USS Port Royal (CG 73)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Port Royal (CG 73)

USS Port Royal (CG 73) is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy on July 9, 1994. Named after two historic American battles, the ship has played a critical role in air defense, ballistic missile defense, and multi-mission operations throughout its service. Port Royal participated in various deployments, including support for Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing vital air and missile defense capabilities. Notably, in 2009, the ship ran aground near Honolulu but was repaired and returned to service, continuing to operate as a key asset in the Pacific Fleet until its decommissioning in 2022.

Unit Members

Charles Coburn

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USS Port Royal (CG 73)View Profile

David Shook

U.S. Navy

USS Port Royal (CG 73)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Port Royal (CG 73)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Port Royal (CG 73) is named after two historic battles: the Battle of Port Royal (1861) during the American Civil War, and the Battle of Port Royal (1779) in the American Revolutionary War. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on July 9, 1994, at the Port of Charleston, South Carolina. • Class and Type: USS Port Royal is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, the last cruiser of this class built for the U.S. Navy. • Advanced Technology: It was the first U.S. cruiser constructed with the AN/SPY-1B radar system, which offers enhanced performance for the Aegis Combat System. • Iraq War Service: Port Royal launched Tomahawk missiles in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, providing strike capability from the sea. • Grounding Incident: On February 5, 2009, the ship ran aground near Honolulu, Hawaii, while departing Pearl Harbor, causing significant damage to both the ship and the coral reef. • Missile Defense Role: The ship was equipped for ballistic missile defense operations, participating in several missile tracking and intercept tests in the Pacific. • Humanitarian Aid: In 2006, Port Royal provided assistance to the U.S. Coast Guard after the eruption of the Augustine Volcano in Alaska, helping with monitoring and communication. • International Exercises: The cruiser regularly participated in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), enhancing cooperation with allied navies. • Decommissioning: USS Port Royal was decommissioned on September 29, 2022, after 28 years of distinguished service.