USS South Carolina (CGN-37)

The USS South Carolina (CGN-37) was a United States Navy Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser. She was the fourth ship of her class and the only one named after the state of South Carolina.

Ordered from Newport News Shipbuilding on 31 July 1968, her keel was laid down on 4 March 1972. The South Carolina was launched on 26 January 1974, sponsored by Mrs. James R. Schlesinger, and commissioned on 25 January 1975.

The South Carolina was primarily designed to escort carrier battle groups and provided anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) capabilities. She was equipped with advanced radar and sonar systems, as well as surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.

Throughout her service, the USS South Carolina participated in numerous deployments and exercises around the world. These included operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indian Oceans. She was often deployed as part of carrier battle groups providing protection and enhancing overall fleet capabilities.

Decommissioned on 28 March 1998, the South Carolina was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 27 March 1998. Recycling of her nuclear reactor plant began on 1 November 1999 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and was completed on 12 October 2000. Her hulk was scrapped in Bremerton, Washington.

The USS South Carolina earned the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation during her years of service, reflecting her contributions to naval operations. She represents a significant chapter in the US Navy's history of nuclear-powered guided missile cruisers.