USS PRINCETON

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Apollo 10 Recovery: In 1969, USS Princeton (LPH-5) recovered the Apollo 10 astronauts after their mission’s splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. • 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. • 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.