The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) commemorated the 70th anniversary of the battle for which it was named at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 25.
The ship is named after the Battle of Cape St. George, which took place on Nov. 25, 1943, in the South Pacific off the island of New Ireland, during World War II.
During the battle, five American ships, led by then-Capt. Arleigh Burke, sank three of the five Japanese destroyers, and severely damaged a fourth while not sustaining any damage.
During the ceremony, Capt. Michael Doran, the commanding officer of Cape St. George, took a moment to thank the veterans of the battle who were present at the ceremony, including the guest speaker, Retired Capt. Charlie Steven Nelson, Sr.
“Among many of the reasons we won the Battle of Cape St. George, lies within the people who manned the ships,” Nelson said.
“Men, including boys who lied about their age at the time, from all over the United States, fought on those ships,” Nelson said. “They came from mansions, farms, factories and all walks of life.”
The crew of Cape St. George extended their gratitude to Nelson, presenting him with various gifts, including a personalized jacket embroidered with the ship’s name.
“His sacrifice is the reason we are all here today,” said Lt. Jonathan D. Rozendaal, who delivered the ceremony’s invocation.
After singing “Desron Twenty-Three,” a song written in honor of the ships that fought during the battle, Nelson shared some advice with the crew in his closing statement.
“Live long, live well, love a lot and may that love be returned.”
[mappress] Press Release, November 26, 2013