About this Unit
USS *Texas* (CGN-39) was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser in the United States Navy, commissioned on 10 September 1977. She served primarily with the Pacific Fleet, participating in numerous operations and exercises, including deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf during the Cold War. *Texas* provided carrier battle group escort, air defense, and surface/strike capabilities with her advanced missile systems. After over fifteen years of service, she was decommissioned on 16 May 1993, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
Historical Facts
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USS Texas (CGN-39) was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser:
She was one of the four Virginia-class cruisers, notable for their nuclear propulsion, which gave them virtually unlimited range and endurance at sea.
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Commissioned in 1977:
The ship was launched on August 9, 1975, and officially commissioned into service on September 10, 1977.
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Named after the state of Texas:
She was the third ship of the United States Navy to bear the name "Texas."
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Equipped with advanced weaponry:
USS Texas carried Standard surface-to-air missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and two 5-inch naval guns, as well as anti-submarine torpedoes.
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Participated in major Cold War operations:
She played a significant role in carrier battle group operations and was deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
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Flagship capabilities:
USS Texas was often used as a flagship for various commanders due to her advanced communications and command facilities.
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Visited by President Ronald Reagan:
In 1983, President Reagan visited the ship, highlighting her prominence and importance within the US Navy.
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First nuclear-powered surface warship to transit the Suez Canal:
In 1980, USS Texas became the first nuclear-powered surface combatant to pass through the Suez Canal, demonstrating US naval reach.
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Decommissioned early due to costs:
Despite her advanced technology, USS Texas was decommissioned on July 16, 1993, after only 16 years of service, primarily due to the high cost of maintaining nuclear-powered surface ships after the Cold War.
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Scrapping and recycling:
The ship was defueled and scrapped as part of the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program, marking the end of an era for nuclear-powered cruisers in the US Navy.
