Hans Hake

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.

The USS Coronado (AGF-11) was originally commissioned as an Austin-class amphibious transport dock (LPD-11) in 1970. In 1980, she was converted to a command ship and re-designated as AGF-11, serving as a flagship for multiple U.S. Navy commands, including U.S. Third Fleet and U.S. Fifth Fleet. Coronado played a significant role in fleet command and control, particularly during operations in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and as part of multinational exercises. The ship was decommissioned in 2006 after more than three decades of distinguished service and later used as a test platform for advanced naval technologies.