USS TOPEKA (CLG-8)

• Converted Cruiser: USS Topeka (CLG-8) was originally commissioned as a Cleveland-class light cruiser (CL-67) during World War II and later converted to a guided missile cruiser (CLG-8) in the late 1950s. • World War II Service: As CL-67, Topeka participated in major Pacific Theater operations, including the bombardment of Japanese positions and air-sea rescue missions. • Guided Missile Upgrade: In 1957, Topeka underwent a significant refit at the New York Naval Shipyard, receiving the Terrier surface-to-air missile system and advanced radar, transforming her into a modern missile cruiser. • Recommissioned in the Cold War: Topeka was recommissioned as CLG-8 in 1960, symbolizing the U.S. Navy's shift toward missile-armed warships during the Cold War. • Vietnam War Deployment: Topeka served multiple tours off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support for allied troops and participating in Operation Sea Dragon. • Flagship Duties: The ship served as flagship for Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 7, leading task groups in the Pacific and demonstrating the Navy’s forward presence strategy. • Unusual Name: Topeka is named after the capital of Kansas, making her one of the few U.S. Navy ships named after an inland city. • Presidential Visit: In 1966, while stationed in the Western Pacific, USS Topeka was visited by then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey, highlighting her importance during the Vietnam conflict. • Humanitarian Missions: Topeka participated in search and rescue operations and provided disaster relief in the Pacific, showcasing the versatility of naval forces beyond combat roles. • Decommissioning and Legacy: USS Topeka was decommissioned in 1969 and later sold for scrap, but her legacy lives on in the current Los Angeles-class submarine USS Topeka (SSN-754), carrying the name forward into the modern fleet.