A 33-year-old Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, the USS Cowpens, was decommissioned this week at Naval Base San Diego, the Navy announced.
The Cowpens participated in many operations and exercises over the decades, from enforcing no-fly zones to conducting maritime security operations and providing disaster relief.
Hundreds gathered to celebrate the ship’s distinguished history of naval service. In attendance was the ship’s first commanding officer, retired Vice Adm. Edward Moore.
“At the end of this day, no matter when we were crew members, we can all agree we served on the best ship, the most formidable warship, in the best Navy, and in the best country in the world,” said Moore. “I know in my heart that long after we leave this pier today, we will, from time to time, continue to reflect on our service to country, ship, and each other.”
Her last commanding officer, Cmdr. Jac Ullman, mentioned the historic Revolutionary War battle for which the ship was named.
“A guiding principle in the last chapter onboard, has been to honor the legacy of Cowpens,” said Ullman. “To honor the grit, determination, and creativity of the Continental Army and militiamen from that cold battlefield.”
The Navy has been decommissioning its older cruisers as new Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which have nearly the same capabilities, enter the fleet.
A Ticonderoga cruiser displaces 9,600 tons, compared to 9,700 tons for the latest destroyers.
After the decommissioning and inactivation, the ship will be towed to the Navy’s inactive ship facility in Pearl Harbor.
