PRESERVING OUR HISTORY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

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January 1

1917 - DD-27 enters the Mississippi River stopping at New Orleans before proceeding to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

1981 - CG-31 begins the year moored outboard of USS LEAHY (CG 16) at pier four, Naval Station, San Diego.  She starts preparing for her scheduled change of homeport to the Philippines in the summer by completing Supply Material Inspection, Weapons Certifications, Refresher Training, and a Nuclear Weapons Acceptance Inspection.

 

January 2

2016 - After a six-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at BAE Systems shipyard, DDG 104 moved "dead-stick" to Berth 6, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego.

 

January 3

1919 - After the end of World War I, DD-27 returns to Charleston until she is moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she is decommissioned.

 

January 4

1945 - DD-407 participates in the Luzon Operation earning her 11th battle star on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon during Lingayen Gulf landing (4 - 18 January).

 

January 5

1976 - CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 105°46E in the South China Sea.

1984 - CG-31 deploys to the Middle East as part of Battle Group ALFA with the USS MIDWAY (CV 41), relieving the USS RANGER (CV 61) and Battle Group ECHO.

2024 - DDG-104 moors at berth 3, Pier 15 in Manila South Harbor, Republic of the Philippines, for a scheduled 4-day post visit.

 

January 7

1969 - DLG-31 begins her fourth line period (7 - 27 January) with COMDESRON THREE embarked as Tonkin Gulf SAR Coordinator with HC-7 Det 107 (CLEM II) embarked earning her second Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Vietnam Counter-Offensive VI, 02 November 1968 to 22 February 1969).

1972 - In company with the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) and USS MAHAN (DLG 11), DLG-31 gets underway on her first WESTPAC since returning to the United States.

2019 - The USS STERETT Association becomes a Plankowner of the National Museum of the Surface Navy (NMSN) at the Battleship IOWA at the Post of Los Angeles, California.

 

January 8

1994 - CG-31 conducts its last Dependent's Day cruise off the Southern California Operating Areas.

2024 - Captain Craig M. Trent relieves Captain Thomas G. Chekouras as Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 during a change of command ceremony onboard DDG-104 in Manila, Republic of the Philippines.

 

January 9

1807 - Andrew Sterett dies off the coast of Cape Horn, Chile.

2008 - DDG-104 begins Alpha Trails to test the ship’s operational capability of key communication, damage control, navigation, and propulsion systems.

 

January 10

1994 - CG-31 begins the decommissioning restricted availability (RAV) stretching for 74 days during which the combat system suite was completely removed and the ship was stripped of all usable equipment and parts.  In total, 40 pallets worth 10 million dollars of equipment was redistributed to other U.S. Naval units.

 

January 11

1991 - Upon departing Singapore, CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 160°00W in the South China Sea before proceeding to Pattaya Beach, Thailand, for liberty.

 

January 13

2020 - DDG-104 is underway for Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training and NIMITZ Strike Group exercises.

 

January 14

1944 - LCDR Frank G. Gould is relieved by CDR Francis J.L. Boulin as DD-407's fourth Commanding Officer while the ship is inport Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Eventually, CDR Francis J. Blouin rises to the rank of Vice Admiral.

1970 - DLG-31 conducts the ninth line period in the Tonkin Gulf (14 January - 6 February).

 

January 15

1942 - DD-407 sails to Argentia, Newfoundland, to meet Task Force (TF) 15 and escort a convoy to Iceland. 

2022 - After years of being assigned to Commander Destroyer squadron NINE (CDS 9) homeported at Naval Station Everett, WA, DDG-104 is assigned to Commander Destroyer Squadron ONE (CDS 1) homeported at Naval Station San Diego, CA. 

 

January 16

2021 - By a unanimous vote, the USS STERETT Association Board of Directors establishes the Stephen P. Hayes Memorial Award.  The award recognizes DDG-104's four Sailors of the Year (three since 2022) who embody the spirit that Master Chief Hayes lived by during his lifetime and their names are inscribed on the perpetual plaque located in the ship's messdecks.

 

January 17

1803 - While in command of ENTERPRISE, Lt. Andrew Sterett captures the ship Paulina which attempted to transport cargo from Malta into the port of Tripoli under the imperial flag of the Bey of Tunis. Sterett remarked to Paulina's crew, "Go tell the Bashaw of Tripoli and the people of your country that in the future they pay expect only a tribute of powder and ball from the Sailors of the United States."

 

January 18

1943 - During the overhaul at Mare Island, California, CDR Jesse G. Coward is relieved by LCDR Frank G. Gould as DD-407's third Commanding Officer.

 

January 23

1990 - From 23 - 28 January, CG-31 operates in the South China Sea conducting a Naval Gun Fire Support (NGFS) exercise at the Tabones range.

 

January 27

1778 - Andrew Sterett is born in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of John and Deborah Sterett.

1945 - After being transferred via highline in the Philippine Sea, CDR Francis J.L. Boulin is relieved by Gordon B. Williams as DD-407's fifth and last Commanding Officer.

 

January 28

1987 - For the first time since 1981, CG-31 returns to the United States with a port visit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to complete various training including SAR, firefighting and General DC training for the entire crew.  Additionally, numerous inspections were conducted, and the Combat Systems Sea Qualifications Test was successfully completed (28 January - 15 March).

 

January 29

1944 - DD-407 participates in the Marshall Islands Operation (29 January - 8 February) earning her eight of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon during the occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls.

1972 - After stops in Pearl Harbor and Guam, DLG-31 pulled into Subic Bay to prepare for duties as CTU 77.0.2. in the Gulf of Tonkin, which included the installation of 50 caliber machine guns on the 04 level, SEE SAW II gear in CIC, and a command picnic on Grande Island.

February

February 1

1800 - Lt. Andrew Sterett is the first lieutenant onboard CONSTELLATION when she defeats the powerful French frigate La Vengeance during the Quasi-War with France (1798-1801).

1974 - DLG-31 begins a 10-month Regular Overhaul period at Naval Shipyard, Long Beach, California (1 February - 19 December).

 

February 3

1802 - The U.S. Congress resolved that Lt. Andrew Sterett receives a commemorative sword; the rest of Enterprise's crew received a month's pay for defeating the Tripolitan corsair Tripoli, after a fierce but one-sided battle just west of Malta. Enterprise emerged unscathed and the battered pirate into port.

1978 - CAPT Charles G. Farnham is relieved by CAPT Joseph S. Donnell III becoming CG-31's third Commanding Officer on the flightdeck inport San Diego, CA.

 

February 5

2012 - DDG-104 participates in an annual exercise Stakenet, in the Arabian Gulf, along with USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53), USS TYPHOON (PC 5), USS CHINOOK (PC 9), HMS Argyll (F231), KNS Al Nokhetna and KNS Maskan (February 5-9).

 

February 6

1980 - CAPT Joseph S. Donnell III is relieved by CAPT Daniel C. Richardson becoming CG-31's fourth Commanding Officer at U.S. Naval Station Long Beach, CA.

2008 - DDG-104 begins Bravo Trails which is the acceptance trial conducted by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

2018 - DDG-104 departs San Diego with USS DEWEY (DDG 105) for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment (5th) as part of a Surface Action Group (SAG). HSM-49 detachment is embarked.

 

February 9

1799 - Lt. Andrew Sterett commands a battery of CONSTELLATION's great guns in a battle against the 40-gun French frigate L'Insurgente during the Quasi-War with France (1798-1801). L'Insurgente lost 29 dead and 14 wounded; the only American loss was a seaman run through by Sterett's saber in a summary execution, the seaman, Neal Harvey, having abandoned his post in a panic.

1942 - Leaving Hvalfjordur, Iceland, DD-407 returns to the United States and is assigned a six-day availability at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York.

2021 - As part of the NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group (CSG), DDG-104 participates the first dual carrier operation of the year with the THEODORE ROOSEVELT CSG in the South China Sea.

 

February 10

1943 - After two months at Mare Island, California, to repair gunfire damage from the Battle of Guadalcanal, DD-407 sets sail joining Nassau (CVE 16) at Pearl Harbor, and together they enter Espiritu Santo on 8 March. STERETT resumes her original assignment guarding convoys to the Solomons-Bismarks area and patrolling the area to prevent reinforcement from being moved into fray.

1972 - DLG-31 begins her first line period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1972 deployment (10 February - 03 March) earning her seventh Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Consolidation II, 1 December 1971 to 29 March 1972).  Relieved USS CHICAGO (CG 11) as CTU-77.2 (PIRAZ).

 

February 11

1802 - While in command of ENTERPRISE, Lt. Andrew Sterett again sails to Tripoli, this time to blockade the coast and to protect a merchant convoy along the coast of Spain and Gibraltar.

 

February 13

1982 - While inport Sasebo, Japan, CAPT Daniel C. Richardson is relieved by CAPT George E. Sullivan III becoming CG-31's fifth Commanding Officer.

2013 - DDG-104 commences a three-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Continental Maritime of San Diego shipyard.

 

February 15

1984 - While at sea in Indian Ocean, CAPT George E. Sullivan III is relieved by CAPT Jimmy H. McCoy becoming CG-31's 6th Commanding Officer.

1988 - After turning over with Battle Group ECHO, CG-31 as part of Battle Group ALFA proceeds towards Pattaya Beach, Thailand (23 - 27 February).

 

February 16

1944 - DD-407 participates in the Asiatic-Pacific Raids earning her ninth of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon during the Truk attack (16 - 17 February) and Mariana attack (21 - 22 February).

2018 - DDG-104 arrives in Pearl Harbor, HI, for a routine port visit. STERETT and USS DEWEY (DDG 105) are part of a Surface Action Group (SAG) scheduled to conduct operations in the Indo-Pacific region and will support the WASP Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to advance U.S. Pacific Fleet's "Up-Gunned" concept.

 

February 17

1977 - CG-31 commences a Western Pacific and Middle East deployment with Sea Snake 14 from HSL-33 (Det ONE) onboard and by participating in RIMPAC 77 Fleet Exercise.

 

February 19

2014 - DDG-104 conducts a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Block IV Operational Test Launch (OTL) at the Pacific Missile Test Range off the Coast of Port Hueneme, California.

 

February 21

1972 - DLG-31 became the first Navy ship to direct the downing of a MIG-21 by an Air Force CAP. STERETT's Air Intercept Controller (AIC) was RD1 Bill Bunch.

2024 - A part of the CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group, DDG-104 returns to Naval Base San Diego after a deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations immensely contributing to our nation's security, which included port visits to Pearl Harbor twice; Sasebo, Japan; Changi, Singapore; and Manila, Philippines.

 

February 22

2011 - DDG-104 is attacked without warning by Somali pirates using rocket-propelled grenades during negotiations with the pirates for the release of four U.S. hostages, who were eventually killed.

 

February 25

1943 - DD-407 conducts a crossing the line ceremony on their way to Espiritu Santo in the South Pacific.

1969 - DLG-31 begins her fifth line period (25 February - 12 March) with COMDESRON THREE embarked as Tonkin Gulf SAR Coordinator with HC-7 Det 108 (CLEM II) embarked.

 

February 26

2021 - DDG-104, part of NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego after a more than 10-month deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet, which included freedom of navigation operations and participation in Operations Freedom's Sentinel, Inherent Resolve and Octave Quartz.

 

February 27

1947 - DD-407 is stricken from the Navy list.

1989 - CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '89 (27 February - 21 March) assuming duties as advance force commander and anti-air warfare commander.

2024 - The crew of DDG-104 is notified that have won the 2023 Battle "E" for an unprecedented 8th time in her short 15-year history.

March

March 1

1803 - Lt. Andrew Sterett relinquishes command of ENTERPRISE to Lt. Isaac Hull.

2021 - The crew of DDG-104 is notified that have won the 2020 Battle "E" for an unprecedented 7th time in her short 12 year history.

 

March 2

2017 - CDR Matthew W. Cieslukowski is relieved by CDR Claudine E. Caluori becoming DDG-104's seventh Commanding Officer at Pier 10, Naval Base, San Diego.

 

March 4

1988 - CG-31 returns to homeport Subic Bay after a 4-month deployment with the USS MIDWAY Battle Group to the 5th Fleet AoR.

 

March 6

1972 - While inport Subic Bay, R.P., CAPT H. E. Reichert becomes DLG-31's fourth Commanding Officer when he relieves CAPT Jack Hilton.

1983 - CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '83 conducted in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea (6 - 17 March).

1991 - CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '91 (3 - 17 March).

 

March 7

1973 - An SH-2D LAMPS Helo from HSL-31, Imperial Beach, flies aboard DLG-31.  The ship welcomed aboard four pilots and maintenance personnel remaining aboard until the end of the deployment.

 

March 8

1935 - DD-27 is stricken from the Naval Vessel Registry after a little more than 15 years of inactivity and was sold for scrapping to M. Black and Company of Norfolk, Virginia on 28 June 1935.

 

March 9

1973 - DLG-31 departs on deployment with the USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43), USS REASONER (FF 1063) and USS CAMDEN (AOE 1) to form TU 37.1.2 with CAPT Reichert being the Senior Officer present afloat (SOPA) as CTU 37.1.2.

2011 - CDR Darren G. McPherson is relieved by CDR Richard C. McDaniel becoming DDG-104's third Commanding Officer.

 

March 11

1977 - In the evening while conducting an exercise with the two French Navy ships, CG-31's helicopter crashed into the sea killing LCDR Jeff Smith.  The ship was able to recover the other two crewman who escaped from the sinking helicopter.

1979 - For the second time in the deployment, CG-31 transits the Malacca Straits westward to provide an American presence in the area of the border conflict between North and South Yemen. The transit is in company of USS CONSTALLATION (CV 64) and is completed in five days at a speed of 28 knots. The tension was high with frequent overflights by Soviet and Soviet supplied aircraft. STERETT is awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation (12 March - 19 April 1979).

 

March 12

1973 - DLG-31's laundry dryer has a small fire rendering it impossible to do the crew's laundry.  While in Pearl Harbor two days later, the laundry dryer was replaced, and arrangements were made to have the crew's laundry done by a civilian firm.  The clean laundry was returned to the ship; however, it seems as though no one had told the laundry to keep the officer's, CPO's and enlisted men's clothing separated because when the laundry bags were opened it was found all the clothes had been mixed.  STERETT's crew had quite a laundry party separating and finding their own clothes.

2021 - CDR Andrew B. Koy is relieved by CDR Shaun Dennis becoming DDG-104's tenth Commanding Officer while the ship is pierside at Naval Base, San Diego.

 

March 13

2012 - DDG-104 arrives at Khalifa Bin Salman Port at Hidd for a four-day visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

2023 - At Naval Submarine Base Point Loma, California, DDG-104 hosts the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations in addition to serving as the backdrop for a historic trilateral security pact between the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

 

 March 14

1985 - CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '85, a multi-services exercise off the Coast of Korea.  STERETT served as anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) picket in the East China Sea, Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan (14 - 24 March).

 

March 15

1986 - CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '86 and is assigned AAW picket in the northern Sea of Japan (15 - 22 March).

 

March 17

1969 - DLG-31 conducts SPECOPS with COMCARDIV THREE as CTG 71.0 in the Sea of Japan.

1970 - DLG-31 conducts the 10th line period in the Tonkin Gulf (17 March - 17 April) earning her fifth Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Vietnam, Winter-Spring 1970, 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970).

 

March 19

2019 - DDG-104 undocks and moves pierside at BAE Systems shipyard.

 

March 20

1943 - DD-407 earns her fourth of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service during the Consolidation of the Southern Solomon Islands (20 March - 07 April).

 

March 21

1972 - DLG-31 begins her second line period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1972 deployment (21 March - 19 May).

 

March 22

1909 - DD-27 keel is laid down at Quincy, Massachusetts, by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company.

 

March 23

1971 - DLG-31 completes its first regular overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard and returns to San Diego on 26 March.

1982 - CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '82 with the MIDWAY Battle GROUP (23 March - 01 April).

1984 - The USS MIDWAY and Battle Group ALFA consisting of CG-31, USS O'BRIEN, USS FRANCIS HAMMOND, USS KIRK, USS COHRANE, USNS HASSAYAMPA, USNS NAVASOTA,, and USS KILAUEA conduct a joint formation with seven ships of the British Royal Navy consisting of the HMS GLAMORGAN, HMS AURORA, HMS BRAZEN, HMS ROTHESAY, RFA BLUE ROVER, RFA REGENT, and RFA APPLELEAF to form one of the largest international Naval groups in the recent history of the region.

1985 - CG-31 is ordered to shadow a Soviet Task Group headed by the aircraft carrier NOVOROSSYISK and escorts it to the vicinity of their homeport of Vladivostok.

 

March 24

1994 - CG-31 is decommissioned at Naval Station San Diego after almost 27 years of service.

 

March 25

1798 - Andrew Sterett enters the United States Navy as a Lieutenant at the age of twenty.

1967 - The initial crew of DLG-31 moved aboard the ship consisting of 24 officers and 382 enlisted men.  About twenty percent of the crew check into the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in September/October 1966, forming the nucleus crew, and the other eighty percent checked into the Fleet Training Center, San Diego, forming the balance crew.

March 26

1973 - DLG-31's helo left STERETT to pick up the Chaplain for divine services.  As the helo cleared the deck and was about 1,000 yards off STERETT's port beam, one of the engines malfunctioned and it crashed into the sea.  All three crew members were safely recovered.

 

March 27

2018 - DDG-104 is moored at China Merchants Wharf in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Island, for a three-day liberty port visit.

 

March 28

2014 - CDR Stewart L. Bateshansky is relieved by CDR Theodore J. Nunamaker becoming DDG-104's fifth Commanding Officer aboard the ship at Naval Base San Diego.

2015 - DDG-104 coordinates the search and recovery of two Saudi Arabia air force pilots after their F-15 suffers mechanical failure and crashes in the Gulf of Aden.

 

March 30

1972 - DLG-31 participated in the downing of two MIGs.  AIC was RDC K.C. Hendrix who vectored an F-4 CAP from the 432nd WING in for a clear shot at the first MIG.  The second MIG survived six missile shots only to be trapped over Vinh airfield and run out of fuel brining STERETT's total of three MIG downings, a record shared at that time by only two other ships.

 

March 31

2017 - After embarking DESRON 31 and HSM-49, DDG-104 departs San Diego for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment (4th) as part of a Surface Action Group (SAG) with USS DEWEY (DDG 105).

April

April 1

1945 - DD-407 participates in the Okinawa Operation earning her 12th and final battle star on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon during Assault and Occupation of Okinawa (1 - 19 April).

2015 - DDG-104 conducts Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Gulf of Aden with a primary focus to intercept strategic arms bound for Houthi rebels in Yemen.

 

April 2

1973 - DLG-31 begins her first line period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1973 deployment (2 April - 30 May).

 

April 4

1942 - As part of Wasp (CV 7) task group, DD-407 enters Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, performing escort duty with the British Home Fleet.

 

April 6

1972 - After being shot down by a SA-2, CDR Mason C. Gilfry XO of VA-195 (KITTY HAWK/CVW-11) is recovered by Big Mother 60. The HH-3A then proceeds to DLG-31 where the pilot is examined before his return to KITTY HAWK.

 

April 7

1943 - Just north of the eastern tip of Guadalcanal, DD-407 was attacked by over sixty Japanese Val dive-bombers injuring six Shipmates including Lieutenant Charles R. "Cal" Calhoun, author of Tin Can Sailor, Life Aboard the USS Sterett 1939-1945.

 

April 8

1967 - DLG-31 is commissioned at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS), Bremerton, Washington. CAPT Edward A. Christopherson, Jr., assumes command. Welcoming remarks are made by the Commander, PSNS Rear Admiral W.F. Petrovic. Introduction of the Guest Speaker was made by the Commander, Thirteenth Naval District Rear Admiral W.E. Ferrall. Guest Speaker was the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Paul H. Nitze, and the Ship's Sponsor was his wife Mrs. Paul H. Nitze.

 

April 9

1945 - While conducting Carrier Air Patrol in the Northern Radar Picket One, DD-407 is hit by a kamikaze plane off the coast of Okinawa.  The plane hit the ship just above the waterline and directly below the bridge, exploding into the mess hall. It made a ten-foot hole in the ship's side, bashed in the diesel generator, and did some damage to the fuel oil tanks directly below.  Fortunately, there we no dead and only minor injuries.  STERETT was able to steam towards Kerama Reto under her own power.  For his performance during and after the kamikaze attack, CDR Gordon "Gordy" Williams was awarded the Navy Cross.

 

April 14

1942 - DD-407 earns her first battle start on her African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon for her service in the Reinforcement of Malta (14 April - 16 May 1942).

 

April 16

1969 - DLG-31 is ordered underway on short notice to become flagship of a four ship SAR unit in the Sea of Japan after an EC-121 is downed by the North Koreans (16 - 21 April).

1979 - CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 70°25E after departing Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

 

April 17

2018 - DDG-104 conducts a PHOTOEX with the USS WASP (LHD 1), USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20), USS ASHLAND (LSD 48) and USS DEWEY (DDG 105), while underway east of Okinawa, Japan, as part of the ESG's Certification Exercise (CERTEX).

 

April 19

1972 - DLG-31 is attacked (Dong Hoi Action) by multiple enemy MIG aircraft and missile patrol boats.  Engaging with Terrier missiles, she shot down one MIG in an action for which she received the Combat Action Ribbon and a Navy Unit Commendation (NUC).

1984 - Enroute to Singapore, CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 083°12E in the Indian Ocean.

 

April 21

1988 - After arriving in Pusan, Korea, (21- 22 March) CG-31 participates in Team Spirit '88 as northern picket for Battle Group ALFA and the amphibious readiness group off the coast of Korea.  As Team Spirit drew to a close, several units of the Soviet Navy that includes the carrier NOVOROSYSK departed Vladivostok with STERETT tasked to shadow them for a week (23 March - 6 April).

 

April 22

1969 - DLG-31 is Screen Commander for TG 71.4 during SPECOPS in the Yellow Sea followed by PARPRO Protection Picket (27 April - 14 May).

2012 - DDG-104 participates in a multinational exercise Arabian Shark, in the Arabian Sea, with the navies from Great Britain, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

 

April 23

1972 - DLG-31's LAMPS helo is used in a search and rescue (SAR) incident that saves the life of an Air Force F-4 pilot off Dong Hoi, Vietnam.

 

April 25

2008 - DDG-104 delivery-move aboard date, which is the official custody turnover of the ship from the building yard to the U.S. Navy. CDR Brian P. Eckerle signs responsibility for the ship, becoming its first Commanding Officer.

 

April 26

1974 - CAPT Phillip K. Collins relieves CAPT H.E. Reichert as DLG-31s fifth and last Commanding Officer while STERETT is still in drydock number 2, Naval Shipyard, Long Beach, California.

 

April 27

2011 - DDG-104 returns to homeport after a six-month maiden deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibilities (AoR).

 

April 29

2017 - DDG-104 moors at China Merchants Wharf in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Island, for a four-day liberty port visit.

 

April 30

2015 - DDG-104 crosses the equator for the first time.

May

May 1

1800 - Lt. Andrew Sterett reports onboard the newly launched PRESIDENT as first lieutenant.  Commodore Thomas Truxton is in command of the West Indies Station.  PRESIDENT was a three-master 44-gun heavy frigate and the last of the U.S. Navy's first heavy frigates to be built.

1967 - DLG-31's 18-man drill team led by LT Matthew L. Wood, Jr., participates in Bremerton's Loyalty Day Parade.

 

May 2

1941 - LCDR Atherton Macondray is relieved by CDR Jesse G. Coward becoming DD-407's second Commanding Officer.  CDR Coward rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and is awarded the Navy Cross twice - while in command of DD-407 and as Commander, Destroyer Squadron FIFTY-FOUR.

 

May 4

1940 - Assigned to Destroyer Division 15, DD-407 rendezvous with Hammann (DD 412) at Guantanamo Bay, and the two destroyers steam for San Diego via the Panama Canal.

2023 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 13th reunion in San Diego, California (4 - 7 May).  Although the newest USS STERETT (DDG 104) was not inport due to operational commitments, 211 Shipmates and guests attended to celebrate the USS STERETT Association’s 25th Anniversary and the USS STERETT (DDG 104)’s 15 years in keeping us safe around the world – hooyah!!!

 

May 5

1805 - Master Commandant Andrew Sterett returns to the United States from his East Indies excursion after shipwrecking and spending time in Lisbon, Portugal.

 

May 6

1970 - DLG-31 conducts the 11th and last line period in the Tonkin Gulf (6 - 27 May) earning her sixth Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Sanctuary Counter-offensive, 1 May to 30 June 1970).

1977 - CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 119°19E in the Celebes Sea.

 

May 7

1989 - CG-31 rendezvous with USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) and USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60), which includes a 7-day port visit to Hong Kong (9 - 15 May).

 

May 10

1991 - CG-31 departs from Alava Pier, Subic Bay, after almost 10 years in the Republic of the Philippines with stops in Guam (15 May), swim call (23 May), Pearl Harbor (24 - 28 May) and finally embarks ten Midshipmen and 42 "Tigers."

2017 - DDG-104 is anchored off the coast of Songhla, Thailand, for a brief stop before participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise, along with the USS CORONADO (LCS 4), RSS Intrepid (69) and HTMS Naresuan (FFG 421).

2020 - DDG-104 departs on a scheduled deployment (6th) in the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibilities (AoR) with the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN.  HSM-35 Magicians Det 4 is embarked.

 

May 11

1984 - CG-31 returns to homeport Subic Bay, R.P., having completed a four-month Indian Ocean cruise that consisted of 100 continuous days at sea and port visits to Singapore and Pattaya Beach, Thailand.

2018 - DDG-104 returns to San Diego after a three-month deployment to the 7th Fleet AoR that included port visits to Pearl Harbor, Guam, and Hong Kong while operating with the USS WASP (LHD 1) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7.

 

May 12

1909 - DD-27 is launched this day and her sponsor was Miss Dorothy Rosalie Sterett-Giddings.

1994 - CG-31 is transferred to the Maritime Administration being laid up at Suisun Bay, California.

2017 - DDG-104 is anchored off Changi Naval Base in Singapore to participate in International Maritime Review (IMR); Participated in pass-in review on May 15.

2022 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 12th reunion in San Antonio, Texas (12 - 15 May).

 

May 14

1941 - When Mississippi (BB 41) exits Pearl Harbor on this day, DD-407 was in her screen sailing eastward transiting the Panama Canal and arriving in Norfolk, VA, on 28 June 1941.

2013 - After a three-month Selected Restrictive Availability (SRA) at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Continental Maritime of San Diego shipyard DDG-104 returns from sea trials in the local operation areas.

 

May 15

1990 - Due to recent attacks on U.S., military personnel, CG-31 personnel begin drawing Hostile Fire Pay until the ship departs Subic Bay May 10, 1991.

 

May 17

1972 - CDR Wilkerson safely bailed out of his plane into the Gulf of Tonkin and is picked up by Big Mother 64 from the USS CONSTELLATION under the control of DLG-31's controllers.

1979 - CG-31 returns from a 7-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet Area of Operations with port visits to the Philippines, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Diego Garcia.

2005 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 5th reunion in Portland, Maine (17 - 20 May), coinciding with the Christening of the new Sterett DDG-104 in nearby Bath Iron Works Shipyard.

2021 - DDG-104 is moved "dead-stick" to Continental Marine of San Diego (CMSD) shipyard.

 

May 18

1987 - As part of Battle Group ALFA, CG-31 departs Subic Bay enroute to Sydney (3 - 7 June) and Melbourne, Australia (10 - 14 June).

2007 - Stepping the Mast ceremony is held for DDG-104, which was attended by several of members of the USS STERETT Association.

 

May 19

2007 - DDG-104 is christened by Michelle Sterett Bernson (Ship's Sponsor), Diana Sterett (Matron of Honor and Michelle's mother), and Dr. Le T. Phung (Matron of Honor).

 

May 20

 

1804 - Master Commandant Andrew Sterett's official date of rank. He is nominated third on the list sent by Navy Secretary Robert Smith to President Thomas Jefferson. Nominated by the U.S. Senate on November 7 and confirmed November 22.

2007 - DDG-104 is launched and enters the water for the first time.

2011 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 7th reunion in Biloxi, Mississippi (20 - 22 May).  After holding Reunions on the East and West Coasts, this was a great choice of location on the Gulf Coast.  91 Shipmates and guests were present.

 

May 21

1989 - CG-31 concludes a historic 3-day port visit to Shanghai, China, which is a first of its kind for U.S. warships in forty years with USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) and USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60).

 

May 22

1972 - After arriving in Subic Bay for a well-deserved port visit, DLG-31 hosts CINCPACFLT ADM B.A. Clarey who came aboard to personally congratulate STERETT personnel on the recent victories during its 1972 deployment off the coast of Vietnam.

 

May 23

1940 - DD-407 arrives in San Diego and for a month dividing her time between training and plane guarding Enterprise (CV 6).

1976 - CG-31 completes a 7-month deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Operations that included port visits to Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan.

 

May 24

1803 - Lt. Andrew Sterett is requested by the Secretary of the Navy to superintend the building of the schooner VIXEN at Baltimore, MD.

 

May 25

1798 - Andrew Sterett reports aboard the newly commissioned frigate CONSTELLATION as Third Lieutenant with Captain Thomas Truxton in command.

1969 - DLG-31 conducts the sixth line period in the Tonkin Gulf (25 May to 19 June) earning her third Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Tet 69 Counter-Offensive, 23 February to 08 June 1969).

 

May 26

2022 - DDG-104 is moved "dead-stick" to Pride of California Dry Dock, in BAE Systems shipyard, for dry-dock.

 

May 29

1972 - DLG-31 begins her third line period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1972 deployment (29 May - 11 Jun).

1987 - Enroute to Sydney, Australia, CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 151°30E in the Philippine Sea.

1990 - CG-31 conducts a four-day port visit to Hong Kong during where STERETT helps the American Club of Hong Kong celebrate its sixty-fifth birthday, and 25 First Class Midshipmen are embarked for their summer training (29 May - 1 June).

 

May 30

1982 - On its way from Subic Bay to Singapore, CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 106°00E in the South China Sea.

 

May 31

1914 - LTJG Harry Booth Hird is relieved by LT George Wirt Simpson becoming DD-27's fifth Commanding Officer. LT Simpson rose to the rank of Commander and was awarded the Navy Cross.

1918 - DD-27 comes upon a surfaced U-boat. As STERETT closed, the submarine rapidly submerged as she began dropping depth charges furiously. Air bubbles and oil soon appeared on the surface indicating damage to the German raider. For their dogged determination, the officers and men of STERETT received the commendation of the Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Ireland.

June

June 1

1803 - Lt. Andrew Sterett returns to the United States as a passenger aboard the CHESAPEAKE.

1916 - DD-27 is part of the fleet which landed and supported the Marines at Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, and marched to Santiago to restore order and to protect lives and property.

 

June 2

1801 - In command of ENTERPRISE, Lt. Andrew Sterett sails from Hampton Roads for the Straits of Gibraltar.  ENTERPRISE is part the Mediterranean Squadron led by Commodore Richard Dale, which is authorized under the Peace Establishment Act of 1801 that orders a massive naval demobilization.

 

June 3

1805 - Master Commandant Andrew Sterett is ordered to superintend the brig HORNET building at Baltimore under the agency of Col. John Stricker.

2016 - After a two-day underway for Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) summer cruise, DDG-104 is moored at Berth 2, Pier 3 on Naval Base San Diego.

 

June 4

1970 - Before ending DLG-31's two-year Westpac deployment to Yokosuka, Japan, the crew visited the Japan World Exposition (EXPO) with a port visit to Kobe, Japan (4-6 June).

1991 - After almost 10 years overseas and trailing a four-hundred-foot homecoming pennant, CG-31 arrives in her new and final home port of San Diego, California.

2015 - DDG-104 returns to homeport after a nine-and-a-half month deployment, which included port visits to Singapore, Jebel Ali U.A.E., Bahrain, Abu Dhabi U.A.E., Muscat Oman, Phuket Thailand, Bali Indonesia, and Pearl Harbor to embark "Tigers."

 

June 5

1942 - After returning to Norfolk on 27 May 1942 from duty with the British Home Fleet, DD-407 is put to sea bound for San Diego arriving on 19 June.

 

June 6

1982 - CG-31 participates in Cobra Gold '82 with the Royal Thai Navy (6 - 13 May).

 

June 9

1917 - Operating from Queenstown, Ireland, during WWI, DD-27 meets convoys and conducts them to either Berehaven, Ireland, or to Devonport, England.

1978 - CG-31 with HSL 35 Det 1 embarked participates in Portland Rose Festival with Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, VADM William St. George, embarked (9 - 12 June).

 

June 10

1919 - LCDR James Thomas Alexander is relieved by LT William Dwayne Austin becoming DD-27's ninth Commanding Officer.

1982 - CG-31 rescued a boat of 15 refugees who had been beset upon by pirates and left to drift. All crewmembers aboard are awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal.

 

June 11

1944 - DD-407 participates in the Mariana Island Operation earning her 10th battle star on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service in Capture and occupation of Saipan (11 - 24 June), First Bonin Island raids (15 - 16 June), Battle of the Philippine Sea (19 - 20 June), Capture and occupation of Guam (12 - 15 August), and Palau-Yap-Ulithi raid (25 - 27 July).

 

June 12

2017 - DDG-104 is moored at South Sea Fleet Naval Base in Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China, for a four-day port visit; Participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the PLA(N) Huangshan (FFG 570) on June 16.

 

June 15

1911 - LCDR Robert Lawrence Berry is relieved by LCDR Frank Robert McCrary becoming DD-27's second Commanding Officer. LCDR McCrary rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Navy Cross.

1991 - Mt. Pinatubo explodes in the Philippines leaving over 24,000 active duty, civilians and CG-31 family members stranded in Subic Bay and densely populated areas.

2001 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 2nd reunion in Longmont, Colorado (15 - 17 June).

 

June 16

1967 - DLG-31 is formally delivered to and accepted by the U.S. Navy. Upon acceptance, the ship is assigned to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as flagship of Destroyer Squadron THREE, homeported in Long Beach, California.

 

June 18

2017 - DDG-104 is moored at Alava Pier in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, for a routine port call (18 - 22 June).  Subic Bay was CG-31's homeport for almost 10 years (19 August 1981 - 10 May 1991). 

 

June 19

1968 - DLG-31 departs Long Beach, California, in company with USS MACKENZIE (DD 836) enroute to her new homeport Yokosuka, Japan, via Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Midway Island. COMDERON 3 is embarked during this period.

1973 - DLG-31 begins her second line period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1973 deployment (19 June - 17 July).

1986 - After a 5-day inport visit to Inchon, Korea, CG-31 gets underway and participates in target practice for USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) in the Sea of Japan.

 

June 20

1982 - After leaving Thailand in transit with TURNER JOY, BENJAMIN STODDART, and LYNDE MCCORMICK, CG-31 is fired on by Vietnamese fishing boat 20NM south of Con Son Island, SRV.

1998 - The USS STERETT Association is officially formed in Aurora, Colorado.

 

June 21

1972 - DLG-31 begins her fourth line and last period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1972 deployment (21 Jun - 16 July) earning her eighth Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Vietnam Ceasefire Campaign, 30 March 1972 to 29 January 1973).

1986 - At about 0230 local time while operating with Task Group 70.10 and Task Groups 76.4, CG-31 runs aground near Yeongil-Man Bay, a bay near Pohang, Korea.

 

June 22

2017 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 10th reunion in Nashville, Tennessee (22 - 25 June).  A down-home good time was had by a record-breaking turnout in “Music City, U.S.A.” with 182 in attendance.

 

June 23

2005 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 4th reunion in Baltimore, Maryland (23 - 26 June), Lt. Andrew Sterett's hometown.

 

June 24

1940 - DD-407 sails for Hawaii with Enterprise (CV 6) and five other destroyers arriving 02 July. She operates out of Pearl Harbor for the next 10 months, participating in a number of exercises and patrols.

1985 - CG-31 deploys with Battle Group ALFA (MIDWAY Battle Group) to the Indian Ocean.

 

June 25

2018 - DDG-104 arrives in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is moored outboard to USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG 93) to participate in a biennial multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2018) that includes 26 Nations, 47 ships, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel, plus five submarines.

 

June 26

2008 - DDG-104's final departure from the construction yard (Bath Iron Works) for her commissioning in Baltimore, Maryland, the birthplace of Master Commandant Andrew Sterett.  It signified the end of the new construction period and the beginning of her life as an operational asset for our nation.

 

June 29

1801 - After experiencing a strong transatlantic passage, the ENTERPRISE with Lt. Andrew Sterett in command creeps into Gibraltar Bay.  Commodore Dale learns that Tripoli has declared war on the United States six weeks earlier.

1805 - Master Commandant Andrew Sterett reluctantly tenders his resignation from the Naval Service due to Lt. Stephen Decatur, Jr.'s promotion to Captain, an officer junior in rank.

 

June 30

1964 - DLG-31 is launched at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington.

1970 - For her service in Vietnam (2 July 1968 to 30 June 1970), DLG-31 is awarded the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC).

1975 - With all of her sister ships, DLG-31 is re-designated as a guided missile cruiser (CG 31).  CAPT Phillip K. Collins becomes CG-31's first Commanding Officer.

July

July 1

1942 - As part of Task Force 18, DD-407 steams via Tongatabu to the Fiji Island where STERETT assimilates into Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner's South Pacific Amphibious Expeditionary Force and practices invasion techniques until 1 August 1942.

 

July 2

1983 - CG-31 host the COMNAVSURFGRUWESTPAC Change of Command ceremony when Commodore P.D. Butcher relieves Rear Admiral D.P. Roane.

1986 - At Ship Repair Facility, Subic Bay, CG-31 begins an interim dry dock period that would last until mid-August to repair damage after running aground near Pohang, Korea (2 July - 15 August).

2009 - CDR Brian P. Eckerle is relieved by CDR Darren G. McPherson becoming DDG-104's second Commanding Officer.

 

July 4

1911 - LCDR Frank Robert McCrary is relieved by LT Charles Thomas Hutchings, Jr. becoming DD-27's third Commanding Officer. LT Hutchins rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Navy Cross during World War I.

 

July 5

1805 - Master Commandant Andrew Sterett's resignation is accepted "with regret" by Navy Department effective June 29, 1805.

1968 - DLG-31 arrives at her new homeport of Yokosuka, Japan.

2012 - DDG-104 returns to homeport after a seventh-month deployment that included port visits to Port Klang Malaysia, Bahrain, and Yokosuka Japan.

2023 - CDR Christopher M. Descovich is relieved by CDR Jason M. Garfield becoming DDG-104's twelfth and current Commanding Officer while the ship is at pierside at Naval Base, San Diego.

July 6

1983 - After conducting a Dependent's Cruise to Manila (3 July), CG-31 gets underway to participate with the USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) Battle Group in Battle Week 83-2 (6 - 11 July).

 

July 7

1989 - CG-31 rescues 48 Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea.

 

July 8

1972 - DLG-31's CAP controller RDCS Reider vectored Air Force planes to a successful interception of two additional MIGs.

 

July 9

1971 - After visiting San Francisco for the 4th of July (2 - 5 July), DLG-31 for the first time visits Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (9 - 13 July).

1993 - CG-31 departs on a four-and-a-half month deployment to conduct Central America/Caribbean Counternarcotics Operation that included port visits to Rodman, Panama twice (25 - 30 July and 24 - 29 October); Manta, Ecuador 19 - 22 August); Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (4 - 14 October); Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (1 - 3 November); and Mazatlán, Mexico (18 - 20 November). 

2018 - DDG-104 gets underway for the at-sea portion of the biennial multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC 2018).

 

July 10

1919 - LT William Dwayne Austin is relieved by LT Thomas Leigh Gatch becoming DD-27's tenth and last Commanding Officer. LT Gatch rose to the rank of Vice Admiral and was awarded the Navy Cross.

2017 - The U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet Command prolongs DDG-104's deployment to provide capability and presence in the C7F region after her sister ship USS FITZGERALD (DDG 62) was damaged in a collision June 17 with the Filipino merchant vessel ACX Crystal about 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan.

 

July 12

2022 - The USS STERETT Association Board of Directors gather in San Diego at the Island Club, NAS North Island. They host the USS STERETT (DDG 104) Command Triad and Shipmates, and attend the ship's 10th Change of Command (14 July).

 

July 14

2020 - In the Sulu Sea, DDG-104 unveils the new battle flag in C7F.  This 30x40 foot flag pays homage to the fighting spirit of DD 407 and the ability to get back into the fight, no matter the damage taken. The torch with flames refers to our warship’s call sign, “Battle Torch.”

2022 - CDR Shaun Dennis is relieved by CDR Christopher Descovich becoming DDG-104's eleventh Commanding Officer at the U.S. THIRD Fleet Compound, San Diego.

 

July 19

1968 - DLG-31 departs Yokosuka, Japan, enroute to the Tonkin Gulf via Subic Bay, R.P. and Danang, South Vietnam, for her first line period (31 July - 4 September).

 

July 20

1983 - CG-31 rescues 173 Vietnamese refugees who were adrift off the Southern Coast of Vietnam.

 

July 21

1969 - DLG-31 conducts the seventh line period in the Tonkin Gulf (21 July - 1 August).

1983 - CG-31 picks up a second boat with 89 Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea.  A total of 262 Vietnamese refugees were turned over to Thai authorities in Pattaya Beach, Thailand, on 22 July.  STERETT received her second Humanitarian Service Award for the rescue.

1987 - CG-31 begins SRA-6. Thousands of man-hours are invested over the next three months to ensure the ship is at a peak level of combat readiness (21 July - 13 October).

1990 - CG-31 gets underway towards Kure, Japan, to begin an American-Japanese Midshipmen training exercise.

 

July 22

2005 - Admiral Mike Mullen, CG-31's former Executive Officer, becomes the 28th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and remains in office until 27 September 2007 when he is selected as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff.  While in office, Admiral Mullen makes the recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy, the Hon. Donald C. Winter, to name DDG-104 as USS STERETT becoming the fourth ship to bear Lt. Andrew Sterett's (1778-1807) name.

2017 - DDG-104 participates is a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) along with the USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6) Expeditionary Strike Group and the Royal Australian Navy ships, while underway off the coast of Queensland, Australia, at the conclusion of a biennial joint exercise Talisman Sabre 2017.

 

July 23

1940 - DD-407 conducts a crossing the line ceremony in the vicinity of Jarvis Island in the South Pacific.

 

July 24

1979 - CG-31 arrives at Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a Regular Overhaul. The ship is declared uninhabitable; therefore, the crew initially moves aboard the USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) then onto barracks 297 for the reminder of the yard period.

 

July 26

1990 - The 25 U.S. Midshipmen embark three JMSDF destroyers and 25 Japanese Midshipmen plus three JMSDF offices embark CG-31 (26 July - 1 August) in Kure enroute Yokosuka, Japan.

 

July 27

1981 - CG-31 departs San Diego enroute to its new overseas homeport in the Philippines, with stops in Pearl Harbor for many briefings concerning events and procedures for the Western Pacific area, and a brief stop for fuel in Guam.

 

July 29

1970 - DLG-31 sets sail from Yokosuka to return to the United States after more than 2 years overseas conducting operations in the Western Pacific and off the coast of Vietnam.

 

July 30

1968 - DLG-31 arrives in Danang, South Vietnam for briefings and departed for local operation areas to participate in anti-PT Boat Exercises.

 

July 31

2005 - CG-31 is sold to International Shipbreaking of Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling and recycling.

2012 - CDR Richard C. McDaniel is relieved by CDR Stewart L. Bateshansky becoming DDG-104's fourth Commanding Officer aboard the ship at Naval Base San Diego.

August

August 1

1801 - Lt. Andrew Sterett in command of ENTERPRISE defeats the Tripolitan corsair during the Barbary Wars. Congress votes to bestow to Sterett a commemorative sword and to give extra pay to his men.

 

August 2

1973 - DLG-31 begins her third and last line period off the coast of Vietnam of the 1973 deployment (2 - 16 August).

1978 - CG-31 participates in the Seattle Seafair (2 - 7 August).

 

August 4

2009 - CAPT Jay Kadowaki, commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, talks about the installation of the Metrology Bench Top (MetBench) calibration management system aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). With Kadowaki are Sterett Commanding Officer CDR Darren McPherson, left, Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Thanh Nguyen and Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ryan Otian. Sterett is the 100th ship installation for the Navy's metrology and calibration agent.

 

August 6

1943 - DD-407 participates in the Battle of Vella Gulf earning her fifth of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service during the New Georgia Group Operation (6 - 7 August).

1986 - After a brief change of command ceremony, CAPT John L. Lockett III is relieved by CAPT Fred W. Bailey becoming CG-31's 8th Commanding Officer.

 

August 7

1942 - DD-407 earns her first of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service during the Guadalcanal-Tulagi Landings (7 - 9 August).

 

August 8

1972 - DLG-31 returns to homeport in San Diego after a 7-month combat deployment with stops in Hong Kong, Subic Bay, Guam and Pearl Harbor. For her service in Vietnam (23 January to 24 July 1972), STERETT is awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.

2008 - Not an official reunion, yet the USS STERETT Association participates in the planning and sponsorship of the DDG-104 Commissioning in Baltimore.  Over 60 members were in attendance.

 

August 9

2008 - DDG-104 is commissioned during a 7 p.m. EST ceremony in Baltimore, MD, at the South Locust Point Marine Terminal.

 

August 10

1947 - DD-407 is sold to the Northern Metal Company of Philadelphia for scrapping.

2015 - DDG-104 is moored at BAE Systems shipyard for a six-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA).

 

August 12

1915 - LT George Wirt Simpson is relieved by LT Ralph Gordon Walling becoming DD-27's sixth Commanding Officer. LT Walling rose to the rank of Commander and was awarded the Navy Cross.

1991 - CG-31 conducts a dead-stick transit to Southwest Marine Shipyard to begin a thirteen-month new threat upgrade overhaul.

2016 - DDG-104 marks a milestone as the first operational use of the newly constructed pier, the project awarded in September 2011 for $102.5 million.

 

August 13

1970 - DLG-31's third commanding officer assumes command - CAPT Jack Hilton relieves CAPT Claude L. Tyler while enroute to San Diego from Pearl Harbor, HI.

 

August 15

1802 - Lt. Andrew Sterett landed United States Council James Simpson at Tangiers for negotiations that resulted in the firm establishment of peace with Morocco.

1939 - DD-407 is commissioned with LCDR Atherton Macondray in command.

1970 - After being homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, for over 2 years, DLG-31 arrives at her new homeport of San Diego, California.  STERETT's homeward bound pennant measures 306 feet.

2003 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 3rd reunion in Silverdale, Washington (15 - 17 August) near where DLG-31 was built.

2018 - CDR Claudine E. Caluori is relieved by CDR Sean P. Lewis becoming DDG-104's eighth Commanding Officer at pier 8, Naval Base, San Diego.

 

August 16

2020 - DDG-104 transits the Suez Canal Northbound and Southbound on August 17th escorting the USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729).

 

August 19

1981 - CG-31 arrives at her new overseas home port of Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines.  Upon arrival, the ship is greeted and visited by many awaiting families and dignitaries including Rear Admiral Donald P. Roane CTF-73, Rear Admiral Huntington Hardisty CTF-70, Rear Admiral Richard M. Dunleavy COMNAVUSPHIL, and the Vice Mayor of Olongapo City.  The ship then commenced a regular three-week upkeep at Alava Pier 5/6, SRF Subic Bay.

1988 - CAPT Richard P. Genet is relieved by CAPT Barry M. Plott becoming CG-31's 11th Commanding Officer.

1993 - Before liberty in Manta, Ecuador, CG-31 conducts a Crossing the Line ceremony cleansing the ship of over 200 polliwogs.

2011 - Rear Admiral Troy Shoemaker, Commander Carrier Strike Group NINE (CSG 9), presents DDG-104 with the 2010 Spokane Trophy as the best surface combat ship in the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

 

August 22

2014 - DDG-104 departs San Diego for its third deployment with the CARL VINSON (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).  HSM-73 Battle Cats detachment is embarked embarked.

 

August 23

1985 - Enroute to Diego Garcia with the USS KIRK (FF 1087) and USNS KILAUEA (T-AE-26), CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 065°53E in the Indian Ocean arriving the next day for a five-day tender availability with the USS SIERRA (AD 18).

1988 - CG-31 hosts the COMNAVSURFGRU WESTPAC Change of Command ceremony, in which RADM G.L. Chesbrough relieved RADM D. C. Richardson.  COMSEVENTHFLT, VADM P.D. Miller presides.

 

August 24

1969 - DLG-31 conducts the eighth line period in the Tonkin Gulf (24 August - 6 September) earning her fourth Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Vietnam, Summer-Fall 1969, 9 June to 31 October 1969).

 

August 25

1968 - SAR alert was ordered with DLG-31's UH-2A, CLEMENTE 2, piloted by Lieutenant T. A. Melecosky and with co-pilot LTJG P. D. Cullen, was dispatched to the rescue of a A-7 pilot who had ejected about 60 yards from the North Vietnam coast.

 

August 28

2017 - DDG-104 returns to San Diego after a five-month deployment to the 7th Fleet AoR that included port visits to Pearl Harbor, Hong Kong, Singapore, Phuket, Zhanjiang People's Republic of China, Subic Bay, and Brisbane Australia. She operated with the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

 

August 30

1968 - At 1730, DLG-31's SAR alert was ordered and SH-3A BIG MOTHER 74, piloted by LTJG J. E. Wiant and co-piloted by LTJG P. D. January, was launched for the recovery of a A-4 aircraft pilot over North Vietnam.

1985 - CG-31 is detached and independently steams back to Subic Bay via Singapore for a short refueling  stop (4 September) at Sembawang Pier, and liberty stop in Pattaya Beach, Thailand (6 - 10 September) for R&R.

September

September 1

1913 - LT Charles Thomas Hutchings, Jr. is relieved by LTJG Harry Booth Hird becoming DD-27's fourth Commanding Officer. LTJG Hird rose to the rank of Captain.

 

September 2

1989 - At 0135, CG-31 rescues six men and a woman found adrift in the South China Sea and transports them to Subic Bay, R.P..

 

September 4

1981 - CG-31 is visited by the 21st Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Thomas B. Hayward, and the 4th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Thomas S. Crow.

 

September 6

1973 - DLG-31 returns to homeport in San Diego after a 6-month combat deployment with stops in Yokosuka, Japan, and Pearl Harbor.

 

September 7

2021 - The USS STERETT Association presents DDG-104 with the Stephen P. Hayes Memorial Award perpetual plaque at the Bali Hai in San Diego.

 

September 8

1983 - CG-31 gets underway from Subic Bay and serves as flagship for CTF-71 during the search and salvage operations following the downing of Korean Airline flight KAL 007 by a Soviet Air Forces Su-15 interceptor in the Sea of Japan, near Moneron Island, west of Sakhalin Island, Soviet Union. STERETT spends 55 days on scene and is awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (KPUC) and a Meritorious Unit Citation (14 September - 5 November).

 

September 9

1918 - CDR Allan Shannon Farquhar is relieved by LCDR James Thomas Alexander becoming DD-27's eighth Commanding Officer. Captain Alexander rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Navy Cross.

 

September 10

1967 - DLG-31 makes its first foreign port visit to Acapulco, Mexico (10 -13 September). During this time, the USS STERETT represented the city of Beverly Hills, Acapulco's sister city, exchanging gifts between the two cities.

1990 - CAPT Barry M. Plott is relieved by CAPT Thomas E. Blount, Jr., becoming CG-31's 11th Commanding Officer.

2015 - CDR Theodore J. Nunamaker is relieved by CDR Matthew W. Cieslukowski becoming DDG-104's sixth Commanding Officer aboard the ship at BAE Systems, San Diego.

2016 - DDG-104 participates in San Diego Fleet Week Sea and Air Parade while moored to Berth 1, Pier 3.

 

September 11

1969 - DLG-31 planned restricted availability lasting until 28 October for the installation of the Ship's Anti-Missile Integrated Defense System (SAMID), standard missile system, and combat system modifications, which included chaff rocket launchers.

1981 - CG-31 is visited by the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet, Admiral James D. Watkins.

2001 - Former CG-31 Shipmate GMM2 Hawkins is gravely injured while stationed at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, succumbing to his injuries on September 16, 2001.

 

September 12

1806 - Merchant ship Warren sets out to sea with Andrew Sterett in command.

 

September 13

2002 - The contract to build DDG-104 is awarded to Bath Iron Works Corporation in Bath, Maine.  An Arleigh-Burke-class destroyer, it becomes the fourth ship of the United States to be named in honor of Master Commandant Andrew Sterett, a naval officer who served during the Quasi-War and Barbary Wars.

 

September 14

1942 - DD-407 earns her second of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service during the Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal (14 September - 12 November).

1992 - The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) authorizes CG-31 to wear the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation (PPUC) for her work in the Republic of the Philippines during the period of May 89 to June 1991.

 

September 15

1942 - Wasp (CV 7), DD-407's long-standing companion, was sunk to the bottom of the Pacific after being hit by three torpedoes from the Japanese submarine 1-19. Her wreck was found on 14 January 2019 by the research vessel Petrel 14,225 feet below sea level.

 

September 16

1985 - CG-31 returns from deployment as part of Battle Group ALFA (USS MIDWAY CV-41) and begins SRA-3 which includes dry dock (26 September - 23 November).

2014 - DDG-104 participates in biennial exercise Valiant Shield 2014, off the coast of Guam and Saipan (September 16-23).

 

September 17

1984 - At the completion of a two-week training availability in Yokosuka, Japan, CG-31 conducted a Group Sail with Canadian Destroyer Squadron Four of the Royal Canadian Navy enroute to Subic Bay.

2015 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 9th reunion in Tacoma, Washington (17 - 20  September).  A return close to the birthplace of the DLG-31 and in the shadow of Mt. Rainier.  139 Shipmates and guests were in attendance.

 

September 18

2003 - DD-407 begins its 22nd and last reunion at Springfield, IL, which is hosted by Debbie A. Sterett & her father Larry S. Sterett (18 - 22 September).

 

September 19

2019 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 11th reunion in Jacksonville, Florida (19 - 22 September).  The San Miguel sacrifice kept the storms away, breaking the attendance record at 186.  Association member Dale Byhre’s “SAR Alert” marine art is unveiled.

 

September 22

1986 - CG-31 begins an extensive inport period that would last until 3 December as Selected Repair Availability 4 (SRA-4)

 

September 23

1989 - CG-31 steams for Japan, acting as escort commander for the underway replenishment group bound for Pacific Exercise (PACEX) ’89.  ANNUALEX is a yearly exercise was coordinated between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in an effort to improve bilateral interoperability.

2008 - DDG-104 arrives at her new homeport San Diego, CA.

 

September 25

1962 - DLG-31 is laid down at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington.

2009 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 6th reunion in San Diego, California (25 - 27 September) - the first homeport of the new Sterett DDG-104, which offered the opportunity for the active-duty DDG-104 crew to join the reunion, and Sterett Shipmates and guests to tour the ship.

2011 - DDG-104 participates in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), off the coast of southern California, as part of USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

 

September 26

1968 - DLG-31 departs Yokosuka, Japan, in company of USS PROVIDENCE (CLG 6) enroute to the Tonkin Gulf via Subic Bay, R.P. and Danang, South Vietnam, for her second line period (7 - 29 October) earning her first Engagement Star on her Vietnam Service Medal (Vietnam Counter-Offensive V, 01 July to 01 November 1968).

1978 - With HSL-35 Det ONE embarked, CG-31 departs San Diego on a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment with the USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) Battle Group that includes USS HOEL (DDG 13), USS WADDELL (DDG 24), USS DECATUR (DDG 31), USS BRADLEY (FF 1041), USS KANSAS CITY (AOR 3), USS NIAGARA (AFS 3), and USS BARB (SSN 596).

 

September 27

1986 - CAPT Fred W. Bailey is relieved by CAPT Richard P. Genet becoming CG-31's 9th Commanding Officer following a colorful change of command ceremony alongside Bravo Pier, Ship Repair Facility, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines.

 

September 28

1945 - DD-407 arrives in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after receiving extensive repairs in Bremerton, Washington, resulting from her kamikaze attack.

1993 - For the first time ever, CG-31 transits the Panama Canal during CENTAM '93!

 

September 30

1989 - After arriving at Yokosuka, Japan, DESRON 15 and COMCORTFLOT 3 Japanese Self-Defense Force embarks CG-31 for ANUALEX '89 (30 September - 7 October).

October

October 1

2007 - Admiral Mike Mullen, CG-31's former Executive Officer, becomes the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  He remains in office until September 30, 2011.

 

October 4

1918 - While providing convoy protection to HIRANO MARU, a merchant ship owned by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line sailing from Liverpool, UK, to Yokohama, Japan via South Africa, DD-27 comes under attack. HIRANO MARU is hit by a torpedo and sinks within seven minutes. Nearly 300 men, women and children perished in the dark, cold and stormy sea. A Class III German Submarine UB 91 attacks DD-27 and stops STERETT from rescuing the struggling survivors.

1975 - Following a brief stop for a final weapons loadout at Seal Beach, the re-designated CG-31 departs San Diego on deployment with COMDESGRU ONE and PHIBRON 7 embarked. During the initial transit via Pearl Harbor and Guam, STERETT performed escort duties for units of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, and participated in the Heritage 200 Bicentennial Naval Review in Honolulu.

 

October 6

1977 - CG-31 is greeted by hundreds of STERETT supporters as she returns from a seven-and-a-half month deployment which included port visits in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Mauritius, Kenya, Iran, Male, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Returning home with the ship were 70 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends of crewman who traveled to Hawaii on their own expense to sail to San Diego with the ship as part of the Navy's "Operation Tiger."

 

October 8

1943 - DD-407 arrives in Sydney, Australia, escorting Cleveland (CL 55).

1945 - DD-407 begins her transit through the Panama Canal enroute to Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, for a three-day stay before heading to New York for decommissioning.

2020 - DDG-104 participates in a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with HMS Montrose (F236) while underway in the Gulf of Oman.

 

October 9

1975 - While enroute to Pearl Harbor, HI, CAPT Phillip K. Collins is relieved by CAPT Charles G. Farnham becoming CG-31's second Commanding Officer.

 

 

October 10

1985 - CAPT Jimmy H. McCoy is relieved by CAPT John L. Lockett III becoming CG-31's 7th Commanding Officer while the ship was in Drydock inport Subic Bay.

1989 - COMDESGRU ONE embarks CG-31 for Valiant Blitz Exercise with the Republic of Korea.

2023 - With an HSM-78 Detachment embarked, DDG-104 departs San Diego on her 7th deployment with the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group that includes DESRON ONE, USS PRINCETON (CG 59), USS HOPPER (DDG 70), USS KIDD (DDG 100), and USS WILLIAM P LAWRENCE (DDG 110).

 

October 11

1978 - CG-31's SN Marvin Burkhart is lost at sea.

2013 - The USS STERETT Association holds its 8th reunion in Branson, Missouri (11 - 13 October).  A centrally located popular destination widely known for its wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere, along with its pride in our veterans, and with a mild climate and four seasons, an affordable year-round recreation.  99 Shipmates and guests attended the event.

2023 - DDG-104 departs San Diego on her 7th deployment with the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group.

October 12

1916 - LT Ralph Gordon Walling is relieved by CDR Allen Shannon Farquhar becoming DD-27's seventh Commanding Officer. CDR Farquhar rose to rank of Rear Admiral and was awarded the Navy Cross.

2000- Former CG-31 Shipmate GMM2 Mark A. Hawkins is injured during the terrorist attack on the USS COLE (DDG 67) in Aden, Yemen, and is awarded the Purple Heart.  Less than a year later, Chief Gunner's Mate Hawkins is gravely injured while at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, succumbing to his injuries on September 16, 2001.

 

October 13

1982 - Inport Subic Bay, R.P., CG-31 celebrates the Navy's 207th Birthday with a cake cutting ceremony on the mess decks.

1992 - After 14 months in overhaul to Southwest Marine Shipyard and over seventy-five million dollars in repairs and upgrades, CG-31 once again returned to sea.

 

October 15

1970 - DLG-31 begins its first regular overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard.  This was destined to be an important overhaul in that STERETT was to receive the conversion to Navy Distillate Fuel, a third NTDS computer, and the Anti-Ship Missile Defense (ASMD-70) system. Representing the next generation improvement in defense against the ASCM threat, the ASMD-70 installation was the first for a DLG class. Its complexity presented a clear challenge to the Combat Systems Team of STERETT as well as the installing and testing activities.

2021 - DDG-104 makes her way back to Naval Station San Diego after a much needed 6-month Selected Restricted Availability period at Continental Marine of San Diego (CMSD) shipyard.

 

October 18

2018 - DDG-104 enters the Pride of California Dry Dock in BAE Systems shipyard.

2019 - CDR Sean P. Lewis is relieved by CDR Andrew B. Koy becoming DDG-104's ninth Commanding Officer while the ship is at pier 2, Naval Base, San Diego.

 

 

October 19

1980 - CG-31 returns to homeport San Diego after completing a 15-month overhaul at Long Beach Naval Shipyard (24 July 1979 - 17 October 1980). She is moored outboard of the USS GRIDLEY (CG 21) at pier four.

1992 - CG-31 conducts a Combat Systems Ships Qualification Trial (CSSQT) (19 October - 05 December) testing and certifying all areas of its combat systems suite.

 

October 22

1975 - CG-31 arrives in Guam and assumes duty as CTF 75 Flagship and independently steams towards Subic Bay, R.P..

1989 - CG-31 hosts the COMDESRON 15 Change of Command. The next day, COMDESRON 15 and COMDESGRU ONE disembarks.

2010 - DDG-104 departs San Diego for its maiden voyage as part of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).  HSM-77 Saber Hawks detachment is embarked.

October 23

1992 - The formal departure conference from overhaul to Southwest Marine Shipyard is completed for CG-31 (12 August 1991 - 23 October 1992).

 

October 24

1993 - For the second and the last time, CG-31 transits the Panama Canal during CENTAM '93!

 

October 27

1800 - Lt. Andrew Sterett takes command of the schooner "Lucky Little ENTERPRISE," carrying six-pounders and 90 men.

1938 - The second USS STERETT (DD 407) is launched, sponsored by Mrs. Camilla M. Ridgely Simpson.

 

October 28

1939 - DD-407 departs Charleston, SC, in company with Hughes (DD 410) and Mustin (DD 413), which were also newly commissioned, for shakedown in the Gulf of Mexico. She visited Vera Cruz, Cristobal, Mobile and Guantanamo Bay before returning to Charleston on 20 December 1939.

2012 - DDG-104 conducts a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Operational Test Launch (OTL), the first since 2010, from the Pacific Missile Range, off the coast of San Nicolas Island.

 

October 31

2014 - DDG-104 participates in International Mine-countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) with the mine countermeasures ships USS Devastator (MCM 6) and USS Dextrous (MCM 13) and the Royal Navy mine-countermeasure vessels HMS Penzance (M 106), top, and HMS Chiddingfold (M 37). Sterett is deployed as part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

November

November 1

1943 - DD-407 participates in the Treasury-Bouganville Operation (1 - 11 November) earning her sixth of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service in the Buka-Bonis Strike (1 - 2 November), First Rabaul Strike (5 November), and the Second Rabaul Strike (11 November).

 

November 2

1945 - DD-407 is decommissioned in New York City, N.Y.

 

November 4

2023 - A part of the CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group (CSG), DDG-104 participates in a Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) in the Philippine Sea (4-8 November) alongside the RONALD REAGAN CSG and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) flagship Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181).

 

November 5

1913 - DD-27 is placed in the Reserve Torpedo Flotilla operating in the Gulf of Mexico out of Galveston, Texas.

 

November 8

1968 - After a seven-day visit, DLG-31 departed the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong enroute to the Tonkin Gulf via Subic Bay, R.P. to load missiles and ammunition for her third line period (14 November - 10 December) off the coast of Vietnam.

1987 - CG-31 departs on a North Arabian Gulf deployment with Battle Group ALFA.

 

November 11

2023 - DDG-104 participates in ANNUALEX 2023, a multilateral exercise consisting of naval forces from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States in the Philippine Sea.

 

November 12

1942 - On the evening of 12 November 1942, DD-407 begins participating in the Battle of Guadalcanal (12 - 13 November) earning her third of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon for her service during the Guadalcanal - Third Strike (12 - 15 November) operation. Her extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy Japanese Task Force earns her crew the Presidential Unit Citation. During the surface engagement, 28 Shipmates are killed in action (KIA) and two were missing (subsequently declared KIA).

 

November 13

1990 - CG-31 begins operations for a reconnaissance exercise with the USMC embarking 25 Marines from Company B, Third Marine Division for a three-day exercise which includes a one-night insertion, and several day and night shipboard launches and recoveries of Zodiac small boats. This exercise demonstrates the capability for Marine Reconnaissance personnel to operate from a CG-26 class cruiser by use of the torpedo recovery winch and davit.

 

November 15

1803 - Lt. Andrew Sterett is granted furlough on half pay to make a merchant voyage to the East Indies.

 

November 17

1801 - Lt. Andrew Sterett in command of ENTERPRISE returns to Baltimore with dispatches for the Secretary of the Navy.

2005 - DDG-104's keel is laid down at Bath Iron Works, in Bath, Maine.

2017 - The Commemorative Plaque Dedication Ceremony is held at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., in honor and memory of all who served on USS STERETT Ships.

2020 - While underway in the Arabian Sea, DDG-104 participates in the annual exercise Malabar 2020 (17 - 20 November).

 

November 20

1943 - DD-407 participates in the Gilbert Islands Operation (20 November - 08 December) earning her seventh of 12 battle stars on her Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon.

 

November 21

1993 - CG-31 conducts its last Tiger Cruise with 58 dependents and friends from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, to San Diego, California (21 - 24 November).

2020 - DDG-104 crosses the equator for the second time.

 

November 23

1989 - CG-31 rendezvous with Battle Group ROMEO (USS NEW JERSEY) in the Straits of Malacca and accompanied it on its transit to the North Arabian Sea and into the Persian Gulf.

 

November 24

1992 - Navy pulls out of Subic Bay, CG-31's homeport from 19 August 1981 to 10 May 1991 - almost 10 years!

1993 - CG-31 arrives back at its homeport of San Diego for the last time after travelling 22,581 miles and underway for 100 out of the 138 days of the CENTAM '93 deployment. STERETT was instrumental in the disruption of the delivery of over 28,000 Kilograms of cocaine valued at $38 Million dollars.

 

November 25

2010 - The rescue of M/V ESPERANZA ("hope" in Portuguese) by DDG-104 (25 Nov - 05 Dec).

 

November 26

1944 - Enroute to Manus in the Admiralty Islands, DD-407 conducts a crossing the line ceremony.

2023 - DDG-104 completes a 4-day port visit to Sasebo, Japan, after celebrating Thanksgiving Day.

 

November 28

2012 - DDG-104 conducts a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Operational Test Launch (OTL), the first since 2010, from the Pacific Missile Range, off the coast of San Nicolas Island.

 

November 29

1968 - DLG-31 change of command is held onboard while on station in the Gulf of Tonkin while STERETT was Strike Support Ship (SSS) and Search and Rescue (SAR). CAPT Edward A. Christopherson is relieved by CAPT Claude L. Tyler.

December

December 1

1801 - President Thomas Jefferson writes a congratulatory letter to Lt. Andrew Sterett for duties while in command of ENTERPRISE during the Barbary Wars and capture of the Tripolian cruiser.

1987 - As part of Battle Group ALFA with the USS MIDWAY (CV 41) and USS IOWA (BB 61), CG-31 is underway in the Indian Ocean with USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47), USS FOX (CG 33), USS OLDENDORF ( DD 972), USS DEYO (DD 989), USS TOWERS (DDG 9), USS KNOX (FF 1052), USS FRANCIS HAMMOND (FF 1067), USS WHITE PLAINS (AFS 4), USS CIMARRON (AO 177), USNS KILAULEA (T-AE 26) and USNS MISPILLION (T-AO 105).

 

December 2

1936 - DD-407 is laid down at the Charleston Navy Yard.  She is one of ten Benham class destroyers being built at six different shipyards, the STERETT being the only one built at the Charleston Navy Yard.

 

December 3

1801 - Lt. Andrew Sterett acknowledges the receipt of President Thomas Jefferson's congratulatory letter. 

2023 - In the Philippine Sea, DDG-104 honors Sailor's grandfather during a burial-at-sea ceremony.

 

December 4

1980 - During READIEX 1-81 in the Southern California OP Areas, CG-31 conducts a burial at sea service and the remains of twelve people are committed to the deep.  

2017 - DDG-104 is moored at Wharf 4 in Port Hueneme, California, for a three-day port call to conduct combat systems groom with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) returning home on December 11.

 

December 5

1992 - After four successful missile exercises at the Barking Sands Missile Range, CG-31 completes CSSQT.

 

December 6

2011 - DDG-104 departs San Diego for its second deployment as part of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

 

December 7

1978 - CG-31 is ordered by the National Command Authority to proceed to the Gulf of Iran to await further orders in support of contingency operations.

1983 - While at sea, CG-31 is visited by the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral James D. Watkins.

 

December 8

1941 - After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, DD-407 sails from Bermuda with Wasp (CV 7) and an assortment of cruisers and destroyers to counter possible action by Vichy French ships anchored at Martinique.

 

December 9

1919 - DD-27 is decommissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after almost 9 years of service.

 

December 11

1944 - Two weeks before Christmas, DD-407 enters Leyte Gulf in the Philippines for patrol and convoy duty.

2014 - DDG-104 commences a counter-piracy exercise, with the People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA(N)) ships Yun Chang (FFG 571) and Chao Hu (AOR 890), in the Gulf of Aden; and then transits the Strait of Hormuz northbound.

 

December 12

1990 - CG-31 conducts a missile exercise that includes firing two missiles (SM-1 ER and a SM-2 ER) in the South China Sea (12 - 14 December).

 

December 13

1975 - CG-31's MSSN David C. Hagen is lost at sea December 1975 in the South China Sea.

2013 - DDG-104 is underway in the Southern California Coast for the Navy's Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) Cruise (December 13-23).

 

December 14

1971 - DLG-31 gets underway for at-sea preparation for overseas movement which included a number of exercises with USS SCULPIN (SSN 590).  This provided an opportunity to operate in an ASW environment with the LAMPS helicopter that included firing an ASROC and the LAMPS helicopter dropped two air-drop configured Mark 46 torpedoes.

 

December 15

1910 - DD-27 is commissioned at Boston, Massachusetts with Lieutenant Commander Robert L. Berry in Command.

1990 - CG-31 embarks over 450 dependents for a dependent cruise in the South China Sea, which included a fantail barbeque, firing of the PHALANX Close-in Weapons System (CIWS), the five-inch gun, fifty-four caliber/dual-purpose gun, 50-caliber machine guns, and demonstration of a man overboard recovery.

 

December 16

1992 - Pierside San Diego, CG-31 holds the last change of command.  CAPT Thomas E. Blount, Jr., is relieved by CDR Gordon O. Dorsey becoming CG-31's 12th and final Commanding Officer.

 

December 17

1992 - After what turned out to be CG-31 last change of command ceremony, STERETT is assigned to COMDESRON THIRTEEN under former CG-31 Commanding Officer, Commodore Richard P. Genet, USN.

2023 - DDG-104 pulls into Singapore with the CARL VINSON Carrier Stike Group (CSG) for a 4-day port visit.

 

December 19

1974 - DLG-31 ends her Regular Overhaul (ROH) in Long Beach, CA, which was estimated to have consisted of approximately one quarter million man-hours of both shipyard and ship's force devoted to the overhaul which included adding enhanced command and control facilities, crew's berthing spaces extensive "habitability modernization," enhanced combat capabilities, and engineering work which equaled all other departments in work hours.

 

December 21

1989 - Upon departing Singapore, CG-31 conducts a crossing the line ceremony at latitude 000°00, longitude 105°55E in the South China Sea.

2020 - DDG-104 arrives off the northeast coast of Somalia, in support of Operation Octave Quartz.

 

December 23

1987 - CG-31 conducts a port visit to Muscat, Oman, for the Christmas Holiday (23 - 26 December). Senator Edward Kennedy (Massachusetts) visited with the officers and men of STERETT, relaying greetings from President Ronald Reagan and commenting on the superb job the U.S. Navy was doing in the Persian Gulf area.

 

December 24

1800 - While in command of ENTERPRISE, Lt. Andrew Sterett takes captures the French privateer La Amour De La Patrie off St. Kitts during the Quasi-War with France (1798-1801).

 

December 27

1917 - Two days after the fourth Christmas of the Great War, DD-27 picks up survivors after USS SANTEE was struck by a torpedo fired by U-61 off Queenstown, Ireland.

 

December 28

1944 - On her way to Mindoro, Philippines, DD-407 is attacked by three Japanese kamikazes. Antiaircraft fire splashes the first, but the second and third succeed in crashing into merchantmen. The ship endures the onslaught of the "Divine Wind" until the task unit is dissolved on New Year's Day 1945.

1987 - Two-day tender availability with the USS CAPE COD (AD 43) in Masirah, Oman, that includes the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders USO show. After departing CAPE COD, CG-31 embarked Commander, Joint Task Force Middle East, Rear Admiral Dennis M. Brooks.

 

December 29

1943 - After completing an availability at Havannah Harbor, Efate Island, New Hebrides in the South Pacific, DD-407 received a SECRET dispatch from Com Third Fleet ordering to rendezvous with USS WARRINGTON (DD 383) and SS Matsonia (ID 1589) and proceed to Guadalcanal.

 

December 31

1967 - DLG-31 officially became sponsors of the ex-USS LOS ANGELES Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet and Navy League Cadets, two groups of 11-16 year old boys, sponsored by the Navy League of America.

Maintaining the objective of the Association by educating the public on the maritime heritage of all ships named STERETT as to the roles these ships played in the United States history, and the importance of preserving the ship’s historic data for future generations (2013 Bylaws, Article II).

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