Marine Detachment USS Long Beach (CGN-9)

• First Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Cruiser: The USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was the world’s first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, commissioned in 1961, representing a major leap in naval warfare technology. • Marine Detachment Role: The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard the USS Long Beach provided internal security, manned the ship’s brig, and fulfilled ceremonial and boarding party duties. • Vietnam War Service: Marines aboard the Long Beach participated in the Vietnam War, where the ship provided anti-aircraft defense and guided missile support for US operations. • Operation Sea Orbit: In 1964, the USS Long Beach, with its Marine Detachment, took part in Operation Sea Orbit, the first all-nuclear-powered task force to circumnavigate the globe without refueling. • Historic Shootdown: On May 23, 1968, Long Beach became the first ship to shoot down an enemy aircraft (a North Vietnamese MiG-21) using a missile (RIM-8 Talos), marking a significant milestone in naval history. Marines were on high alert during such combat actions. • VIP Security: Marines provided security for high-ranking visitors, such as when President John F. Kennedy visited the Long Beach in 1962 to tour the Navy’s new nuclear fleet. • Integrated Teamwork: The MarDet worked closely with Navy personnel, especially during General Quarters, where Marines often manned secondary battery stations or damage control parties. • Unique Living Quarters: The Marine Detachment had its own berthing and mess areas, fostering a tight-knit camaraderie and distinct identity within the larger ship’s crew. • Deactivation: The Marine Detachment was disbanded in the late 1970s, as advances in shipboard security and technology reduced the need for Marines on board surface combatants. • Legacy and Honors: Former Marines of the USS Long Beach maintain reunions and share stories, preserving the legacy of those who served in one of the most advanced ships of its era.