During the brief visit, Captain Megan Thomas, Lieutenant Jamin Bailey, Ensign Kennedy Robertson, Chief Fire Controlman Joshua Straw, Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Nicholas Heywood, Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Chiquittia Mahaley, Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Ellysian Paredes, Damage Controlman 2nd Class Francis Macero, Damage Controlman 2nd Class Jose Rivera, Gas Turbine System Technician 3rd Class Clinton Hernandez, and Culinary Specialist Seaman Maverick Mitchell participated in a variety of annual events commemorating Memorial Day.

The Gettysburg Foundation facilitated a guided tour of the Spangler Farm, a central location, on the National Military Park followed by visits to other sites where the Union Soliders fought and died 158 years ago to preserve the Union and make all people free.
 
“Participating in the Memorial Day celebrations held in such a historically important place for all Americans was an extremely gratifying experience,” said Ensign Kennedy Robertson, a native of San Antonio, Texas. “I’ve gained a newfound sense of pride and honor in being able to say that I represent and protect our country as a US Navy sailor.”
 
Highlighting the trip, the GETTYSBURG Color Guard and accompanying crew led the Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade through the town and National Cemetery before Captain Megan Thomas joined several dignitaries in making remarks at a ceremony held at the historic Gettysburg Rostrum.
“While I have proudly and solemnly attended Memorial Day ceremonies in cities across our great nation,” Captain Megan Thomas told the crowd, “I have never been in a location with greater significance to the meaning of this day than today.”
 
“Deeds, not Words,” Captain Thomas continued. “Derived from President’s Lincoln’s address, it is the motto of the great warship I am extremely proud to command, and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to the actions of the brave soldiers who fought here nearly 158 years ago or a greater reminder to those who serve onboard USS Gettysburg today.  As we endeavor to modernize our 30-year old warship into one of the most capable platforms in the world, we realize that it is not enough to merely talk the talk, we must walk the walk.” 
 
“The highlight of the trip to me was walking down the streets for the parade. Seeing all the love, support and appreciation was like no other,” said RP2 Chiquittia Mahaley, a native of Athens, Alabama. “It was so meaningful to see the history of where the name of our ship came from. Also, just being able to visit with vets and experience Memorial Day with such a historical town!”
 
Chief Fire Controlman Joshua Straw, a native of Gettysburg, took the opportunity to have his reenlistment ceremony on the original site of President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” in front of the crew and many family and friends from the area.
 
“I never could have imagined that things would line up so that I could reenlist in my hometown of Gettysburg on Memorial Day,” Chief Straw said as his family and friends gathered to celebrate the moment with him.
 
USS Gettysburg is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, and in the final stages of the Cruiser Modification and Service Life Extension Program. The guided missile cruiser has a crew of 330 Sailors and is expected to return to sea in 2022.