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USS Anzio (CG 68)

- decommissioned -

USS ANZIO was the 22nd TICONDEROGA - class guided missile cruiser and the second ship in the US Navy to bear the name. ANZIO held a decommissioning ceremony at her homeport of Norfolk, Va., on September 22, 2022, and was officially decommissioned on September 30, 2022.

General Characteristics:Awarded: April 16, 1987
Keel laid: August 21, 1989
Launched: November 2, 1990
Commissioned: May 2, 1992
Decommissioned: September 30, 2022
Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, West Bank, Pascagoula, Miss.
Propulsion system: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines
Propellers: two
Blades on each Propeller: five
Length: 567 feet (173 meters)
Beam: 55 feet (16.8 meters)
Draft: 34 feet (10.2 meters)
Displacement: approx. 9,600 tons full load
Speed: 30+ knots
Cost: about $1 billion
Aircraft: two SH-60 Sea Hawk (LAMPS 3)
Armament: two Mk 41 VLS for Standard missiles, Tomahawk, ASROC; Mk 46 torpedoes, Harpoon missile launchers, two Mk 45 5-inch/54 caliber lightweight guns, two Phalanx CIWS, two Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm machine gun systems
Crew: 33 Officers, 27 Chief Petty Officers and approx. 340 Enlisted


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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS ANZIO. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.


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USS ANZIO Cruise Books:


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About the Cruiser’s Name, about the Battle of Anzio:

In late 1943, the Allied campaign to liberate Italy from the hands of the Germans was at a stalemate along the "Gustav Line," a natural stronghold of mountainous terrain stretching across the country just north of Naples.

Gen. Mark Clark, commanding the American Fifth Army, ordered amphibious assaults on the beachheads at Anzio and Nettuno, north of the Gustav Line, to clear the road to Rome. Forty thousand Allied troops of the American Fifth Army, Sixth Corps and the British First Infantry Division were landed on Jan. 22, 1944.

After initial success, the Allies were pinned down on the beachhead by a vastly superior German force. The Germans eventually committed 80,000 additional troops to the Italian campaign to "push the Allies back into the sea."

Through sheer bravery and heroism, the Allies held the beachhead. Finally, with long awaited reinforcements, the Allies broke out in late May and ultimately marched victoriously into Rome, the Eternal City, in June 1944.

The strategic importance of the Battle of Anzio in the liberation of Italy is well documented. The campaign's contribution to the overall Allied effort in Europe, however, is often underestimated. The two German corps engaged on the Anzio front were originally destined for Normandy. The success of the Allied landings on the beaches in France in June 1944 were due largely to the tenacity of the Allied forces at Anzio.

But the price of this crucial victory was high. Allied forces suffered nearly 28,000 casualties. In one measure of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there, 22 Americans were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most of any single battle of World War II.


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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

(Click on the seal for a larger version)

The Shield:

Blue and gold are traditional naval colors representing the sea and responsibility, authority, accountability and spirit aboard a warship. Red and white evoke the stars and stripes of the national flag and symbolize the sacrifice of those who fell at the Anzio Beachhead and the principles of liberty and democracy for which they fought. The assault is recalled by the broken chevron thrusting through the enemy line and the tudor rose, maple leaf, and bald eagle honor the armed forces of the three nations that fought together there: Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. The upward thrust of the chevron symbolizes the vertical launchers of cruiser ANZIO. Embattlements are symbolic of entrenched lines and the extensive campaign ashore during which Allied troops refused defeat despite the enemy's numerical superiority; by holding their ground with uncommon valor, they prevailed. The cross edged weapons are a sailor's cutlass and an officer's dress sword representing combat readiness and the fundamental shipboard teamwork without which victory is not possible. The single gold star commemorates the Navy Unit Commendation to USS ANZIO (CVE 57), the escort aircraft carrier subsequently commissioned during World War II, and the nine stars commemorate her battles in that great war.

The Crest:

The anchor, emblematic of ships and the sea, portrays hope reflective that the crew can do only its best, while the rest lay in God's hands. The light blue scroll entwined around the anchor acknowledges the 22 Medal of Honor recipients and the countless unnamed or unrecognized decorations of gallantry and heroism at Anzio Beachhead. The words, Honor, Integrity, Heart, found on this blue Medal of Honor ribbon, combine the essence of what is expected and anticipated of every crew member in USS ANZIO. The Aegis radar's gray octagonal shape characterizes USS ANZIO's potent weaponry and her unmatched air, surface, and subsurface war fighting technology. The wings of the eagle in flight recall the first USS ANZIO (CVE 57) and also represent the attributes associated with America's national emblem; vigilance, preparedness, and courage in the face of the foe.

The Motto:

STAND AND FIGHT (the order by Lieutenant General Clark to the embattled Allies at Anzio).


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History of USS ANZIO:

USS ANZIO is the twenty-second vessel in the TICONDEROGA-class of Aegis cruisers and the fifteenth built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS. Her keel was laid on August 24, 1989 and she was launched on November 2, 1990. USS ANZIO's sponsor, Mrs. Lee Baggett, wife of Adm. Lee Baggett, Jr., USN (Ret.), christened ANZIO on November 10, 1990. USS ANZIO was commissioned in Norfolk, VA, May 2, 1992.

USS ANZIO deployed to the Mediterranean on October 20, 1994, as part of the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) Battle Group for a six-month deployment. During that deployment it took part in operations conducted in the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, Adriatic Sea and Black Sea. Upon relieving the GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER and its support ships began operations in the Arabian Gulf region which included support for Operations Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior. Steaming into the Adriatic, the battle group participated in peacekeeping and sanctions-enforcement operations including Deny Flight, Provide Promise and Sharp Guard. On the diplomatic front, the battle group helped reaffirm ties with traditional allies and foster new friendships with emerging nations through more than 96 bilateral and multilateral military exercises and exchanges with 20 nations. USS ANZIO returned home in mid-April, 1995.

Following successful live missile firings and testing of the U.S. Navy's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) by USS ANZIO and USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71), near the AEGIS Combat Systems Center, Wallops Island, VA, the CEC received final approval for fleet tactical use, on September 30, 1996.

USS ANZIO departed on May 23, 1997, and took part in Exercise BALTOPS '97 in the Baltic Sea, from June 16 to 27, 1997, joining 47 other ships from 12 European nations in the Partnership for Peace exercise. During that exercise, USS ANZIO served as the flagship, for the Commander of Cruiser Destroyer Group Eight, who commanded the exercise.

As part of the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) Carrier Battle Group (CVBG), USS ANZIO, along with the USS SAIPAN (LHA 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), took part in Joint Task Force Exercise 98-2 from April 27 through May 13, 1998. The exercise took place in waters off Virginia and North Carolina, as well as the Puerto Rico operating area. The exercise involved more than 10,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and incorporated the third in a series of Navy "Fleet Battle Experiments". This particular exercise was called Fleet Battle Experiment Charlie (FBE-C) and featured two amphibious assaults one in Camp Lejeune, NC, and the other at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Following the exercise, the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), USS ANZIO, USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71) and USS SUPPLY (AOE 6) were to depart the exercise area and proceed directly on deloyment, thus enabling the Navy to maintain its current tasking of providing a two-carrier presence in the Arabian Gulf. The units were to return home six months after the JTFEX 98-2 start date.

On 26 June 1998, with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Carrier Battle Group, USS ANZIO conducted a routine, previously scheduled deployment to the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group arrived in the Mediterranean on June 20. Units of the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group participated in 14 exercises during their deployment to the European Theater of operations, including several NATO and multinational exercises throughout the Mediterranean and Black Seas. USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), USS CAPE ST. GEORGE and USS ANZIO operated in the Adriatic sea in support of NATO's operation "Joint Forge", "Deliberate Forge" and the continued Stabilization Force (SFOR) - contributing to the secure environment necessary for the consolidation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Whilst deployed with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Battle Group for a routine six-month deployment, USS ANZIO took part in a French-sponsored bilateral carrier battle group exercise, FANCY '98, scheduled from September 24-29, 1998, in the Western Mediterranean. Seven ships from the French FS FOCH carrier battle group and six ships from the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER carrier battle group conducted at sea and overland combined air, surface and sub-surface training.

As part of the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER battle group, USS ANZIO participated in a series of increasingly demanding exercises and operations. The training culminated in Joint Task Force Exercise 00-1 held in December 1999. However, because it was unable to complete live-fire training with ground spotters, and thus complete training prior to deploying on February 18, 2000, USS ANZIO had to perform its Naval Surface Fire Support training at the Cape Wrath, Scotland training range. This came as a result of the Navy training range at Vieques, Puerto Rico, being closed since April. The use of the range at Cape Wrath was a unique circumstance demonstrating cooperation with British allies who operate the range. Working through heavy seas and high winds, USS ANZIO, as well as the USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71) and USS MAHAN (DDG 72) were able to complete their training and attain certification in naval surface fire support. The training at Cape Wrath was performed with ground spotters for directing fire. However, the training lacked the coordinated live-fire exercises with Marines ashore, which is a hallmark of the training received at the Navy's Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility range on Vieques. The ships and squadrons returned home in August.

In mid-2000, USS ANZIO took part in one of the largest NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) exercises Dynamic Mix 2000. The purpose of Dynamic Mix 2000 was to enhance U.S. military force warfighting and interoperability skills and to develop a common understanding of NATO operational procedures that could apply to future NATO warfighting missions. NATO forces that participated in the operation included military elements from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and England.

In late September 2000, USS ANZIO took part in Underway No. 10", one in a series of tests leading to the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Operation Evaluation (OPEVAL) scheduled for Spring 2001. The CEC system provides the capability to cooperatively engage targets by a warship using data from other CEC-equipped ships, aircraft, and land-based sensors, even in an electronic-jamming environment. It also provides a common, consistent and highly accurate air picture, allowing battle group defenses to act as one seamless system. The test, off Wallops Island, VA, simulated missile firings from some of the Navy's most technically advanced ships against unmanned drones.

The year 2001 began with the Officers and crew of ANZIO enjoying the second half of the 2000 Holiday Leave and Upkeep period. During that period, the ship received upgrades to the AEGIS weapons system in preparation for further testing of Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) in the Spring.

ANZIO's crew greeted the New Year by going to sea to shake off the holidays. Before heading out for various exercises, ANZIO conducted two burials for Navy Veterans in the Virginia Capes Operations Area (VACAPES) . The remains of Senior Chief Petty Officer, Eugene Kemble, and Petty Officer First Class Robert Owen were committed to the sea. ANZIO moved south to rendezvous with other Navy Ships for CEC Technical Evaluation (TECH EVAL) in the North Puerto Rico Operating Area, (NPROA) . CEC TECHEVAL consisted of a series of developmental and interoperability tests intended to demonstrate the readiness of CEC to enter the operational phase of development. TECHEVAL was conducted 5 February through 3 March 2001. ANZIO's acted as a CEC Cooperating Unit contributing tactical information to a composite air picture via the CEC Data Distribution System. Other test participants were USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), USS WASP (LHD 1), USS VICKSBURG (CG 69), USS HUE CITY (CG 66), USS CAPE ST GEORGE, USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68) and USS CARNEY (DDG 64). Additional test participants included CEC equipped E-2C and P-3 aircraft, as well as CEC land-based test sites at Wallops Island, Virginia, Naval Surface Warfare Central Detachment Dam Neck, Virginia, and Crown Mountain, ST. Thomas, USVI. ANZIO stopped for a brief port visit in ST Thomas, USVI, where the Navy League hosted a reception for the Officers and Chief Petty Officers. This provided the first opportunity to test the new Second Fleet Force Protection Requirements in a foreign port.

ANZIO returned to Norfolk to make final preparations for an assessment by the Board of Inspection and Survey, Atlantic. ANZIO's plan of action was carried out flawlessly, as ANZIO completed the inspection with the praise of the Board. It was said that ANZIO's material condition was among the best on the waterfront.

ANZIO conducted an inclining experiment to establish new stability curves in preparation for upcoming shipyard ballasting modifications. Mid-March, ANZIO steamed toward the Northern Puerto Rico Operational Areas to participate in CEC Operation Evaluation. En route, three more Navy Veterans were laid to rest in a Burial at Sea Ceremony. These Sailors were Chief Petty Officer William A. Broan, Petty Officer Second Class Arthur F. May, and Petty Officer Second Class Edward Ceyrouss, SR.

One of the goals of CEC OPEVAL was to successfully fire a weapon at an unmanned air drone using CEC. This was jeopardized when it was discovered that 3 out of 4 telemetry SM2 missiles failed preliminary testing. This forced ANZIO and other ships in company to make an unexpected port visit to Roosevelt Roads, PR for the offload and repair of the remaining missiles. ANZIO's crew was victorious during every demonstration. After the success of OPEVAL, ANZIO further conducted several air defense exercises against drones fired from Wallops Island, VA. ANZIO returned to homeport for some much needed maintenance and preservation time, as well as time with families before heading across the Atlantic for the next mission.

ANZIO was selected to participate in BALTOPS 2001, Partnership for Peace, along with USS CAPE ST GEORGE. BALTOPS is a multi- national exercise displaying every warfare area - Surface, Subsurface, Air, Special Forces, in addition to promoting goodwill among participating nations.

After an eight-day transit, ANZIO passed through the English Channel and refueled at sea with RFA OAKLEAF and RFA FORT VICTORIA. The first port visit during BALTOPS-01 was Gdynia, Poland. Commanding Officers from ships representing Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Denmark, England, Sweden, Finland, and France met 2 June at the kick-off conference. For ten days, ANZIO conducted exercises with the navies and air forces of the Baltic region. The qualitative and quantitative training value cannot be overstated. The following exercises were conducted; 23 ASW, 6 AAW, 1 SARI 6 SUW, 3 C2W, 21 CCC drills, 15 MOB, 6 FSO, 4 NCO, 22 engineering, and 14 damage control exercises. In addition, ANZIO qualified 26 ESWS candidates, 5 SWO candidates, 5 EOOW1s, 4 CICWO's, and 2 underway OOD1s. Ships were able to cross-deck Officers and Sailors to other ships. This was a unique opportunity for US Sailors to experience life in other Navies. ANZIO concluded BALTOPS-01 in Kiel, Germany where ANZIO hosted a grand reception to conclude BALTOPS-01. ANZIO was fortunate to be in port during their Kiel Week, much like Norfolk's yearly Harborfest. The crew took advantage of several sightseeing tours including a trip to Berlin funded by MWR.

On 18 June, ANZIO and CAPE ST. GEORGE began their journey across the Atlantic. ANZIO seized the opportunity to participate in Exercise Clean Hunter, an air defense exercise hosted by Great Britain. The exercise provided both ships an excellent opportunity to flex air defense capabilities in live NATO air defense battle problems. ANZIO met the end of the voyage with a port visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada between 29 June and 3 July. It was the last liberty port before returning to Norfolk on 6 July.

During July and August, the Officers and crew prepared for the upcoming Change of Command and ANZIO's shipyard availability by taking care of such large tasks as removing both CIWS mounts, the SLQ-32 antennas, and the 5-inch gun shields as well as offloading the RHIB and GIG.

At 1000 on 10 August 2001, Captain William F. Barnsf command pennant was hauled down and Captain Mark C. Nesselrode took command. Rear Admiral John W. Tomes, III was the keynote speaker. In addition to numerous ANZIO Beachhead Veterans and friends and family, noted guests attending the ceremony included ADM (Ret) J. Paul Reason, RADM J.B Foley, RADM M. Chanik, RADM Paul J. Ryan, and RADM (Ret) R.A.K. Taylor.

One week after taking command, ANZIO transited to Metro Machine shipyard for a five-month Dry-Docked Selective Availability. It was the first time ANZIO had been in dry dock since commissioning. The 12-hour evolution was conducted professionally and without incident. Major work items performed were: CEC install and upgrade, Underwater hull inspection, Sea chest inspection, SDRW radiographic evaluation, SDRW replacement, Propulsion shafting, Prairie air tubing, CPP hydraulic system flush, CPP hub replacement, CRP OD box repair, Combustion air intake preservation, UPS battery replacement, Exhaust bliss cap replacement, Moisture separator filter, assembly, SGS/AC upgrade, Potable water TLI system inspection, Oily waste drain TLI system inspection, JP-5 fuel TLI system inspection, FWD F/O storage TLI system inspection, MID F/O storage TLI system inspection, AFT F/O storage TLI system inspection, Pre-trigger blanking, TIP install, SQS-53C transducer element replacement, SQS-53C transducer insulation test, Degaussing system repair, Ship stores reefer/freezer door repair, Waste head boiler #3 exhaust duct repair, Waster sleeve replacement, Main L/O cooler NO. 2 sea valve repair, Distilling plant sea valve repair, A/C plant sea valve repair, N0.2 prairie air cooler sea valve repair, Distilling plant feedwater repair, LPAD accomplish, Rudder post bearings replacement, Starboard boat davit repair, Traverse cable replacement, RAST take down sheave assembly replacement, CHT tank cleaning, Cathodic protection repair, Galley hot food well replacement, Galley deep fry replacement, Serving line griddle replacement, Scullery dishwasher replacement, Wardroom pantry replacement, Galley oven replacement, Reefer upgrade, and Lead ballast installation.

Other jobs included alterations to the aft mast to support the CEC ship alterations. ANZIO received 2 depot level overhauled CIWS mounts, Ring Laser Gyro (RLGN) installation, ATWCS installation upgrade, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) installation, NULKA installation, SHF SATCOM installation with a waveguide for the SHF, replacement of CEC SUN workstations, and EHF installations.

The events of 11 September brought new challenges to ANZIO - further frustration at being in the shipyard and questions on how to protect the ship against an unseen enemy. ANZIO responded to the terrorist attacks by collaborating with USS NASSAU (LHA 4) and USS AUSTIN (LPD 4) to establish extra security measures in and around the Metro Machine facility. These measures included additional armed personnel in highly visible locations as well as Navy, Coast Guard, police RHIB and armed foot patrols. Barricades blocked the approaches to the Metro Machine gate. SUPSHIP, Metro Machine personnel, NORSHIPCO personnel, and ship's force created a solid partnership to protect the ships and assets in the shipyard.

Anxious to return to sea, ANZIO began taking back the ship in early November. ANZIO started by lighting off systems, firemain, LP and HP air, chill water, and sea-water service systems. ANZIO diligently trained for Light Off Assessment (LOA), a required inspection for ships that are not underway for 180 days. LOA examines a ship's ability to run an engine room and fight a main space fire. Once again, ANZIO overcame adversity passed LOA. ANZIO was not without its challenges.

The lead ballast install left the ship with a 1.31 degree starboard list at full load. Calculations suggest that an excess of as little as 6 tons in the starboard bilge pockets could have accounted for the list. Nevertheless, ANZIO completed LOA with huge success and accomplished compartment close out, the berthing barge turnover, dock trials, and a fast cruise within the first week of December. CEC Block 6 engineering programs load was in progress at the end of the year. The crew worked 1123 man-days. Contractors worked just over 20,000 man-days. ANZIO started Holiday Leave period in mid-December, preparing for a rigorous and challenging New Year.

In summer of 2002, ANZIO and CAPE ST. GEORGE returned to the Baltic Sea for BALTOPS 2002. The exercise was concluded with a 4-day port visit to Kiel, Germany from June 21-24.

In February 2003, ANZIO surge deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Previously she was in the Puerto Rican operational area (OPAREA) where she had been conducting the Composite Training Unit Exercise since 9 January. COMPTUEX consisted of tomahawk exercises, communications drills, maritime interdiction boardings (MIO), live surface-to-air missile firings, and anti-submarine helicopter operations while serving as Air Defense Commander for THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) Strike Group. The exercise served to train the battle group in successful joint tasking.

Once on station in the Eastern Mediterranean, ANZIO assumed duties as the Air Defense Commander for both the HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) and the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Strike Groups. On 23 March, ANZIO fired her first Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS) in support of OIF. On 30 March, ANZIO chopped to Commander, Fifth Fleet operational control, and began a 3000 nautical mile sprint to the Northern Arabian Gulf in support of Coalition air strikes and ground activities in Iraq. In total 13 TLAMS were fired.

While in the Arabian Gulf, during the months of April and May, ANZIO operated with the ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), KITTY HAWK (CV 63), CONSTELLATION (CV 64) and NIMITZ (CVN 68) Strike Groups, directly contributing to the rapid conclusion of combat operations in Iraq by serving as Air Defense Commander which allowed the safe operation of aircraft operations.

After five weeks of air defense operations with NIMITZ Strike Group, ANZIO returned to the Mediterranean Sea in service of Commander, Sixth Fleet, and enjoyed three port visits to Spain and Italy. In May and June, during her port visits to Augusta Bay, Italy, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Sailors volunteered in the restoration of the Sisters of Cappucine Children's School in Priolo, Sicily. Also in Palma, Officers and Chiefs hosted a luncheon, catered by ANZIO Food Service Attendants, for the local Navy League. The social gathering was a symbolic display to express the Navy's appreciation for the continued support bestowed by the Navy League.

After departing Spain, ANZIO joined the command ship, USS LA SALLE (AGF 3) and WMEC SPENCER in the Western Mediterranean Sea to participate in Joint Civilian Orientation Course (JCOC). During this presentation, ANZIO effectively demonstrated the maneuvering and fighting capabilities of a Ticonderoga-class Guided Missile Cruiser as prominent civilians looked on fiom LA SALLE.

Also in June 2003, ANZIO took part in NEO TAPON, a multi-national training exercise hosted by the Spanish Navy. Participating navies included those fiom the United Kingdom, Spain, France and the Netherlands. The exercise's final battle problem concluded as ANZIO escorted SPS PRINCIPE DE ASTURIAS through the STROG in a simulated hostile environment. The experience provided ANZIO yet another opportunity to train her next generation of tactical watch standers, and allowed five Spanish naval officers the opportunity to see the capabilities of an AEGIS platform within their battle group architecture.

ANZIO's crew returned to Norfolk, VA on 3 July and received a hero's welcome as one of the last ships to return home from the skirmish. Hundreds of family members awaited at the pier. Five new fathers ran shore to meet their newborn children.

In mid-August, ANZIO commenced Group Sail as a component of the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group. The 4-day sail provided the opportunity to conduct PACFIRES, electronic warfare, antisubmarine and a publication exercises. Also during the Group Sail, 30 members of the crew participated in a burial at sea.

Following Group Sail, on August 22, Captain James M. Carr relieved Captain Mark Nesselrode as Commanding Officer in a formal ceremony held aboard ANZIO at Norfolk Naval Station. Captain Carr immediately established his vision for the ship as set forth in a memorandum that detailed his priorities.

During her time in her homeport, beginning in September, ANZIO resumed her standing community service activities. Weekly volunteers provide help cleaning and maintaining facilities in at The Union Mission of downtown Norfolk. In addition they prepare meals for the residents. Also on a weekly basis, members of the crew volunteer at Chesterfield Academy Elementary School to tutor and act as mentors. Mid-September until the first of October, community service was postponed while the ship got underway to participate in the ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) Strike Group's COMTUEX. Smart Search, an anti-submarine exercise, involving the CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71), the ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) and the USS PORTER (DDG 78) immediately followed and continued until 8 Oct. During these two activities the ship made port calls in Morehead City, NC and Mayport, FL.

From November 3-12, ANZIO volunteered to serve as "School Ship," in Newport, Rhode Island to support the training of the various schools located there, including Surface Warfare Officer School. Upon returning to homeport, ANZIO set her sights again on community service through the Combined Federal Campaign Drive. The ship raised $1 8,114 to support various community programs and was awarded the "2003 Goal Buster Award."

From December 3rd to the 4: ANZIO embarked on her biennial navigation check ride during which the Commander of Cruiser Destroyer Group 8, Rear Admiral John C. Harvey and ATG observed how the ship moored and got underway in addition to how the crew conducted underway operations. The assessment of the crew awarded the conning officer the "Ship Handler of the Year," for ComCruDesGru 8. To conclude the year ANZIO returned to homeport from the 2-day assessment, and began the holiday stand-down.

ANZIO began the year 2004 by transiting from homeport, Norfolk, Va. to Marine Hydraulics International, a shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. to undergo Ship's Restricted Availability (SRA). During the following nine weeks, the ship underwent depot level repairs and maintenance in order to sustain surge readiness.

In mid-March, ANZIO returned to Naval Station Norfolk and began intermittent under ways to ensure 100% equipment operability and crew efficiency, at sea, after nine weeks of dormancy. In addition to self-evaluation, Afloat Training Group conducted a material assessment. The month ended with the successful combating of a class C fire in main engine room No. 1. It was caused by a bad circuit breaker on the No. 1 switchboard. The damage was isolated to the breaker. Sustained 12-18 foot waves were endured throughout the underway.

April was spent inport "maintaining to train to operate," which made the successful completion of the Internal Assessment (IA) in May, and Underway Demonstration (UD) in August possible. Both engineering watch standing proficiency. In addition, the Basic Phase, now known as the unit level training phase, was completed nine weeks early, proving the ship's effectiveness at self-training. The resources saved included 136 man-days of training as reported by ATG. In mid-May, CART 11, the testing of combat system watch stander proficiency in surface, subsurface and air warfare procedures in addition to force protection were successfully completed.

May concluded with ANZIO transiting to New York to participate in Fleet Week 2004 along side 10 other vessels. During their time in New York, the crew acted as Naval Ambassadors and attended various parades, dedications, formal and informal ceremonies as well as several tapings of locally filmed television programs and newscasts. The ship's color guard presented the National Ensign during the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium prior to the start of a baseball game.

May also included a shipboard ceremony to honor the Soldiers that fought in the battle of Anzio in 1944. Over 200 veterans, including keynote speaker General John W. Vessey, Jr., influential civilians and high-ranking naval officials were in attendance of the 60th commemoration. ANZIO also hosted the battle group commander's change of command. Upon RADM Stevenson assuming command, ANZIO's battle group name changed from Cruiser Destroyer Group Eight to Carrier Strike Group Twelve.

During the summer, including the transit to New York, the ship hosted over 300 midshipmen on required summer cruises on Core Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID). The Captain and crew were later praised by Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (CNSL) for their effective extensive training and interaction with the midshipmen to support the personal and professional development of future Naval Officers.

In the weeks following the ship's return to homeport from New York, 150 of the hosted midshipmen manned the rails in the summer white uniform as the ship's honor guard fired a 21-gun salute in remembrance of the recently deceased President Ronald Reagan.

In keeping with the Captain's steady strain training initiative, July brought high scores in the Final Evolution Problem (FEP) and the Cruise Missile Tactical Qualification (CMTQ). In the interim, the crew hosted a family cruise day-over 300 friends and family members went underway to experience a day in the life of "their" Sailor.

In September, ANZIO was issued the Training Figure of Merit Program and developed a new way to train and track surface forces. Although the program is still in its infancy by auditing only three warfare areas; Air Warfare (AW), Strike Warfare (STW), and Mobility-Engineering (MOB-E), it defines the unit's training level to the Department Heads, XO and CO by computing readiness based on inputs derived from training exercises.

October through mid-November focused on Joint Military Course 2004 (JMC) operations in which ANZIO participated with hundreds of Allied military forces in the Northern Atlantic Ocean to enhance interoperability across the participating services and nations in all warfare and communication areas. Liberty ports included: Greenock, Scotland; Faslane, Scotland; and Brest, France.

ANZIO concluded the year inport on holiday stand down. Duty section personnel and the Electrician Mate's decked the ship from bow to stem in thousands of holiday lights to seize the First Place Award for the Operation Decorama contest, for the second consecutive year. Throughout the year and into stand down, ANZIO also focused their attention outside of the lifelines of the ship, participating in several community service activities.


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USS ANZIO Patch Gallery:

HSL Det. BALTOPS 2002HSL 48 Det. MEF '03


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The photos below were taken by Martin Engelhardt and show ANZIO (background) and USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71) during a port visit to Cobh, Ireland, in 1996.



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BALTOPS / Kiel Week 2001 Pictures

The photos below were taken by me during ANZIO's port visit to Kiel on June 16, 2001, at the end of BALTOPS 2001.

Click here to view more photos.


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BALTOPS / Kiel Week 2002 Pictures

The photos below were taken by me during ANZIO's port visit to Kiel, Germany, from June 21 - 24, 2002. The port visit marked the end of BALTOPS 2002.



The photos below were taken by me and show the ANZIO at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on November 9, 2008.



The photos below were taken by me and show the ANZIO passing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on her way to Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 28, 2010. The last photo was taken by me as well and shows the ANZIO one day later at the Naval Base.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the ANZIO at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 28, 2013.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the ANZIO at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on May 8, 2014.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the ANZIO returning to Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 23, 2014. Note the empty Harpoon missile launch tube on the stern indicating that the ANZIO was probably involved in a practice Harpoon firing during her underway.



The photos below were taken by Philip Petersen and me and show the ANZIO with USS VICKSBURG (CG 69) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) alongside at Naval Base Faslane, UK, on April 11, 2015. The ships are in Scotland for exercise Joint Warrior 151.



The photos below were taken by Philip Petersen and me and show the ANZIO departing Naval Base Faslane, UK, on April 12, 2015, to join exercise Joint Warrior 151.



The photo below was taken by Michael Jenning and shows the ANZIO at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 6, 2015.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the ANZIO at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 12, 2016.



The photo below was taken by Steven Collingwood and shows the ANZIO laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on April 16, 2017. ANZIO is now part of the Navy's Cruiser Phased Modernization Program which means that the ship is presently laid up and maintained by a small 45-person crew. The ship will later undergo modernization and return to service by 2022, replacing an older sistership. The program follows a 2-4-6 plan meaning that each year no more than two cruisers will be placed in phased modernization; no cruiser will remain in phased modernization for more than 4 years; and no more than six cruisers may be in phased modernization at the same time.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the ANZIO laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 4, 2017.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the ANZIO laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on December 26, 2021. At the moment, the Navy prefers to retire the ANZIO as a cost-saving measure instead of modernizing her.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show USS ANZIO preparing for decommissioning at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on September 6, 2022. She has been laid up for more than 5 years now.



The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show ex-ANZIO laid up at Philadelphia, Penn., on May 26, 2023. The ship alogside is her decommissioned sistership HUE CITY (CG 66).



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