USS Moosbrugger: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Script-assisted style fixes: mainly date formats
 
(38 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
⚫
{{short description|Spruance-class destroyer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{no footnotes|date=May 2008}}
{{no footnotes|date=May 2008}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[Image:USSMoosbrugger.jpg|300px|USS Moosbrugger]]
|Ship image=[[File:USSMoosbrugger.jpg|300px|USS Moosbrugger]]
|Ship caption=
|Ship caption=USS ''Moosbrugger''
}}
}}
{{Infobox Ship Career
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Hide header=
|Ship country=US
|Ship country=United States
|Ship flag={{USN flag|2000}}
|Ship flag={{USN flag|2000}}
|Ship name=
|Ship name= ''Moosbrugger''
|Ship namesake=[[Frederick Moosbrugger]]
|Ship namesake=[[Frederick Moosbrugger]]
|Ship ordered=15 January 1974
|Ship ordered=15 January 1974
Line 22: Line 23:
|Ship out of service=
|Ship out of service=
|Ship struck=25 April 2006
|Ship struck=25 April 2006
|Ship identification=*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: NCWA
|Ship reinstated=
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Charlie}}{{ICS|Whiskey}}{{ICS|Alpha}}
*[[Hull number]]: DD-980
|Ship honours=
|Ship honours=
|Ship nickname=''The Moose''
|Ship fate=Scrapped in [[Brownsville, Texas|Brownsville, TX]] 2006
|Ship status=
|Ship notes=
}}
⚫
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
⚫
|Ship class=[[Spruance class destroyer]]
|Ship displacement={{Spruance class destroyer displacement}}
|Ship length={{Spruance class destroyer length}}
|Ship beam={{Spruance class destroyer beam}}
|Ship draught=
|Ship draft={{Spruance class destroyer draft}}
|Ship propulsion={{Spruance class destroyer propulsion}}
|Ship speed={{Spruance class destroyer speed}}
|Ship range={{Spruance class destroyer range}}
|Ship complement={{Spruance class destroyer complement}}
|Ship sensors={{Spruance class destroyer sensors}}
⚫
|Ship EW={{Spruance class destroyer EW}}
|Ship armament={{Spruance class destroyer armament VLS}}
|Ship armour=
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft={{Spruance class destroyer aircraft}}
|Ship motto=''More Than Required''
|Ship motto=''More Than Required''
|Ship badge=[[File:DD-980 crest.png|150px]]
|Ship notes=
|Ship fate=[[Ship breaking|Scrapped]], 2006
}}
}}
⚫
{{Spruance class destroyer infobox ship characteristics}}
|}
|}


'''USS ''Moosbrugger'' (DD-980)''' was a [[Spruance class destroyer|''Spruance''-class]] [[destroyer]] built for the [[United States Navy]] by the [[Ingalls Shipbuilding]] Division of [[Litton Industries]] at [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]]. Affectionately nicknamed the "Moose" by her crews, she was named in honor of [[Vice Admiral]] [[Frederick Moosbrugger]] who is best known for his service in [[World War II]] as a highly successful commander of destroyer squadrons.
'''USS ''Moosbrugger'' (DD-980)''' was a {{sclass|Spruance|destroyer}} built for the [[United States Navy]] by the [[Ingalls Shipbuilding]] Division of [[Litton Industries]] at [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]]. Affectionately nicknamed the "Moose" by her crews, she was named in honor of [[Vice Admiral]] [[Frederick Moosbrugger]] who is best known for his service in [[World War II]] as a highly successful commander of destroyer squadrons.


== History==
== History ==
''Moosbrugger'' was laid down 3 November 1975, launched 23 July 1977 and commissioned 16 December 1978. She arrived at her new home port at [[Charleston, South Carolina]] just prior to Christmas 1978 becoming the first of her class at that base. She conducted shakedown operations at Fleet Training Center, [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base|Guantanamo Bay]], Cuba. She visited [[Port-au-Prince]], Haiti, and [[Saint Thomas, United States Virgin Islands]] during this time.
USS ''Moosbrugger'' was laid down 3 November 1975, launched 23 July 1977 and commissioned 16 December 1978. She arrived at her new home port at [[Charleston, South Carolina]] just prior to Christmas 1978 becoming the first of her class at that base. She conducted shakedown operations at Fleet Training Center, [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base|Guantanamo Bay]], Cuba. She visited [[Port-au-Prince]], Haiti, and [[Saint Thomas, United States Virgin Islands]] during this time.


Following shakedown, ''Moosbrugger'' returned to her builders for post-commissioning refits and upgrades. While at Pascagoula, she was ordered to conduct an emergency sortie in order to avoid the worst effects of [[Hurricane Frederic]], spending several days in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] while the storm system passed. Following her return to port, ''Moosbrugger'' supplied electrical power to portions of the shipyard to allow her refit to complete. It was in this refit that a pair of moose antlers were installed on the ship, just below the bridge windows.
Following shakedown, USS ''Moosbrugger'' returned to her builders for post-commissioning refits and upgrades. While at Pascagoula, she was ordered to conduct an emergency sortie in order to avoid the worst effects of [[Hurricane Frederic]], spending several days in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] while the storm system passed. Following her return to port, ''Moosbrugger'' supplied electrical power to portions of the shipyard to allow her refit to complete. It was in this refit that a pair of moose antlers were installed on the ship, just below the bridge windows.
[[File:USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) aerial stbd bow view.jpg|left|thumb|USS ''Moosbrugger'' in 1982]]
⚫
''Moosbrugger'' deployed to the [[Mediterranean Sea]] on 14 July 1980, acting as flagship for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20 for the entire deployment. She conducted [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) and amphibious support operations during the deployment. Port visits included [[Rota, Spain]], [[Naples|Naples, Italy]], [[Cagliari|Cagliari, Italy]], [[La Spezia|La Spezia, Italy]], [[Marseilles|Marseilles, France]], [[Benidorm|Benidorm, Spain]], [[Cartagena, Spain]], and [[Palma de Mallorca]].<!--port call information for this cruise was corrected using the official USS Moosbrugger cruise book--> She returned from this deployment on 11 December 1980. She was the test platform for the AN/SQR 19(V) [[Towed array sonar|tactical towed array sonar]] (TACTAS) in 1982.


''Moosbrugger'' received the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for service as set forth in the following citation:
⚫
''Moosbrugger'' deployed to the [[Mediterranean Sea]] on 14 July 1980, acting as flagship for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20 for the entire deployment. She conducted anti-submarine warfare and amphibious support operations during the deployment. Port visits included [[Rota, Spain]], [[Naples|Naples, Italy]], [[Cagliari|Cagliari, Italy]], [[La Spezia|La Spezia, Italy]], [[Marseilles|Marseilles, France]], [[Benidorm|Benidorm, Spain]], [[Cartagena, Spain]], and [[Palma de Mallorca]].<!--port call information for this cruise was corrected using the official USS Moosbrugger cruise book--> She returned from this deployment on 11 December 1980. She was the test platform for the [[AN/SQR 19(V)]] Tactical Towed Array Sonar (TACTAS) in 1982.
{{blockquote|"For meritorious service in naval operations from 13 September 1986 to 1 December 1986. During numerous ASW operations against Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean Sea, the officers and crew members of the USS ''Moosbrugger'' displayed great professional skill and exemplary tactical proficiency attaining Commander Sixth Fleet ASW objectives. USS ''Moosbrugger'', equipped with the SQR-19 [[towed array sonar]] and MK III [[Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System]], aggressively achieved unprecedented success in the detection, long term tracking and classification of Soviet submarines. In addition, through expert coordination of multiple ASW assets of the United States and Allied Navies, she was the key to exceptionally competent ASW operations. By her outstanding performance, USS ''Moosbrugger'' greatly enhanced national, bilateral, and NATO's ASW capabilities. USS ''Moosbrugger'' set a new standard of Mediterranean surface-ship ASW excellence that will be the bench mark for other submarine hunters. By their steadfast performance, brilliant and creative use of resources, exceptional combat readiness, and unfailing devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of USS ''Moosbrugger'' reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Signed by the Secretary of the Navy John Lehman.}}


In 1989, ''Moosbrugger'' made the final Cold War deployment to the [[United States Sixth Fleet]] as the primary ASW element of the USS ''Theodore Roosevelt'' Battle Group.
<!--- 14 years of history missing. I've exhausted all resources I have. --User:Durin -->
<!--- 14 years of history missing. I've exhausted all resources I have. --User:Durin -->


===1990s===
===1990s===
When Sadam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, USS ''Moosbrugger'' was almost immediately deployed from Charleston to the Mediterranean and Red Sea areas as part of Operation ''Desert Shield''. In the months of coalition build-up prior to the beginning of hostilities, the ''Moosbrugger'' took onboard small contingents of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and Navy SEALS, both trained in maritime boarding, search, and seizure operations. The ship made ports-of-call in Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Majorca during this period. Moosbrugger spent Christmas 1990 in Haifa, Israel, departing the following day for the Suez Canal and Red Sea.
In August 1990, USS ''Moosbrugger'' was part of the initial United States response to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. She deployed on six days notice for Operation Desert Shield to join the rapidly formed USS ''John F. Kennedy'' Battle Group. She deployed from Charleston, South Carolina and joined ''John F. Kennedy'' en route to the Red Sea ''via'' the Mediterranean Sixth Fleet. In the months of coalition build-up prior to the beginning of hostilities, the ''Moosbrugger'' performed several important tasks. She was first tasked to delay her Suez transit by several weeks in order to be the US contribution to the standing up of NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean making port calls in Italy and Balearic Islands. Completing her short stay with NATO, ''Moosbrugger'' transited the Suez in early September to rejoin Kennedy and immediately took a station in the North Red Sea entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba tasked with [[visit, board, search, and seizure]] (VBSS) to support enforcement of UN Iraq Sanctions. In September and early October she stopped and boarded nearly 30 merchant ships bound for Jordan. Following a short maintenance period in Jidda, Saudi Arabia, she took onboard small contingents of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and Navy SEALS, both trained in VBSS and continued search and seizure operations until transiting back North through the Suez. ''Moosbrugger'' spent Christmas 1990 in Haifa, Israel, departing the following day back to the Suez Canal and Red Sea.


When Operation Desert Storm began in January 1991, ''Moosbrugger'' was assigned maritime interdiction patrol at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. Her assignment was to stop, board, and search merchant vessels flagged by nations sympathetic to Iraq; and to prevent any war materials found onboard from reaching Jordan and ultimately Iraq. When hostilities ceased, ''Moosbrugger'' made ports-of-call in Egypt, Crete, and Gibraltar before crossing the Atlantic for the United States. ''Moosbrugger'' was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for service during the Persian Gulf War.
When Operation Desert Storm began in January 1991, ''Moosbrugger'' was again assigned maritime interdiction patrol at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. Her assignment was to stop, board, and search merchant vessels flagged by nations sympathetic to Iraq; and to prevent any war materials found onboard from reaching Jordan and ultimately Iraq. When hostilities ceased, ''Moosbrugger'' made ports-of-call in Egypt, Crete, and Gibraltar before crossing the Atlantic for the United States. ''Moosbrugger'' was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for service during the Persian Gulf War.


''Moosbrugger'' performed an extensive update in Charleston shipyard which removed its forward [[anti-submarine missile]] launcher of the [[ASROC]] family and upgraded to the [[RUM-139 VL-ASROC]] [[vertical launching system]] (VLS). This allowed the ship the ability to fire [[Tomahawk (missile)|Tomahawk]] missiles in addition to vertically launched ASROC.
⚫
''Moosbrugger'' relocated to [[Mayport, Florida]], on 11 March 1995, from its previous home port of [[Naval Station Charleston|Charleston, South Carolina]]. The ''Spruance''-class ship was the sixth of eleven ships scheduled for relocation to Mayport as a result of the 1993 [[Base Realignment and Closure Commission]] decision.


⚫
''Moosbrugger'' relocated to [[Naval Station Mayport|Mayport, Florida]], on 11 March 1995, from its previous home port of [[Naval Station Charleston|Charleston, South Carolina]]. The ''Spruance''-class ship was the sixth of eleven ships scheduled for relocation to Mayport as a result of the 1993 [[Base Realignment and Closure Commission]] decision.
⚫
''Moosbrugger'' deployed in 1996, along with [[USS La Moure County (LST-1194)|''La Moure County'']] (LST-1194), [[USS John L. Hall (FFG-32)|''John L. Hall'']] (FFG-32) and [[USS Narwhal (SSN-671)|''Narwhal'']] (SSN-671), to take part in UNITAS 96, a series of combined tactical at-sea operations, amphibious operations and in-port exercises with participating South American naval forces. During that deployment, ''Moosbrugger'' spent almost two weeks in Venezuelan waters conducting anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare and anti-air gunnery exercises in the [[Caribbean Sea]]. She then departed for Brazil for the next phase of UNITAS.


''Moosbrugger'' went into drydock to install women's living quarters and restrooms. She was one of the first surface warships to have women on it.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}
⚫
''Moosbrugger'' deployed in 1998, along with ''La Moure County'', [[USS Doyle (FFG-39)|''Doyle'']] (FFG-39) and [[USS Boston (SSN-703)|''Boston'']] (SSN-703), to take part in UNITAS 39–98, serving as the USCOMSOLANT flagship. UNITAS, Latin for unity, consists of at-sea operations, amphibious operations, riverine operations and in port exercises conducted with nine South American navies over a four-month period. The U.S. task group circumnavigated South America in a clockwise direction, returning to [[Naval Station Roosevelt Roads]] in November. The 40-year-old operation promotes a cooperative maritime strategy in the region while supporting the U.S. policy of continued engagement in South America through forward presence. The navies of Canada, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and South Africa joined the United States and South American navies for the first phase of UNITAS. This phase was led by the United States and conducted in the vicinity of [[Puerto Rico]]. The U.S. Navy's longest-running annual deployment began at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, as seven ships from four foreign navies joined a five ship U.S. task group.

The yard period in Mayport Florida was also to repair extensive issues encountered during the overhaul and upgrades performed at the Earl Shipyard in Charleston just a few years prior to.
[[File:USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) launches a Sea Sparrow.jpg|left|thumb|USS ''Moosbrugger'' launches a [[RIM-7 Sea Sparrow|Sea Sparrow missile]] on 15 July 1996]]
⚫
Following these extensive overhaul periods, ''Moosbrugger'' deployed in 1996, along with {{USS|La Moure County|LST-1194|2}}, {{USS|John L. Hall|FFG-32|2}} and {{USS|Narwhal|SSN-671|2}}, to take part in UNITAS 96, a series of combined tactical at-sea operations, amphibious operations and in-port exercises with participating South American naval forces. During that deployment, ''Moosbrugger'' spent almost two weeks in Venezuelan waters conducting anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare and anti-air gunnery exercises in the [[Caribbean Sea]]. She then departed for Brazil for the next phase of UNITAS.

⚫
''Moosbrugger'' deployed in 1998, along with ''La Moure County'', {{USS|Doyle|FFG-39|2}} and {{USS|Boston|SSN-703|2}}, to take part in UNITAS 39–98, serving as the USCOMSOLANT flagship with COMDESRON 32 as the Operational Commander. UNITAS, Latin for unity, consists of at-sea operations, amphibious operations, riverine operations and in port exercises conducted with nine South American navies over a four-month period. The U.S. task group circumnavigated South America in a clockwise direction, returning to [[Naval Station Roosevelt Roads]] in November. The 40-year-old operation promotes a cooperative maritime strategy in the region while supporting the U.S. policy of continued engagement in South America through forward presence. The navies of Canada, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and South Africa joined the United States and South American navies for the first phase of UNITAS. This phase was led by the United States and conducted in the vicinity of [[Puerto Rico]]. The U.S. Navy's longest-running annual deployment began at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, as seven ships from four foreign navies joined a five ship U.S. task group.


While in Puerto Rico, on 20 April 1998, ''Moosbrugger'' took part in Independent Deployer Exercise (INDEX) 98-2, off the coast of Puerto Rico. During the exercise, ''Moosbrugger'' fired two [[Sea Sparrow]]s from her deck at guided target drones launched from the [[U.S. Atlantic Fleet|Atlantic Fleet]] Weapons Training Facility at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads. The exercise also included target drones fired from [[A-4 Skyhawk]] aircraft. Following this, the task force then headed for Venezuela on 18 July as Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia each directed, in turn, their own phase of UNITAS. Overall, U.S. forces worked with host navies from Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The specific exercises conducted in each phase are determined by the host navy, making each phase unique. Exercises included all areas of modern naval warfare including anti-air, amphibious, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
While in Puerto Rico, on 20 April 1998, ''Moosbrugger'' took part in Independent Deployer Exercise (INDEX) 98-2, off the coast of Puerto Rico. During the exercise, ''Moosbrugger'' fired two [[Sea Sparrow]]s from her deck at guided target drones launched from the [[U.S. Atlantic Fleet|Atlantic Fleet]] Weapons Training Facility at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads. The exercise also included target drones fired from [[A-4 Skyhawk]] aircraft. Following this, the task force then headed for Venezuela on 18 July as Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia each directed, in turn, their own phase of UNITAS. Overall, U.S. forces worked with host navies from Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The specific exercises conducted in each phase are determined by the host navy, making each phase unique. Exercises included all areas of modern naval warfare including anti-air, amphibious, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.


==Fate==
===Fate===
''Moosbrugger'' was placed in commission, in reserve on 16 October 2000 at Mayport, Florida to prepare for decommissioning. On 15 December 2000, she was decommissioned and subsequently brought to Philadelphia Naval Intermediate Ship Maintenance Facility. She was maintained there in Maintenance Category B for activation in time of national emergency until 2006, when she was towed to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling.
''Moosbrugger'' was placed in commission, in reserve on 16 October 2000 at Mayport, Florida to prepare for decommissioning. On 15 December 2000, she was decommissioned and subsequently brought to Philadelphia Naval Intermediate Ship Maintenance Facility. She was maintained there in Maintenance Category B for activation in time of national emergency until 2006, when she was towed to [[Brownsville, Texas]], for dismantling.


== Ship's crest ==
== Ship's crest ==
[[Image:DD980crest.gif|left|thumb|upright|Ship's crest]]The official crest of USS ''Moosbrugger'' symbolizes the dedication and courage displayed by her namesake, Vice Admiral [[Frederick Moosbrugger]], during [[World War II]].
The official crest of USS ''Moosbrugger'' symbolizes the dedication and courage displayed by her namesake, Vice Admiral [[Frederick Moosbrugger]], during [[World War II]].


The trident, an attribute of [[Poseidon|Neptune]], god of the seas, represents the awesome strength and dominance of the modern destroyer. It also resembles the letter "M," an allusion to the initial letter of ''Moosbrugger'', the ship's namesake. The ship's motto is "More than Required".
The trident, an attribute of [[Poseidon|Neptune]], god of the seas, represents the awesome strength and dominance of the modern destroyer. It also resembles the letter "M," an allusion to the initial letter of ''Moosbrugger'', the ship's namesake. The ship's motto is "More than Required".


Through the heraldic fountain for water, the grappling iron (a device used for close range, early naval encounters), and the torpedo, the crest commemorates the [[Battle of Vella Gulf]] in the South Pacific during World War II. The then-Commander Moosbrugger led his ships into exceedingly close range against Japanese naval forces; took the enemy by surprise, and delivered a devastating torpedo attack, thereby annihilating the hostile force. For this action, he was awarded the [[Navy Cross]]. The gold laurel wreath is symbolic of Vice Admiral Frederick Moosbrugger's long and distinguished career.
Through the [[fountain (heraldry)|heraldic fountain]] for water, the grappling iron (a device used for close range, early naval encounters), and the torpedo, the crest commemorates the [[Battle of Vella Gulf]] in the South Pacific during World War II. The then-Commander Moosbrugger led his ships into exceedingly close range against Japanese naval forces; took the enemy by surprise, and delivered a devastating torpedo attack, thereby annihilating the hostile force. For this action, he was awarded the [[Navy Cross]]. The gold laurel wreath is symbolic of Vice Admiral Frederick Moosbrugger's long and distinguished career.

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="nolines">
USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) starboard view.jpg|USS ''Moosbrugger'' on 1 July 1983
USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) Port Everglades Florida.jpg|USS ''Moosbrugger'' in [[Port Everglades]] on 2 March 1992
USS Moosbrugger DD-980.jpg|USS ''Moosbrugger'' on 18 September 1996
Plaquette USS Moosbrugger, DD-980, objectnr KA 28327.jpg|USS ''Moosbrugger''{{'}}s nameplate
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of United States Navy destroyers]]
*[[List of destroyers of the United States Navy]]


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/DD980.htm Naval Vessel Register entry for ''Moosbrugger'']
* {{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=DD980|title=Naval Vessel Register entry for ''Moosbrugger''}}
* [http://www.ussmoosbrugger.com/ USS ''Moosbrugger'' Crew Site webpage]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050419174022/http://www.ussmoosbrugger.com/ USS ''Moosbrugger'' Crew Site webpage]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/980.htm navsource.org: USS ''Moosbrugger'']
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/980.htm navsource.org: USS ''Moosbrugger'']
* [http://www.united-states-navy.com/dd/dd980.htm united-states-navy.com: USS ''Moosbrugger'']
* [http://www.united-states-navy.com/dd/dd980.htm united-states-navy.com: USS ''Moosbrugger'']
* [http://www.combatindex.com/hardware/detail/sea/dd980_detail.html combatindex.com: USS ''Moosbrugger'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060222094410/http://www.combatindex.com/hardware/detail/sea/dd980_detail.html combatindex.com: USS ''Moosbrugger'']


<!-- non-breaking space to keep AWB drones from altering the space before the navbox-->
{{Spruance_class_destroyer}}
⚫
{{Spruance class destroyer}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Moosbrugger (DD-980)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Moosbrugger (DD-980)}}
[[Category:Spruance-class destroyers]]
[[Category:Spruance-class destroyers]]
[[Category:Cold War destroyers of the United States]]
[[Category:Cold War destroyers of the United States]]
[[Category:Gulf War ships of the United States]]
[[Category:1977 ships]]
[[Category:1977 ships]]

Latest revision as of 22:46, 31 December 2023

USS Moosbrugger
USS Moosbrugger
History
United States
NameMoosbrugger
NamesakeFrederick Moosbrugger
Ordered15 January 1974
BuilderIngalls Shipbuilding
Laid down3 November 1975
Launched23 July 1977
Acquired27 November 1978
Commissioned16 December 1978
Decommissioned15 December 2000
Stricken25 April 2006
Identification
MottoMore Than Required
Nickname(s)The Moose
FateScrapped, 2006
Badge
General characteristics
Class and typeSpruance-class destroyer
Displacement8,040 (long) tons full load
Length529 ft (161 m) waterline; 563 ft (172 m) overall
Beam55 ft (16.8 m)
Draft29 ft (8.8 m)
Propulsion4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, 2 shafts, 80,000 shp (60 MW)
Speed32.5 knots (60.2 km/h; 37.4 mph)
Range
  • 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
  • 3,300 nautical miles (6,100 km; 3,800 mi) at 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Complement19 officers, 315 enlisted
Sensors and
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carried2 × Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters.
Aviation facilitiesFlight deck and enclosed hangar for up to two medium-lift helicopters

USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) was a Spruance-class destroyer built for the United States Navy by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi. Affectionately nicknamed the "Moose" by her crews, she was named in honor of Vice Admiral Frederick Moosbrugger who is best known for his service in World War II as a highly successful commander of destroyer squadrons.

History[edit]

USS Moosbrugger was laid down 3 November 1975, launched 23 July 1977 and commissioned 16 December 1978. She arrived at her new home port at Charleston, South Carolina just prior to Christmas 1978 becoming the first of her class at that base. She conducted shakedown operations at Fleet Training Center, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Saint Thomas, United States Virgin Islands during this time.

Following shakedown, USS Moosbrugger returned to her builders for post-commissioning refits and upgrades. While at Pascagoula, she was ordered to conduct an emergency sortie in order to avoid the worst effects of Hurricane Frederic, spending several days in the Gulf of Mexico while the storm system passed. Following her return to port, Moosbrugger supplied electrical power to portions of the shipyard to allow her refit to complete. It was in this refit that a pair of moose antlers were installed on the ship, just below the bridge windows.

USS Moosbrugger in 1982

Moosbrugger deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on 14 July 1980, acting as flagship for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 20 for the entire deployment. She conducted anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and amphibious support operations during the deployment. Port visits included Rota, Spain, Naples, Italy, Cagliari, Italy, La Spezia, Italy, Marseilles, France, Benidorm, Spain, Cartagena, Spain, and Palma de Mallorca. She returned from this deployment on 11 December 1980. She was the test platform for the AN/SQR 19(V) tactical towed array sonar (TACTAS) in 1982.

Moosbrugger received the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for service as set forth in the following citation:

"For meritorious service in naval operations from 13 September 1986 to 1 December 1986. During numerous ASW operations against Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean Sea, the officers and crew members of the USS Moosbrugger displayed great professional skill and exemplary tactical proficiency attaining Commander Sixth Fleet ASW objectives. USS Moosbrugger, equipped with the SQR-19 towed array sonar and MK III Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System, aggressively achieved unprecedented success in the detection, long term tracking and classification of Soviet submarines. In addition, through expert coordination of multiple ASW assets of the United States and Allied Navies, she was the key to exceptionally competent ASW operations. By her outstanding performance, USS Moosbrugger greatly enhanced national, bilateral, and NATO's ASW capabilities. USS Moosbrugger set a new standard of Mediterranean surface-ship ASW excellence that will be the bench mark for other submarine hunters. By their steadfast performance, brilliant and creative use of resources, exceptional combat readiness, and unfailing devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of USS Moosbrugger reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." Signed by the Secretary of the Navy John Lehman.

In 1989, Moosbrugger made the final Cold War deployment to the United States Sixth Fleet as the primary ASW element of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group.

1990s[edit]

In August 1990, USS Moosbrugger was part of the initial United States response to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. She deployed on six days notice for Operation Desert Shield to join the rapidly formed USS John F. Kennedy Battle Group. She deployed from Charleston, South Carolina and joined John F. Kennedy en route to the Red Sea via the Mediterranean Sixth Fleet. In the months of coalition build-up prior to the beginning of hostilities, the Moosbrugger performed several important tasks. She was first tasked to delay her Suez transit by several weeks in order to be the US contribution to the standing up of NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean making port calls in Italy and Balearic Islands. Completing her short stay with NATO, Moosbrugger transited the Suez in early September to rejoin Kennedy and immediately took a station in the North Red Sea entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba tasked with visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) to support enforcement of UN Iraq Sanctions. In September and early October she stopped and boarded nearly 30 merchant ships bound for Jordan. Following a short maintenance period in Jidda, Saudi Arabia, she took onboard small contingents of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and Navy SEALS, both trained in VBSS and continued search and seizure operations until transiting back North through the Suez. Moosbrugger spent Christmas 1990 in Haifa, Israel, departing the following day back to the Suez Canal and Red Sea.

When Operation Desert Storm began in January 1991, Moosbrugger was again assigned maritime interdiction patrol at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. Her assignment was to stop, board, and search merchant vessels flagged by nations sympathetic to Iraq; and to prevent any war materials found onboard from reaching Jordan and ultimately Iraq. When hostilities ceased, Moosbrugger made ports-of-call in Egypt, Crete, and Gibraltar before crossing the Atlantic for the United States. Moosbrugger was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for service during the Persian Gulf War.

Moosbrugger performed an extensive update in Charleston shipyard which removed its forward anti-submarine missile launcher of the ASROC family and upgraded to the RUM-139 VL-ASROC vertical launching system (VLS). This allowed the ship the ability to fire Tomahawk missiles in addition to vertically launched ASROC.

Moosbrugger relocated to Mayport, Florida, on 11 March 1995, from its previous home port of Charleston, South Carolina. The Spruance-class ship was the sixth of eleven ships scheduled for relocation to Mayport as a result of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure Commission decision.

Moosbrugger went into drydock to install women's living quarters and restrooms. She was one of the first surface warships to have women on it.[citation needed]

The yard period in Mayport Florida was also to repair extensive issues encountered during the overhaul and upgrades performed at the Earl Shipyard in Charleston just a few years prior to.

USS Moosbrugger launches a Sea Sparrow missile on 15 July 1996

Following these extensive overhaul periods, Moosbrugger deployed in 1996, along with La Moure County, John L. Hall and Narwhal, to take part in UNITAS 96, a series of combined tactical at-sea operations, amphibious operations and in-port exercises with participating South American naval forces. During that deployment, Moosbrugger spent almost two weeks in Venezuelan waters conducting anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare and anti-air gunnery exercises in the Caribbean Sea. She then departed for Brazil for the next phase of UNITAS.

Moosbrugger deployed in 1998, along with La Moure County, Doyle and Boston, to take part in UNITAS 39–98, serving as the USCOMSOLANT flagship with COMDESRON 32 as the Operational Commander. UNITAS, Latin for unity, consists of at-sea operations, amphibious operations, riverine operations and in port exercises conducted with nine South American navies over a four-month period. The U.S. task group circumnavigated South America in a clockwise direction, returning to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in November. The 40-year-old operation promotes a cooperative maritime strategy in the region while supporting the U.S. policy of continued engagement in South America through forward presence. The navies of Canada, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and South Africa joined the United States and South American navies for the first phase of UNITAS. This phase was led by the United States and conducted in the vicinity of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Navy's longest-running annual deployment began at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, as seven ships from four foreign navies joined a five ship U.S. task group.

While in Puerto Rico, on 20 April 1998, Moosbrugger took part in Independent Deployer Exercise (INDEX) 98-2, off the coast of Puerto Rico. During the exercise, Moosbrugger fired two Sea Sparrows from her deck at guided target drones launched from the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads. The exercise also included target drones fired from A-4 Skyhawk aircraft. Following this, the task force then headed for Venezuela on 18 July as Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia each directed, in turn, their own phase of UNITAS. Overall, U.S. forces worked with host navies from Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The specific exercises conducted in each phase are determined by the host navy, making each phase unique. Exercises included all areas of modern naval warfare including anti-air, amphibious, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

Fate[edit]

Moosbrugger was placed in commission, in reserve on 16 October 2000 at Mayport, Florida to prepare for decommissioning. On 15 December 2000, she was decommissioned and subsequently brought to Philadelphia Naval Intermediate Ship Maintenance Facility. She was maintained there in Maintenance Category B for activation in time of national emergency until 2006, when she was towed to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling.

Ship's crest[edit]

The official crest of USS Moosbrugger symbolizes the dedication and courage displayed by her namesake, Vice Admiral Frederick Moosbrugger, during World War II.

The trident, an attribute of Neptune, god of the seas, represents the awesome strength and dominance of the modern destroyer. It also resembles the letter "M," an allusion to the initial letter of Moosbrugger, the ship's namesake. The ship's motto is "More than Required".

Through the heraldic fountain for water, the grappling iron (a device used for close range, early naval encounters), and the torpedo, the crest commemorates the Battle of Vella Gulf in the South Pacific during World War II. The then-Commander Moosbrugger led his ships into exceedingly close range against Japanese naval forces; took the enemy by surprise, and delivered a devastating torpedo attack, thereby annihilating the hostile force. For this action, he was awarded the Navy Cross. The gold laurel wreath is symbolic of Vice Admiral Frederick Moosbrugger's long and distinguished career.

Gallery[edit]

  • USS Moosbrugger on 1 July 1983
    USS Moosbrugger on 1 July 1983
  • USS Moosbrugger in Port Everglades on 2 March 1992
    USS Moosbrugger in Port Everglades on 2 March 1992
  • USS Moosbrugger on 18 September 1996
    USS Moosbrugger on 18 September 1996
  • USS Moosbrugger's nameplate
    USS Moosbrugger's nameplate

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to USS Moosbrugger (DD-980).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=USS_Moosbrugger&oldid=1192890814"