USS Galveston (CL-93)

• Origin and Naming: The USS Galveston (CL-93) was named after the city of Galveston, Texas, continuing the tradition of naming Cleveland-class light cruisers after American cities. • Class and Design: Originally laid down as part of the Cleveland-class of light cruisers, Galveston was completed as a Galveston-class guided missile cruiser (CLG-3) after an extensive conversion. • World War II Delay: Although launched in 1945, the ship was not commissioned until 1958 due to changing post-war priorities and her conversion to a guided missile cruiser. • Missile Conversion: Galveston was among the first cruisers to be equipped with the Talos surface-to-air missile system, marking a significant step in the US Navy’s adoption of guided missile technology. • Cold War Service: Throughout the 1960s, Galveston operated extensively in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in NATO exercises and serving as a deterrent during the Cold War. • Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Galveston played a role in the naval quarantine of Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, helping to enforce the blockade against Soviet ships. • Vietnam War Operations: In 1965, Galveston deployed to the Western Pacific and provided naval gunfire support for US and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. • Flagship Duties: The ship frequently served as the flagship for various commander groups, highlighting her importance within the fleet. • Decommissioning: USS Galveston was decommissioned in 1970 after more than a decade of service as a missile cruiser, reflecting rapid advances in naval warfare technology. • Legacy: As one of the first US Navy cruisers to be converted for missile warfare, Galveston helped pave the way for future generations of guided missile cruisers and destroyers.