(In 1975 the DLG/DLGN frigates were redesignated as cruisers or destroyers. The Navy also built more than two dozen oil-burning DLGs.

Beginning with the USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), completed in 1962, the U.S. The strike cruiser was an outgrowth of the nuclear-propelled “frigate” (DLGN) program these were essentially “super destroyers” that approached cruisers in size but had destroyer lines and roles-primarily fleet air defense. Navy did plan to construct warships similar to the Soviet battle cruisers-the so-called “strike cruisers,” designated CSGN. The most capable surface combatant of her era, the Long Beach at 16,250 tons was significantly smaller than the Soviet giants.

Navy built the nuclear cruiser Long Beach (CGN 9), completed in 1961. These massive warships were fitted with the latest weapons and electronic systems.Įarlier, the U.S. Petersburg) built four nuclear-propelled battle cruisers, completing the 28,000-ton warships of the Kirov class from 1980 to 1996. The Baltic Shipyard in Leningrad (now St. In the 75 years since the end of World War II only two countries have constructed major surface combatant ships other than aircraft carriers.

Space marine strike cruiser