About this Unit
USS Worden (CG-18) was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser commissioned into the United States Navy in 1963. Named after Admiral John Lorimer Worden, she played a key role during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving on Yankee Station. Throughout the Cold War, Worden participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, showcasing American naval power. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later sunk as a target in 2000.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Worden (CG-18) was named after Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden, who commanded the USS Monitor during its historic Civil War battle with the CSS Virginia.
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Leahy-class Cruiser: USS Worden was a Leahy-class guided missile cruiser, originally designated as a guided missile frigate (DLG-18) before being reclassified as CG-18 in 1975.
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Commissioned in 1963: Worden was commissioned on 3 August 1963 at the Bath Iron Works in Maine, representing the cutting edge of Cold War naval technology.
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Vietnam War Service: The ship saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and performing plane guard duties for aircraft carriers.
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First to Fire Terrier Missiles: USS Worden was among the first cruisers to be armed with the Terrier surface-to-air missile system, a key component in naval air defense.
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1975 Reclassification: In 1975, the U.S. Navy reclassified all frigates of the Leahy class as cruisers, making Worden CG-18, reflecting her importance in fleet air defense.
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PACIFIC FLEET Flagship Duty: Worden often served as a flagship for various task groups and was a frequent participant in multinational exercises, including RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise).
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Collision Incident: In 1972, Worden was involved in a collision with the USS Midway (CV-41), resulting in significant repairs but no loss of life.
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Operation Desert Storm: USS Worden participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing air defense and escort duties in the Persian Gulf.
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Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was decommissioned on 1 October 1993. In 2000, she was sunk as a target during a training exercise off the coast of Hawaii.
