The US Navy announced on August 4 that it retired the first of five Ticonderoga-class cruisers it will retire in 2022. It is the Vella Gulf (CG-72), which retired after 29 years of service.
After its withdrawal the ship will go into LSA (Logistical Support Asset) status. The US Navy’s original request was to retire seven Ticonderogas in 2022, but the request was eventually approved for five ships.
The ships expected to be retired are CG-72 “Vella Gulf” (in service since September 1993), CG-61 “Monterey” (in service since June 1990), CG-57 “Lake Champlain” (in service since August 1988), CG-66 “Hué City” (in service since September 1991), CG-68 “Anzio” (in service since May 1992), CG-73 “Port Royal” (in service since July 1994) and CG-56 “San Jacinto” (in service since January 1988).
