USS Gettysburg Crew
Last week, the Gettysburg Foundation hosted the captain and officers of the USS Gettysburg (CG 64) during their visit to Gettysburg for a team-building exercise Oct. 23-25, 2020.
Named for the Battle of Gettysburg, the USS Gettysburg is currently laid up at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., as part of the Navy’s Cruiser Phased Modernization Program. The ship is expected to undergo modernization and return to service by 2021, replacing an older sistership.
The USS Gettysburg’s motto is, “Deeds, Not Words,” reflecting the willingness of those who fought at Gettysburg and those who have served on the ship to translate strength of conviction into decisive action. Evident in their honored reputation on the waterfront and within the Carrier Strike Group today, the crewmembers have taken this adage seriously throughout the ship’s service.
The USS Gettysburg crew visited the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, home to the Gettysburg Foundation’s In the Footsteps of Leaders® executive leadership program. Crewmembers provided volunteer labor moving stones to make a firepit and clearing debris around the property during their time at the historic site.
Continuing to support the ship and crew, the Gettysburg Foundation was pleased to gift sailors on the USS Gettysburg with witness wood pens that were used during re-enlistment ceremonies on Nov. 3, 2020. The pens were made from wood taken from the George Spangler farmhouse during its renovation completed in fall 2019.
Photo courtesy of USS Gettysburg
The Gettysburg Foundation also hosted the crew at the historic Sherfy House during their stay. Crewmembers spent a day on the Gettysburg battlefield with Licensed Battlefield Guide, Col. Rob Abbott, USMC (Ret.), learning leadership lessons from the battle at locations where pivotal decisions were made. The crew explored the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center where they took in the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience.
The Foundation is glad to partner with the USS Gettysburg and looks forward to future opportunities to impart lessons from Gettysburg to these brave sailors.