By Chief Petty Officer Mark Faram, August 28, 2024

SAN DIEGO – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) was honored for more than 33 years of naval service during its decommissioning ceremony Aug. 27 at Naval Station San Diego.

Hundreds gathered to honor the ship’s illustrious history in naval service. Cowpens’ commanding officer, Cmdr. Jac O. Ullman III, spoke about the legacy of the ship and her crew.

“A guiding principle in the final chapter on board was to honor the legacy of Cowpens,” Ullman said. “To honor the courage, determination and creativity of the Continental Army and militiamen on that cold battlefield. To honor the service of those on the first USS Cowpens – CVL 25 – and to honor the legacy of those who served before us during Mighty Moo’s 33-year career… That’s exactly what we did.”

The USS Cowpens participated in numerous operations and exercises, contributing significantly to the U.S. Navy’s demonstration of force and security. From enforcing no-fly zones to conducting maritime security operations, the ship demonstrated versatility and capability in a range of mission profiles.

One of the notable milestones in Cowpens’ history was its participation in Operation Enduring Freedom, tasked with providing air defense and maritime security. The ship played a critical role in the early stages of the Global War on Terror, demonstrating the Navy’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.

The ship’s capabilities were also demonstrated during Operation Iraqi Freedom, when it provided critical support to coalition forces in the Persian Gulf region. From surveillance to precision strikes, the USS Cowpens contributed to the success of coalition efforts to stabilize Iraq.

“Beginning in 1983, these ships (Cowpens) defended our nation’s interests, supported decisive combat operations and ensured freedom of the seas. In addition, they brought revolutionary AEGIS and VLS technologies into the hands of our soldiers,” said Rear Admiral Ted LeClair, deputy commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“Cowpens, the seventeenth AEGIS ship built, demonstrated the value of these advances. As AEGIS and VLS continued to evolve in both cruiser and destroyer variants, Cowpens continually demonstrated its effectiveness and lethality.”

Also present were Cowpens’ sponsor, Mrs. Lucy Mustin, and Cowpens’ first commanding officer, Vice Admiral Edward Moore (retired).

“At the end of this day, we all agree that no matter when we were on the crew, we served on the finest ship, the most impressive warship, in the finest Navy and in the finest country in the world,” Moore said. “I know in my heart that long after we leave this pier today, we will reflect from time to time on our service to our country, our ship and each other.”

In addition, the ship played a key role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, providing aid in regions devastated by natural disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. These missions underscored the Navy’s commitment to global stability and humanitarian values.

The second ship to bear the name was Cowpens, built in Bath, Maine, and commissioned in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 9, 1991. Named for the pivotal Battle of Cowpens during the American Revolutionary War, the ship has served the nation faithfully for more than three decades, embodying the bravery and resilience of its namesake.

After decommissioning and deactivation, the ship will be towed to the Navy’s Inactive Ships Facility at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she will receive Logistic Support Asset (LSA) status.

The mission of the CNSP is to man, train and equip surface forces to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project force on land.

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