About this Unit
USS Long Beach (CGN-9), commissioned in 1961, was the world’s first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser and the only ship of her class in the United States Navy. Designed during the Cold War, she featured advanced radar and missile systems, including the Talos and Terrier surface-to-air missiles, making her a formidable air defense platform. Throughout her service, Long Beach participated in key operations such as the Vietnam War, where she provided air defense for carrier task forces, and later supported operations during the Gulf War. After a distinguished career demonstrating the utility of nuclear propulsion in surface warships, she 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, and the only ship of her class. She was commissioned on September 9, 1961.
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Unique Appearance: The ship was notable for her “box” superstructure, a radical departure from traditional naval design, which accommodated advanced radar and communication systems.
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Long Range Operations: Thanks to her nuclear reactors, Long Beach set a record for the longest period at sea without replenishment—over 60,000 nautical miles during “Operation Sea Orbit” in 1964, circumnavigating the globe with two other nuclear-powered ships.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Long Beach served in the Vietnam War, using her advanced radar to direct aircraft and launching missiles in support of air operations.
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First to Shoot Down a Manned Aircraft with a Missile: On May 23, 1968, Long Beach’s RIM-8 Talos missile shot down a North Vietnamese MiG-21, marking the first time a ship-launched missile downed a manned aircraft in combat.
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Flagship for Task Forces: The ship often served as flagship for various task forces, including during critical Cold War deployments and in the Persian Gulf.
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Advanced Technology: Long Beach was among the first ships to be equipped with the AN/SPS-32 and AN/SPS-33 phased array radars, precursors to the Aegis combat system.
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Armament Evolution: Originally armed with Talos and Terrier missiles, Long Beach later received Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense.
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Decommissioning: After 33 years of service, Long Beach was decommissioned on May 1, 1995, and eventually scrapped, but her legacy as a technological pioneer endures.
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Namesake and Motto: Named after the city of Long Beach, California, her motto was “Victory through Technology,” reflecting her status as a cutting-edge warship.
