USS BUNKER HILL

Artist Lynne Norton

Date1992

Object number00027980

NameDrawing

MediumOil pastel on paper

DimensionsOverall: 505 x 635 mm, 1 mm, 0.2 kg
Mount: 505 x 635 mm, 1 mm
Image: 386 x 535 mm
Sheet: 397 x 546 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis drawing depicts USS BUNKER HILL, a Ticonderoga class cruiser of the US Navy. The cruiser is dressed all over and the US flag can be seen on the stern at lower left. The wharf and buildings appear at the right, and crewmen are visible on the vessel. BUNKER HILL has served many regions including the Pacific, the Persian Gulf and Somalia since her launch.HistoryUSS BUNKER HILL (CG-52) was laid down in Mississippi in January 1984, was launched in March 1985 and was commissioned in September 1986. Included in her arsenal are Harpoon missiles, Tomahawk land attack missiles, and Phalanx CIWS. She can reach a speed of 32 knots, has a length of 567 feet and a crew of 360. BUNKER HILL was initially part of the Pacific Fleet before being deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1987 where she provided anti-air warfare cover for other ships of the US Navy during Operation Earnest Will. In August, 1988 BUNKER HILL joined the Seventh Fleet and her homeport was shifted from San Diego to Yokosuka, Japan. In November, 1990, BUNKER HILL served in the Persian Gulf during the First Gulf War as the multinational Air Warfare Commander (AAWC). She was one of the first ships to launch a Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile against Iraqi targets and remained in the region until the end of hostilities. BUNKER HILL made historic visits to Vladivostok, Russia in 1993 and Qingdao, China in 1994. In 1998 her homeport was shifted back to San Diego and BUNKER HILL went on to provide support of the United Nations sanctions against Iraq. Recently, BUNKER HILL has had her weapons upgraded and was deployed to Somalia to provide anti-terrorist assistance. Starting with the arrival of the Great White Fleet in 1908, the United States Navy established a tradition of visiting Australian shores. The Second World War forged even closer ties and the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy regularly participate in combat and naval exercises with each other.SignificanceThis work represents the continuing military ties between Australia and the United States.