USS Thomas S. Gates (CG-51) was a flight-I Ticonderoga-class cruiser that was used by the United States Navy. The warship was named after Thomas S. Gates, Secretary of Defense in the last years of the Eisenhower Administration (1959–1961). Thomas S. Gates was laid down 31 August 1984 at Bath Iron Works, Maine and sponsored by Anne Gates, widow of the ship's namesake. Thomas S. Gates was launched 14 December 1985, purchased 22 June 1987 and was commissioned 22 August 1987 in Philadelphia, PA with Captain Robert Sutton in command.