News Summary
The USS Cape St. George, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, has returned to Naval Base San Diego after a significant modernization program costing $601 million. The upgrades have enhanced its hull, mechanical systems, and combat suite, enabling it to launch advanced SM-6 missiles. However, challenges in the modernization program raise concerns about its long-term viability within the Navy’s fleet, with only three out of seven cruisers expected to complete their upgrades successfully.
San Diego – The USS Cape St. George, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, has successfully returned to Naval Base San Diego following a comprehensive modernization program that commenced in 2021. This significant upgrade, which cost approximately $601 million, included extensive enhancements to the ship’s hull, mechanical systems, and combat suite.
Equipped with the latest Aegis Combat System, the USS Cape St. George also gained the capability to launch advanced SM-6 missiles. This modernization aims to improve the ship’s operational capabilities and overall effectiveness in naval operations. Despite these upgrades, skepticism persists regarding the viability of the modernization efforts and the long-term future of the cruiser within the Navy’s fleet.
Troubles with the Upgrade Program
The USS Cape St. George is one of seven Ticonderoga-class cruisers undergoing a modernization that has faced significant challenges. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that approximately $1.84 billion has been wasted due to poor workmanship and inadequate planning throughout the upgrade program. Currently, only three of the seven vessels are expected to complete their modernization successfully, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness and reliability of such investments.
As part of the ongoing transition to more advanced naval vessels, the Navy has announced plans to phase out older cruisers and replace them with newer Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. In light of this transition, the future of the USS Cape St. George remains uncertain, even with its recent upgrades. Despite being slated for service until 2029, there are apprehensions that the ship may be retired earlier than planned to allocate resources for newer destroyers.
Specific Upgrade Issues
The modernization efforts encountered various complications, including reports of failing systems on upgraded vessels and the use of unauthorized materials during repairs. Such issues highlight deeper systemic problems within the Navy’s cruiser upgrade program and have fueled doubts about the effectiveness of the upgrades. Alongside the USS Cape St. George, the USS Gettysburg and USS Chosin are also undergoing modernization work, further emphasizing the stakes involved for the Navy.
Background on USS Cape St. George
The USS Cape St. George was commissioned in 1993 and has a storied history intertwined with important naval operations. As one of the established vessels in the Ticonderoga-class, it carries significant operational capabilities crucial for modern maritime defense. However, as the Navy faces increasing pressure to modernize and enhance its fleet, the future of older cruisers like the Cape St. George becomes a complicated matter.
In conclusion, while the USS Cape St. George’s return after a $601 million modernization signifies a noteworthy achievement, the broader context of the Navy’s upgrade program raises critical questions about the effectiveness and future of such vessels in an evolving naval landscape. The Navy’s ongoing commitment to balancing budgetary concerns with operational readiness for its fleet remains crucial, especially amid plans to retire older cruisers and invest in new technologies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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USS Cape St. George Returns to San Diego After Major Upgrades
Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Navy is retiring the last of its storied cruisers
- Zona Militar: U.S. Navy recommissions modernized Ticonderoga-class cruiser
- Baird Maritime: USS Cape St. George arrives at new homeport
- Times of San Diego: $600M overhaul for Navy cruiser
- CBS8: San Diego leaders on renaming USNS Harvey Milk
- Wikipedia: USS Cape St. George (CG-71)
- Google Search: USS Ticonderoga class cruisers
- Google Scholar: Navy ship modernization
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Navy
- Google News: Navy modernization
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
