Politics & Government

'Mighty Moo' Returns After 13 Years in Japan

The same crew that transferred the USS Antietam to Japan returned on the Cowpens Monday.

The cruiser USS Cowpens arrived in San Diego Monday after spending 13 years based in Japan. The 567-foot Cowpens–AKA the “Mighty Moo”–is named after a notable Revolutionary War battle.

The cruiser USS Antietam was sent to Japan Jan. 3 to replace the ship; the same 400-member crew bought the Cowpens back to San Diego.

The Antietam completed a major upgrade to its hull, mechanical, electrical and combat systems last spring, making it a better choice to be based closer to a combat zone, according to the Navy.

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"After spending most of 2012 preparing USS Antietam for forward operations, the crew conducted a professional and well-executed turnover with Cowpens this February, and then worked diligently to learn the differences between the two hulls and how to operate Cowpens at sea," said Capt. Robert Tortora, the Cowpens commanding officer.

"I am very proud of the efforts of all hands to first make Antietam ready and then make themselves fully mission-capable in Cowpens."

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– City News Service


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