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USS Leahy (DLG-16/CG-16)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Leahy (DLG-16/CG-16)

Leahy (DLG-16) was laid down by Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Maine, 3 December 1959; launched 1 July 1961; sponsored by Mrs. Michael J. Mansfield, wife of Senator Mansfield, Mont., Senate Majority Leader; and commissioned 4 August 1962, Capt. Robert L. Baughan, Jr., in command.

On 2 January 1964 the Leahy (DLG-16) was bound for the Caribbean for missile training which ended 26 February. From 1 to 10 April she joined in an amphibious exercise, "Quick Kick V," and on 1 June was permanently assigned to Destroyer Squadron 6.

Leahy (DLG-16) departed for duty with the 6th Fleet 17 July as part of a Fast Carrier Task Group which included USS Forrestal (CVA-59), and participated in a coordinated fleet exercise. "MEDLANDEX-64," between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia. Leahy (DLG-16) departed Barcelona, Spain, 2 December for replenishment, and on 14 December drew the curtain on 32,750 miles of steaming while deployed with the 6th Fleet. Leahy (DLG-16) arrived Charleston 22 December and began a period of restricted availability in preparation for extensive tests to evaluate the Terrier Guidance Missile System.

She departed Charleston 31 November for the Mediterranean and relieved USS William V. Pratt (DLG-13) at Polensa, Majorca, 9 December. During this second deployment with the 6th Fleet, Leahy (DLG-16) operated throughout the Mediterranean participating in ASW, gunnery, and AA warfare exercises as well as major fleet tactical operations supporting our NATO Allies.

Leahy (DLG-16) then prepared for massive modernization at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, arriving there 27 January 1967, and decommissioning 18 February. For over a year she received new AAW and ASW equipment, allowing her to utilize the most recent developments in the technology of naval warfare. Leahy (DLG-16) was placed in commission, special, on 4 May 1968 for the extensive period of testing her updated weapons systems. Leaving Philadelphia on 18 August, Leahy (DLG-16) arrived at her new home port, Norfolk, 3 days later, and continued the process of sharpening her expanded capabilities. 

For a complete history of Leahy (DLG-16) please see its DANFS page.