Photo By Seaman Jamison Sutton | U.S. Navy Capt. Steve L. Liberty, commanding officer of USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), a...... read more read more
USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 25, 2025) – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) was officially decommissioned during a ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk on Sept. 25, 2025.
Hundreds gathered, including plank owners, former crew members, family, and guests, to honor the ship's distinguished 36 years of naval service.
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Kilby W. James, delivered the keynote address, offering words of encouragement to the crew and reflecting on the ship’s proud legacy.
“I served on Philippine Sea over 35 years ago, and I am proud of what this ship and all who have served on her have accomplished,” said Kilby. “Whenever something significant was happening in the world, Philippine Sea was there: Desert Storm, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq, the Motor Vessel Ever Given blocking the Suez, the Chinese surveillance balloon, and most recently the Houthis in Yemen. This ship has made an impact on so many people and the history of our Navy and Nation.”
Capt. Steven L. Liberty, the ship’s final commanding officer who assumed command in February 2024, oversaw the decommissioning process.
“As the USS Philippine Sea sails into history, we honor her legacy not just as a ship of steel, but as a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and unwavering service,” said Capt. Liberty. “Her decks carried generations of sailors who stood watch for freedom and her name will forever echo across the oceans she so proudly served.”
The ceremony was marked by a spirit of reflection and camaraderie, as current and former crew shared memories and stories from Philippine Sea’s extensive operational history, evoking moments of pride and shared sacrifice.
Built in Bath, Maine, Philippine Sea’s keel was laid on April 8, 1986, and she was launched on July 12, 1987. After completing sea trials, the cruiser was commissioned into the Atlantic Fleet on March 18, 1989, in Portland, Maine.
Philippine Sea is the only U.S. Navy warship named to honor the Allied invasion of Philippine Sea during World War II, a pivotal campaign that marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
Since her maiden deployment in 1990, Philippine Sea has played a vital role in the defense of the United States, providing air defense and command and control capabilities during numerous deployments worldwide.
Philippine Sea executed over 36 years of outstanding service in defense of the nation, awarded eight Battle Effectiveness Awards, three Navy Unit Commendations, and three Meritorious Unit Commendations.
Philippine Sea will officially be decommissioned on Sept. 26 and will later be transferred to the Navy’s Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, where they will enter logistical support asset status.
COMNAVSURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. The SURFLANT force is composed of 71 ships and 31 shore commands.
For more SURFLANT news and photos, visit Facebook.com/SURFLANT, www.surflant.usff.navy.mil.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 12:10 |
| Story ID: | 548958 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 404 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Decommissioning Ceremony
