Anchored in Heritage: USS Princeton Sailors return to Namesake City

by Lt. Meghan Mcdonough

25 March 2024

PRINCETON, N.J. – 17 Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) visited the city of Princeton to reconnect with history and foster meaningful connections with local residents, community leaders, and schools, strengthening the bond between the ship and its namesake city.

During the visit, Sailors met with several community leaders including the mayor, toured various historical landmarks, and provided presentations at three local schools.

The crew began their trip exploring the Princeton Battlefield State Park, directly learning the history behind their ship’s name. With temperatures hovering around 37 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the tour, the Sailors gained a true appreciation for what the soldiers experienced during the battle when temperatures were in the low 20s. The crew continued to learn more of the historical significance of Princeton, New Jersey and its surroundings by visiting Washington Crossing Historic Park. Throughout the entire visit, the Sailors reflected on the history of our nation’s beginning and made connections to why they are proudly serving our country today.

Sailors visited three local schools – Community Middle School, West Windsor Plainsboro High School South, and Princeton High School – to link science lessons to the U.S. Navy, tell stories about their time in the service, and showcase different aspects of the ship’s recent deployment. Several Sailors imparted advice on the students by offering what they would tell their past self at that age.

“Keep going! You’re only at the beginning so dream big,” said Ensign Destiny Bonwell to a class of Princeton High School students.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Aaron Vanderhoof echoed the advice, “Keep pushing. Whether it’s in high school, college, or in the military, keep pushing and give it all you got.”

Following the school visits, the Sailors met with Mark Freda, mayor of Princeton, who expressed his deepest gratitude for the return visit of the crew. Mayor Freda discussed the rich history of the Municipality of Princeton and provided a commemorative coin to each Sailor. The coin celebrates the ten year anniversary of the consolidation of Princeton Township and the Borough of Princeton.

During the meeting, Lt. Stephen Huebscher and Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Adam Torres presented a commissioning pennant to Mayor Freda.



“It was an absolute pleasure to get a glimpse into the rich history here and the true sense of family that the city of Princeton fosters,” stated Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Bryan Pelham. “The teachers, the students, the people, the historians, the Mayor and his staff – all were so accommodating and welcoming. It truly felt like we were a part of the Princeton family. And I hope we were able to show how much they all meant to us at the USS Princeton. In return, I hope that we are all doing her legacy proud.”

Huebscher, the ship’s chaplain and organizer of the namesake visit, was thrilled with the relationships built throughout the week and hopes the bonds will continue to strengthen in the future.

“This trip succeeded in increasing outreach to more schools, in outreach to another group of sports fans, and in connecting my Sailors to more significant stories of our shared history,” said Huebscher.

Throughout the week, Sailors also visited Philadelphia to see additional historical landmarks including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Christ Church Cemetery, as well as being recognized during a Philadelphia Flyers game.



Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers are multi-role warships, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles to strike strategic or tactical targets, or fire long-range anti-aircraft missiles for defense against aircraft or anti-ship missiles. Also capable of performing anti-submarine missions, Ticonderoga-class ships are designed to be elements of carrier battle groups or amphibious ready groups, as well as perform missions such as interdiction or escort.



USS Princeton is homeported at Naval Base San Diego, California. She is the sixth ship to carry the name.