About this Unit
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.
Historical Facts
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First Nuclear-Powered Guided Missile Cruiser: USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was the world’s first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, commissioned in 1961, marking a major technological leap in naval engineering.
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Largest Cruiser Built by the US Since World War II: At over 17,000 tons full load, Long Beach was the largest cruiser constructed by the U.S. Navy since the end of World War II.
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Distinctive “Box” Superstructure: The ship featured a unique, boxy superstructure made of aluminum, giving it a futuristic appearance compared to other ships of its era.
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First Ship to be Armed with the Aegis System’s Predecessor: Long Beach was equipped with the AN/SPS-48 3D radar and advanced missile systems, paving the way for the Aegis Combat System.
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Vietnam War Service: The cruiser saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, providing air defense and conducting “Operation Sea Dragon” strikes against North Vietnamese supply lines.
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Historic “Nuclear Task Force” Circumnavigation: In 1964, Long Beach joined USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25) in “Operation Sea Orbit,” the first all-nuclear-powered naval task force to circumnavigate the globe without refueling.
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Missile Capabilities: She was the first ship to be designed from the keel up to launch guided missiles, originally carrying Talos, Terrier, and Tartar missile systems for layered air defense.
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Presidential Visit: President John F. Kennedy visited Long Beach in 1962, underlining its importance as a symbol of American technological prowess during the Cold War.
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Decommissioning and Legacy: USS Long Beach was decommissioned in 1995 after 33 years of service, and her pioneering design influenced subsequent generations of U.S. Navy warships.
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Reactor Removal: After decommissioning, Long Beach underwent a complex process to remove her twin nuclear reactors at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, highlighting the challenges of nuclear ship disposal.
