Former USS Lake Erie Commander Coming to Put-in-Bay for Perry Birthday Celebration

A former commanding officer of the USS Lake Erie, a U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s historic victory on Lake Erie, will visit Put-in-Bay this weekend.

Captain Darren McPherson, USN (Ret.), former commanding officer of the USS Lake Erie (CG-70), will be the featured guest Saturday, August 22, during a special celebration of Perry’s birthday at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.

Hosted by the Perry Group, the members-only event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Memorial Visitor Center, one day before Perry’s August 23 birthday. McPherson’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

A Navy Career With a Lake Erie Connection

McPherson commanded the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, whose name commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie and Perry’s decisive September 10, 1813 victory during the War of 1812.

That connection gives McPherson’s visit to Put-in-Bay a special significance.

The Battle of Lake Erie was fought near the Lake Erie islands, and its legacy remains central to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. More than two centuries later, the USS Lake Erie continues to carry the battle’s name and Perry’s legacy throughout the U.S. Navy.

The ship was commissioned in 1993 and has played a significant role in American naval operations, including ballistic missile defense.

McPherson Led USS Lake Erie on Major Deployment

During McPherson’s time as commanding officer, USS Lake Erie completed a seven-month deployment in 2017 through the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

The cruiser traveled more than 40,000 miles and served as ballistic missile defense commander for the Nimitz Strike Group.

During the deployment, USS Lake Erie also escorted U.S.-flagged and Military Sealift Command vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and supported Operation Inherent Resolve in the Arabian Gulf.

McPherson and his crew also took part in a major humanitarian relief mission in Sri Lanka following devastating flooding and landslides.

More than 400 sailors participated in relief efforts alongside Sri Lankan military personnel, local agencies and the Sri Lanka Red Cross. Their work included community cleanup, food distribution, irrigation repairs and restoration of access to clean drinking water.

A total of 125 wells were repaired during the mission.

Bringing the USS Lake Erie Story to Put-in-Bay

McPherson’s appearance brings the USS Lake Erie and its historic connection to the Lake Erie islands together in a unique way.

The Navy says the ship’s name directly commemorates Perry’s victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, while Perry’s famous “Don’t Give Up the Ship” legacy remains part of the vessel’s identity.

Today, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial rises above Put-in-Bay as a monument to the 1813 victory and the lasting peace that followed between the United States, Great Britain and Canada.

Saturday’s event will give Perry Group members an opportunity to hear directly from someone who commanded a modern U.S. Navy warship carrying that history and name around the world.

Perry Birthday Celebration Set for Saturday

The Perry Group’s celebration begins at 6 p.m. Saturday with drinks, light hors d’oeuvres and birthday cake.

McPherson’s presentation begins at 7 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session.

The event is complimentary and exclusively for Perry Group members. Those who are not currently members may join at the event.

As part of its America 250 commemoration, the Perry Group is offering select 2026 memberships at 50% off for the season. Single memberships are currently $25, reduced from $50, while family memberships are $50, reduced from $100.

The Perry Group serves as the Friends Group supporting the mission and goals of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial through historical, social and philanthropic programming.

Perry Birthday Celebration
Saturday, August 22, 2026
6–8 p.m.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial Visitor Center
Featured Guest: Capt. Darren McPherson, USN (Ret.)
Members only; memberships available at the door or here