USS Newport News (CA-148)

• 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.