On April 22, the U.S. Navy announced that it had recommissioned one of its former Ticonderoga-class missile cruisers following a modernization process, namely, the USS Cape St. George (CG 71). According to the announcement, the vessel has already arrived at its new homeport at Naval Base San Diego, California, after being permanently relocated from Naval Station Everett in Washington state.
The news was celebrated by Captain Jennifer Pontius, who currently serves as the ship’s commanding officer, stating: “I’m extremely proud of this dedicated crew and all the hard work and sacrifice that brought Cape St. George back to life. Repairing and restoring systems after an extended modernization was a monumental effort, and this talented crew is the reason the ship was able to return to sea and rejoin our Navy’s combat force.”
Broadly speaking, we’re talking about one of the youngest Ticonderoga-class vessels in the U.S. fleet, commissioned on June 12, 1993. Named after a battle fought in the Pacific during World War II, the cruiser is known for its great operational flexibility, as it can take part in naval combat missions (both anti-submarine and surface warfare), air defense, land attack, and carrier strike group support operations.
The ship displaces over 9,800 tons at full load, measuring 173 meters in length and 16.8 meters in beam, capable of reaching speeds of up to 32.5 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 20 knots. In terms of weaponry, each unit is equipped with two Mk-41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) with 61 cells each, SVTT Mk-32 torpedo launchers, and Mk-45 Mod 2 naval guns, among other systems. These capabilities are complemented by AN/SPY-1A/B multifunction radars and the AN/SPS-64 electronic warfare suite, along with a landing deck and hangar able to accommodate up to two helicopters.
It’s worth noting that the cruiser in question began undergoing its first modifications in 2021, with work carried out by Vigor Shipyards in Seattle. It was an extensive process in which the vessel received significant improvements to its hull and mechanical systems, as well as combat system upgrades to ensure it remains a lethal platform in modern combat environments. However, there are ongoing concerns about the amount invested in the project (over $600 million for this ship alone) and its utility, considering that under current U.S. Navy plans, the cruiser is expected to be retired in 2027.
In this context, the case of the USS Cape St. George is just one piece of the broader failed modernization and repair plan for Ticonderoga-class cruisers undertaken by the U.S. Navy, in which more than $1.84 billion was squandered, according to Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports published in December. Beyond the issue of spending, it’s also worth noting that very few cruisers actually completed the planned work: of the 11 ships originally selected, 7 entered the process and only 3 reached the final stages.
On top of all this, it’s important to mention that even in the cases of vessels that underwent modernization, unauthorized materials were used during the work. The aforementioned GAO report details the case of the USS Vicksburg — a project ultimately abandoned after spending over $745 million — in which attempts were made to install a new pressurized enclosure around the ship’s sonar using materials such as “plastic film, regular adhesive tape bought at stores, expanding foam, and a sealant product similar to those seen on TV commercials”.
Image credits: Petty Officer 1st Class Kelby Sanders
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