USS Providence (CL-82)

USS Providence (CL-82) was a United States Navy Cleveland-class light cruiser that was later converted into a Providence-class guided missile cruiser (CLG-6). Originally commissioned as a light cruiser in 1945, she saw limited service in World War II before being placed out of commission in reserve in 1949.

In 1957, Providence was recommissioned after an extensive conversion to a guided missile cruiser, equipped with RIM-2 Terrier surface-to-air missiles. This transformation allowed her to serve as an anti-aircraft escort and to engage surface targets at greater ranges. She was redesignated CLG-6 upon recommissioning.

As a guided missile cruiser, Providence participated in several major operations during the Vietnam War, including naval gunfire support missions and anti-aircraft defense for carrier task forces. Her missile systems provided a valuable contribution to the US Navy's air defense capabilities during the conflict.

Providence was decommissioned for the final time in 1969 and subsequently stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. She was later sold for scrap in 1974. Despite her relatively short active service life in both her light cruiser and guided missile cruiser configurations, Providence represented a significant step in the evolution of naval warfare, showcasing the transition from traditional gunnery to missile technology. Her conversion was part of a broader effort by the US Navy to adapt its existing fleet to the challenges of the Cold War and the evolving threat of Soviet air power.