The Ticonderoga-class cruisers weren’t just warships—they were game-changers. Introduced in 1983, these formidable vessels redefined naval warfare with their cutting-edge Aegis Combat System, unmatched firepower, and global operational reach.
As the U.S. Navy prepares to retire these maritime giants, here are 15 facts that showcase how these cruisers dominated the seas, safeguarded international waters, and left an indelible mark on modern naval history.
1. First of Their Kind
The Ticonderoga-class cruisers were the first surface combatant ships in the world equipped with the sophisticated Aegis Combat System. This revolutionary system integrated advanced radar and weapons control, allowing the ships to track and engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously.
2. Impressive Size
These warships displace approximately 9,600 long tons when fully loaded and stretch 567 feet in length. (ref) Their imposing presence includes a 55-foot beam and a 34-foot draft, making them significantly larger than their destroyer predecessors.
3. Powerful Propulsion
Four General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines power these vessels, generating an impressive 80,000 shaft horsepower. This robust propulsion system enables them to achieve speeds exceeding 32.5 knots.
4. Extensive Range
At an economical speed of 20 knots, these cruisers can travel over 6,000 nautical miles. This exceptional range allows them to conduct extended operations without frequent refueling stops.
5. Vertical Launch Innovation
Ships built after CG-51 feature two Mk-41 Vertical Launching Systems, providing 122 missile tubes. This system allows for rapid deployment of various missile types, from surface-to-air weapons to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
6. Crew Complement
Each ship operates with approximately 330 personnel, including 30 officers and 300 enlisted sailors. This efficient crew size enables the effective operation of the ship’s complex systems.
7. Production History
Between 1980 and 1994, 27 Ticonderoga-class cruisers were constructed at two shipyards. Ingalls Shipbuilding produced 19 vessels, while Bath Iron Works built the remaining eight.
8. Defensive Capabilities
The ships carry two Phalanx close-in weapon systems capable of firing 3,000 rounds per minute for last-ditch missile defense. These automated systems provide crucial protection against incoming threats.
9. Main Armament
Two 5-inch/54 caliber Mk45 lightweight guns serve as the primary deck weapons. These guns can fire 70-pound shells up to 14 miles at a rate of 20 rounds per minute.
10. Helicopter Operations
Each cruiser supports two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, enhancing the ship’s surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A rear flight deck and hangar facilitate these air operations.
11. Combat System Evolution
The Aegis system has undergone multiple upgrades, with Baseline 7.1 introducing commercial-off-the-shelf computer architecture and enhanced radar capabilities for littoral operations.
12. Missile Versatility
A standard missile loadout typically includes 80 Standard surface-to-air missiles, 16 ASROC anti-submarine rockets, and 26 Tomahawk cruise missiles, providing comprehensive combat flexibility.
13. Historical Significance
Most ships in the class are named after significant battles in U.S. military history, connecting them to America’s naval heritage. The lead ship, USS Ticonderoga, was named after a crucial Revolutionary War battle.
14. Modernization Efforts
Many vessels have undergone structured modernization programs to extend their service lives to 35 years. These upgrades include improvements to computing infrastructure and mechanical systems.
15. Future Plans
As of 2024, only nine Ticonderoga-class cruisers remain in active service. The Navy plans to retire these remaining ships by fiscal year 2027, replacing them with Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
The Ticonderoga-class cruisers represent a pivotal chapter in naval engineering and maritime defense. From introducing the revolutionary Aegis system to providing decades of reliable service across the world’s oceans, these cruisers have exemplified American naval innovation.
While their retirement marks the end of an era, their influence on ship design, combat systems, and naval strategy will continue to shape future generations of warships.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
