.gif)
USS Peterson (DD-969)
Encyclopedia
USS Peterson (DD-969), named for Lieutenant Commander Carl Jerrold Peterson (1936–1968), was a laid down by the Ingalls Shipbuilding
Division of Litton Industries
at Pascagoula, Mississippi
. She commissioned on July 9, 1977 and decommissioned on October 4, 2002.
deployment. Peterson made her first deployment which included duty as flagship for Commander, Middle East Force in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean
. Upon return to Norfolk, Virginia
she was awarded Destroyer Squadron Ten's Battle 'E'.
1980 - Persian Gulf deployment. Peterson spent her second deployment beginning in September 1980 in the Persian Gulf. She returned home in March 1981.
1981 – Mediterranean deployment. Six months later, Peterson returned to the Mediterranean on December 1, 1981 for her third deployment in three years.
1982 - Overhaul. During a nine month overhaul starting in July 1982, Petersons weapons systems were upgraded to include the Target Acquisition System (TAS), two 20 mm Vulcan Phalanx CIWS
mounts, and an enhanced communications and electronics suite.
1984 - Mediterranean (Lebanon
) deployment. Peterson was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
for her role as naval gunfire support
ship off the cost of Beirut
, Lebanon as part of the battle group
in April 1984.
1985 - Arctic
deployment. In the Fall of 1985, Peterson participated in the NATO exercise 'Ocean Safari' in the North Atlantic, earning the title of 'Blue Nose' for the crossing of the Arctic Circle and was also awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation
for exceptional performance.
1986 - Mediterranean (Libya
) deployment. In 1986, Peterson deployed to the Mediterranean with the battle group and performed search and rescue duties during combat operations in the vicinity of Libya. She was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation
for her efforts.
1988 - Mediterranean deployment. During Petersons 1988 deployment, she served as the flagship for Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Six and operated with the British
, French
, German
, Spanish
and Tunisian
navies.
1990 - Mediterranean and African (Liberia
) deployment. Petersons 1990 deployment began in the Mediterranean with the battle group, visiting Naples
, St. Maxima, Palma
and Tunis
. When civil war broke out in the western African nation of Liberia, Peterson was called upon to make a high speed transit to the site with embarked Marines
to stand by to evacuate American citizens trapped by the fighting. For the rest of the deployment, Peterson assisted in the evacuation of more than 1,600 refugees with and her Marine Amphibious Readiness Group
, before returning home in September.
1991 - Overhaul. On March 15, 1991 Peterson commenced a thirteen month overhaul at Ingalls Shipbuilding Company in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Modifications included installation of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, SQQ-89 Toward Array Sonar system and double RAST tracks to support two SH-60B helicopters.
1993 - Red Sea
deployment (Operation Desert Storm
). On February 16, 1993, Peterson commenced a six month Middle East Force deployment in the Red Sea where she intercepted and boarded 247 vessels in support of United Nations
sanctions against Iraq
. In response to Iraq's attempted assassination of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush
, Peterson successfully struck the Iraqi intelligence headquarters in Baghdad
with 14 Tomahawk
missiles on June 26, 1993, as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff
. Peterson earned Destroyer Squadron Two's battle efficiency award for 1993.
1994 - Haiti
an operations. July and August 1994 saw Peterson off the coast of Haiti where she provided support for Operation Support Democracy.
1995 - Mediterranean deployment and selected restricted availability (SRA). On April 14, 1995 Peterson returned to Norfolk, Virginia culminating a highly successful Mediterranean deployment as a member of the Eisenhower battle group. While on deployment, Peterson played an active role in several community service projects including the highly visible Project Handclasp program. On October 22 Peterson commenced a three and a half month SRA which included the installation of the state of the art Tomahawk Weapons Control System (ATWCS). Peterson earned Destroyer Squadron Twenty Eight's battle efficiency award for 1995.
1996 - Counter drug operations. June and July 1996 saw Peterson off the coasts of South and Central America in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for counter drug operations. During this employment, the Peterson crew enjoyed a Line-crossing ceremony
in sight of the Galápagos Islands
. After returning home, she began training for her next deployment.
1997 - Atlantic deployment. In July 1997 Peterson deployed with NATO as a member of the Standing Naval Forces Atlantic Squadron. She operated with ships of the British, German, Dutch
, Spanish, Portuguese, Canadian
and other NATO navies.
1999 - Mediterranean deployment. Peterson deployed as flagship for the Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean Squadron in support of NATO.
2001-2002 - Persian Gulf deployment. Peterson completed a highly successful deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was at the tip of the spear, and involved in every facet of the operation. As the Comskey guardship and Commander, Destroyer Squadron Fifty flagship for maritime interdiction operations in the North Persian Gulf. Peterson was praised as 'One of the best to have operated in the Persian Gulf in a long time!'. She operated as Surface Action Group commander of the JASK operating area in the Gulf of Oman
then again in the North Arabian Sea
off Karachi
, Pakistan
. Peterson conducted 349 queries and 4 boardings in support of maritime interdiction operations. She supported amphibious readiness group as Combined Task Force 51 sea component commander conducting intelligence surveillance and reporting operations off the Horn of Africa
for exercise Edged Mallet in the Gulf of Aden
and Red Sea. She received more than ten accolades from national and fleet commanders for the timely, high quality reporting provided to the Office of Naval Intelligence
, greatly improving understanding of suspect activities in the Horn of Africa region. Peterson safely completed a 196-day deployment with 178 days spent underway, with over 600 queries conducted, more than 700 flight evolutions, 34 underway replenishments, 6 sea and anchor details, and more than 500 small boat operations.
Final underway: While returning from Newport, Rhode Island
, Peterson steamed for 6 hours at full power and successfully fired 100 rounds from her 5"/54 guns. This demonstration of strength proved that she was an asset to her country until the end.
on November 6, 2002. On February 16, 2004 she was sunk in support of weapons effect tests for the new DD-21 program, later renamed DD(X), followed by a renaming to the DDG 1000 which is the current program of record.
Ingalls Shipbuilding
Ingalls Shipbuilding is a shipyard located in Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA, originally established in 1938, and is now part of Huntington Ingalls Industries...
Division of Litton Industries
Litton Industries
Named after inventor Charles Litton, Sr., Litton Industries was a large defense contractor in the United States, bought by the Northrop Grumman Corporation in 2001.-History:...
at Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula is a city in Jackson County, Mississippi, United States. It is the principal city of the Pascagoula, Mississippi Metropolitan Statistical Area, as a part of the Gulfport–Biloxi–Pascagoula, Mississippi Combined Statistical Area. The population was 26,200 at the 2000 census...
. She commissioned on July 9, 1977 and decommissioned on October 4, 2002.
Ship's history
1979 - Persian GulfPersian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
deployment. Peterson made her first deployment which included duty as flagship for Commander, Middle East Force in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
. Upon return to Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
she was awarded Destroyer Squadron Ten's Battle 'E'.
1981 – Mediterranean deployment. Six months later, Peterson returned to the Mediterranean on December 1, 1981 for her third deployment in three years.
1982 - Overhaul. During a nine month overhaul starting in July 1982, Petersons weapons systems were upgraded to include the Target Acquisition System (TAS), two 20 mm Vulcan Phalanx CIWS
Phalanx CIWS
The Phalanx CIWS is an anti-ship missile defense system. It is a close-in weapon system and was designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona Division...
mounts, and an enhanced communications and electronics suite.
1984 - Mediterranean (Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
) deployment. Peterson was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy...
for her role as naval gunfire support
Naval gunfire support
Naval gunfire support is the use of naval artillery to provide fire support for amphibious assault and other troops operating within their range. NGFS is one of a number of disciplines encompassed by the term Naval Fires...
ship off the cost of Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon as part of the battle group
Battle group
Battle group may refer to:* Battlegroup , the basic building block of an army's fighting force* Battleship battle group, a battleship and its escorts* Carrier battle group, a carrier and its escorts...
in April 1984.
1985 - Arctic
Arctic
The Arctic is a region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic region consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by treeless permafrost...
deployment. In the Fall of 1985, Peterson participated in the NATO exercise 'Ocean Safari' in the North Atlantic, earning the title of 'Blue Nose' for the crossing of the Arctic Circle and was also awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
for exceptional performance.
1986 - Mediterranean (Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
) deployment. In 1986, Peterson deployed to the Mediterranean with the battle group and performed search and rescue duties during combat operations in the vicinity of Libya. She was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Unit Commendation
The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944...
for her efforts.
1988 - Mediterranean deployment. During Petersons 1988 deployment, she served as the flagship for Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Six and operated with the British
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, French
French Navy
The French Navy, officially the Marine nationale and often called La Royale is the maritime arm of the French military. It includes a full range of fighting vessels, from patrol boats to a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and 10 nuclear-powered submarines, four of which are capable of launching...
, German
German Navy
The German Navy is the navy of Germany and is part of the unified Bundeswehr .The German Navy traces its roots back to the Imperial Fleet of the revolutionary era of 1848 – 52 and more directly to the Prussian Navy, which later evolved into the Northern German Federal Navy...
, Spanish
Spanish Navy
The Spanish Navy is the maritime branch of the Spanish Armed Forces, one of the oldest active naval forces in the world. The Armada is responsible for notable achievements in world history such as the discovery of Americas, the first world circumnavigation, and the discovery of a maritime path...
and Tunisian
Military of Tunisia
The Tunisian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.As of 2008, Tunisia had an army of 27,000 personnel equipped with 84 main battle tanks and 48 light tanks. The navy numbered 4,800 operating 25 patrol boats and 6 other craft. The air force had 4,000 personnel, 27 combat aircraft...
navies.
1990 - Mediterranean and African (Liberia
Liberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
) deployment. Petersons 1990 deployment began in the Mediterranean with the battle group, visiting Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
, St. Maxima, Palma
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the major city and port on the island of Majorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. The names Ciutat de Mallorca and Ciutat were used before the War of the Spanish Succession and are still used by people in Majorca. However, the official name...
and Tunis
Tunis
Tunis is the capital of both the Tunisian Republic and the Tunis Governorate. It is Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 728,453 as of 2004; the greater metropolitan area holds some 2,412,500 inhabitants....
. When civil war broke out in the western African nation of Liberia, Peterson was called upon to make a high speed transit to the site with embarked Marines
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
to stand by to evacuate American citizens trapped by the fighting. For the rest of the deployment, Peterson assisted in the evacuation of more than 1,600 refugees with and her Marine Amphibious Readiness Group
Amphibious Ready Group
An Amphibious Readiness Group of the United States Navy consists of a Navy element—a group of warships known as an amphibious task force —and a landing force of United States Marines , in total about 5,000 people. Together, these elements and supporting units are trained, organized, and equipped...
, before returning home in September.
1991 - Overhaul. On March 15, 1991 Peterson commenced a thirteen month overhaul at Ingalls Shipbuilding Company in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Modifications included installation of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, SQQ-89 Toward Array Sonar system and double RAST tracks to support two SH-60B helicopters.
1993 - Red Sea
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden. In the north, there is the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez...
deployment (Operation Desert Storm
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
). On February 16, 1993, Peterson commenced a six month Middle East Force deployment in the Red Sea where she intercepted and boarded 247 vessels in support of United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
sanctions against Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
. In response to Iraq's attempted assassination of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush
George Herbert Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 41st President of the United States . He had previously served as the 43rd Vice President of the United States , a congressman, an ambassador, and Director of Central Intelligence.Bush was born in Milton, Massachusetts, to...
, Peterson successfully struck the Iraqi intelligence headquarters in Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
with 14 Tomahawk
BGM-109 Tomahawk
The Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile. Introduced by General Dynamics in the 1970s, it was designed as a medium- to long-range, low-altitude missile that could be launched from a surface platform. It has been improved several times and, by way of corporate divestitures...
missiles on June 26, 1993, as directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
. Peterson earned Destroyer Squadron Two's battle efficiency award for 1993.
1994 - Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
an operations. July and August 1994 saw Peterson off the coast of Haiti where she provided support for Operation Support Democracy.
1995 - Mediterranean deployment and selected restricted availability (SRA). On April 14, 1995 Peterson returned to Norfolk, Virginia culminating a highly successful Mediterranean deployment as a member of the Eisenhower battle group. While on deployment, Peterson played an active role in several community service projects including the highly visible Project Handclasp program. On October 22 Peterson commenced a three and a half month SRA which included the installation of the state of the art Tomahawk Weapons Control System (ATWCS). Peterson earned Destroyer Squadron Twenty Eight's battle efficiency award for 1995.
1996 - Counter drug operations. June and July 1996 saw Peterson off the coasts of South and Central America in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for counter drug operations. During this employment, the Peterson crew enjoyed a Line-crossing ceremony
Line-crossing ceremony
The ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite in the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and other navies that commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. Originally, the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates...
in sight of the Galápagos Islands
Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.The Galápagos Islands and its surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a...
. After returning home, she began training for her next deployment.
1997 - Atlantic deployment. In July 1997 Peterson deployed with NATO as a member of the Standing Naval Forces Atlantic Squadron. She operated with ships of the British, German, Dutch
Military of the Netherlands
The Armed forces of the Netherlands consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.The service branches consist of:* Koninklijke Landmacht , Royal Netherlands Army....
, Spanish, Portuguese, Canadian
Canadian Forces Maritime Command
The Royal Canadian Navy , is the naval force of Canada. The RCN is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Forces. Operating 33 warships and several auxiliary vessels, the Royal Canadian Navy consists of 8,500 Regular Force and 5,100 Primary Reserve sailors, supported by...
and other NATO navies.
1999 - Mediterranean deployment. Peterson deployed as flagship for the Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean Squadron in support of NATO.
2001-2002 - Persian Gulf deployment. Peterson completed a highly successful deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was at the tip of the spear, and involved in every facet of the operation. As the Comskey guardship and Commander, Destroyer Squadron Fifty flagship for maritime interdiction operations in the North Persian Gulf. Peterson was praised as 'One of the best to have operated in the Persian Gulf in a long time!'. She operated as Surface Action Group commander of the JASK operating area in the Gulf of Oman
Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman or Sea of Oman is a strait that connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then runs to the Persian Gulf. It is generally included as a branch of the Persian Gulf, not as an arm of the Arabian Sea. On the north coast is Pakistan and Iran...
then again in the North Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India...
off Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. Peterson conducted 349 queries and 4 boardings in support of maritime interdiction operations. She supported amphibious readiness group as Combined Task Force 51 sea component commander conducting intelligence surveillance and reporting operations off the Horn of Africa
Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa is a peninsula in East Africa that juts hundreds of kilometers into the Arabian Sea and lies along the southern side of the Gulf of Aden. It is the easternmost projection of the African continent...
for exercise Edged Mallet in the Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Aden
The Gulf of Aden is located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen, on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. In the northwest, it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which is about 20 miles wide....
and Red Sea. She received more than ten accolades from national and fleet commanders for the timely, high quality reporting provided to the Office of Naval Intelligence
Office of Naval Intelligence
The Office of Naval Intelligence was established in the United States Navy in 1882. ONI was established to "seek out and report" on the advancements in other nations' navies. Its headquarters are at the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland...
, greatly improving understanding of suspect activities in the Horn of Africa region. Peterson safely completed a 196-day deployment with 178 days spent underway, with over 600 queries conducted, more than 700 flight evolutions, 34 underway replenishments, 6 sea and anchor details, and more than 500 small boat operations.
Final underway: While returning from Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
, Peterson steamed for 6 hours at full power and successfully fired 100 rounds from her 5"/54 guns. This demonstration of strength proved that she was an asset to her country until the end.
Fate
Peterson decommissioned on October 4, 2002, and was stricken from the Naval Vessel RegisterNaval Vessel Register
The Naval Vessel Register is the official inventory of ships and service craft in custody of or titled by the United States Navy. It contains information on ships and service craft that make up the official inventory of the Navy from the time a vessel is authorized through its life cycle and...
on November 6, 2002. On February 16, 2004 she was sunk in support of weapons effect tests for the new DD-21 program, later renamed DD(X), followed by a renaming to the DDG 1000 which is the current program of record.