The USS Jouett (DLG-29) was a Belknap class cruiser laid down 25 September 1962 by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington; launched 30 June 1964; sponsored by Mrs. S. J. Ervin, Jr., wife of the Senator from North Carolina; and commissioned 3 December 1966, Captain Robert S. Hayes in command. Upon completion of fitting out in February 1967, Jouett was assigned to Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and operated out of her homeport, San Diego.