USS Des Moines (CA-134)

USS Des Moines (CA-134) was a United States Navy heavy cruiser and the lead ship of her class, commissioned in 1948. As one of the first cruisers equipped with automatic 8-inch guns, she represented a significant advancement in naval firepower during the post-World War II era. Although she saw no combat in World War II, Des Moines served extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, including as flagship for the 6th Fleet, supporting American interests during the early Cold War. Decommissioned in 1961, she remained in reserve until being scrapped in the 2000s.