In naval history, few ships have left a legacy as profound as the USS Long Beach. As the world’s first nuclear-powered surface combatant, this groundbreaking cruiser didn’t just sail—it redefined maritime warfare, marking the dawn of a new technological era at sea¹.
Launched in 1961, the Long Beach operated for over three decades, becoming a fixture in critical Cold War missions and military engagements. It showcased the unmatched range and power of nuclear propulsion, setting an ambitious new standard for the future of naval engineering.
This vessel didn’t just participate; it shaped naval tactics and strategy, proving that nuclear-powered ships were more than a novelty—they were the new front line.
Nuclear Propulsion: A Game-Changer
The USS Long Beach was an engineering marvel, boasting two C1W nuclear reactors with an impressive 80,000 shaft horsepower. This innovative propulsion system allowed the cruiser to reach speeds over 30 knots and operate with virtually unlimited range.
The nuclear power plant’s compactness also afforded Long Beach, substantially more space below deck compared to conventionally powered ships of similar tonnage.
Advanced Weapons Systems
In addition to her cutting-edge propulsion, the Long Beach was equipped with an array of advanced weapons systems.
Originally armed with Terrier and Talos surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and torpedoes, the cruiser’s armament was continually modernized throughout her service life to include Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The First All-Nuclear Task Force
One of the defining moments in the USS Long Beach’s illustrious career came in 1964 when she participated in Operation Sea Orbit. (ref)
Joining forces with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and the guided missile frigate USS Bainbridge, the Long Beach formed part of the first all-nuclear-powered task force in history.
This 30,000-mile voyage worldwide, completed without a single refueling, showcased the immense capabilities of nuclear-powered vessels and solidified America’s position as a leader in naval technology.
Strategic Advantages Demonstrated
Operation Sea Orbit’s success demonstrated the endurance and reliability of nuclear propulsion and highlighted its strategic advantages.
The ability to operate independently for extended periods without refueling greatly enhanced the U.S. Navy’s flexibility and power projection capabilities.
By eliminating the logistical constraints associated with conventional propulsion, nuclear-powered vessels like the USS Long Beach provided the U.S. Navy with unprecedented flexibility and the ability to respond rapidly to global crises.
Combat Operations
Throughout her 34 years of active service, the USS Long Beach participated in numerous operations and conflicts, proving her worth as a formidable warship.
During the Vietnam War, she provided crucial naval gunfire support and served as a platform for helicopter operations.
Later, in the Gulf War, Long Beach played a vital role in coalition efforts, launching Tomahawk cruise missiles against Iraqi targets and contributing to the success of Operation Desert Storm.
Technological Testbed
Beyond her combat contributions, Long Beach also served as a testbed for various technological advancements. Her unique design and nuclear propulsion system provided invaluable data and experience that informed the development of future naval vessels.
The lessons learned from Long Beach’s operations and maintenance helped refine nuclear propulsion technology and paved the way for developing more advanced and efficient reactor designs.
This knowledge would prove essential in creating larger nuclear-powered vessels, such as the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, which continue to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
The End of an Era
Despite her achievements, the USS Long Beach’s story ended in 1995 when she was decommissioned due to the high costs of maintaining a nuclear-powered surface ship.
However, Long Beach’s decommissioning did not diminish her legacy as a naval trailblazer and symbol of American ingenuity.
Her contributions to the advancement of nuclear propulsion and her role in shaping modern naval warfare continue to be celebrated and studied by naval enthusiasts and historians alike.
Influencing Future Naval Design
Long Beach’s success paved the way for the development of larger nuclear-powered vessels, such as the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, which continue to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s power projection capabilities.
Her innovative design and advanced weapons systems also influenced the evolution of modern naval warfare, setting new standards for surface combatants.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
