Intro
Discover the USS Princeton CG-59, a Ticonderoga-class cruiser with a rich history. Learn about its specs, including its Aegis combat system, and its role in military operations. From its commissioning to its decommissioning, explore the ships service history and notable deployments, highlighting its significance in naval warfare and national defense.
The USS Princeton (CG-59) is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser that has been serving in the United States Navy since 1989. As part of the US Navy's surface combatant fleet, the USS Princeton has played a significant role in various military operations and has undergone several upgrades to remain a formidable force in modern naval warfare.
History of the USS Princeton (CG-59)
The USS Princeton (CG-59) was commissioned on February 11, 1989, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship was named after the USS Princeton (CVL-23), a light aircraft carrier that served during World War II. The USS Princeton (CG-59) is the fifth ship to bear the name.
Since its commissioning, the USS Princeton has been involved in several notable operations, including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship has also participated in various international exercises and has visited numerous ports around the world.
Operational History
The USS Princeton's operational history is marked by several significant events. In 1990, the ship deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. During the Gulf War, the USS Princeton played a key role in the liberation of Kuwait, providing air defense and gunfire support to coalition forces.
In the early 2000s, the USS Princeton deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship provided air defense and gunfire support to coalition forces operating in Afghanistan.
In 2003, the USS Princeton deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship played a key role in the invasion of Iraq, providing air defense and gunfire support to coalition forces.
Specifications of the USS Princeton (CG-59)
The USS Princeton (CG-59) is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, which is a class of guided-missile cruisers that were designed to provide air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Here are some key specifications of the USS Princeton:
- Length: 567 feet (173 meters)
- Beam: 55 feet (16.8 meters)
- Draft: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
- Displacement: 9,600 tons
- Speed: 30 knots (56 km/h)
- Range: 6,000 nautical miles (11,110 km)
- Crew: 33 officers, 300 enlisted personnel
Armament and Electronics
The USS Princeton is equipped with a range of armament and electronics, including:
- Two Mk 45 5-inch guns
- Two Mk 38 25mm guns
- Two Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems
- Two Mk 41 vertical launching systems (VLS) with 122 cells
- Six Mk 46 torpedo tubes
- AN/SPY-1A radar system
- AN/SPS-67 surface search radar system
- AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 sonar system
Upgrades and Modernization
The USS Princeton has undergone several upgrades and modernization efforts over the years to remain a formidable force in modern naval warfare. Some of the notable upgrades include:
- The installation of the Aegis Combat System, which provides advanced air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- The installation of the Mk 41 VLS, which provides the ability to launch a range of missiles, including the Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) and the Tomahawk land-attack missile.
- The upgrade of the ship's radar systems, including the AN/SPY-1A and AN/SPS-67 radar systems.
- The installation of the Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon system, which provides advanced defense against anti-ship missiles.
Gallery of USS Princeton (CG-59)
USS Princeton (CG-59) Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the USS Princeton (CG-59) and its history, specifications, and upgrades. The USS Princeton is a testament to the US Navy's commitment to maintaining a strong and capable surface combatant fleet.