We ask the Department of War to name a future ship USS Cowpens, so that a proud naval tradition may continue, the United States Government may spend nothing, and the bond between the Navy and the Town of Cowpens, South Carolina, may stay alive for another generation.
For 47 years, Cowpens has honored the crews of the two ships that carried its name. Both served with distinction. The first, CVL-25, was a light aircraft carrier that earned 12 battle stars in the Pacific during World War II and was the only American flattop to witness the final Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945. The second, CG-63, was commissioned in 1991, took part in cruise missile strikes against Iraq in 1993, and fired the first Tomahawk missile of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was decommissioned in 2024. The ship and her crew were also the subject of a 2024 book by a major United States publisher.
That record matters because Cowpens has done more than remember these ships. It has built a living tradition around them. The town’s Mighty Moo Festival is a three-day event held every Father’s Day weekend, with veterans of both ships as guests of honor. Since 1979, veterans of CVL-25 have gathered there, and since 1991 they have been joined by veterans of CG-63. Every year, the Navy sends a contingent of sailors, and the town rolls out the red carpet.
There is no other ship in the Navy with a closer relationship to its namesake community than USS Cowpens. Naming a future amphibious assault ship, such as an LHA, Cowpens would fit current Navy practice and would let this bond continue on a new hull.
We respectfully ask for your support and for the chance to speak with you or your staff about making this happen.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
September 17, 2026
48 Comments
Naming another Navy ship USS Cowpens would carry forward a proud connection between our town and the United States Navy that has lasted for generations. It would honor the sailors who served aboard CVL 25 and CG 63 while giving a new generation of sailors the opportunity to become part of that history. The Cowpens name belongs at sea again.
The LEGACY of BOTH Previous Ships and Crews lives on! USS Cowpens, and it's ties to the Great State of South Carolina, the Cowpens Battleground, and the town of Cowpens are bound by history, patriotism, and community. The Town of Cowpens' annual "Mighty Moo Festival" draws THOUSANDS of guests from across the USA, demonstrating their commitment to continuing the COWPENS Tradition. The next Festival, in June 2027, will mark 50 years of CELEBRATION.
It is importantly to continue the legacy of the MightyMoo Cvl25 and CG63 and all the represent, as well as the community of Cowpens, SC.
As a former Crewmember of the USS Cowpens CG-63 I have attamed the Mighty Moo festival for many Years and this is a Tradition that needs to be persevered, and The Navy needs to Carry the USS Cowpens name into the future
My husband served on the USS Cowpens. He loved her and had great pride in his time on her. He was really bummed when she made her final voyage. I am signing this petition because he has passed & I know he would have signed it.
My dad served in WWII aboard the Cowpens.
I have a friend who served on the Cowpen and it has a wonderful history that should be continued.
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Decision Makers:
Pete Hegseth
We ask the Department of War to name a future ship USS Cowpens, so that a proud naval tradition may continue, the United States Government may spend nothing, and the bond between the Navy and the Town of Cowpens, South Carolina, may stay alive for another generation.
For 47 years, Cowpens has honored the crews of the two ships that carried its name. Both served with distinction. The first, CVL-25, was a light aircraft carrier that earned 12 battle stars in the Pacific during World War II and was the only American flattop to witness the final Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945. The second, CG-63, was commissioned in 1991, took part in cruise missile strikes against Iraq in 1993, and fired the first Tomahawk missile of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was decommissioned in 2024. The ship and her crew were also the subject of a 2024 book by a major United States publisher.
That record matters because Cowpens has done more than remember these ships. It has built a living tradition around them. The town’s Mighty Moo Festival is a three-day event held every Father’s Day weekend, with veterans of both ships as guests of honor. Since 1979, veterans of CVL-25 have gathered there, and since 1991 they have been joined by veterans of CG-63. Every year, the Navy sends a contingent of sailors, and the town rolls out the red carpet.
There is no other ship in the Navy with a closer relationship to its namesake community than USS Cowpens. Naming a future amphibious assault ship, such as an LHA, Cowpens would fit current Navy practice and would let this bond continue on a new hull.
We respectfully ask for your support and for the chance to speak with you or your staff about making this happen.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
September 17, 2026
48 Comments
My father served on CVL 25 during WW 2 M division He was proud of his service and saw a lot of sacrifices. Keeping the name alive honors him and his fellow crew members.
Naming another Navy ship USS Cowpens would carry forward a proud connection between our town and the United States Navy that has lasted for generations. It would honor the sailors who served aboard CVL 25 and CG 63 while giving a new generation of sailors the opportunity to become part of that history. The Cowpens name belongs at sea again.
The LEGACY of BOTH Previous Ships and Crews lives on! USS Cowpens, and it's ties to the Great State of South Carolina, the Cowpens Battleground, and the town of Cowpens are bound by history, patriotism, and community. The Town of Cowpens' annual "Mighty Moo Festival" draws THOUSANDS of guests from across the USA, demonstrating their commitment to continuing the COWPENS Tradition. The next Festival, in June 2027, will mark 50 years of CELEBRATION.
It is importantly to continue the legacy of the MightyMoo Cvl25 and CG63 and all the represent, as well as the community of Cowpens, SC.
As a former Crewmember of the USS Cowpens CG-63 I have attamed the Mighty Moo festival for many Years and this is a Tradition that needs to be persevered, and The Navy needs to Carry the USS Cowpens name into the future
My husband served on the USS Cowpens. He loved her and had great pride in his time on her. He was really bummed when she made her final voyage. I am signing this petition because he has passed & I know he would have signed it.
My dad served in WWII aboard the Cowpens.
I have a friend who served on the Cowpen and it has a wonderful history that should be continued.
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My father served on CVL 25 during WW 2 M division He was proud of his service and saw a lot of sacrifices. Keeping the name alive honors him and his fellow crew members.