USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55)

The USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55) holds an important place in defending American interests and protecting freedom across the globe. A Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser for the U.S. Navy, she is superbly equipped to succeed in even the most demanding of missions. The USS Leyte Gulf is named after the Battle of Leyte Gulf, formerly known as the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history.

Commissioned on 26 September 1987, the USS Leyte Gulf has a displacement of approximately 9,600 long tons and stretches some 567 feet in length. Armed with naval guns and anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missiles, plus other weapons, she is equipped for surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. She also is the home of two Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters.

This coin is minted in bronze, finished with an antique patina, and pays tribute to the USS Leyte Gulf, saluting the exceptional service of her crew. The obverse contains a portside view of the USS Leyte Gulf, cutting through the waters on its way to a mission, with the ship’s motto “ARRAYED FOR VICTORY” and the shield and crest of the USS Leyte Gulf, imbued with bold colored enamel in the background. The reverse features the name and dates of the Battle of Leyte Gulf along with a print scene of the battle.