About this Unit
USS Newport News (CA-148) was a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in 1949. Notably, she served as the flagship for the U.S. Second and Sixth Fleets during the height of the Cold War, participating in numerous NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments. The cruiser saw active combat during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground forces and conducting shore bombardment missions. USS Newport News remained in service until her decommissioning in 1975, earning distinction as the last all-gun heavy cruiser in the U.S. Navy to see active duty.
Historical Facts
• First All-New Heavy Cruiser: USS Newport News (CA-148) was the first heavy cruiser built for the US Navy after World War II, and the only one of the Des Moines-class to see extensive service.
• Flagship Duties: She served as flagship for the US Second and Sixth Fleets, hosting numerous admirals and high-level diplomatic events during her career.
• Advanced Armament: Newport News was equipped with automatic 8-inch guns, a cutting-edge feature at the time, allowing for a much higher rate of fire than previous heavy cruisers.
• Vietnam War Service: The ship played a significant combat role during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground troops and participating in operations such as Sea Dragon and Linebacker.
• Operation Sea Dragon: In this operation off the coast of North Vietnam, Newport News targeted enemy logistics and supply routes, often coming under heavy return fire from shore batteries.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: Newport News was deployed as part of the US naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping enforce the quarantine of Cuba.
• Sailor Heroism: During a gun explosion in the number 2 turret in 1972, crew members displayed extraordinary heroism in rescuing injured shipmates and controlling damage, actions for which several were decorated.
• Longest Serving Heavy Cruiser: At the time of her decommissioning in 1975, Newport News was the longest-serving heavy cruiser in the US Navy, with nearly 30 years of active service.
• Hollywood Appearance: The ship was briefly featured in the 1959 film "On the Beach," standing in for a fictional US Navy cruiser in a post-apocalyptic world.
• Final Fate: After decommissioning, Newport News was held in reserve for several years before being scrapped in 1993, despite efforts by veterans and enthusiasts to preserve her as a museum ship.
