USS Cushing (DD-985)
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| Missing image USS_Cushing;0598507.jpg USS Cushing (DD-985) enters Apra Harbor | |
| Career | Missing image USN-Jack.png USN Jack |
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| Laid down: | 2 February 1977 |
| Launched: | 17 June 1978 |
| Commissioned: | 21 September 1979 |
| Status: | Template:Active in service |
| Decommissioned: | To decommission on 22 September 2005 |
| Fate: | |
| Struck: | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Displacement: | 8,040 lt (8,168.64 t) |
| Length: | 563 ft (171.6 m) |
| Beam: | 55 ft (16.8 m) |
| Draft: | 36 ft |
| Propulsion: | 4 × GE LM 2500 gas turbines driving two shafts |
| Speed: | > 30 knots (55 km/h) |
| Range: | |
| Complement: | 352 Enlisted, 30 Officers |
| Armament: | 2 × 5"/54 Mk 45 LWGs, 2 × 20 mm Mk 15 CIWS, NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System, Harpoon Missiles, Tomahawk Missiles, Vertically launched ASROCs |
| Aircraft: | Normal Compliment 2 SH-60B ASW Helicopters from HSL-51 "Warlords", can land all helos up to CH-46 |
| Motto: | Non Sibi Sed Patriae ("Not for self but for country") |
USS Cushing (DD-985), named for Commander William B. Cushing USN (1842–1874), is a Spruance-class destroyer built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi.
USS Cushing is an active unit of the United States Navy as of 2004 and operates out of Yokosuka in Japan.
The last of the Spruance class in service, Cushing is scheduled for decommission on 22 September 2005.
Ship's crest
DD985crest.gif
The predominant colors of dark blue and gold are traditionally associated with the Navy and symbolize the sea and excellence. The indented division of the shield represents a log boom and pile and is suggestive of the manner in which Commander Cushing accomplished the sinking of the CSS Albemarle. The upper area of the pile is red, alluding to the danger of this famous action and that Commander Cushing was under enemy fire more than any other Union Navy officer. The lion's head is a symbol of courage and strength and signifies the character of Commander Cushing. His spirit is also reflected in the ship's motto, "Non Sibi Sed Patriae", a statement attributed to the ancient Roman Cicero that translates to "Not for Self but for Country". The trident is a traditional maritime symbol and its sharp points suggest offensive action. The spar torpedo is dark blue alluding to the dark night and the covert nature of the sinking of the Albemarle. The dark blue also recalls the fact that Commander Cushing took the torpedo, at that time a Confederate weapon, and successfully used it to sink an enemy vessel. The five stars refer to the fact that Cushing is the fifth ship in the U. S. Navy to be carry the name.
External Links
- USS Cushing official website (http://www.cushing.navy.mil/)
- nvr.navy.mil: USS Cushing (http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/DD985.htm)
- navsource.org: USS Cushing (http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/985.htm)
- navysite.de: USS Cushing (http://www.navysite.de/dd/dd985.htm)
- USS Cushing Association (http://www.usscushing.com/)