USS Long Beach (CGN-9)

The USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was the world's first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, commissioned into the United States Navy in 1961. Serving during the height of the Cold War, she played a significant role in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962 and later participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, providing air defense and gunfire support. The ship was renowned for her advanced radar and missile systems, setting new standards for naval warfare technology. After more than three decades of service, the USS Long Beach was decommissioned in 1995.