About this Unit
USS Princeton is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, each with its own notable service history. The first USS Princeton, launched in 1843, was the Navy’s first screw steam warship and is remembered for a tragic gun explosion in 1844 that killed several high-ranking officials. Later ships bearing the name served with distinction, including USS Princeton (CVL-23), an Independence-class light aircraft carrier active during World War II, which participated in major Pacific battles before being sunk in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. The most recent USS Princeton (CG-59), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser commissioned in 1989, participated in the Gulf War, where she survived a mine strike and continues to serve as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Historical Facts
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Multiple Ships Named USS Princeton: The name "USS Princeton" has been assigned to several US Navy ships, including a steam sloop, light aircraft carriers, and a guided missile cruiser.
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The First USS Princeton (1843): The original USS Princeton was the Navy’s first screw-driven steam warship, launched in 1843—an important milestone in naval engineering.
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The Peacemaker Disaster: In 1844, the first USS Princeton suffered a tragic accident when its "Peacemaker" cannon exploded during a demonstration, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur and Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer.
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USS Princeton (CVL-23): This Independence-class light aircraft carrier played a significant role in World War II, especially during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
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Sunk at Leyte Gulf: CVL-23 was sunk in October 1944 after being hit by a Japanese bomb, which caused catastrophic fires and explosions. Over 100 crew members lost their lives.
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USS Princeton (CV-37): Commissioned in 1945, this Essex-class aircraft carrier served in World War II's final months, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War before being converted for other uses.
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Helicopter Assault Ship: CV-37 was converted to an amphibious assault ship (LPH-5) in 1959 and played a key role in helicopter-borne operations, including during the Vietnam War.
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Apollo 10 Recovery: In 1969, USS Princeton (LPH-5) recovered the Apollo 10 astronauts after their mission’s splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
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USS Princeton (CG-59): The current USS Princeton is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, commissioned in 1989 and still in active service as of 2024.
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Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, CG-59 struck two Iraqi naval mines but managed to survive and continue operations, demonstrating the resilience of modern warship design.
