Navy
Missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea leaves Norfolk for its final deployment
Stars and Stripes
January 20, 2025
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), departs from Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 20, 2025. (Evan Thompson/U.S. Navy)
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) has set sail on its final deployment after more than 35 years of service.
The Philippine Sea left Monday from Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled mission to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.
“The ship and crew will play a pivotal role in enhancing regional security and supporting bilateral and multinational efforts to counter challenges unique to 4th Fleet,” Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said in a service news release. “This deployment also underscores our commitment to building a resilient and adaptable force that meets global demands while fostering trust and interoperability with our global maritime partners.”
The ship will support Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) to deter illicit activity along Caribbean and Central American shipping routes.
The Philippine Sea recently returned from action in the Middle East as part of the Eisenhower strike group that included the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason and USS Gravely of Destroyer Squadron 22.
The strike group saw the first air-to-air engagement against drones and the first combat employment of the precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs as the carrier defended merchant ships against almost daily attacks in the Red Sea from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
In January 2024, Philippine Sea was among the ships that launched strikes in Yemen in response to weeks of attacks from the militant group on commercial shipping lanes
Among other highlights of the Philippine Sea’s career:
• In June 2024, Philippine Sea assisted in the rescue of the crew of a merchant vessel attacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from the ship to Philippine Sea.
• In February 2023, the Philippine Sea joined the USS Oscar Austin and the USS Carter Hall in a recovery effort for the Chinese spy balloon shot down by an F-22 after its long saga traveling across the U.S.
• In January 2014, Philippine Sea fired Tomahawk missiles in the Persian Gulf during a strike against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria targets.
• On Sept. 14, 2012, the Philippine Sea carried the cremated remains of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, to where they were buried at sea in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Some of Philippine Sea’s awards: Combat Action Ribbon (2023-2024); Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1991); Navy Unit Commendation (1991, 2001, 2013); Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (1994, 2017).
The Philippine Sea, named for the Battle of the Philippine Sea during World War II, began its service 1989. It is expected to be decommissioned this year.