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History of USS Saint Paul (CA-73)

USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the United States Navy in February 1945. She served in the final months of World War II, participating in operations against the Japanese home islands and witnessing the official Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. During the Korean War, USS Saint Paul provided naval gunfire support for United Nations forces and took part in bombardment missions along the Korean coast. The cruiser continued to serve through the Vietnam War, offering crucial naval gunfire support before being decommissioned in 1971.

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ABOUT USS Saint Paul (CA-73)

  • Commissioning and Namesake: USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser commissioned on February 17, 1945. She was named after the city of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
  • World War II Service: The ship joined the Pacific Fleet late in World War II and participated in the final operations against Japan, including bombardments of the Japanese home islands.
  • Tokyo Bay Presence: USS Saint Paul was present in Tokyo Bay during the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945, marking the end of World War II.
  • Korean War Action: Saint Paul served with distinction in the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support during key battles such as Inchon and the evacuation of Hungnam.
  • Flagship Duty: She served as flagship for various Task Forces and Fleets, including the Seventh Fleet, during her operational career.
  • Vietnam War Service: The ship saw extensive combat action in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support for ground troops and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon."
  • Only Baltimore-class Ship with an All-Gun Armament: Saint Paul was the last Baltimore-class heavy cruiser to retain her original all-gun configuration throughout her service, never receiving guided missiles.
  • Longest Serving Baltimore-class Cruiser: She was the longest-serving heavy cruiser of her class, remaining in active service from 1945 until her decommissioning in 1971.
  • Earned Multiple Battle Stars: USS Saint Paul earned a total of 14 battle stars for her service—1 for World War II, 7 for the Korean War, and 6 for the Vietnam War.
  • Final Fate: After her decommissioning on April 30, 1971, USS Saint Paul was sold for scrap in 1980, ending the legacy of one of the U.S. Navy’s most storied heavy cruisers.

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