USS Belknap CG-26
The USS Belknap (CG-26) was a remarkable ship in the US Navy, built with precision and purpose. It was laid down on February 5, 1962, at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, a shipyard famous for its craftsmanship. The ship launched on July 20, 1963, and was commissioned on November 7, 1964. During the Cold War, the Navy aimed to boost its capabilities with advanced guided missile cruisers like the Belknap, designed to provide strong air defense for carrier battle groups.
The ship was named after Rear Admiral George Eugene Belknap, a distinguished officer who served with valor during the Civil War and later in the Asiatic Squadron. His leadership and dedication to naval service inspired the ship's name, honoring his contributions and the rich history of US naval service.
The USS Belknap stood out for its advanced weaponry and radar systems. As a guided missile cruiser, it was initially equipped with the Terrier missile system, later upgraded to the Standard missile system, offering formidable air defense. The ship also featured the AN/SPS-48 and AN/SPS-49 radar systems, state-of-the-art at the time, for superior tracking and engagement of aerial threats. Its design included a helicopter deck, enhancing its versatility in various operations.
The USS Belknap's legacy in the US Navy is significant, especially in naval warfare and ship design. It was part of the Belknap-class cruisers, among the first with an aluminum superstructure. This innovation reduced weight, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability. However, it also highlighted the vulnerabilities of aluminum in high-temperature conditions, particularly after the tragic collision with the USS John F. Kennedy in 1975, which led to a devastating fire. This incident prompted changes in naval shipbuilding practices and fire safety protocols.
Belknap-class cruisers, including the USS Belknap, were designed primarily for air defense of carrier battle groups. Their advanced missile systems and radar capabilities made them key components in protecting aircraft carriers from aerial and missile threats. The USS Belknap played a crucial role in various operations during its service, especially during the Cold War, maintaining the balance of power and ensuring US interests' security worldwide.
The commissioning of the USS Belknap marked the start of a distinguished career. It quickly became a vital part of the Navy's fleet, participating in numerous exercises, deployments, and operations. Its advanced capabilities and strategic importance underscored the Navy's commitment to a technologically superior and versatile maritime force. The USS Belknap's service record is a testament to its design, the skill of its crew, and its lasting impact on naval warfare and shipbuilding practices.
USS Belknap CG-26: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Belknap (CG-26) was a guided missile cruiser that marked a big step forward in naval engineering when it was commissioned in 1964. It had a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure, striking a balance between strength and weight. The ship was 547 feet long and 55 feet wide, with a full load displacement of about 8,200 tons. Its sleek design helped reduce its radar profile, making it more effective in operations.
The Belknap was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time. It featured the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS), which allowed for real-time data processing and improved situational awareness. This system helped the Belknap work smoothly with other naval units, ensuring a coordinated response to threats. The ship also had advanced radar and sonar systems, like the AN/SPS-48 3D air search radar and the AN/SQS-26 sonar, essential for both attack and defense.
When it came to armament, the USS Belknap was initially loaded with weapons to tackle various threats. Its main weapon was the RIM-2 Terrier surface-to-air missile system, offering strong air defense. It also had two 5-inch/54 caliber Mark 42 guns, versatile enough for surface targets, naval gunfire support, and some anti-aircraft roles. Over time, the Belknap's weapons were upgraded, including the addition of RIM-67 Standard missiles, boosting its air defense capabilities.
The Belknap's weaponry was enhanced by its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. It was equipped with ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launchers, capable of delivering torpedoes or depth charges to distant underwater targets. The ship also had torpedo tubes for launching Mark 46 torpedoes, improving its ability to engage enemy submarines. These advanced systems made the USS Belknap a versatile and powerful part of the US Navy, ready to handle a wide range of maritime threats.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Belknap (CG-26) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the numerous guestbook posts that recount their experiences aboard the ship. These memories span several decades, from the ship's commissioning in the 1960s to its decommissioning in the 1990s, and reflect a wide range of emotions and experiences.
Early Years and Commissioning: Morris Abbott, who served as a Senior Chief Storekeeper (SKCS) in 1968, fondly recalls his time on the Belknap and expresses a desire to reconnect with former shipmates. Similarly, John Feagans, a Fire Control Technician (FTG2), was part of the pre-commissioning detail in Newport, RI, and remembers being the first regular watch helmsman on the ship's maiden cruise. These early years were formative for many, including Garrett Miller, a Radarman (RD2), who participated in the ship's first Vietnam cruise and multiple deployments to Guantanamo Bay.
1970s: The 1970s were marked by significant events, including the tragic collision with the USS John F. Kennedy in 1975. Bayani Banaag, a Data Systems Technician (DS2), recalls the loss of two good buddies during the Kennedy incident, a memory that remains vivid despite the passage of time. Larry Gray, an Operations Specialist (OS), was on watch during the collision and has struggled with the haunting memories of that night. Despite the tragedy, the camaraderie among the crew remained strong. For instance, Don Chamberlain, an Interior Communications Electrician (IC2), cherishes the thrill of seeing the world and the bonds formed with his shipmates.
1980s: The 1980s saw the Belknap serving as the Sixth Fleet flagship, with many crew members recalling their time in Gaeta, Italy, with great fondness. Jessee Allen, a Fire Control Chief (FCCS), spent nearly five years on the Belknap, enjoying numerous port visits and the vibrant life in Gaeta. Roger Avent, a Radioman Chief (RMCS), describes his time with the radio crew as the most exciting and unforgettable period of his 21-year Naval career. The sense of community and adventure is echoed by many others, including Craig Beins, a Boatswain's Mate (BM3), who enjoyed driving the Liberty boat while anchored in Gaeta, and Chris Byars, an Electronics Technician (ET3), who credits the Belknap with helping him grow up and form lasting friendships.
1990s and Decommissioning: The 1990s brought new challenges and experiences as the Belknap continued to serve in the Mediterranean. William Antle, a Gunner's Mate (GMM1), appreciated the great living conditions in Gaeta and looks forward to reconnecting with fellow shipmates. Vince Bonderczuk, a Boiler Technician (BT1), describes his three years on the Belknap as the best tour of his career, filled with hard work and memorable moments. The ship's role in the 1991 Malta Summit, where President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met, is a point of pride for Darren Hall, a Machinist's Mate (MM3).
Reflections and Legacy: Many former crew members express a deep sense of nostalgia and pride in their service aboard the Belknap. They recall the ship as a place of growth, camaraderie, and adventure. For some, like Kevin Conrad, a Boatswain's Mate (BM2), the experiences aboard the Belknap were life-changing, teaching valuable lessons about life and forming lifelong friendships. Others, like Tim Lindsey, an Electronic Warfare Technician (EW2), reflect on the impact of significant events, such as the 1975 collision, on their lives and the lives of their shipmates.
The memories shared by the crew of the USS Belknap (CG-26) paint a vivid picture of life aboard this storied ship. From the early days of commissioning to the final years before decommissioning, the Belknap served as a home and a place of growth for countless sailors. Their stories of camaraderie, adventure, and resilience ensure that the legacy of the USS Belknap will live on in the hearts and minds of those who served aboard her.
USS Belknap CG-26: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Belknap (CG-26) was a powerhouse in the U.S. Navy, constantly evolving to stay ahead. Commissioned in 1964 as a guided missile cruiser, it originally boasted the Terrier missile system for air defense. In the 1970s, the Belknap got a major upgrade with the Standard Missile system, replacing the older Terriers. This change supercharged its ability to tackle faster, more advanced aerial threats. The ship also received cutting-edge radar and electronic warfare systems, boosting its threat detection and counteraction capabilities.
The Belknap's mission profile was dynamic, adapting to the shifting tides of naval warfare. Initially focused on anti-aircraft and anti-submarine roles, its upgrades expanded its duties. With the new missile system and radar, the Belknap became a key air defense command ship, protecting carrier battle groups from aerial and missile attacks. It also had anti-submarine warfare tools like sonar and ASROC launchers, making it a formidable foe against enemy subs. Plus, its surface-to-surface missile capabilities meant it could take on enemy ships, proving its versatility in combat.
The USS Belknap played a crucial role as a flagship and command ship. In 1980, it became the Sixth Fleet flagship, a testament to its strategic importance in the Mediterranean during the Cold War. Its advanced communication and command systems turned it into a floating command center, orchestrating fleet operations and ensuring smooth coordination with allied forces. The Belknap's presence in the Mediterranean was a clear signal of the U.S. Navy's commitment to regional stability and security.
Throughout its service, the Belknap showed incredible resilience and adaptability, participating in numerous naval operations and exercises. Its involvement in NATO exercises and joint operations with allies showcased its ability to work seamlessly within a multinational force. The Belknap's versatility and advanced capabilities made it invaluable in both peacetime and conflict, from providing air defense for carrier groups to serving as a command ship in complex operations. Despite the tragic 1975 collision with the USS John F. Kennedy, which caused significant damage and loss of life, the Belknap was repaired and returned to service, continuing its mission until decommissioning in 1995. The legacy of the USS Belknap (CG-26) is a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of the U.S. Navy's surface fleet.
USS Belknap CG-26: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Belknap (CG-26) had a remarkable service record, filled with deployments and key contributions to major events. Commissioned in 1964, this guided-missile cruiser first set sail to the Mediterranean Sea, becoming a vital part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. During the Cold War, Belknap was crucial in maintaining a strong U.S. naval presence, conducting surveillance and intelligence missions to counter Soviet influence. Its advanced radar and missile systems made it a powerful force, ready for both offensive and defensive operations.
Though Belknap didn't serve in the Vietnam War, it demonstrated its versatility during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The ship was part of a task force sent to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect American interests and ensure the safe evacuation of U.S. citizens. Belknap's presence in these tense situations highlighted its strategic importance and the Navy's reliance on its capabilities.
Belknap's service wasn't without challenges. In 1975, it collided with the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) during night operations in the Mediterranean. This tragic incident resulted in a severe fire, causing extensive damage and the loss of seven crew members. Despite this, the ship was rebuilt and returned to service, continuing to perform its duties with distinction. This resilience showcased the crew's dedication and the Navy's commitment to staying operationally ready.
Throughout its service, USS Belknap earned numerous awards and commendations. It received multiple Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations for outstanding performance during various deployments. Additionally, Belknap was awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for excellence in combat readiness and operational performance. These honors reflect the ship's significant contributions to U.S. naval operations and its lasting legacy as a vital part of the fleet.
USS Belknap CG-26 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Belknap Class Guided Missile Cruiser |
| Commissioned | November 7, 1964 |
| Displacement | 5,340 tons |
| Length | 547 feet |
| Beam | 54.9 feet |
| Draft | 29 feet |
| Speed | 34 knots |
| Complement | 400 |