USS Monterey (CG-61)

In 1992 and 1993, Monterey was part of Carrier Group 6, whose flagship at the time was USS America.[2] On 10–11 January, Monterey was underway from Souda Bay, Crete, to Haifa, Israel. From 12–19 January, she was in port in Haifa. From 20–22 January, she was underway from Haifa, Israel for exercise Noble Dina Seven. On 22–23 January, she was in port in Haifa, Israel for post-exercise debriefs, before leaving for a U.S. Navy/NATO Combined Air Defense Exercise. On 29 March, Vice Admiral W. A. Owens, Commander, United States Sixth Fleet, embarked with a 28-man Army, Navy, and Air Force Staff including Brigadier General James Mathers (Commanding General, Operation Provide Comfort) at Haifa for the first Joint Task Force Operation at sea in the European Theater, Exercise Juniper Falconry II. From 1–7 April, Monterey was underway for Juniper Falconry II, with a two-day port visit in Haifa on 3–4 April. From 7–9 April, she visited Haifa again for exercise debriefs and to disembark the Joint Task Force.

From 24–26 April 1993, Monterey participated in ASW Proficiency Training as a part of COMPTUEX, the first major exercise the USS America JTG in preparation for MED 3–93. COMPTUEX lasted from 21 April to 14 May and tested the USS America Joint Task Group in coordinated warfare operations. The exercise was a success and the JTG was certified "ready" for more advanced training. In May and June, Monterey conducted port visits to Nassau, Bahamas and Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Monterey visited Nassau from 9–12 May as a wrap-up to COMPTUEX and NSRR from 31 May to 3 June prior to a missile exercise with the German Navy.

September 1993 was the first time that USS Monterey served as the Adriatic Cruiser in support of United Nations Resolutions in Operations Sharp Guard, Deny Flight, and Provide Promise. After a stint as the Adriatic Cruiser from 6–13 September, she departed for Izmir, Turkey. After a training anchorage in Izmir from 16–22 September, the Monterey prepared for Exercise Dynamic Guard, hosted by the Turkish Navy. From 22 September to 4 October, she participated in Amphibious, Anti-Air, Anti-Surface, Anti-Subsurface, and Mine warfare events. She served as the Eagle Control ship for the entire exercise, monitoring the airspace above the Aegean Sea for possible territorial airspace violations.

Upon completion of Dynamic Guard, USS Monterey departed for the Adriatic Sea for carrier escort duty with USS America from 6–13 October. While operating in the Adriatic, she participated in numerous Anti-Submarine Warfare exercises with various NATO/WEU ships and aircraft operating in support of United Nation's Resolutions. After detaching from USS America, the Monterey conducted a brief stop in Augusta Bay while en route to Haifa, Israel where she conducted a port visit from 17–28 October.

From 30 October to 5 November, USS Monterey participated in SHAREM 106 in the Adriatic Sea. Upon completion of the exercise, she departed for Volos, Greece. She then conducted a training anchorage from 7–8 November in Volos, Greece in preparation for Exercise Niriis. From 8–13 November, she participated in Exercise Niriis which was hosted by the Greek Navy. She served as the Support Operations Coordinating Authority with the USS Alexandria during Niriis. Upon completion, Monterey departed for the Adriatic Sea.

In the Adriatic, USS Monterey operated with NATO/WEU forces in support of United Nation's Resolutions. After serving as the Adriatic Cruiser from 15–20 November, she departed for Civitavecchia, Italy, the port city of Rome. The crew spent Thanksgiving in Civitavecchia.

From 1–16 December 1993, USS Monterey served as the Adriatic Cruiser. During this period, she hosted the Engineering Training Group from Staten Island, New York in preparation for the next year's Operational Propulsion Plant Examination. SECNAV and CINCUSNAVEUR visited from 11–12 December and were very impressed with the ship and the crew. In addition, the Commanders of the NATO/WEU ships in the Southern Adriatic, Capt. Bolongaro of the Italian Navy and Commodore Maddison of the Royal Canadian Navy visited USS Monterey on 2 and 15 December respectively. After completing the ship's duties as Adriatic Cruiser, she departed for Toulon, France.

Monterey arrived in Toulon, France on 20 December and remained there throughout the Christmas and New Years holidays. While in port, the ship underwent voyage repairs. Many crewmembers took leave and vacationed nearby with their partners. The rest of the crew were given tours and dinners by French families through the Adopt-A-Sailor program.

During Carrier Group Seven's deployment in 1998, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 42 (HSL-42), Detachment 2 deployed two SH-60B Seahawk on board the Monterey.[3]

In March 2003, the ship was assigned to Carrier Group 6.[4]

On 4 March 2009, USS Monterey assisted in the first German Navy arrest of pirates (9 in all) off the coast of the Horn of Africa.[5] The Monterey dispatched helicopters in the attack of an Antiguan ship, the MV Courier.

In March 2011, USS Monterey was sent to the Mediterranean as the first part of the planned European anti-ballistic missile defense shield.[6] In June 2011, USS Monterey arrived in the Black Sea to participate in multinational military exercises, "Sea Breeze 2011", cosponsored by the U.S. and Ukraine, whose theme is antipiracy operations, leading to protests from Russia.[7]

In October 2017, USS Monterey, was sent on an unscheduled deployment to the 5th fleet.

On 14 April 2018, USS Monterey launched thirty Tomahawk missiles from a position in the Red Sea as part of a bombing campaign in retaliation for the Syrian government's alleged use of chemical weapons against people in Douma.[8]

In December 2020 the U.S. Navy's Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels stated that the ship was planned to be placed Out of Commission in Reserve in 2022.[9]

The central shield represents AEGIS. the impenetrable defensive shield of the greek god "Zeus." Over this appears the Surface Warfare Logo, symbolizing the three dimensional (Air, Surface, and Subsurface) threat. The AEGIS elongated octagon covers this symbol. This octagon is familiar to all who view the modern warship's sophisticated radar array. Centered on the octagon, a dark blue anchor characterizing seapower, strength, and Navy tradition. The gold star depicts battle stars earned by the aircraft carrier previously named Monterey. The principle colors, red and gold, establish bravery and excellence as traits honored aboard CG-61.[13]

Pictured is General Zachary Taylor in his typical battle pose, leg slung over the saddle atop his famous white stallion "Old Whitie," before the heavily defended Independence Hill, the turning point in the Battle of Monterey. In the background, Black Fort, another massive stone work protecting the city.[13]

The motto "Rough in battle and ready in peace" comes from the nickname of Zachary Taylor, "Old Rough and Ready," which he earned in battle against the Seminoles in Florida, and later used as a campaign slogan for his election to the office of President of the United States.[13]

The coat of arms is emblazoned upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and inscribed with the words USS MONTEREY above and CG61 below in gold letters.[13]