Awarded: November 26, 1984
Keel laid: April 7, 1987
Launched: March 19, 1988
Commissioned: December 9, 1989
Builder: Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine
Propulsion system: 4 GE LM 2500 gas turbine engines
Propellers: 2
Blades on each Propeller: 5
Length: 567 feet
Beam: 55 feet
Draft: 34 feet
Displacement: approx. 9,600 tons
Speed: 30+ knots
Cost: about $1 billion
Aircraft: two SH-60 Sea Hawk
Armament: two Mk 41 VLS for Standard missiles, Tomahawk, ASROC; Mk 46 torpedoes, Harpoon missile launchers, two Mk 45 5-inch/54 caliber lightweight guns, two Phalanx CIWS
Homeport: Norfolk, Va.
Crew: 33 Officers, 27 CPOs, 340 Enlisted

Planned “Tiger Cruise” was cancelled by Captain Kerno, as tropical storm Noel was on a collision course with the Florida coast. Apologies were extended to the families who had made plans to board NORMANDY in Mayport, Florida for a dependent’s cruise to the Norfolk Navy Base. Captain Robert S. Kerno had chosen to be on the safe side and changed course to Norfolk.

This sudden change resulted in the NORMANDY arriving “back home” earlier than originally scheduled, to the delight of the families who anxiously awaited the arrival of their loved ones.

As NORMANDY came into sight off Pier 5 at the Norfolk Navy Base, a cheer and shouts of joy erupted from hundreds of family members and friends assembled on the dock to welcome her crew home.

On the pier representing the Richmond Council at “homecoming” and prominently displaying Council’s “Welcome Home” banner were Directors Tom Hassell, Rich Goff, George Feitig, Henry Allen, Jim Mullen, Rick Hezel and Ed Gibbons. Captain Kerno, staff and crew are to be complimented on the completion of this highly successful deployment and the safe return for all!