USS Long Beach CG(N)-9

• First Nuclear-Powered Guided Missile Cruiser: USS Long Beach (CGN-9) was the world’s first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser, and the only ship of her class. She was commissioned on September 9, 1961. • Unique Appearance: The ship was notable for her “box” superstructure, a radical departure from traditional naval design, which accommodated advanced radar and communication systems. • Long Range Operations: Thanks to her nuclear reactors, Long Beach set a record for the longest period at sea without replenishment—over 60,000 nautical miles during “Operation Sea Orbit” in 1964, circumnavigating the globe with two other nuclear-powered ships. • Vietnam War Service: USS Long Beach served in the Vietnam War, using her advanced radar to direct aircraft and launching missiles in support of air operations. • First to Shoot Down a Manned Aircraft with a Missile: On May 23, 1968, Long Beach’s RIM-8 Talos missile shot down a North Vietnamese MiG-21, marking the first time a ship-launched missile downed a manned aircraft in combat. • Flagship for Task Forces: The ship often served as flagship for various task forces, including during critical Cold War deployments and in the Persian Gulf. • Advanced Technology: Long Beach was among the first ships to be equipped with the AN/SPS-32 and AN/SPS-33 phased array radars, precursors to the Aegis combat system. • Armament Evolution: Originally armed with Talos and Terrier missiles, Long Beach later received Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense. • Decommissioning: After 33 years of service, Long Beach was decommissioned on May 1, 1995, and eventually scrapped, but her legacy as a technological pioneer endures. • Namesake and Motto: Named after the city of Long Beach, California, her motto was “Victory through Technology,” reflecting her status as a cutting-edge warship.