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Cruiser Commemorates 60th Anniversary of Battle of Anzio

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040507-11

Release Date: 5/7/2004 9:30:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Elizabeth St John, Naval Media Center Fleet Support Detachment Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Anzio during a pierside ceremony May 4 at Naval Station Norfolk.

Several veterans of the Battle of Anzio attended the ceremony, including some former prisoners of war. Jack Meyers, Maryland state commander for American Ex-Prisoners of War, said he is glad that today's service members continue to honor the past.

"Not many people have that privilege to have a ship named after a battle they were in," said Myers. "It's a great reminder to future generations that us poor old guys trudged the beach at Italy so that they could honor the Anzio. It's a great honor."

The Baltimore native, who spent several months in an enemy prison camp, said he feels a special bond with the crew of Anzio.

"All the personnel aboard ship, from the CO [commanding officer] on down are very wonderful people, very dedicated people, and we're blessed to have them, these young people who are willing to dedicate their lives to the United States," said Myers.

Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 8 Rear Adm. John Harvey, who spoke at the ceremony, said it is essential to remember and honor our nation's heroes by naming ships after them.

"This is a way that we keep our faith with those who went before us and this link we have to the past, to these wonderful Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen," Harvey said. "These were the folks who wore the uniform, made the sacrifices and kept our nation free. Through the names of these ships, we provide that direct link to what we're doing today."

The U.S. and British navies played a vital role during the landing at Anzio, Italy. A total of 88 Tank Landing Ships took part in the landing Jan. 22, 1944. In the initial 22 hours, U.S. and British navies successfully landed 36,034 men and 3,069 vehicles.

After the Allied landing, the Germans sent 80,000 additional troops to the beaches of Anzio. The Allies fought courageously and, with reinforcements, broke out in late May to march victoriously into Rome. The cost of the campaign was high. Nearly 28,000 Allied Forces were lost.

Strategically, the Battle of Anzio was considered very important. German troops originally destined for Normandy were sent to Anzio, thereby ensuring victory for the Allies when they landed in France June 6, 1944.

Commissioned May 2, 1992, CG 68 is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named in honor of the Allied Forces at Anzio and Nettuno, Italy.

"I think it's great for our crews today to understand what went on before," Harvey said. "They draw strength from that relationship, and I think it's great for these veterans to come back and have a piece of their own ship that they know is going to go out and do what they did when their time was up."