SITE NAVIGATION
SHIP SPECIFIC INFORMATION
| TYPE | GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER (CG) |
| CLASS | TICONDEROGA |
| OFFICIAL NAME | USS NORMANDY |
| PENNANT NUMBER | 60 |
| NICKNAME | N/A |
| MOTTO | VANGUARD OF VICTORY |
| BUILDER | BATH IRON WORKS |
| CONTRACT AWARD DATE | 11/26/1984 |
| KEEL LAYING DATE | 04/07/1987 |
| LAUNCH DATE | 03/19/1988 |
| DELIVERY DATE | 10/18/1989 |
| COMMISSION DATE | 12/09/1989 |
| PLANNING YARD | INGALLS SHIPBUILDING, PASCAGOULA, MS |
| NAVSEA PMS | 400 |
| CUSTODIAN | US NAVY |
| STATUS | ACTIVE DUTY |
| HOMEPORT | NORFOLK, VA |
| MAILING ADDRESS | FPO, AE, 09579-1180 |
| UIC (UNIT IDENT. CODE) | 21449 |
| TYPE COMMANDER | SURFLANT |
| FLEET COMMAND | N/A |
| GROUP COMMAND | CRUDESGRU 2 |
| SQUADRON COMMAND | N/A |
Aegis Guided Missile Cruisers, TICONDEROGA Class
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CG 60 | USS NORMANDY
Namesake:Not yet available |
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Historical Notes:Just one year after her commissioning in Newport, RI, USS NORMANDY sailed into action in order to support the multinational effort to free Kuwait. NORMANDY and her crew left on 28 December 1990 to join United Nations forces conducting OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. As part of the USS AMERICA CARRIER BATTLE GROUP, NORMANDY transited the Suez Canal and the Red Sea on her way to the Arabian Gulf. NORMANDY fired 26 Tomahawk cruise missiles, protected allied ships and aircraft in the area, conducted maritime interdiction operations, and helped to locate and destroy enemy mines. USS NORMANDY received the Navy Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Southwest Asia Campaign Medal (with two bronze stars) for her efforts in support of OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. On 11 August 1993, USS NORMANDY and the USS AMERICA CARRIER BATTLE GROUP deployed to the Adriatic Sea in support of United Nations efforts with the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. NORMANDY's primary duty was Adriatic air-space controller for OPERATIONS PROVIDE PROMISE, DENY FLIGHT, and SHARP GUARD. In a historic first, NORMANDY embarked 9 WWII veterans on 18 May 1994 for commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Allied landings on the coast of France. These activities took place in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, and Le Havre, France. Over 15,000 visitors toured the ship while NORMANDY's honor guard embarked veterans participated in various memorial services and events on both sides of the English Channel. USS NORMANDY served as a centerpiece over the two week course of ceremonies, and specifically for national commemorations at Slapton Sands, United Kingdom on 31 May by U.S. Ambassador Crowe, and at the Normandy beach heads on 6 June by President Clinton. NORMANDY received the Navy Unit Commendation Medal in June for participation in the D-Day festivities. On June 27, 1994, USS NORMANDY participated in the Naval Station New York closing ceremonies. Staten Island's mayor, Guy Molinari, and his daughter Congresswoman Susan Molinari were the featured speakers as the Navy turned the base over to the city's Emergency Services prior to departing for their new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia. NORMANDY was stationed in Staten Island, New York for almost four years. On August 28, 1995, USS NORMANDY began a six month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea with the USS AMERICA. On September 8, NORMANDY was in the Western Mediterranean conducting turnover with the outgoing Battle Group. Receiving immediate tasking to proceed at best speed to the Adriatic, NORMANDY sped across the 1600 Nautical miles at maximum speed. Arriving in the OPERATION DELIBERATE FORCE Theater of Operations in just under 48 hours, NORMANDY launched a thirteen missile Tomahawk strike against hostile air defense command and control sites in Northern Bosnia-Herzegovina. This precision strike, flawlessly executed on extreme short notice, paved the way for follow-on tactical air strikes against Bosnian Serb Military positions in the region. This action sent a strong signal of United States resolve and played a significant role in convincing the Bosnian-Serb government to cease hostilities and resume peace negotiations. During the six month deployment NORMANDY again served as Adriatic air-space controller for OPERATIONS DENY FLIGHT, SHARP GUARD, and DECISIVE ENDEAVOR. NORMANDY was awarded her third Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for her actions during her time in the Adriatic. On 3 October 1997, NORMANDY once again began a six month deployment. This time, as Air Defense Commander of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON BATTLEGROUP. Throughout the month of October, NORMANDY participated, along with 27 other international units, in EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR off the Egyptian coast. Upon completion of BRIGHT STAR, NORMANDY was directed to proceed at best speed to the Arabian Gulf. Beginning November 16th, NORMANDY, along with other units of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group, transited the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. In a record-setting five days, NORMANDY and GEORGE WASHINGTON entered the Arabian Gulf and joined the NIMITZ BATTLE GROUP in an impressive show of force and United Nation resolve with Iraq. Immediately, NORMANDY assumed the duties as the "Ready Strike" platform in the Gulf and, later, also assumed the duties as the air-defense commander for the entire Arabian Gulf. For four months NORMANDY patrolled the Gulf in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. During this time, she conducted several successful maritime-interception operations along with her strike and air-defense duties. Throughout her most recent deployment, NORMANDY achieved more than 300 mishap free hours of flight operations, conducted 27 underway replenishments and sailed a total of 48,000 miles. Underway for the holidays NORMANDY hosted pop singer Paula Cole on the 23rd of December and the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm Jay Johnson, along with his wife and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, ETCM John Hagan, on Christmas morning. NORMANDY was relieved by the JOHN C. STENNIS BATTLE GROUP in the Arabian Gulf and returned to her homeport of Norfolk on April 3, 1998. NORMANDY finished a major overhaul period in Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 28 February. Additionally, NORMANDY was awarded the Majorie Sterrett Battleship Award for the most battle ready warship on the East coast. On June 21, 2000, NORMANDY again, along with the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON BATTLE GROUP, deployed to the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea. On December 19, NORMANDY returned to Norfolk just in time for the holidays. On June 20, 2002, NORMANDY left the US East Coast on her latest deployment. Again assigned to the GEORGE WASHINGTON BATTLE GROUP, NORMANDY is expected to return to Norfolk in December 2002. Along with the title "Most Tomahawks shot by a US Navy Cruiser", USS NORMANDY holds three Battle "E" Awards for overall ship-wide excellence in performance. Additionally NORMANDY was awarded the Majorie Sterrett Battleship Award for the most battle ready warship on the East coast. She was the first US warship since 1945 to go to war (DESERT STORM) on her maiden cruise. |
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Ship's Crest:
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PHOTOS
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The Shield:
The lettering, lion, anchor, and
perimeter of the shield are gold. The border beneath the lettering and
the crest background are dark blue. These are the color traditionally
associated with the Navy. The caltraps symbolize mines and German
defenses on the Normandy beaches. The anchor characterizes sea power
and strength. The chevron is broken and thrust forward, denoting the
assault landing and the "breaking through" the enemy defenses; it is
white for honor and integrity, edged with red for valor, sacrifice, and
bloodshed.
