This solid brass bell was crafted from an 8-inch shell casing fired from the USS Newport News (CA-148), a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy. The shell was cast during naval operations in Southeast Asia, December 1972, a pivotal time near the end of U. Involvement in the Vietnam War. Etched into the bell is a dedication, honoring service aboard the Newport News during a period of intense combat support missions. This piece serves not only as a unique artifact of naval history but also as a symbol of strength, precision, and the enduring legacy of those who served.