Press Releases
USS Gonzalez Visits Split
EMBASSY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Public Affairs Section
Zagreb, Croatia
USS GONZALEZ VISITS SPLIT
The American guided missile destroyer, USS Gonzalez (DDG-66) has arrived Split today, August 1, 2006. The Gonzalez, which is home-based on the U.S. East Coast, is conducting a Mediterranean deployment as a member of the United States Sixth Fleet. It will be the fifth U.S. navy ship to visit Split this year.
USS Gonzalez is coming to Split directly from its mission in the eastern Mediterranean assisting with evacuation and humanitarian operations off the coast of Lebanon. During the visit to Split, sailors from the Gonzalez have volunteered to assist with a painting and beautification project in the city of Drnis on August 3rd.
The Gonzalez is commanded by Commander R.D. Randall and has a crew of approximately 300 officers and sailors. The Gonzalez is an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, one of the mainstay ship types in the U.S. fleet. It is named after Marine Corps Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez, a hero of the Vietnam War, who was killed in action during Operation Hue City in February 1968.