USS Cape St. George (CG‑71) is a Ticonderoga‑class guided‑missile cruiser of the United States Navy. Named for the World War II Battle of Cape St. George, the vessel was the first U.S. warship to be christened with a hyphenated name.
Construction and commissioning
- Builder: Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine
- Keel laid: 1 April 1990
- Launched: 7 June 1991, sponsored by Mrs. Nancy B. Smith, wife of then‑Vice Admiral Thomas L. Smith
- Commissioned: 31 October 1993, under the command of Captain Charles H. Forst, USN
Design and capabilities
As a Ticonderoga‑class cruiser, Cape St. George displaces approximately 9,800 long tons (full load) and measures 567 feet (173 m) in length with a beam of 55 feet (17 m). The ship is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines, providing a top speed in excess of 30 knots.
Primary armament includes:
- 2 × Mk 41 vertical launch systems (VLS) with a total of 122 missile cells, capable of launching Standard missiles (SM‑2, SM‑3, SM‑6), Tomahawk cruise missiles, and RIM‑162 ESSM missiles.
- 2 × 5‑inch (127 mm)/54 caliber guns (dual‑mount Mk 45 Mod 4).
- Two Phalanx CIWS (Close‑in Weapon System) for point‑defence against missiles and aircraft.
The vessel also carries two SH‑60 Seahawk helicopters for anti‑submarine warfare, search and rescue, and surface surveillance.
Operational history
- 1994–1995: Conducted a maiden deployment to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, participating in Operation Southern Watch.
- 1996: Supported carrier battle group operations during the Iraqi sanctions enforcement period.
- 1999: Took part in joint exercises with allied navies in the Pacific, including RIMPAC 1998 and 1999.
- 2001–2002: Deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing air defence and surface warfare capabilities.
- 2005: Engaged in anti‑piracy operations off the Horn of Africa as part of Combined Task Force 151.
- 2009: Served as flagship for the Carrier Strike Group during a deployment to the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.
- 2011–2012: Underwent a Block 3 upgrade, which included the installation of the Aegis Combat System Baseline 9, integration of the AN/SPY‑1 radar upgrades, and the addition of the RIM‑162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) launcher.
- 2015: Conducted a scheduled maintenance availability (SMAV) at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
As of the most recent publicly available information (2024), USS Cape St. George remains an active component of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and participating in regular training cycles and deployments.
Awards and honors
- Navy Unit Commendation (multiple awards)
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Battle “E” (Efficiency) Awards for several consecutive years (2004‑2008)
Namesake
The ship is named after the Battle of Cape St. George, a naval engagement fought on 25 November 1943 between United States and Japanese forces near the Solomon Islands. The encounter resulted in a decisive U.S. victory and the sinking of three Japanese destroyers without loss of American ships.
Current status
According to publicly released Navy records and ship logs up to 2024, USS Cape St. George is home‑ported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, and maintains readiness for forward deployment as required by United States Navy operational directives.