About this Unit
USS Chicago (CG-11) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser originally commissioned in 1945 as CA-136. After serving briefly at the end of World War II, she was decommissioned, then extensively modernized and recommissioned in 1964 as a guided missile cruiser. As CG-11, USS Chicago served prominently during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, conducting air defense operations, and serving as a flagship for various task forces. She continued her service in the Pacific Fleet until her decommissioning in 1980.
Historical Facts
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Conversion from Heavy Cruiser: USS Chicago (CG-11) was originally commissioned as CA-136, a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, in 1945 and later converted into an Albany-class guided missile cruiser in the late 1950s.
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Albany-Class Pioneer: After its extensive conversion, Chicago became one of only three Albany-class guided missile cruisers, featuring advanced missile weaponry and radar systems for its time.
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Recommissioned in 1964: After being decommissioned in 1959 for conversion, USS Chicago was recommissioned on May 2, 1964, with significant technological upgrades.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Chicago played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, providing air defense for carrier task forces and serving as the PIRAZ (Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone) ship in the Gulf of Tonkin.
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First Missile Firing: In 1965, shortly after recommissioning, USS Chicago successfully fired its first Terrier surface-to-air missile, demonstrating the ship’s new capabilities.
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Flagship Duties: USS Chicago frequently served as the flagship for various commanders, including Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Nine, and Commander, Seventh Fleet.
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Aegis Predecessor: The ship's advanced missile and radar systems were considered a technological precursor to the later Aegis Combat System used by modern cruisers and destroyers.
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Rescue Operations: During Vietnam, Chicago was involved in several search and rescue operations for downed pilots, helping recover numerous aviators.
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Decommissioning and Fate: After nearly a decade of active service as a missile cruiser, USS Chicago was decommissioned on March 1, 1980, and sold for scrap in 1991.
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Legacy: Chicago earned 11 battle stars for her service in World War II and Vietnam, cementing her status as one of the most decorated ships of her generation.
