Operation Enduring Freedom, 24 November 2001 - The fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (AOE 1) is in the process of replenishing the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) approaches her station alongside the AOE. Note a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, assigned to Sacramento, also carrying supplies to Theodore Roosevelt.

U.S. Navy photo # 011124-N-5526M-002 by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Bobby McRill.

At sea, 18 February 2002 - A Small Caliber Action Team (SCAT) mans the forward .50 cal guns while the ship approaches the motor vessel Lina. Vella Gulf conducted a non-compliant boarding of the suspected Iraqi oil smuggler. The boarding team encountered reinforced and welded entrances, as well as aggressive ship maneuvering by the vessel designed to delay the boarding team.

U.S. Navy photo #020218-N-4136R-001 by: ET3 Quintin Ross.

At sea, 23 February 2002 - The U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) passes off the starboard side of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during ammunition off-load operations between the Roosevelt and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship USNS Flint (T-AE 32). The Theodore Roosevelt battle group is conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo #020223-N-3911W-002 by Photographer’s Mate Luke Williams.

At sea with the USS Vella Gulf 4 March 2002 as she steams off the starboard side of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a air power demonstration. The guided missile cruiser and aircraft carrier are part of Command Carrier Group Eight (CCG-8) en route to there home port Norfolk, VA.

Photo by US Navy photographer's mate 3rd class Travis Ross.

At sea with the USS Vella Gulf 4 March 2002 as she steams off the starboard side of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a air power demonstration. The guided missile cruiser and aircraft carrier are part of Command Carrier Group Eight (CCG-8) en route to there home port Norfolk, VA.

Photo by US Navy photographer's mate 3rd class Travis Ross.

Arabian Gulf, 6 March 2004 – USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) refuels USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) during a refueling at sea in the Arabian Gulf. The ships are on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Official U. S. Navy photo #040306-N-1082Z-063 by Photographer's Mate Airman Jason R. Zalasky.

Persian Gulf, 3 June 2004 - The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), top, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), bottom, steam alongside USS George Washington (CVN 73) while participating in a strike group photo, during operations in the Persian Gulf. The Norfolk, Va.-based ships were on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

U.S. Navy photo #040603-N-5319A-009 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Brien Aho.

Persian Gulf, 3 June 2004 - The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), top, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), bottom, steam alongside USS George Washington (CVN 73) while participating in a strike group photo, during operations in the Persian Gulf. The Norfolk, Va.-based ships were on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

U.S. Navy photo #040603-N-5319A-009 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Brien Aho

NORFOLK, VA, 3 July 2007 - Guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) pulls into port at Naval Station Norfolk after a six-month deployment as part of Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). The ESG supported maritime operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

U.S. Navy photo #070703-N-4515N-136 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo.

PORT EVERGLADES, FL, 28 April 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) pulls into port at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for Fleet Week.

U.S. Navy photo #080428-N-1082Z-033 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 8 July 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departs Naval Station Norfolk to participate in the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX provides a realistic training environment to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming deployment. The Iwo Jima ESG is made up of Vella Gulf; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla; and the fast-attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

U.S. Navy photo #080708-N-3392P-027 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Katrina Parker.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 13 July 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) steams through the Atlantic Ocean during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX provides a realistic training environment to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming scheduled deployment.

U.S. Navy photo #080713-N-6822T-055 by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel A. Taylor.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 13 July 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) steams through a high speed starboard turn, during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX).

U.S. Navy photo #080713-N-6822T-078 by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel A. Taylor.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 27 July 2008 - The 5-inch MK-45 Mod 2 light weight deck gun fires during a live fire exercise aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 as a part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike.

U.S. Navy photo #080727-N-4236E-155 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 27 July 2008 - The stern 5-inch MK-45 Mod 2 light weight deck gun fires during a live fire exercise aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 as a part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike.

U.S. Navy photo #080727-N-4236E-232 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann.

NORFOLK, VA, 30 August 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) deploys as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080930-N-9985W-029 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler J. Wilson.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 3 September 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) leads the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) in transiting the Atlantic Ocean. Vella Gulf and Ramage are deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080903-N-3392P-210 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 6 September 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf(CG 72) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) transit the Atlantic Ocean. Carter Hall and Vella Gulf are deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, which is supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

US Navy photo #080906-N-1082Z-266 by MC2 Jason R. Zalasky.

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 6 September 2008 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) steam through the Atlantic Ocean. Vella Gulf and Iwo Jima are part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group in support of maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility

US Navy photo # 080906-N-3392P-157 by MC2 Katrina Parker.

MEDITERANEAN SEA, 15 September 2008 - The MK-38 25mm gun system is fired during a live fire exercise aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080915-N-1082Z-010 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky.

MEDITERANEAN SEA, 15 September 2008 - Gunners Mate 1st Class Robert E. Lambert fires a 7.62mm machine gun during a live fire exercise aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #080915-N-1082Z-013 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky.

Norfolk, VA, 27 March 2009 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a seven-month deployment. Vella Gulf deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo #090327-N-3595W-045 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gina K. Wollman/Released

NEW YORK, NY, 20 May 2009 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) steams up the Hudson River during the Parade of Ships, as part of Fleet Week New York City 2009. Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman will participate in the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York. This event will provide the citizens of New York City and surrounding tri-state area an opportunity to meet service members and also see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

U.S. Navy photo #090520-N-8907D-258 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals

NEW YORK, NY, 20 May 2009 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Hudson River during the Parade of Ships as part of Fleet Week New York City 2009. Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman will participate in the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York. This event will provide the citizens of New York City and surrounding tri-state area an opportunity to meet service members and also see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

U.S. Navy photo #090520-N-8907D-269 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals

The USS Vella Gulf during her visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine on 26-30 January 2012.

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

The USS Vella Gulf during her visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine on 26-30 January 2012.

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

The USS Vella Gulf during her visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine on 26-30 January 2012.

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

The USS Vella Gulf during her visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine on 26-30 January 2012.

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

The USS Vella Gulf during her visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine on 26-30 January 2012.

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

The USS Vella Gulf departing Sevastopol, Ukraine on 30 January 2012. It was frosty day (temperature 8.6 F).

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

The USS Vella Gulf departing Sevastopol, Ukraine on 30 January 2012. It was frosty day (temperature 8.6 F).

Photos by V.Seroshtan, I.Terokhin and A.Balabin.

31 January 2012,The Black Sea, Odessa, Ukraine. Extremely frosty weather, temperature -27.4 F.

Photos by Igor More and Ovod74.

31 January 2012,The Black Sea, Odessa, Ukraine. Extremely frosty weather, temperature -27,4 F.

Photos by Igor More and Ovod74.

31 January 2012,The Black Sea, Odessa, Ukraine. Extremely frosty weather, temperature -27,4 F.

Photos by Igor More and Ovod74.

NORFOLK, 14 March 2014 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departs for Scotland to participate in Joint Warrior 14-2, a semi-annual, United Kingdom-led training exercise designed to provide NATO and allied forces a unique multi-warfare environment in which to prepare for global operations. The joint warrior exercise is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies in an operationally challenging environment.

U.S. Navy photo #140314-N-XQ474-104 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Schneider

NORFOLK, 14 March 2014 - The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departs for Scotland to participate in Joint Warrior 14-2, a semi-annual, United Kingdom-led training exercise designed to provide NATO and allied forces a unique multi-warfare environment in which to prepare for global operations. The joint warrior exercise is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies in an operationally challenging environment.

(U.S. Navy photo #140314-N-XQ474-003 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Schneider

BLACK SEA, 24 May 2014 - The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Black Sea. Vella Gulf is deployed in a multi-mission role in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to contribute to regional maritime security and to support NATO operations and deployments throughout the region.

U.S. Navy photo #140524-N-KE519-021 by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Edward Guttierrez III

The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf travels in the Mediterranean Sea, 30 July 2020, while operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to support U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U. S. Navy photo #200730-N-PI330-0093Y.JPG by MC3 Andrew Waters.

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, 4 August 2022 - Sailors and former shipmates stand in formation during the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) decommissioning ceremony, 4 August 2022. Vella Gulf was commissioned on 18 September 1993 at Naval Station Norfolk. Vella Gulf is the first of five cruisers set to be decommissioned this year.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Milham