USS Vella Gulf (CG-72)

• Named for a WWII Battle: USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) is named after the Battle of Vella Gulf, a decisive naval engagement fought in August 1943 in the Solomon Islands, during which U.S. destroyers successfully ambushed and sank several Japanese destroyers without suffering any casualties. • Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser: Vella Gulf is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, equipped with the Aegis Combat System, designed for air, surface, and subsurface warfare. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 18 September 1993 in Norfolk, Virginia, with her sponsor being Mary A. McCauley, widow of a former Navy captain. • First Ship with the Name: CG-72 is the first U.S. naval vessel to bear the name “Vella Gulf.” • Operation Allied Force: In 1999, Vella Gulf participated in NATO’s Operation Allied Force, firing Tomahawk cruise missiles during the Kosovo conflict. • Anti-Piracy Operations: In 2009, Vella Gulf made headlines by capturing Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, becoming the first U.S. Navy ship to capture pirates at sea in over 200 years. • Post-9/11 Deployments: After the September 11 attacks, Vella Gulf deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air defense and maritime security. • Humanitarian Assistance: The cruiser has participated in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations following hurricanes and other natural disasters. • Modernizations: Over her service life, Vella Gulf received multiple upgrades to her combat systems, radars, and missile capabilities, keeping her among the most advanced ships in the fleet. • Decommissioning: USS Vella Gulf was decommissioned on 4 August 2022, after nearly 29 years of distinguished service, reflecting the Navy’s shift toward newer, more advanced warships.