CHOSIN is currently dry-docked in Seattle, WA as she continues with the cruiser modernization program. The ship will remain in Seattle until the end of her maintenance availability. This move supports the Navy’s plan to modernize select cruisers to extend their service lives to 40 years, as well as upgrade shipboard combat systems to address current and future warfighting requirements.
The Navy will maintain cruisers undergoing modernization in a commissioned status using a reduced crew size and transferring the administrative control of the ship to Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command at the start of the modernization period. At a future date, the Navy will restore the ship to full manning and transfer administrative control back to Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the ship returns to operational status.
All of this is currently being executed in a time of a worldwide pandemic, COVID-19. The Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) is on the forefront of ensuring the entire crew practices all local and state guidelines as well as the latest NAVADMIN directives. The CHOSIN maintains crew safety through daily temperature checks upon entry of the shipyard, daily screenings of Sailors experiencing any symptoms, keeping Sailors at home as needed, and strict extreme cleaning.
CHOSIN’s Morale, Wellness, and Recreation (MWR) team is working harder than ever as they conduct merchandise sales and plan events for the crew that maintain social distancing guidelines. This includes a remote fitness challenge, outdoors excursions, and virtual events.
USS CHOSIN was commissioned in 1991 and served in the Pacific Fleet from her previous homeport in Pearl Harbor, HI.
In 1992 CHOSIN deployed for the first time to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. On several occasions over the years, Sailors aboard CHOSIN rescued stranded fishermen at sea, including Iraqi and Yemeni seafarers. In 2014, CHOSIN led recovery efforts of the disabled Canadian Navy oil replenishment ship HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509) after an engine fire. CHOSIN participated in humanitarian operations in the Pacific and dozens of international exercises, including Rim of the Pacific exercises in the Hawaiian Islands.
CHOSIN is the first U.S. Navy warship named in commemoration of the First Marine Division's heroism at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Veterans of the battle are known as “The Chosin Few” and the ship's motto, "Invictus," which is Latin for invincible or unconquered, is in honor of their fighting spirit.
Guided Missile Cruisers are multi-mission surface combatants capable of supporting carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups, or operating as flagships of surface action groups. They are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles giving them additional long-range strike warfare capability. Maintaining these technologically advanced ships supports the United States’ commitment to global maritime security, stability, and prosperity.