USS Vella Gulf (CG-72)

The Vella Gulf, as seen in-game

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> Move Swiftly, Strike Vigorously - Motto of the Vella Gulf.
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## Background History

The USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser built by the United States. It is the second ship in the United States Navy to be named after the Battle of Vella Gulf, an engagement that took place in the Solomons Campaign during World War 2. The ship was laid down during April 22, 1991; was launched during June 13, 1992; and was commissioned during September 18, 1993.

The ship participated in numerous training exercises, and also participated in humanitarian efforts during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The ship also assisted the tanker Polaris when it sent a distress call concerning the pirates that attempted to board the tanker in question, who surrendered to the Vella Gulf and were transferred to the supply ship USNS Lewis and Clark for processing, and were then sent to Kenya for trial.

## Overview

The Vella Gulf, a combination of firepower and weaker air defense. Although lacking a third missile slot, its pair of grenade launchers and an autocannon compensate for it; giving it a significant boost in offensive capabilities at close range, and also the ability to intercept torpedoes.

The ship, however, is still vulnerable to air attacks and can only intercept 1-2 missiles before getting hit Nonetheless, the ship is more than capable of battle at the hands of skilled players, especially to those who prefer a more defensive playstyle.

## Tactics

### Playing as a Vella Gulf

When playing as a Vella Gulf, your greatest enemies are aircraft and missiles. Stick with your team when the enemy has an aircraft/assault carrier, and always use every weapon onboard against enemy ships. Use islands to minimize the damage you take, while slowly pushing up, and when an enemy is spotted, spam missiles, use your grenade launcher and cannon for extra damage.

### Playing along a Vella Gulf

Consider escorting your Vella gulf when possible, as it has low AA, something that you can supplement with your own ship. It should provide you with valuable backup in brawls and long range duels, a practice that the Vela gulf excels at.

### Playing against a Vella Gulf

The Vella Gulf is usually vulnerable against air attacks when unescorted, and should be a priority target if possible.

The ship also stands no chance against enemy battleships, and will vaporize within a minute under an opportune circumstance.

Beware of fighting the ship whilst commanding a submarine, however. Attempt to fire a single missile first, and when the ship uses a missile deterrent, then launch all available missiles right after.

## Suggested Armaments Setup

The ship, with its flexible armaments setup, can be armed with various weapons that will furthermore improve the ship's performance. Below are some suggested weapons setup. But, bear in mind that these are just suggestions.

* Missile slot 1: RUM-139 Swarmer, DF-17, SCALP
* Missile slot 2: CHAMP, X-35, DF-17.
* Grenade launcher: RUR-5B ASROC
* Cannon: Mark-45-Mod 4 (127 mm), AK-130 (130 mm), Koalitsiya-F (152 mm), Monarc (155mm/52).
* Autocannon: 3M-47 Gibka (Anti-Tank), Marlin (40 mm), HPJ-17 (for brawls) Rapidfire (for extra aa)
* First anti-air slot: Sea RAM, THEL.
* Second anti-air slot: THEL, Pantsir-ME (30 mm), Sea RAM
* Helicopter: WZ-19 CAIC, AP Phoenix (不死鳥1983).

## Advantages and Disadvantages

### Advantages

* Has 2 grenade launchers, allowing for increased DPS and torp defense
* Has 2 missile slots, allowing you to spam missiles
* Has 2 guns, meaning good potential damage output in seconds
* Is quite fast even stock at 18.7 knots

### Disadvantages

* Is a prime target for enemies, has a large silhouette
* lacks torpedoes, putting it at a disadvantage in CQB(close quarters combat)
* Has only 4 AA slots, at tier 3 this is quite bad

## Trivia

* The ship used to cost 6,500,000 dollars; but was increased to 11,000,000 on January 17, 2022
* After improving it to the maximum it has more than 377000 durability, 24.3 knots of speed, 11.7 monobrowser, 12 km radar range and 1.36 km sonar range.