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USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53)


       

Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Mike - Oscar - Bravo

CLASS - TICONDEROGA (Flight II)
Displacement 9,589 (FL) Tons, Dimensions, 565' 10" (oa) x 55' x 31' 6" (Max)
Armament 2 x 5"/54RF, 2 VLS, (122 Missiles)
2 x 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 x 25mm Bushmaster mg. 6 x12.75" TT. 2 LAMPS Helos.
Machinery, 80,000 SHP; G.E. Gas Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 30+ Knots, Crew 370.
Operational and Building Data
Keel laid on 06 JUN 1984 by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS
Launched 22 AUG 1985
Commissioned 21 FEB 1987
Proposed Decommissioning Date: 31 MAR 2023 Disposition: Legislative Consideration

Patch image contributed by Mike Smolinski

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons



Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Combat Action Ribbon - Joint Meritorious Unit Award - Navy Unit Commendation (3)
Second Row - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (5) - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (8) - National Defense Service Medal
Third Row - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2) - Southwest Asia Service Medal (2) - Iraq Campaign Medal
Fourth Row - Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal - Global War On Terrorism Service Medal - Humanitarian Service Medal
Fifth Row - Sea Service Deployment Ribbon - Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA) - Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Mobile Bay
04015312
155k Christening booklet, 12 October 1985. Robert M. Cieri
Mobile Bay
04015333
358k

Mrs. Jane Denton Christening Mobile Bay (CG 53).

Ingalls photo

Dale Hargrave
Mobile Bay
04015334
278k Mrs. Jane Denton Christening Mobile Bay (CG 53). Dale Hargrave
Mobile Bay
04015313
152k Commissioning booklet, 21 February 1987. Robert M. Cieri
Mobile Bay
04015327
323k Welcome Aboard pamphlet, date unknown. Manuel García García
Mobile Bay
04015328
308k Welcome Aboard pamphlet, date unknown. Manuel García García
Mobile Bay 219k Seen here, In a high speed turn. USN
Mobile Bay
04015330
1m

15 September 1988 - Fuel lines span the distance between the replenishment oiler USS Milwaukee (AOR 2) and the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV 59) as a replenishment at sea is conducted during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88. Sailing astern of the Milwaukee is the guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).

US Navy photo #DN-SC-90-03043 by PH1 Byrd

Robert M. Cieri
Mobile Bay 25k Port side view, anchored in Hong Kong harbor, April 1991. William Chiu
Mobile Bay
04015314
572k Welcome Aboard booklet, circa 1993. Robert M. Cieri
Mobile Bay
04015315
436k Underway off Yokosuka, Japan, September 1993. Robert M. Cieri
Mobile Bay 183k

At sea aboard the USS Constellation (CV 64), 12 February 2003 - An F/A-18 Hornet from the Vigilantes of strike fighter squadron One Five One (VFA-151) is launched from the USS Constellation. As the Guided Missile Cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) passes.

U.S. Navy Photo by Photographers Mate 2nd class Felix Garza Jr.

Bernard A. Cardali
Mobile Bay 440k

25 April 2003 - The guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) makes her way down San Diego Bay to Naval Station San Diego. Mobile Bay was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein.

U.S. Navy photo #030425-N-1144C-002 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class (Ret) Chuck Cavanaugh.

Bill Gonyo
Hopper
05017044
173k

San Francisco, Calif., 11 October 2003 - Ships in formation parade across San Francisco Bay to commence Navy Fleet Week 2003 festivities. This marks the 22nd year of the Navy Fleet Week of the city by the bay. Pictured fore and aft, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70).

U.S. Navy photo #031011-N-9214D-018 by PH2 Juan E. Diaz.

Robert M. Cieri
Mobile Bay 463k USS Mobile Bay coming along side USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Mobile Bay 280k USS Mobile Bay coming along side USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Mobile Bay 560k USS Mobile Bay coming along side USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Mobile Bay 422k USS Mobile Bay refueling from USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Mobile Bay 195k USS Mobile Bay breaking away to starboard from along side USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Mobile Bay 335k USS Mobile Bay breaking away to starboard from along side USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Mobile Bay 277k USS Mobile Bay breaking away to starboard from along side USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Shawn Ward
Bunker Hill
04015321
506k

USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Russell (DDG 59), and USS Shoup (DDG-86) perform a pass and review with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), 16 April 2006. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 were underway in the South China Sea, during a scheduled deployment.

U.S. Navy photo # 060416-N-5837R-058 by Photographer's Mate Airman Timothy C. Roache Jr.

USN
Bunker Hill
04015321
255k

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, 5 July 2006 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) departs Pearl Harbor to participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006. Eight nations are participating in RIMPAC 2006, the world's largest biennial maritime exercise. Conducted in the waters off Hawaii, RIMPAC 2006 brings together military forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

U.S. Navy photo #060705-N-8629M-044 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rebecca J. Moat.

Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015320
124k

SAN DIEGO, CA, 4 August 2006 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) returns to Naval Station San Diego after completing a regular scheduled deployment in support of the global war on terrorism and maritime security operations.

U.S. Navy photo #060804-N-1328S-062 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Seward.

Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015323
65k Port bow view while moored, Naval Station San Diego, June 2007. BMCS Richard Miller, USN (Ret.)
Bunker Hill
04015322
81k Starboard bow view while moored, Naval Station San Diego, August 2007. BMCS Richard Miller, USN (Ret.)
Bunker Hill
04015324
84k Port side view while moored, Naval Station San Diego, August 2007. BMCS Richard Miller, USN (Ret.)
Bunker Hill
04015319
164k

PACIFIC OCEAN, 12 April 2008 - An SH60B, assigned to the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 47, flies over the Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) during a strait transit exercise with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 as it transits the Philippine Straits. Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing(CVW) 2 are on a scheduled seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080412-N-8539M-007 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas B. Morton.

Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015316
60k

INDIAN OCEAN, 22 April 2008 - An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Bounty Hunters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 performs a fly-by over the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) during an air show for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and her crew. Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 are on a scheduled seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080422-N-5384B-116 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin R. Blake.

Fred Weiss
Bunker Hill
04015318
60k

INDIAN OCEAN, 22 April 2008 - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) participate in a pass and review during an air power demonstration held for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and her crew. Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 are on a scheduled seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080422-N-9450M-078 by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Johndion L. Magsipoc.

Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015317
79k

INDIAN OCEAN, 22 April 2008 - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) steam in the Indian Ocean as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.

U.S. Navy photo #080422-N-6139L-830 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Quinn Liford.

Robert M. Cieri and Fred Weiss
Bunker Hill
04015325
100k

NORTH ARABIAN SEA, 23 July 2008 - A port beam view of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) as she steams through the North Arabian Sea supporting the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as maritime security operations.

U.S. Navy photo #080723-N-5384B-284 by Mass Communication Specialist Justin R. Blake.

Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015326
69k

NORTH ARABIAN SEA, 23 July 2008 - A port quarter view of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) as she steams through the North Arabian Sea supporting the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as maritime security operations.

U.S. Navy photo #080723-N-5384B-206 by Mass Communication Specialist Justin R. Blake.

Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015331
159k PERSIAN GULF, 22 Nov 2011 - Guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) steams behind and was photographed from the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the gulf. Mobile Bay was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to conduct maritime security operations and support missions as part of operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. She was attached to the John C. Stennis (CVN 74) battle group.

U.S. Navy photo #111122-N-OY799-140 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate.
Robert M. Cieri
Bunker Hill
04015329
394k

PACIFIC OCEAN 20, September 2012 - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) are underway after completing Valiant Shield 2012 (VS12). VS12 is an integrated joint training exercise that offers the opportunity to integrate Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps forces at sea.

U.S. Navy photo #120920-N-MH885-032 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephanie Smith.

Ron Reeves
Bunker Hill
04015332
1.7m

PACIFIC OCEAN, 4 August 2015 - The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), front, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) take part in a show of force demonstration. The ships are part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and are participating in a composite training unit exercise, the final step before being certified for deployment.

U.S. Navy photo #150804-N-XX560-040 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andre T. Richard

Ron Reeves
Mobile Bay
0274aj
93k

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), left, and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conduct dual aircraft carrier strike group operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, 18 June 2016, in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. The operations mark the U.S. Navy's continued presence throughout the area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Greenberg (# 160618-N-DA693-261).

Steaming behind the carriers are three Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers, left to right: USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Shiloh (CG 67), and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62). Steaming in the background are three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, believed to be, left to right: USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), and USS Benfold (DDG 65).

Ron Reeves
Bunker Hill
04015335
199k

PACIFIC OCEAN, 3 March 2019 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) breaks away from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) during a replenishment-at-sea in the South China Sea, 3 March 2019. Mobile Bay is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy photo #190303-N-UI104-0075 by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel

Delta Squad

Commanding Officers
Name/Rank Class Final Rank Dates
Whalen, Frank Richard, CAPT 1963   02/21/1987 - 07/15/1988
Bill III, David Spencer, CAPT 1966 RADM 07/15/1988 - 05/25/1990
Woodall, Stephen Russel, CAPT 1967   05/25/1990 - 07/08/1992
Smith, Steven Grayson, CAPT   RADM 07/08/1992 - 08/17/1994
Holmstrom, Garry, CAPT 1971   08/17/1994 - 11/20/1996
Volpe Jr., Joseph M., CAPT     11/20/1996 - 09/25/1998
Rogers III, Edward Joseph, CAPT     09/25/1998 - 08/11/2000
Opsal, Peter Bernt, CAPT     08/11/2000 - 04/10/2002
Kear, William James (Jim), CAPT 1977   04/10/2002 - 09/04/2003
Naman, Joseph P., LCDR (acting CO)     09/04/2003 - 09/16/2003
Kusumoto, Neal Joseph, CAPT 1981   09/16/2003 - 03/18/2004
Naman, Joseph P., LCDR (acting CO)     03/18/2004 - 03/28/2004
Keller, Daniel Paul, CAPT     03/28/2004 - 07/2005
Carney Jr., Thomas Francis, CAPT 1981 RADM ~2006 - 08/15/2007
Wetherald, Hugh Denny, CAPT   RADM 08/15/2007 - 02/13/2009
Housinger, James Jeffrey, CAPT     02/13/2009 - 05/28/2011
Halvorson, Thomas G., CAPT     05/28/2011 - 03/08/2013
Kott, Timothy Jhon, CAPT     03/08/2013 - 03/03/2015
McLaren, Sean Gordon, CAPT 1991   03/03/2015 - 10/20/2016
Storm, James LeRoy, CAPT     10/20/2016 - 12/22/2018
Bryans Jr., Robert T., CAPT     12/22/2018 - 07/29/2020
Gray, Jeremy, CAPT 1996   07/29/2020 - 05/20/2022
Burkett, Brandon James, CAPT     05/20/2022 -

(Courtesy of Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves - Photos courtesy of Bill Gonyo)


USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry on the U.S. Navy Historical Center website.

Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail: None

Note About Contacts.

The contact listed, Was the contact at the time for this ship when located. If another person now is the contact, E-mail me and I will update this entry. These contacts are compiled from various sources over a long period of time and may or may not be correct. Every effort has been made to list the newest contact if more than one contact was found.


Additional Resources
Official USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) website.
Hazegray & Underway Cruiser Pages By Andrew Toppan.

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