USS Gettysburg Returns to Naval Station Norfolk from U.S. Southern Command Missions
23 March 2026
NORFOLK, Va. -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) returned to Naval Station Norfolk March 23, concluding a five-month deployment supporting U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) missions.
“The ‘War Horses’ of USS Gettysburg conducted themselves honorably and professionally, supporting our nation by deterring narcoterrorism, maintaining security and stability in the Western Hemisphere, and enforcing U.S. sanctions,” shared Capt. John Lucas, commanding officer, USS Gettysburg. “We stand ‘GETTY ready’ to support our American warfighting team wherever and whenever we are called.”
Gettysburg brought maritime capabilities in response to Presidential executive orders and a national emergency declaration. The ship’s performance provided clarification of the military’s role in protecting the territorial integrity of the United States. Gettysburg was among U.S. military forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of the USSOUTHCOM mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland.
Gettysburg worked alongside both the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group while supporting USSOUTHCOM missions.
Gettysburg is a multi-mission guided-missile cruiser capable of air warfare, undersea warfare, naval surface fire support and surface warfare, supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces or operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups. The ship carries approximately 350 Sailors. Commissioned on June 22, 1991, USS Gettysburg is the namesake of the Battle of Gettysburg.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
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