The United States Navy is retiring its last Ticonderoga-class cruisers, signaling the end of an era for a vessel type that has been a cornerstone of naval power for over 140 years. As the fleet approaches its 250th anniversary in October, many veterans reflect on the storied history of these cruisers, known for their formidable capabilities in both defense and attack.
Among the last vessels in service is the USS Princeton, a 36-year-old cruiser that recently returned to San Diego after a nine-month deployment protecting the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. The USS Cape St. George is poised to be one of the final cruisers to retire, but specific timelines for decommissioning remain uncertain. The Navy aims to replace much of its aging fleet with Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, a new class of ships renowned for their versatility and advanced air defense systems.
Currently, only nine of the original 27 Ticonderoga-class cruisers remain operational. This number is set to dwindle to just three by 2027, with complete retirement expected by 2029. The Navy’s struggle with maintenance and modernization projects has further complicated the future of these cruisers. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office indicated that a $1.84 billion modernization effort for 11 cruisers has produced disappointing results, with only three expected to receive complete upgrades.
For many veterans, the cruisers symbolize the pinnacle of naval power. Delbert Worrell, who served on the USS Long Beach, expressed pride in his service, stating, “Cruisers represented the pinnacle of naval power in the world.” The first cruisers were introduced in the 1880s, intended to protect American merchant vessels and further national interests abroad. The USS California (CA-6) was the first cruiser to visit San Diego in 1907, coinciding with the city’s growth into a major Navy hub.
The significance of cruisers became especially pronounced during World War II, when over 80 such ships were deployed, contributing significantly to naval victories. The USS San Diego (CL-53) earned 18 battle stars for its role in key campaigns, including the Battle of Guadalcanal. However, the loss of the USS Indianapolis, sunk by a Japanese submarine shortly after delivering parts for the atomic bomb, serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by these vessels.
Naval historian Kevin Eyer, who served on seven cruisers, recalls the critical role these ships played during the Gulf War. In 1990, as tensions escalated following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Eyer was onboard the USS Antietam, which was dispatched to the northern Persian Gulf. He noted the importance of cruisers in military strategy, stating, “We were directed to immediately go to the northern Persian Gulf, because the U.S. needed an adult in the room.”
The USS John Paul Jones made history as the first American warship to launch Tomahawk missiles into Afghanistan following the events of September 11, 2001. Despite their storied legacy, the cruisers began to fade from prominence due to aging and structural issues. The Navy has opted not to develop a new class of cruisers, indicating their impending retirement.
Looking forward, there are plans for the DDG(X), a new type of destroyer that aims to replace the aging cruisers and earlier destroyers. However, specific timelines and budgets for this project remain unclear.
As the Navy bids farewell to its iconic cruisers, veterans and historians alike reflect on their impact on naval history. The cruisers not only played pivotal roles in conflicts but also shaped the Navy’s identity, leaving a legacy that will endure beyond their decommissioning. The end of this chapter in naval history evokes a mixture of pride and nostalgia, as those who served on these formidable vessels honor their past while looking toward an uncertain future.
