Military

Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO

In 1993 Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO became the Battle Group Staff for the newly named GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group, with the newly commissioned USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as flagship. The GEORGE WASHINGTON completed her maiden deployment in November 1994. Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO retains that designation while also serving as Commander, GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group.

The responsibilities and duties of the Commander include execution of the missions and duties of Commander, GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group and such other missions and duties as may be assigned by higher authority. COMCRUDESGRU TWO exercises military command and operational control of ships and units assigned, and operational control over other units which are assigned. COMCRUDESGRU TWO exercises administrative control as necessary over units assigned, responsibility for Undersea Warfare in the COMSECONDFLT Battle Force Organization, and maintenance of the Undersea Warfare section of the COMSECONDFLT Fighting Instructions.

Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO originated during World War I in Newport, Rhode Island, as the former Destroyer Flotilla TWO. The Flotilla was deactivated in 1922 as part of the fleet drawdown after the war. The Flotilla was reactivated in 1931 and served throughout the 1930's as a caretaker of reserve destroyers until again deactivated in the early days of World War II. As part of the Navy's fleet reorganization, the Flotilla was reactivated in 1946. In 1973, Destroyer Flotilla TWO was renamed Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO. The Group relocated to Charleston, South Carolina in 1974.