A crew contingent from USS Gettysburg (CG 64) visited their namesake borough July 4-6 to help commemorate the Independence Day holiday.

Highlighting the visit, the ship's color guard, reestablished after four years specifically for this performance, debuted Wednesday at the 6th annual 4th of July Patriotic Pops Concert and Fireworks at Gettysburg College. With new equipment and little experience, the newly-formed team trained and rehearsed the professional execution of honors to our nation over the past two months. Then, during their inaugural performance, the Color Guard incorporated their Pennsylvania namesake's flag.

"We are proud to have the opportunity to contribute in such a special way, said Fire Controlman (Aegis) 1st Class Daren Baker, who led the color guard. "The Borough of Gettysburg has treated us with unparalleled hospitality and I could not imagine a better way to celebrate our nation's Independence Day than supporting this event."

In addition to performing on stage, the Gettysburg crew conducted flag raising and lowering ceremonies each day during their three-day visit. They also observed the 155th Gettysburg Anniversary Civil War Reenactment, where they met reenactors of famous generals and learned lessons in strategy and leadership from the most pivotal battle of the Civil War.

The Sailors also performed maintenance and upkeep of the Company K Monument, located in the town square, and shined the Borough's giant brass bell that sits in front of the local Fire Department. The crew is thankful for all the support the Borough has provided for nearly three decades, and look for every opportunity to give back to their namesake community.

"As the crew re-forms, it is important to connect to our namesake community and leverage our experiences in the Borough of Gettysburg into all aspects of our growing command culture," said Capt. Corey Kenisten, the ship's commanding officer.

Homeported in Norfolk, Gettysburg is one of six cruisers in the Navy's Cruiser Modernization Program managed by Naval Sea Systems Command. Under the program, Gettysburg and the other cruisers will receive significant combat systems and engineering upgrades. Upon completion of the program, Gettysburg and her crew will return to the fleet with a significantly enhanced air defense capable platform that is capable of meeting operational demands for years to come.


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