Intro
Explore the USS Vella Gulf, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser with a storied history. Learn about its commissioning, deployments, and notable operations, including its role in the Gulf War and Balkans conflicts. Discover the ships cutting-edge Aegis combat system and its evolution as a key component of the US Navys surface fleet.
The Uss Vella Gulf, also known as CG-72, is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser that has been serving in the United States Navy since 1993. As part of the Ticonderoga-class, the Uss Vella Gulf is a multifaceted warship designed to perform a variety of tasks, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Uss Vella Gulf and explore its features, capabilities, and notable deployments.
Background and Commissioning
The Uss Vella Gulf was commissioned on September 18, 1993, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship was named after the Battle of Vella Gulf, a naval battle fought during World War II. The Uss Vella Gulf is the 24th ship of the Ticonderoga-class and was sponsored by Mary M. Mitchell, the wife of Rear Admiral J. T. Mitchell.
Design and Features
The Uss Vella Gulf is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, which is a class of guided-missile cruisers designed to provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare capabilities. The ship is 567 feet (173 meters) long, with a beam of 55 feet (16.8 meters) and a draft of 29 feet (8.8 meters). The Uss Vella Gulf has a displacement of 9,957 tons and is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, which provide a speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h).
The Uss Vella Gulf is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and systems, including the Aegis Combat System, which is a radar and missile defense system designed to detect and engage incoming threats. The ship also features a Vertical Launching System (VLS), which allows it to launch missiles and other munitions from a variety of platforms.
Operational History
The Uss Vella Gulf has been involved in several notable deployments throughout its operational history. In 1995, the ship participated in Operation Deliberate Force, a NATO-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this deployment, the Uss Vella Gulf provided air defense and gunfire support to ground forces.
In 2001, the Uss Vella Gulf participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, a US-led operation in Afghanistan. The ship provided air defense and surface warfare capabilities to coalition forces operating in the region.
In 2011, the Uss Vella Gulf was involved in Operation Odyssey Dawn, a US-led operation in Libya. The ship provided air defense and gunfire support to coalition forces operating in the region.
Notable Deployments and Exercises
The Uss Vella Gulf has participated in numerous deployments and exercises throughout its operational history. Some of its notable deployments include:
- Operation Deliberate Force (1995)
- Operation Enduring Freedom (2001)
- Operation Odyssey Dawn (2011)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014)
- Exercise Trident Juncture (2018)
Upgrades and Modernization
The Uss Vella Gulf has undergone several upgrades and modernization efforts throughout its operational history. In 2007, the ship underwent a major modernization effort, which included the installation of new radar and combat systems.
In 2015, the Uss Vella Gulf underwent a major maintenance availability, which included repairs and upgrades to the ship's propulsion and engineering systems.
Armament and Sensors
The Uss Vella Gulf is equipped with a range of armament and sensors, including:
- 2 x Mark 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS)
- 1 x Mark 45 5-inch (127mm) gun
- 2 x Mark 38 25mm machine guns
- 1 x Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)
- AN/SPY-1A radar system
- AN/SPS-49 radar system
- AN/SQQ-89 sonar system
Gallery of Uss Vella Gulf
Uss Vella Gulf Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Uss Vella Gulf?
+The Uss Vella Gulf is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser that has been serving in the United States Navy since 1993.
Where was the Uss Vella Gulf commissioned?
+The Uss Vella Gulf was commissioned on September 18, 1993, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
What is the Uss Vella Gulf's primary mission?
+The Uss Vella Gulf's primary mission is to provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare capabilities to coalition forces.
If you have any questions or comments about the Uss Vella Gulf or the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, please feel free to ask. We would be happy to hear from you and provide more information.