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NavSource Online: Cruiser Photo Archive

USS ANZIO (CG 68)


       

Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Zulu - India - Oscar

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 24 AUG 1989 by Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS
Launched 02 NOV 1990
Christened 10 NOV 1990
Commissioned 02 MAY 1992
SLEP Induction 12 MAY 2017
Projected Inactivation Date 31 MAR 2022
Decommissioned 22 SEP 2022


Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons



Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Navy Unit Commendation - Navy Meritorious Unit Citation (4)
Second Row - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (15) - National Defense Service Medal (2) - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Third Row - Iraq Campaign Medal (2) - Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal - Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Fourth Row - Armed Forces Service Medal - Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6) - NATO Medal


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For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Anzio
04016800
271k In late 1943, the Allied campaign to liberate Italy from the hands of the Germans was at a stalemate along the “Gustav Line,” a natural stronghold of mountainous terrain stretching across the country; just north of Naples. General Mark Clark, commanding the American Fifth Army, was given the order to outflank the German army by landing at Anzio and clearing the road to Rome. In a textbook perfect assault, forty thousand Allied troops of the American Fifth Army, Sixth Corps and the British First Infantry Division were landed on Anzio beachhead on January 22, 1944.

After initial success, the Allies were pinned down on the beachhead by a vastly superior German force. The Germans eventually committed 80,000 additional troops to the Italian campaign to “push the Allies back into the sea.” Through sheer bravery and heroism, the Allies held the beachhead. Finally, with long awaited reinforcements, the Allies broke out in late May and ultimately marched victoriously into Rome, in June 1944.

The strategic importance of the Battle of Anzio in the liberation of Italy is well documented. The campaign’s contribution to the overall Allied effort in Europe, however, is often underestimated. The two German corps engaged on the Anzio front were originally destined for Normandy. The success of the Allied landings on the beaches in France in June 1944 were due largely to the tenacity of the Allied forces at Anzio.

But the price of this crucial victory was high. Allied forces suffered nearly 28,000 casualties. In one measure of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there, 23 Americans were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most of any single battle of World War II.

USS ANZIO (CG 68) is the second US naval ship to be named in honor of the men and women who served at Anzio. She will sail the seas dedicated to preserving the freedom won on the Anzio beachhead while keeping alive the legacy of the boundless bravery and fighting spirit of each Anzio veteran.

Bill Gonyo
Anzio
04016824
330k Anzio being prepared for her christening ceremony at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Dale Hargrave
Anzio
04016826
742k Anzio is christened by her sponsor, Mrs. Lee Baggett, Jr, wife of Admiral Baggett. Dale Hargrave
Anzio
04016825
458k

Bow-on view of the christening of the Anzio (CG 68) by Mrs. Lee Baggett, Jr.

Ingalls photo

Dale Hargrave
Anzio
04016812
78k Commissioning booklet, 2 May 1992. Robert M. Cieri
Anzio 72k Starboard bow underway. USN
Anzio 53k Undated port bow view, moored at NOB Norfolk. Wendell R McLaughlin Jr.
Anzio
04016813
167k

Starboard bow view, date unknown.

© Atlantic Fleet Sales by Nobe Smith

Robert M. Cieri
Anzio
04016814
86k (From front to back) USS Anzio (CG 68), USS Rainier (AOE 7), USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and an unknown Arleigh Burke DDG steam in formation, date and location unknown. U.S. Navy
Anzio
04016820
70k

4 September 1996 - View from within the Combat Information Center on board the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68), during a live missile shoot off the coast of Wallops Island, Virginia. The live missile firing is the final segment of the exercise which began off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi. Anzio is participating in the All Services Combat Identification Evaluation Team (ASCIET '96).

U.S. Navy photo #DN-SD-01-09940 by: PH1 Gregory S. McCreash.

Robert M. Cieri
Cape St. George 83K

The Mediterranean Sea, 1 August 2000 - Sailors aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) gather on the flight deck to spell out "IKE 2000" referring to their successful deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in the new millennium. Deployed with Dwight D. Eisenhower were the guided missile cruisers USS Cape St. George (CG 71) (top) and USS Anzio (CG 68).

U.S. Navy photo #000801-N-7750C-003 by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class David E. Carter II.

Alex Tatchin/USN
Anzio 49k Port bow underway in Kiel during the sailing event Kieler Woche. J?rg Bihlmayr
Anzio 76k USS Anzio underway and HMS Campbeltown pierside in Kiel during the sailing event Kieler Woche. J?rg Bihlmayr
Anzio 59k USS Anzio (CG 68) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71) in Kiel during the sailing event Kieler Woche. J?rg Bihlmayr
Anzio 39k Port bow underway in Kiel during the sailing event Kieler Woche. J?rg Bihlmayr
Anzio 58k In Kiel during the sailing event Kieler Woche. In the background: USS Anzio, left of the pier: Russian destroyer Bespokojnyi, right of the pier: German tender A 515 Main inside and outside minehunter M 1097 Laboe. J?rg Bihlmayr
Vicksburg 347k

6 February 2001 - From front: The guided missile cruisers USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Anzio (CG 68), USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Hue City (CG 66) and the guided missile destroyers
USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Carney (DDG 64) participate in a Coordinated Engagement Capability (CEC) Exercise off the coast of Florida.

U.S. Navy photo #010206-N-2101W-002 by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Alan Warner.

Bill Gonyo
Anzio 61k

The guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) leads a formation of ships in the Baltic Sea after departing the Polish port of Gdynia on 5 June 2001, during Exercise Baltic Operations 2001.

DoD photo #010605-N-6967M-501 by Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane McCoy.

Edward Cleary/DOD
Anzio 53k The Guided Missile Cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducts a underway replenishment at sea off the starboard side of the Military sealift command oiler USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) While the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) conducts simultaneous replenishment operations off port side. 22 January 2003. Bernard A. Cardali
Anzio 390k

3 July 2003 -- The guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) approaches the pier at its homeport at Norfolk Naval Base, Norfolk Va., after a six-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo #030703-N-7097H-001 by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Sondra Howett.

Bill Gonyo
Anzio 391k

26 May 2004 -- The guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) sails past the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor during the parade of ships at the beginning of the 17th annual Fleet Week in New York City. Over 4,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen on twelve ships are participating in this year's event held from 26 May to 2 June.

U.S Navy photo #040526-N-6371Q-049 by Photographer's Mate Airman Orlando Quintero.

Bill Gonyo
Anzio
04016819
77k

Atlantic Ocean, 26 July 2006 - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) pulls alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for a fueling at sea. Anzio is underway participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 06-02 “Operation Bold Step”, an exercise involving more the 16,000 service members from five countries.

U.S. Navy photo #060726-N-1063M-045 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dale Miller.

Robert M. Cieri
Anzio
04016818
123k

Mediterranean Sea, 21 October 2006 - The Ticonderoga-class guided–missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) gets underway after a four day port visit to Naples, Italy, along with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Elements of the Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, departed their homeports on 3 October, for a regularly scheduled deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). Embarked aboard IKE are aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7.

U.S. Navy photo #061021-N-0490C-003 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Miguel Angel Contreras.

Robert M. Cieri
Anzio
04016817
339k

Mediterranean Sea, 21 October 2006 - A HH-60H Seahawk assigned to the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Five (HS-5), conducts a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) at sea with the Ticonderoga-class guided–missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68). HS-5 is embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Elements of the Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, departed their homeports on 3 October, for a regularly scheduled deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). HS-5 is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.

U.S. Navy Photo #061021-N-0490C-005 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Miguel Angel Contreras.

Robert M. Cieri
CVN-69 Dwight D. Eisenhower
NS026968
113k

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits in the Arabian Sea, 20 November 2006, in formation with USS Anzio (CG 68), top, and USS Saipan (LHA 2), bottom, during a photographic exercise (PHOTOEX). The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) were on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations.

U.S. Navy photo #061120-N-8547M-335 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick W. Mullen III.

USN
Anzio
04016827
517k

Arabian Sea, 22 November 2006 - Japanese fast combat support ship JDS Mashu (AOE 425) conducts a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68). Mashu is conducting the replenishment of fuel and ammunition for ships in order to conduct long-range fleet operations. U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Shawn Cossins.

United States Navy News Stand. Photo ID: 061122-N-8036C-215.

Robert Hurst
Anzio
04016816
99k

PERSIAN GULF, 7 April 2007 - Guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducts normal underway operations as part of Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Anzio is on a scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

U.S. Navy photo #070407-N-0490C-001 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Angel Contreras.

Robert M. Cieri
Anzio
04016815
87k

MEDITERRANEAN SEA, 5 May 2007 - Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducts a fueling at sea with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 are on deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

U.S. Navy photo #070505-N-6854D-003 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jon Dasbach.

Robert M. Cieri
Big Horn 895k

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 15 April 2008 - USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) steam side-by-side during a replenishment-at-sea. Anzio and Big Horn are en-route to participate in Joint Warrior 081, a United Kingdom-led, multinational exercise in the North Atlantic designed to improve interoperability between allied navies as well as to prepare for a role in combined operations during upcoming deployments.

US Navy photo #080415-N-2953W-009 by MC3 Adrian T. White

Navy Newsstand
Anzio
04016821
438k

SOUDA BAY, GREECE, 4 June 2009 - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Klakring (FFG 42) arrives alongside the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) at Souda Bay. Klakring and Anzio are both conducting routine port visits.

U.S. Navy Photo #090604-N-9063M-001 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Martinez

Robert M. Cieri
Anzio
04016823
618k
ARABIAN SEA, 8 November 2011 - Sailors participate in security reaction force protection training aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68). Anzio was assigned to Combined Task Force 151, a multinational, mission-based task force established by Combined Maritime Forces to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and Arabian Sea.

U.S. Navy photo#111108-N-YM590-097 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian M. Brooks.
Robert M. Cieri
Anzio
04016828
178k

CARIBEEAN SEA, 27 September 2012 - The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dauntless (D 33), left, is underway in formation with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) during UNITAS Atlantic 2012. UNITAS is an annual multi-national exercise that involves naval forces from 13 partner nations to promote interoperability and cooperation with each other and is hosted by Fourth Fleet.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul. United States Navy News Stand. Photo ID: 120927-N-ZE938-393.

Robert Hurst
Anzio
04016822
654k

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 30 March 2015 - The guided missile-cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) is en route to Scotland to participate in exercise Joint Warrior, a United Kingdom-led semi-annual multinational cooperative training exercise.

U.S. Navy photo #150330-N-UY653-002 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan U. Kledzik

Ron Reeves
Anzio
04016829
2.1m

USS Anzio (CG 68) pier-side at Naval Station Norfolk, VA, on 7 April 2022. She looks in worse shape than the old Tico's at NISMF in Philly.

USNI News Photo
USNI News
Anzio
04016830
427k USS Anzio (CG 68) decommissioning ceremony on 22 September 2022. Stern view, note the Jack flying under the Ensign. Patrik M Schneider, CSM ret.
Anzio
04016831
354k <USS Anzio (CG 68) decommissioning ceremony on 22 September 2022. Port quarter view, note the Jack flying under the Ensign and no Jack at the bow. Patrik M Schneider, CSM ret.
Anzio
04016832
1.3m USS Anzio (CG 68) decommissioning ceremony on 22 September 2022. Patrik M Schneider (left) and the last Commanding Officer of the Anzio CDR Gregory Piorun (right). Patrik M Schneider, CSM ret.
Anzio
04016833
409k USS Anzio (CG 68) decommissioning ceremony on 22 September 2022. Bow view. Note the material condition of the hull; she has been in SLEP since 2017. Patrik M Schneider, CSM ret.
Anzio
04016834
273k USS Anzio (CG 68) decommissioning ceremony on 22 September 2022. port quarter view. Patrik M Schneider, CSM ret.
Anzio
04016835
1.4m USS Anzio (CG 68) decommissioning ceremony on 22 September 2022. Decommissioning crew. Patrik M Schneider, CSM ret.

Commanding Officers
Name/Rank Class Final Rank Dates
Howard Jr., Hugh Wyman, CAPT 1965   05/02/1992 - 09/17/1993
Balisle, Phillip Monroe, CAPT   VADM 09/17/1993 - 05/26/1995
Shaw, David R., CAPT     05/26/1995 - 08/15/1997
Klingseis, Francis Joseph, CAPT 1973   08/15/1997 - 08/27/1999
Barns, William Flemming, CAPT     08/27/1999 - 08/10/2001
Nesselrode, Mark Cullen, CAPT 1976   08/10/2001 - 08/22/2003
Carr III, James McLeod, CAPT     08/22/2003 - 08/26/2005
Bingham, William Perry, CAPT 1982   08/26/2005 - 07/19/2007
Robinson, Scott Anthony, CAPT     07/19/2007 - 03/19/2009
Olmo, Frank Jerome, CAPT     03/19/2009 - 01/14/2011
Dorey, John Michael, CAPT 1986   01/14/2011 - 02/28/2013
Trampenau, Timothy Robert, CAPT 1989   02/28/2013 - 11/25/2014
Sorenson, Brian Keith, CAPT 1991   11/25/2014 - 09/11/2015
Castellano, Francis Xavier (Frank), CAPT 1990   09/11/2015 - 11/18/2016
Myers, Thomas Edward, CDR     11/18/2016 - 05/12/2017
Franklin III, Robert Leonard, CDR 2003   05/12/2017 - 07/11/2019
Thomas II, Curtis L., LCDR     07/11/2019 - 12/14/2020
Piorun, Gregory Joseph, CDR     12/14/2020 -

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


USS ANZIO CG-68 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 Anzio (CG 68) Website.
Hazegray & Underway Cruiser Pages By Andrew Toppan.

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