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News & Events

’66 “Class Ship” Performs Exceptionally Well

Posted: 4/28/2025

NORFOLK, VA. (Apr 18, 2025) – While underway in March 2025, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) hosted Capt Edward J. Pledger, Commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 during the final days of a month-long underway to present Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (NAMS) alongside Gonzalez’ Commanding Officer, Cmdr Katrina Stegner, and witness Sailors being pinned for Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS).

During the 25-day underway, Gonzalez participated in a series of high-level operations including USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)’s Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and Exercise Nautical Twilight involving the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. Gonzalez performed exceptionally throughout, prompting the Commodore’s visit to witness the crew’s performance firsthand and to celebrate their accomplishments. Click HERE to read more.

The Class of 1966 established a leadership award in 1996 to recognize heroism and tied it to the USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), a ship with our class number. This award provided an opportunity to maintain a tangible class tie to the fleet as classmates attrited. Click HERE for more on the Class of 1966 awards. 


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