USS Port Royal (CG-73)

USS Port Royal (CG-73) is a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser in the United States Navy. Named for the two battles of Port Royal fought during the American Civil War (1861) and Revolutionary War (1780), she is the 27th and final ship of her class.

Port Royal was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and commissioned on July 9, 1994, at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. She is equipped with the Aegis Combat System and carries a diverse array of offensive and defensive weaponry, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard surface-to-air missiles, and anti-submarine rockets.

Throughout her service history, Port Royal has participated in numerous deployments and exercises around the globe, including operations in the Persian Gulf, the Western Pacific, and the Mediterranean Sea. She has been involved in anti-piracy operations, ballistic missile defense exercises, and maritime security operations.

In February 2009, Port Royal ran aground near Honolulu, Hawaii, resulting in significant damage to the ship and surrounding reef. After extensive repairs, she returned to service.

As of late 2023, Port Royal was scheduled for decommissioning in early 2024 as part of the Navy's plan to modernize its fleet. Her decommissioning marks the end of the Ticonderoga-class cruiser production line and reflects a shift towards newer, more advanced naval platforms.