Collection: USS Sterett CG 31

Picture this: the hustle and bustle of the Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard in the early 1960s. Amid this industrial symphony, the USS Sterett CG-31 began to take shape. The ship was laid down on June 1, 1963, launched on October 30, 1964, and by April 8, 1967, it was ready for active service. Each step of the process showcased American industrial strength at its finest.

The Sterett was equipped with anti-aircraft, surfact to surface and anti-submarine weapons and did an incredible job of projecting strength abroad. And let's not forget the cutting-edge radar and communications systems that made her not only a powerhouse but a strategically essential command vessel during intricate operations.

The ship's specifications are as follows:

• Length: 547 ft (166.8 m)
• Beam: 55 ft (16.8 m)
• Draft: 27 ft (8.2 m)
• Displacement: 9,600 tons
• Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
• Complement: 29 officers, 400 enlisted
• Armament: Two Mk 42 5-inch/54 caliber guns, two Mk 16 missile launchers, one Mk 22 missile launcher, and two Mk 32 torpedo tubes

Over its 27 years of active service, the USS Sterett CG-31 participated in numerous operations that left indelible marks on naval history. Its journey spans major battles, Cold War operations, and numerous diplomatic missions.

The Cold War era was a time of tense diplomacy, with the USS Sterett CG-31 serving on the front lines. Her crew navigated the complexities of this period with courage and professionalism, contributing to the Sterett's legendary status.

Beyond warfare, the Sterett demonstrated its versatility in numerous diplomatic missions and joint exercises with allied nations. These endeavours furthered bonds of friendship and underscored the ship's role as a peacekeeper on the high seas.

This vessel was decommissioned in 1994 after decades of service.  Please join us in the exploration of shipmate accounts of their time aboard ship in the 'Shipmate Stories' below.

The Sterett’s impact can't be measured solely by the operations it led or the battles it fought. It's also in the countless stories of the men and women who called her 'home'. From shared laughs on the mess decks to tense moments on the bridge, the human stories of the USS Sterett CG-31 are as integral to her history as her military accomplishments.

The memories of the sailors who served aboard the USS Sterett CG-31 have been meticulously documented over time, creating a narrative of their experiences that exemplifies camaraderie, dedication, and adventure. The stories told by these veterans represent a unique perspective of life at sea during a time when the world was in a state of flux.

David Hellmer Jr., a Gunner's Mate Missiles Second Class (GMM2), nostalgically recalls the Philippines (PI), with a particular fondness for the local delicacy, Lumpia. His service during the Persian Gulf War was a period of personal pride and he expresses longing for his fellow Gunner's Mates.

Guy Mullins, a Torpedoman's Mate Third Class (TM3), recollects the USS Sterett CG-31 as a "beautiful vessel." His mention of the home port in Subic Bay and his warm words about Captain Genett and Chief Wallace are a testament to the strong bonds created during service.

Mark Scherer's first sight of the Sterett was from the air as he flew into Subic. As a Radioman Third Class (RM3), he had a great time onboard, both in service and on liberty with shipmates. He fondly remembers Captain Blount among others.

Boatswain's Mate Third Class (BM3) Christopher Williams, recalls his service in the Philippines, expressing his longing for the Hong Kong markets. His willingness to return and relive those experiences speak to the strong bonds formed during service.

These narratives extend across the ranks and roles on the ship. From the perspectives of sailors like Jack Giacolone, a Boilerman First Class (BT1), who recalls a talented, hardworking crew and Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Norman Tillman, who reminisces about the fun times in Subic Bay, to the memories of Robert Poniente, a Radioman Third Class (RM3) who describes his first command as "awesome" with Captain Genet, and the Executive Officer Lieutenant Roger Cowan, who recalls the hardest working ship in the Navy with the best shipmates anywhere.

The sailors remember the adventures, the friendships, and the work. Their stories bring to life the vessel's multiple capabilities, the love for the exotic locales they visited, and the respect they had for their leaders. Their accounts paint a vivid picture of life aboard the USS Sterett CG-31, a vessel that will forever hold a place in the hearts of the men who served on her. They remember her as more than a ship; she was their home, their protector, and an indelible part of their personal history.

USS Sterett CG-31 Guestbook Forum

Q1: When and where was the USS Sterett CG-31 built?

The USS Sterett CG-31 was built in the shipyard of Pascagoula, Mississippi. The construction began on June 1, 1963, and the ship was launched on October 30, 1964.

Q2: What class did the USS Sterett CG-31 belong to?

The USS Sterett CG-31 was a part of the Belknap-class of cruisers, renowned for their power and cutting-edge technology during their operational years.

Q3: What types of weapons did the USS Sterett CG-31 carry?

The Sterett was equipped with a wide range of weaponry, including anti-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine weapons. This versatile arsenal allowed the ship to play various roles in different combat situations.

Q4: When was the USS Sterett CG-31 decommissioned?

The USS Sterett CG-31 was decommissioned on February 24, 1994, after serving in the U.S. Navy for 27 years.

Q5: What were some major operations that the USS Sterett CG-31 participated in?

Throughout its active service, the USS Sterett CG-31 participated in various significant operations. It played a crucial role during the Cold War and was also involved in numerous diplomatic missions and joint exercises with allied nations. The specific operations are subject to the classification and declassification of military information.

Q6: How many crew members did the USS Sterett CG-31 accommodate?

The USS Sterett CG-31 was designed to accommodate approximately 400 crew members, which included both officers and enlisted personnel.

Q7: What was the speed and range of the USS Sterett CG-31?

The Sterett, like other Belknap-class cruisers, had a top speed of over 30 knots and a range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles at a speed of 20 knots. These figures could vary based on different factors like the ship's load and operational conditions.