Navy Retires Iconic Cruisers, Marking End of an Era
The United States Navy is set to retire its last Ticonderoga-class cruisers, marking the end of an era for a fleet that has played a pivotal role in naval operations since the 1880s. Among these storied vessels, the USS Princeton and USS Cape St. George are among the final ships to serve, with their decommissioning expected to occur by 2029. This transition comes as the Navy prepares for its 250th anniversary in October 2025 and shifts focus to newer classes of vessels.
Legacy of the Cruisers
Cruisers have long been regarded as the backbone of naval power, renowned for their versatility and firepower. They have historically provided protection for aircraft carriers, engaged in anti-submarine warfare, and conducted strikes against land targets. The USS Long Beach, the world’s first nuclear-powered missile cruiser, exemplifies the power and elegance of these ships. Veteran Dave Hatzenbuehler, who first spotted the cruiser in San Diego Bay nearly fifty years ago, recalls its impressive design and capabilities. “It was so powerful and sleek and beautiful,” he said, inspiring him to join the Navy.
As the Navy reflects on its rich history, veterans are sharing fond memories of cruisers like the USS San Diego and USS Indianapolis, which have become synonymous with significant military milestones. The USS San Diego earned 18 battle stars during World War II, showcasing the critical role cruisers played in major campaigns.
Challenges and Transition to New Technologies
The Navy is currently facing challenges in maintaining its fleet, particularly as it transitions from aging cruisers to more advanced destroyers, such as the Arleigh Burke-class. Currently, only nine of the original 27 Ticonderoga-class cruisers remain operational, a number that is expected to dwindle to three by 2027 and zero by 2029. This reduction reflects a broader trend in naval strategy, prioritizing newer classes that offer greater versatility and firepower.
A report by the Government Accountability Office revealed issues with modernizing the cruisers, stating that a project intended to upgrade 11 cruisers ultimately “wasted” $1.84 billion. Only three ships are anticipated to receive complete upgrades, raising concerns among veterans and current sailors alike. “Cruisers represented the pinnacle of naval power in the world,” expressed Delbert Worrell, a veteran who served on the USS Long Beach in the late 1970s.
With the impending retirement of these vessels, the Navy aims to introduce the DDG(X), a new class of destroyer designed to replace both the last remaining cruisers and older Burke destroyers. However, the timeline and budget for this initiative remain uncertain, leaving many to question the future of naval capabilities.
The closing chapter of the cruiser era resonates deeply with those who served onboard. As Kevin Eyer, a retired Navy officer who served on seven cruisers, reflects on his experiences, he notes the unique capabilities that cruisers provided during critical moments in U.S. military history. “We were directed to immediately go to the northern Persian Gulf… which is how people thought about cruisers and their commanders,” he recalled during the buildup to the Gulf War.
As the Navy prepares to decommission these legendary ships, it also looks forward to a new generation of vessels that will carry forward the legacy of naval power. The sentiments of veterans like Hatzenbuehler and Worrell remind us of the significant impact these cruisers had on naval operations and the lives of those who served on them.
