The guided missile cruiser USS Valley Forge (CG 50) passes by the San Diego skyline with her crew "manning the rail." Modern Navy guided missile cruisers perform primarily in a Battle Force role. These ships are multi-mission (AAW, ASW, ASUW) surface combatants capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces, or of operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups. Part of the USS Constellation (CV 64) Battle Group, Valley Forge is departing on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographer?s Mate Mahlon K. Miller.