medical care ranging from routine illnesses and minor injuries to more serious medical problems. Six crew members required evacuation to medical facilities ashore for further treatment, while another ten received specialist medical examinations during port visits. VIRGINIA completed her Mediterranean deployment in November 1989 and returned to Norfolk.

During 1990, the cruiser continued maintenance, operational training, and preparations for further overseas operations. The international situation changed considerably following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. The United States organized a multinational military coalition to defend Saudi Arabia and secure the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait. American naval forces deployed to the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and eastern Mediterranean as part of Operation Desert Shield.

On December 28, 1990, VIRGINIA departed Norfolk for deployment to the Mediterranean in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After crossing the Atlantic, the cruiser proceeded to the eastern Mediterranean, where American naval forces were positioned to launch cruise-missile attacks against targets in Iraq if military operations became necessary. VIRGINIA operated in the waters off Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, maintaining readiness for Tomahawk missile launches and coordinating with other American warships assigned to the strike mission.

On January 17, 1991, coalition forces began Operation Desert Storm with a campaign of air and missile strikes against Iraqi military targets. On January 22, 1991, VIRGINIA launched two Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles from the eastern Mediterranean against designated targets in Iraq. The long-range strikes were coordinated with launches by other American warships, including USS SPRUANCE (DD 963) and the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURGH (SSN 720). The attack submarine USS PHILADELPHIA (SSN 690) was also operating with American forces in the eastern Mediterranean during the campaign. VIRGINIA served in a local strike coordination role during the Tomahawk operations, helping coordinate missile launches conducted by the participating naval units. Following the missile strikes, VIRGINIA continued operating in the eastern Mediterranean in support of the coalition campaign.

On February 23, 1991, while proceeding toward Souda Bay, Crete, VIRGINIA was involved in a collision with the Greek fishing vessel VASSILIOS I in the Strait of Andikythira northwest of Crete. The approximately 15-meter fishing boat was operating in the area with four crew members aboard, including its owner and master, Ioannis Paterakis. During the early morning hours, the fishing vessel changed course while searching for a section of its fishing line. The change brought it into a crossing situation with the approaching American cruiser.

VIRGINIA had been tracking the fishing vessel by radar, but the two ships collided at approximately 4:40 a.m. The impact struck the fishing boat near its middle and broke it into two major sections. One crew member, Theodossis Paterakis, was killed. The three other men survived the collision. After the collision was identified, VIRGINIA reversed course and began search-and-rescue operations. The cruiser launched a rescue boat and recovered the three survivors from the water. The body of the fourth crew member was subsequently recovered. The survivors were examined and treated by the ship's medical personnel. The damaged remains of VASSILIOS I presented a hazard to navigation. After receiving authorization from higher naval authorities, VIRGINIA sank the wreckage.

The cruiser then proceeded to Souda Bay, where the surviving fishermen and the deceased crew member were transferred to Greek authorities. The accident subsequently became the subject of an admiralty lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Paterakis v. United States. On April 28, 1994, the court ruled that the fishing vessel had failed to comply with the applicable International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The court found that the fishing vessel's failure to maintain a proper lookout and its maneuvering into the path of the cruiser had caused the collision. It also found that VIRGINIA had complied with the applicable navigational rules and had fulfilled her obligation to render assistance after the accident. On July 5, 1995, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's decision.

Following the collision and the completion of her assigned operations, VIRGINIA continued her deployment in the Mediterranean. She returned to Norfolk in June 1991. During the following months, VIRGINIA resumed maintenance and operational training in the Atlantic Fleet. The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 led to changes in American naval force structure and operational assignments.

During 1992, VIRGINIA became increasingly involved in counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These operations were conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and other government agencies responsible for disrupting the maritime transportation of illegal drugs. The cruiser used her radar, communications, and surveillance capabilities to detect and track suspicious vessels operating along routes used for transporting narcotics toward the United States. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments embarked aboard naval vessels conducted boardings and searches after the necessary legal authorizations had been obtained.

During the autumn of 1992, VIRGINIA completed a counter-narcotics deployment that included operations in the Caribbean Sea and a transit of the Panama Canal for a period of operations in the eastern Pacific. The deployment involved maritime surveillance, the interception of suspicious shipping, and coordination with Coast Guard aircraft and patrol vessels. After completing her assigned operations, VIRGINIA returned to the Atlantic and resumed maintenance and training at Norfolk.

During early 1993, VIRGINIA participated in NATO maritime operations and exercises in the Atlantic. On March 2, the cruiser was photographed at Port Everglades, Florida, with USS MOOSBRUGGER (DD 980) moored alongside. Both ships were operating with NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic, conducting maritime training and cooperation with allied naval units.

During the spring and summer, VIRGINIA continued maintenance, training, and preparations for another counter-narcotics deployment. In September 1993, VIRGINIA departed Norfolk for what became her final major operational deployment. The cruise concentrated on counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean and nearby Atlantic waters. The cruiser embarked a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment to support boarding and inspection operations involving vessels suspected of transporting illegal narcotics. During the deployment, VIRGINIA visited Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and Curaçao while conducting surveillance patrols and coordinating with Coast Guard and other law-enforcement units.

The ship investigated numerous suspicious vessels, some of which were subsequently cleared after inspection. Other interceptions led to the discovery or disposal of large quantities of illegal drugs. On October 18, 1993, VIRGINIA investigated the Colombian-flagged fishing vessel DELCY after the ship was detected in an area associated with narcotics trafficking. The master of the vessel acknowledged that marijuana had been aboard, but the cargo had reportedly been thrown overboard before the boarding team arrived. The operation did not result in the physical seizure of the narcotics, although it disrupted an attempted movement of approximately 10,000 pounds of marijuana.

On October 28, 1993, VIRGINIA detected another suspicious vessel during a counter-narcotics patrol. The cruiser tracked the vessel during the night and subsequently identified it as a Venezuelan-flagged fishing boat carrying the name MARICAIBO, with INEMAR II also painted on the hull. The fishing boat maneuvered erratically and initially failed to respond to radio communications from VIRGINIA. After the Venezuelan government authorized the boarding, the embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment inspected the vessel. The boarding team discovered numerous bales of marijuana concealed aboard. The master acknowledged carrying approximately 180 bales of narcotics, each weighing about 40 pounds. Tests confirmed that the material was marijuana, and the vessel was seized. Approximately 7,500 pounds of marijuana were confiscated, and the crew was detained.

During November, VIRGINIA continued counter-narcotics patrols and investigations of suspicious fishing vessels and other small ships operating in the region. On November 4, 1993, the cruiser encountered a Colombian-flagged fishing vessel also named VIRGINIA. The ship's crew investigated the vessel after it was detected during a surveillance patrol. The incident formed part of a series of inspections and interceptions carried out by VIRGINIA and her embarked Coast Guard personnel during the final months of the deployment.

According to historical operational summaries, VIRGINIA directly detected suspicious vessels or coordinated the activities of other naval and law-enforcement units during successful interdictions involving approximately 36,200 pounds of marijuana and 2,000 kilograms of cocaine. These totals reflected the wider interdiction effort supported by the cruiser and did not necessarily represent narcotics physically recovered by her own boarding team. Following the completion of her final counter-narcotics deployment in December 1993, VIRGINIA returned to Norfolk.

During early 1994, the cruiser began preparations for deactivation as the Navy implemented reductions in the number of nuclear-powered surface combatants. The end of the Cold War, reductions in naval force levels, and the projected costs of refueling and modernizing the older nuclear-powered cruisers influenced the decision to retire the VIRGINIA-class earlier than originally anticipated. Although VIRGINIA retained substantial air-defense and strike capabilities, her combat system lacked the integrated Aegis architecture installed aboard newer TICONDEROGA-class cruisers. The Navy elected not to undertake the extensive nuclear refueling and modernization work that would have been necessary to retain the class for additional years of service.

During 1994, VIRGINIA completed the administrative and material preparations required for deactivation. Equipment and supplies were transferred or removed as the crew prepared the ship for retirement. On November 10, 1994, VIRGINIA was formally decommissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register, ending more than eighteen years of commissioned service. Following decommissioning, the former cruiser remained in inactive status while the Navy prepared for the removal of her nuclear propulsion plant and the disposal of the hull.

She was subsequently assigned to the Navy's Ship-Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. The program involved removing nuclear fuel and associated reactor components, dismantling the ship's nuclear propulsion compartments, and processing the remaining hull and equipment in accordance with the Navy's nuclear-powered ship disposal procedures. Administrative preparations for the disposal process continued during the late 1990s. The recycling of the former VIRGINIA is recorded as having been completed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on September 25, 2002.

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USS VIRGINIA Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by Terry Mills. They show VIRGINIA anchored off Naples, Italy, in 1983.

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