Vella Gulf Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080921-14
Release Date: 9/21/2008 6:39:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
USS VELLA GULF, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) celebrated the 15th anniversary of its commissioning Sept. 17 while deployed to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in support of maritime security operations.
The celebration included a ceremonial birthday cake during which the traditional first cut of the cake was made simultaneously by the ship's oldest and youngest Sailors -- Gas Turbine System Technician Electrician Chief Earle Allison and Cryptologic Technician Maintenance Seaman Victor Mason.
"Participating in the cake cutting was an experience," said Mason. "I really didn't know as much as I do now about the history of this ship, its name and what it means."
During the celebration, speeches were delivered by the commanding officer, executive officer and the command master chief, commemorating the commissioning of the ship and giving a history of the past 15 years as well as emphasizing the ship's motto.
"Always remember our motto," said Command Master Chief Susan A. Whitman. "To move swiftly, strike vigorously and secure all the fruits of victory is the secret to successful warfare."
The motto is adapted from a quote of General Stonewall Jackson.
Vella Gulf is a Ticonderoga-class Aegis guided-missile cruiser. The sponsor is Mary Ann McCauley. The ship was commissioned during a ceremony held in Norfolk, Va., Sept. 18, 1993. The ship was named for the Battle of Vella Gulf, a naval engagement in the Solomons campaign of World War II. This ship is the second ship named for the battle. The first Vella Gulf was an escort carrier, CVE 111, commissioned April 9, 1945.
Capt. Mark Genung, Vella Gulf's commanding officer, spoke passionately about the battle of Vella Gulf and both its namesake ships.
"The steel deck plates that you walk on today have been in combat," said Genung. "You are aboard a great ship with a great reputation, with a great legacy, and I couldn't tell you how proud I am to be part of it. Vella Gulf (CG 72) and Vella Gulf (CVE 111) embody the lessons that we realized as a nation and as a Navy at the Battle of Vella Gulf. I will always, forever, be proud to be part of this ship's crew and her legacy.
"Our motto reminds us of the cost of being able to prevail in war. I assure you that if we are called upon, we will indeed move swiftly, and we will strike vigorously."
A multi-mission ship, Vella Gulf is designed to be capable of sustained combat operations in anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface and mine warfare environments. She is typically employed in support of carrier strike groups and amphibious strike groups as well as in interdiction and escort missions. The ship's diverse combat capability is orchestrated by the Aegis Weapon System (AWS), a fully integrated electronic detection, engagement and fire control system. AWS enables Vella Gulf to detect, evaluate, and engage an enemy with great firepower and accuracy.
"This is a great ship," said Capt. Mark Young, Vella Gulf's executive officer. "The ship is in good shape and getting better. I like what I see as far as the Sailors, so I think it's a joyous occasion that we can be down here to celebrate the ship's 15th birthday."
The Iwo Jima ESG is made up of Vella Gulf; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.
For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.
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