Happy 18th Birthday To USS Hue City

She was christened on July 21, 1991, and commissioned as the only ship to be named after a battle from the Vietnam War on Sept. 14, 1991.

She has completed seven deployments, and has been the Air Defense Commander for the USS Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Groups, as well as the Air Defense Commander for the USS Saipan Expeditionary Strike Group.

During her long and illustrious career, she has conducted counter-drug operations in the Caribbean, multinational operations in the Baltic, was named the Flagship for UNITAS 2000, sailed to New York City as the Review Ship for President Clinton in support of OPSAIL 2000, and served in Operation Noble Eagle after the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

In 2006, USS Hue City's deployment was extended when she successfully served as Air Defense Commander for JTF Lebanon during the Israel-Lebanon crisis. USS Hue City has been a key ingredient to the success of Operations Enduring Freedom, Northern Eagle, and Iraqi Freedom.

For the last 18 years, USS Hue City has earned 11 Armed Forces Service Medals, received the Meritorious Unit Commendation twice, and has earned the Battle "E" nine times, including twice in the last two years. She has seen 10 commanding officers, 12 executive officers, and has served in numerous operations around the globe.

As Capt. A. W. Swain addressed the crew, he noted all of the ship's accomplishments, but made sure to emphasize that it is the hard work and diligence of the Sailors onboard USS Hue City who are responsible for her success and continue to keep her as the tip of the spear for many more years to come.

The Crew then joined Swain and Port Engineer Don Doyle - who has been with the ship since her maiden voyage - in singing "Happy Birthday" before enjoying cake and ice cream Hue City's Culinary Specialists.