Cortez G. Lowery

USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on September 26, 1987. Named after the decisive World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf, the ship has served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting carrier strike groups, conducting maritime security operations, and participating in major exercises and deployments. Notably, USS Leyte Gulf has been involved in operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing air defense and surface warfare capabilities. Over its distinguished service, the cruiser has received numerous awards for operational excellence and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet.

Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was established in 1943 to support the growing needs of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune during World War II. Initially known as the U.S. Naval Hospital, its mission was to provide medical care for wounded service members returning from combat. Over the decades, the facility expanded its capabilities, offering comprehensive medical, dental, and surgical services to active duty personnel, retirees, and their families. Today, the center plays a vital role in military readiness, serving as a pivotal healthcare institution for the Navy and Marine Corps community in the region.