On May 17, the storied USS Leyte Gulf cruised back into Naval Station Norfolk, marking the end of an era with its final voyage after 37 years of service.

This Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, a veteran of myriad naval operations and a symbol of American maritime might, will now transition into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of valor and vigilance.

The Leyte Gulf’s illustrious history mirrors the monumental World War II battle it was named after—a clash that signified the beginning of the end for Japanese naval forces.

Since its commissioning in 1987, the vessel has patrolled dangerous waters and skies, from operations against Somali pirates off East Africa to missile strikes during the Libyan conflict.

On this last deployment, the ship’s crew lived up to their predecessors’ reputation by seizing over 4,100 kilograms of cocaine in the South Atlantic—a staggering blow to drug traffickers.

The pinnacle of these operations was the capture and subsequent sinking of a semi-submersible laden with 2,370 kilograms of narcotics, a vessel so elusive that Lt. Commander Travis Lee referred to its discovery as akin to “finding a needle in the haystack.”

Captain Nathan Diaz, the commanding officer of Leyte Gulf, reflected on the vessel’s storied past with a mix of nostalgia and pride, asserting that “This ship is full of history. Each period brings its own far-off journeys, along with generations of sailors who have manned the helm.”

Diaz also underscored the significant impact of the vessel’s final mission, saying, “The successful seizure of more than $42 million in illicit drugs is a testament to the interoperability of our partner nations, the Coast Guard, and the Leyte Gulf team.”

The ship’s collaborative approach was highlighted by Vice Adm. Doug Perry, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet.

“The crew of Leyte Gulf is a model for maritime teamwork,” he praised, noting their effective partnership with Navy air assets and Coast Guard interdiction teams.

“They showcased the 2nd Fleet’s ability to extend our presence and maintain homeland defense in other fleets,” Perry added, acknowledging the ship’s critical role even in its twilight days.

The Leyte Gulf’s farewell mission was more than just another notch in its belt; it was a demonstration of unwavering commitment to maintaining maritime security and impeding the flow of illegal substances.

The vessel and its crew set sail on January 28, 2024, for the final time, patrolling the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations and executing theater security tasks with precision and determination.

From intercepting three different vessels laden with cocaine in the Caribbean Sea to the groundbreaking capture of the semi-submersible, the USS Leyte Gulf’s swan song was as triumphant as any of its previous accomplishments.

As Lt. j.g. Jayden Hodgson, an officer of the deck aboard the ship, vividly described one of the interdiction operations, “Leyte Gulf prevented the illicit importation of drugs that day, and we are only getting started.”

Relevant articles:
– USS Leyte Gulf Completes Last Deployment as Ticonderoga Class Nears End, The Maritime Executive
– USS Leyte Gulf Takes Down Semi-Submersible Vessel, southcom.mil
– USS Leyte Gulf CG 55, GlobalSecurity.org