US Navy’s Tico cruiser USS Leyte Gulf underway for deployment

The US Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk for deployment on 8 August.

The vessel will join guided-missile destroyers USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) and USS Farragut (DDG 99) which departed Naval Station Mayport earlier this month as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

Prior to deploying, the ship completed rigorous basic, advanced and integrated phase training of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and Destroyer Squadron 26.

“The crew is well trained and eager to demonstrate and utilize the skills they possess in support of George H.W. Bush CSG’s mission,” said Leyte Gulf Command Master Chief Jason Kutsch.

“We are ready to sail over the horizon and then return safely to our families at the conclusion of what will certainly be a successful and safe deployment.”

A detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 will remain embarked aboard USS Leyte Gulf.

The ship was commissioned in September 1987, and commemorates the largest naval battle in modern history, fought in October 1944.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was quintessential in turning the tides in the Pacific Fleet battle strategy during World War II and greatly impacted the Japanese’s ability to fight as an organized force.