On September 16th, the USS Monterey (CG 61) was decommissioned in Norfolk, Virginia. She was named after the battle of Monterrey at Monterrey, Nuevo Leon during the Mexican American war in 1846. Vice Admiral Jim Kilby, Monterey’s 11th commanding officer, addressed the many guests. “Unique to the Navy, when we serve on a ship, it becomes part of us – I mean who we are, how we act, think and live. Similarly, we all in turn become part of that ship – it is a tremendously powerful legacy! This is most definitely the case with USS Monterey, she is certainly a testament to her excellent crews and she has been ‘Rough in Battle and Ready in Peace’,” said Vice Admiral Jim Kilby, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

     Monterey was built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and commissioned in Mayport, Florida, June 16, 1990. Monterey’s namesake commemorates the battle fought Sept. 20, 2846 in the war with Mexico. “She has served her crews and her nation well and rightfully takes her place among the ships that, for well over 200 years, have played an indispensable role in protecting the United States of America and serving her strategic interests across the world,” said Schaller. “This ship and her crews will forever share a legacy that will be felt across the fleet for years to come.”  The USS Monterey executed 14 deployments and innumerable training cycles. Over its 32 years of service, the cruiser has been an important part of America’s national defense strategy.