USS Lake Erie (CG 70)

• Namesake: USS Lake Erie (CG-70) is named after the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal naval engagement during the War of 1812 where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry secured American control of the lake. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on July 24, 1993, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and was the 24th Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. • Homeport: USS Lake Erie was homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, throughout most of its career, serving as a key asset in the Pacific Fleet. • Missile Defense Pioneer: Lake Erie played a leading role in the development and operational testing of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, including several first-of-its-kind intercepts of ballistic missiles. • Operation Burnt Frost: In February 2008, USS Lake Erie made headlines by successfully shooting down the malfunctioning USA-193 reconnaissance satellite with a modified SM-3 missile, preventing the satellite’s hazardous fuel from reentering Earth's atmosphere. • Firsts in BMD: The ship achieved the world's first successful intercept of a ballistic missile in the exo-atmosphere (outside Earth’s atmosphere) using a sea-based missile in 2002. • International Exercises: Lake Erie participated in numerous multinational exercises, including RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), fostering cooperation with allied navies. • Technological Testing Hub: The cruiser was often used as the testbed for new Aegis weapon system upgrades, remaining at the forefront of naval technological advancements. • Humanitarian Missions: Over its career, Lake Erie participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Pacific, demonstrating the Navy’s non-combat roles. • Decommissioning: After nearly 30 years of distinguished service, USS Lake Erie was decommissioned on March 15, 2024, at Pearl Harbor, marking the end of an era for a ship that significantly advanced naval warfare capabilities.