Summary and Key Points: The commissioning of the USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) in January 1983 marked a significant advancement for the U.S. Navy, introducing the powerful Aegis Combat System and AN/SPY-1 radar. Initially planned as destroyers, their classification was changed to guided-missile cruisers (CG) due to their enhanced capabilities.

-Twenty-seven Ticonderoga-class cruisers were built, but fourteen have already been retired.

-The U.S. Navy plans to decommission the remaining thirteen by the end of the decade, despite some resistance from lawmakers. The cruisers are expected to be replaced by the more advanced Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Ticonderoga-Class Cruisers Set for Decommissioning Amid Fleet Modernization

The commissioning of the USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) in January 1983 ushered in a new era for the United States Navy. Originally planned as a class of destroyers, the increased combat capability offered by the Aegis Combat System and the passive phased array AN/SPY-1 radar, together with the capability of operating as a flagship, resulted in the change of the classification from DDG (guided-missile destroyer) to CG (guided-missile cruiser) shortly before the keels were laid down for the USS Ticonderoga and her sister vessel USS Yorktown (CG-48).

The multi-mission guided-missile cruisers could be employed in a variety of roles, including anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS). In addition, the Ticonderoga-class could operate independently, as flagships of surface action groups, or support larger surface combatants—including carrier strike groups (CSGs), and amphibious ready groups (ARGs).

A total of twenty-seven were built between 1980 and 1994, and already fourteen have been retired. Most of the warships of the Ticonderoga-class were named for significant battles in U.S. history—with a few notable exceptions.

End of the Line Coming

The sun will set on the remaining baker's dozen by the end of the decade, the U.S. Navy announced this month. USS Vicksburg (CG-69) will be retired this month followed by USS Cowpens (CG-63) in August, with USS Antietam (CG-54) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55) leaving the sea service in September.

The first two vessels were to have been included in the U.S. Navy's Cruiser Modernization Program, but as costs rose that effort was scuttled and the work not completed. Instead of having their service lives extended, CG-69 and CG-63 will face an earlier-than-expected decommissioning. Two other Ticonderoga-class cruisers—USS Hue City (CG-66) and USS Anzio (CG-68)—were also to be upgraded, but their poor condition was so great that the U.S. Navy opted to decommission them instead.

Only USS Gettysburg (CG-64) and USS Chosen (CG-65) saw their modernizations completed. The multi-billion program was meant to upgrade combat systems and address issues with the aging warships—everything from hulls to mechanical to electrical systems was meant to get much-needed TLC. However, as the Navy Times reported, "It involved laying up the ships for years while they waited their turn for deep dry dock makeovers."

Now, even CG-64 and CG-65 will be decommissioned by the end of fiscal year 2027 (FY27). As NavalNews reported, "Unless otherwise noted, all ships are to become Logistical Support Assets – that is, spare parts sources. After that, they presumably will either be scrapped or used in sinking exercises (SINKEXs)."

Lawmakers aren't exactly on board with the plan, however, and have limited how many Ticonderoga-class cruisers can be retired this year and next. Currently, U.S. Navy officials would like to see USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), USS Normandy (CG-60), USS Shiloh (CG-67), and USS Lake Erie (CG-70) decommissioned in FY25, and have argued that the warships are only be sent to retirement at the end of their planned 35-year service lives. However, the House Armed Service Committee may force the Navy to keep CG-67 and CG-70 in service.

Navy officials have argued that the aging vessels can be replaced in the air warfare commander role by the Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers that are now entering service. While the U.S. Navy may be forced to keep the remaining Ticonderoga-class vessels a bit longer, it is clear that the Cold War cruisers will soon sail into history.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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