USS Albany (CG 10)

• Originally a Heavy Cruiser: USS Albany (CG-10) was originally commissioned as a heavy cruiser (CA-123) in 1946, before being converted into a guided missile cruiser. • Albany-Class Namesake: After her conversion, USS Albany became the lead ship of the Albany-class guided missile cruisers, serving as a prototype for future missile cruiser designs. • Major Conversion: Albany underwent a massive reconstruction from 1958 to 1962 at the New York Naval Shipyard, where her superstructure was completely replaced to accommodate advanced missile systems. • Missile Arsenal: After her refit, USS Albany was equipped with Talos and Tartar surface-to-air missiles, making her one of the most heavily armed ships of her era. • Flagship Duties: Albany served as flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, playing a key command and control role during the Cold War. • Presidential Visit: In 1970, President Richard Nixon visited USS Albany while she was serving as the Sixth Fleet flagship, highlighting her importance in U.S. naval operations. • Multiple Decommissionings: Albany was decommissioned three times during her service life: in 1958 (for conversion), 1967 (for modernization), and finally in 1980. • Nickname: Sailors affectionately called her "The Tall Lady" due to her imposing superstructure after conversion. • Unique Service Record: Albany is one of the few ships to have served as both a heavy cruiser and a guided missile cruiser, marking distinct eras of naval warfare. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, attempts were made to preserve her as a museum, but ultimately she was scrapped in 1990, though some of her artifacts remain on display in Albany, New York.