 |
||
|
HOME
|
US Navy -
ships
|
US Navy - air
units
|
USMC - air
units
|
International
Navies
|
Weapon Systems
|
Special Reports |
||
|
US Navy - Guided Missile Cruiser CG 53 - USS Mobile Bay |
||
|
||
| 09/24 | ||
|
Type,
class: Guided Missile Cruiser (CG); Ticonderoga
class Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA STATUS: Awarded: January 15, 1982 Laid down: June 6, 1984 Launched: August 22, 1985 Christened: October 12, 1985 Commissioned: February 21, 1987 Decommissioned: August 10, 2023 Fate: towed to Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), Bremerton, Washington; laid up Namesake: Naval Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama - American Civil War, August 1864 Ships Motto: FULL SPEED AHEAD Technical Data: see: INFO > Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruiser - CG |
||
| images | ||
 departing San Diego under tow en route to Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) Bremerton, Washington - August 18, 2023  departing San Diego en route to Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) Bremerton, Washington - August 18, 2023  decommissioning ceremony - San Diego, California - August 10, 2023  Pacific Ocean - April 2023  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - August 11, 2022  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - August 11, 2022  during exercise RIMPAC 22 - Pacific Ocean - July 2022  during exercise RIMPAC 22 - Pacific Ocean - July 2022  during exercise RIMPAC 22 - Pacific Ocean - July 2022  during exercise RIMPAC 22 - Pacific Ocean - July 2022  departing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for exercise RIMPAC - July 2022  moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - July 2022  moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - July 2022  moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - July 2022  moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - July 2022  Pacific Ocean - June 2022  Pacific Ocean - June 2022  Pacific Ocean - June 2022  during exercise Valiant Shield - Pacific Ocean - June 2022  moored at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - May 2022  Sea of Japan - April 2022  Sea of Japan - April 2022  Philippine Sea - February 2022  Philippine Sea - February 2022  Philippine Sea - February 2022  Philippine Sea - February 2022  Philippine Sea - February 2022  Philippine Sea - February 2022  Port Hueneme, California - July 2021  alongside USS Spruance (DDG 111) - Seattle Seafair Fleet Week, Seattle, Washington - July 2019  Seattle Seafair Fleet Week, Seattle, Washington - July 2019  departing Naval Station Everett for Seattle Seafair Fleet Week - July 2019  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California after a 7-month around-the-world deployment - May 28, 2019  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California after a 7-month around-the-world deployment - May 28, 2019  Atlantic Ocean - May 2019  Strait of Gibraltar - May 2019  Mediterranean Sea - April 2019  Red Sea - April 2019  Strait of Hormuz - April 2017  Pacific Ocean - March 2019  Pacific Ocean - February 2019  Mk.15 Phalanx CIWS fire exercise - Arabian Sea - January 2019  Persian Gulf - January 2019  with USS Decatur (DDG 73) - Arabian Sea - December 2018  Arabian Sea - December 2018  Arabian Sea - December 2018  Philippine Sea - November 2018  Philippine Sea - November 2018  Pacific Ocean - May 2018  departing San Diego, California - April 2018  Pacific Ocean, off California - October 2017  Pacific Ocean, off California - October 2017  Mk.45 Mod.2 gun fire exercise - Pacific Ocean, off California - October 2017  a Standard Missile SM-2MR was launched from the forward Mk.41 VLS - Pacific Ocean, off California - October 2017  San Francisco Fleet Week - October 2016  San Francisco Fleet Week - October 2016  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - August 11, 2016  returning to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii after exercise RIMPAC - August 2016  during exercise RIMPAC 16 - Pacific Ocean - July 2016  during exercise RIMPAC 16 - Pacific Ocean - July 2016  during exercise RIMPAC 16 - Pacific Ocean - July 2016  during exercise RIMPAC 16 - Pacific Ocean - July 2016  during exercise RIMPAC 16 - Pacific Ocean - July 2016  during exercise RIMPAC 16 - Pacific Ocean - July 2016  departing Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for exercise RIMPAC - July 2016  arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for exercise RIMPAC - June 2016  arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for exercise RIMPAC - June 2016  arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for exercise RIMPAC - June 2016  Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - June 2016  South China Sea - May 2016  Pacific Ocean - April 2016  Mokpo, Republic of Korea - March 2016  Mk.45 Mod.2 gun fire exercise - Pacific Ocean - February 2016  Mk.45 Mod.2 gun fire exercise - Pacific Ocean - February 2016  Pacific Ocean - February 2016  Pacific Ocean - February 2016  Mk.15 Phalanx CIWS fire exercise - Pacific Ocean - January 2016  departing Naval Base San Diego, California for a scheduled deployment - January 19, 2016  departing Naval Base San Diego, California for a scheduled deployment - January 19, 2016  Mk.45 gun control panel - August 2015  Pacific Ocean - April 2015  departing Naval Base San Diego, California - October 7, 2013  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - April 29, 2013  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - April 29, 2013  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - April 29, 2013  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - April 29, 2013  Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - April 2013  arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - April 2013  arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii - April 2013  Pacific Ocean - April 2013  Pacific Ocean - April 2013  Mk.45 Mod.2 gun - Pacific Ocean - March 2013  Arabian Sea - March 2013  Arabian Sea - March 2013  Mk.15 Phalanx CIWS fire exercise - Arabian Sea - March 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - February 2013  5th Fleet AOR - January 2013  Mk.45 Mod.2 gun fire - Arabian Sea - December 2012  Andaman Sea - October 2012  with USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - Pacific Ocean - September 2012  Pacific Ocean - September 2012  Pacific Ocean - September 2012  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - February 27, 2012  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - February 27, 2012  Pacific Ocean - February 2012  Pacific Ocean - February 2012  arriving in Singapore - January 2012  Arabian Sea - January 2012  Persian Gulf - September 2011  departing Naval Base San Diego, California - February 4, 2011  off Monterey, California - July 2010  5th Fleet AOR - October 2008  Indian Ocean - September 2008  Arabian Sea - July 2008  Arabian Sea - July 2008  5th Fleet AOR - April 2008  Indian Ocean - April 2008  Indian Ocean - April 2008  Pacific Ocean - November 2007  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - August 4, 2006  Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - July 2006  Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - July 2006  Pacific Ocean - May 2006  Pacific Ocean - April 2006  Persian Gulf - October 2004  departing Naval Base San Diego, California - June 17, 2004  departing Naval Base San Diego, California - June 17, 2004  San Francisco Fleet Week - October 2003  returning to Naval Base San Diego, California - April 25, 2003  during Operation Enduring Freedom - February 2003 July 2000: USS Mobile Bay changed its homeport from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, to Naval BaseSan Diego, California  Busan, Republic of Korea - October 1998  arriving in Sydney, Australia for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Coral Sea - May 1992  arriving in Sydney, Australia for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Coral Sea - May 1992  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - April 1992  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - December 1991 June 1990: USS Mobile Bay changed its homeport from Naval Station Mayport, Florida to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan  during NATO exercise Team Work 88 - Atlantic Ocean - September 1988  shock tests - Atlantic Ocean - May 1988  Naval Weapon Station (NWS) Charleston, South Carolina - January 1988  commissioning ceremony - Mobile, Alabama - February 21, 1987  commissioning ceremony - Mobile, Alabama - February 21, 1987  arriving in Mobile, Alabama for her upcoming commissioning - February 16, 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  trials - 1987  christening ceremony - October 12, 1985  a Mk.41 vertical launching system (VLS) module was installed - 1985  after launching at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi - August 22, 1985  ship's plaque  commemoration plaque Laid down: June 6, 1984 |
||
|
USS Mobile Bay (CG 53): USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) was laid down by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula MS 6 June 1984; launched 22 August 1985; and commissioned 21 February 1987 at the Alabama State Docks in Mobile, Alabama. After commissioning, Mobile Bay joined the U. S. Atlantic Fleet, arriving at its Mayport, FL, homeport in March 1987. Following a year of crew qualifications, tests and systems trials, Mobile Bay embarked on its maiden deployment on 11 May 1989. During this cruise, Mobile Bay earned its first two awards: the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Armed Services Expeditionary Medal, for operations conducted in the Gulf of Oman. In June of 1990, Mobile Bay shifted homeports from Mayport, Florida, to Yokosuka, Japan. Shortly thereafter, Mobile Bay deployed in August 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield and Storm, becoming the first Aegis cruiser to circumnavigate the globe. In the Arabian Gulf, the ship distinguished itself by becoming the first Battle Force Anti-Air Warfare Commander to control a four-carrier Task Force. Mobile Bay launched 22 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile strikes, and controlling carrier-launched attack aircraft that contributed to the complete destruction of the Iraqi Navy. In May of 1991, Mobile Bay was ordered to Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, to participate in Operation Fiery Vigil, the evacuation of thousands of people displaced by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. In December 1991, Mobile Bay began work-ups for a spring 1992 Arabian Gulf deployment. On 15 April 1992, Mobile Bay once again set sail for the Arabian Gulf. En route, the ship and crew visited Sydney, Australia, to represent the U. S. Navy at the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Battle of Coral Sea. Sailing through the Straits of Hormuz in late May 1992, the ship began duties as the Arabian Gulf Anti-Air Warfare Commander. Mobile Bay also played a vital role in Operation Southern Watch, the enforcement of the U. N.-mandated "No Fly Zone" over Southern Iraq. Returning to Japan in October, Mobile Bay participated in ANNUALEX-92, a major naval exercise involving units of the U. S. Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. Mobile Bay served as the Anti-Air Warfare Commander for a joint US / Japanese flotilla. In May 1993, Mobile Bay steamed to Western Australia for SPRING TRAINING-93, a multi-national exercise involving units of the U.S., Royal Australian, and Singaporean Navies. In September of 1993, Mobile Bay made an historic visit to the Russian seaport of Vladivostok. Departing Russia, Mobile Bay participated in ANNUALEX-93 before returning to Yokosuka to finish preparations for an upcoming Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf deployment. On 17 November 1993, Mobile Bay departed Yokosuka for a third deployment in three years. Arriving in the Arabian Gulf a month later, Mobile Bay immediately assumed duties as Anti-Air Warfare Commander for naval forces in the Gulf. Remaining on station until February 1994, Mobile Bay helped to maintain stability in the region. Mobile Bay completed this deployment on 17 March 1994, returning to Yokosuka. In May of 1994, Mobile Bay left home waters to participate in RIMPAC-94, a month-long exercise in the mid-Pacific involving over 50 warships from five Pacific Rim nations. In spring 1999, the Mobile Bay sailed three times through the Taiwan Straits during a period of tension between Taiwan and China, and in June 1999 it was dispatched to Korea during the "Crab Wars" over fishing rights between North and South Korea. In early May 1999, Mobile Bay deployed to Singapore to participate in the 1999 International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia, there. In mid-1999, the Mobile Bay deployed to serve US forces supporting INTERFET operations off the coast of East Timor. Sailing south on August 23, 1999, for a series of routine Australian port visits and Exercise Crocodile 99, Mobile Bay was redirected by Commander, 7th Fleet, and told to sail for the waters of East Timor. As the first U.S. forces on the scene, Mobile Bay was designated as Commander, Joint Task Force Timor Sea Operations (CJTF TSO). During Timor Sea operations, Mobile Bay performed many missions including guard ship; U.S. armed forces sanctuary; air surveillance; intelligence gathering; Timor ground operations repair efforts; link manager; (which provided primary air tracking in support of aircraft into and out of East Timor carrying supplies and troops); and ship escort. Following the East Timor operation, Mobile Bay visited Singapore; Pattaya, Thailand; Kagoshima and Sasebo, Japan. After the Sasebo port visit, Mobile Bay participated in early November in the joint exercise Annualex, with the Japanese navy. In July 2000, Mobile Bay changed homeports from Yokosuka, Japan, to San Diego, CA, ending 10 years of 7th Fleet service. Mobile Bay was refurbished in 2001 as one of the Navy’s first Smart Ships, the cruiser Mobile Bay, and one of four ships selected to test how well Navy vessels can operate with sharply reduced crews. The Mobile Bay had been nominated for the Navy’s Optimal Manning Project, an early test of concepts to be integrated into the design of DD-21. On 21 December 2001, a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, operating from the USS Mobile Bay, seized 10.5 metric tons of cocaine approximately 800 miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The Mobile Bay departed with the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group in July 2002 for a WESTPAC deployment. This deployment turned out to be the longest that it or the Battle Group had ever experienced, lasting over nine months. The Mobile Bay returned to San Diego on 25 April 2003. In June 2004, she deployed with join Expeditionary Strike Group III centered around Belleau Wood (LHA-3) to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf. In 2006, the cruiser was deployed to the Western Pacific, where she served as the Air Defense Commander for the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. On 16 February 2007, Mobile Bay was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award. The ship completed a 10-month overhaul in early 2010. On 8 April 2011, the ship was given a failing grade of "unsatisfactory" in her INSURV inspection, mainly for problems with the ship's propulsion, operations, aviation, and communications. A remedial inspection was scheduled and passed in June 2011. The ship returned from back to back deployments (2011 and 2012) as the Air Defense Commander for John C Stennis Strike Group. She was awarded the 2012 Battle E and Spokane Award for her service. In December 2020 the U.S. Navy's Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels stated that the ship was planned to be placed Out of Commission in Reserve in 2023. On 9 May 2022, USS Mobile Bay transited the Philippine Sea and she steamed into Tokyo Bay on 22 May 2022 as a part of Carrier Strike Group 3 with USS Abraham Lincoln. Mobile Bay also participated in RIMPAC 2022 in that year. On 10 August 2023, USS Mobile Bay was decommissioned at a ceremony at Naval Base San Diego after over 36 years of service. She was towed to Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), Bremerton, Washington and laid up in reserve. |
||
|
About the Naval Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama - American
Civil War, August 1864: USS MOBILE BAY takes its name from the famous Civil War naval battle between Union forces under the command of Admiral David Farragut, and Confederate forces, under Admiral Franklin Buchanan. As "Freedom's Flagship," MOBILE BAY proudly carries on the tradition of patriotism and courage displayed by the ships and sailors in the historic battle. By 1864, Mobile, Alabama, was the last Gulf Coast port of any consequence still remaining in Confederate hands. The only entrance to Mobile Bay was a channel running between Forts Morgan and Gaines, reduced to a width of 150 yards by Confederate mines and obstructions. Such Southern strategy forced Admiral Farragut to place his eighteen-ship force within easy range of Fort Morgan's heavy guns. Embarked in the flagship USS HARTFORD just outside Mobile Bay, Farragut scrutinized the forts and other bay defenses, sending in small boats by night to chart obstructions and mines. Admiral Buchanan, the ranking officer of the Confederate Navy, was ordered to Mobile from Hampton Roads, Virginia, following his battle with USS MONITOR. He began to frantically work to organize a fleet in hopes of countering the imminent Union attack. The monitor CSS TENNESSEE had been floated down river to receive armor. Along with the monitor came three small, old wooden gunboats: MORGAN, GAINES, and SELMA. The group of four Confederate ships was all that stood between the Union Fleet and the port of Mobile. On the morning of 5 August 1864, the Federal Fleet, led by the monitor TECUMSEH, entered the channel. Abreast of Fort Morgan, TECUMSEH veered from its course and dashed at TENNESSEE. When just 100 yards from TENNESSEE, TECUMSEH ran into a mine that exploded and ripped out its bottom. The ship sank almost instantly, its stern rising out of the water so that the propeller was seen turning in the air as it slipped beneath the waves. The battle line broke and ships backed up on one another. With fire from Fort Morgan raining upon them, they tangled in the channel. Then Farragut, lashed in the rigging of the HARTFORD, "damned the torpedoes" and moved into the bay at full speed. TENNESSEE and its three tiny gunboats moved down to meet them, 20 guns against 200, and four ships against seventeen. MORGAN, GAINES, and SELMA were quickly out-of-action, leaving TENNESSEE to stand alone against the entire Union Fleet. Farragut's ships converged upon the great ironclad, firing broadsides and ramming it at full speed with their prows. After two hours, TENNESSEE was dead in the water, its steering gone and stack shot away, filling the gun-deck with suffocating heat and flames. Only then did the wounded Admiral Buchanan give the order to surrender. TENNESSEE's colors came down, concluding one of the most important battles in the Civil War. |
||
| patches + more | ||
   
 |
||
|
|
seaforces.org |
USN ships
start page | |