First Modernized Ticonderoga Cruiser Returned to Navy Service

The guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens in 2014, returning to San Diego following a deployment to the western Pacific. The cruiser just returned to active service after four years in the Cruiser Modification Program. U.S. Navy/Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie W. Ryan

ARLINGTON,
Va. — The first of seven Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers entered into
the Cruiser Modification Program has been returned to the U.S. Navy’s fleet for
service.

USS Cowpens
went through the modification at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego over the last
four years, Capt. Kevin Byrne, the Navy’s program manager for surface ship modernization,
said Jan. 15 at the Surface Navy Association symposium here.

Under the
modification, the major addition is the Baseline 9A upgrade to the Aegis Combat
System with ballistic-missile defense (BMD) capability, along with the addition
of the SPQ-9B radar, the Navy Integrated Fire Control capability and the
SQQ-89(V)15 anti-submarine warfare system and the Multifunction Towed Array. The
ship’s Combat Information Center is revamped, the superstructure is
strengthened and provisions for the embarked MH-60R helicopters are included,
among other hull, mechanical and electrical improvements.

Also going
through modernization are USS Gettysburg at the BAE Systems yard in Norfolk,
Virginia, and USS Chosin, which soon will be towed to the Vigor shipyard in
Portland, Oregon. USS Cape St. George will follow at Vigor later in 2020, and USS
Vicksburg enters the BAE yard in Norfolk this month. USS Hue City is the next
to be inducted.

The seven
cruisers are part of the 11 that the Navy decided to take out of service for
modernization, but the Navy is keeping four in service for the time being to
maintain a robust BMD force structure.