The USS Long Beach CGN-9 is indisputably among the most brilliant creations in the domain of naval engineering, given that it was a nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser commissioned in the United States Navy. In this perspective, such a magnificent ship, which was commissioned on September 9, 1961, under Capt. E. P. Wilkinson, coupled advanced technology with heavy firepower. It remained an aggressive option for its active service life.
The USS Long Beach was unique, being designed from the start as an “all-missile” ship. However, at the insistence of President John F. Kennedy, two 5″/38 caliber gun mounts were installed amidships. This cruiser was the last constructed on a conventional long, lean cruiser hull; and so in later years, she was nicknamed “The Only Real Cruiser.” Representing the ultimate in compact nuclear propulsion, this vessel was capable of exceeding 30 knots, but the high box-like superstructure was required to accommodate the SCANFAR system consisting of the AN/SPS-32 and AN/SPS-33 phased array radars. The AN/SPS-32 and AN/SPS-33 were essentially the forerunners to the later AN/SPY-1 fitted on Aegis warships.
The USS Long Beach was originally fitted with Talos Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, Terrier Medium Range SAMs, an ASROC system, two twin 12.75-inch torpedo launchers, and two 5″/38 caliber guns. Her weapons suite has undergone several changes during her service life. The final configuration included forward launchers for Standard extended range missiles, BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile box launchers, Phalanx CIWS, and RGM-84 Harpoon ship-to-ship missile launchers.
The USS Long Beach was initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and homeported at Norfolk, Virginia. Her early years were marked by an extended shakedown testing of her missiles and associated operational tests. In 1963, she sailed to join the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, and in 1964 she participated in the formation of the world’s first nuclear-powered task group with USS Enterprise and USS Bainbridge. This task group set out on “Operation Sea Orbit,” a global circumnavigation that demonstrated strategic mobility for nuclear-power naval forces.
During the Vietnam War, USS Long Beach served in PIRAZ-station duty, guiding aircraft and engaging enemy targets. Her tally included at least two enemy MiG fighter aircraft kills in 1968. Further service continued into the 1970s and 1980s with escort duties during the Mayagüez incident and Vietnamese boat people rescue operations.
The USS Long Beach had undergone several overhauls to help her pace up with the emerging threats. She got improved radar systems in 1979 and, in 1985, furnished with support for Tomahawk cruise missiles. She had her share of contribution in the Gulf War in 1991 and in support of U.S. service personnel during the Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines.
However, the high cost of running a nuclear warship and the military drawdown following the end of the Cold War resulted in her being deactivated on 2 July 1994 and formally commissioned on 1 May 1995. Stripped of her nuclear kit, this once-proud warship was ultimately sold off in 2012.
The USS Long Beach stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and technological flair that characterizes the United States Navy, marking one very significant chapter of naval history.