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In a surprise move, the U.S. Navy is giving its Ticonderoga cruisers another 10 years of service. The expansion bolsters the fleet and responds to congressional stalemate over the future of the U.S. Navy amid global tensions.
In a decision that surprised defense analysts and reignited debates in Congress, the navy The United States has revealed that three cruisers from the iconic Ticonderoga class will gain another decade of operations on the high seas.
The move to extend the service life of these imposing warships reflects a strategic effort to strengthen the U.S. fleet despite years of legislative impasses and technical challenges that have threatened the fate of these vessels.
Reformulation and expansion of the naval fleet
In a statement released today, the US Navy confirmed that three Ticonderoga-class cruisers, after undergoing an intense modernization program, are ready to operate for another ten years.
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This announcement comes shortly after the decision to also extend the service life of twelve Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, reinforcing the American intention to ensure the readiness of its fleet in an increasingly competitive global scenario.
Modernized ships ready for action
The three cruisers that will remain in service — USS Gettysburg (CG-64), USS Chosin (CG-65) and USS Cape St. George (CG-71) — have undergone significant upgrades.
These updates ranged from restructuring mechanical and engineering components to improvements in combat systems., all critical elements to extend the operational life of these vessels.
According to the Navy, the USS Gettysburg completed the modernization process in fiscal year 2023, followed by the USS Chosin in 2024.
The USS Cape St. George is still in the final stages of upgrades and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the current fiscal year.
Challenges in Congress and insistence on the continuity of the fleet
Despite the advances, the future of the Ticonderoga cruisers was the subject of intense debate. For years, the Navy has been asking Congress for permission to early retire some of the Ticonderoga cruisers. as well as certain littoral combat ships arguing that maintenance costs and technological limitations made their operability in future missions difficult.
However, lawmakers have repeatedly blocked such attempts, pointing to the need to maintain a robust fleet to respond to global threats and security demands.
A modernization program surrounded by controversy
The modernization program, which has been ongoing for nine years, has not been without its problems. Various technical and budgetary difficulties have delayed the progress of the renovations, generating criticism about the viability and effectiveness of the upgrades carried out.
“The modernization did not go as planned at times,” admitted Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in a recent statement.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in the capabilities of the modernized ships, stating that only cruisers in full material readiness will continue to perform their functions in the American fleet.
Operational innovations and public recognition
One of the highlights of the modernization program was the recent performance of the USS Chosin. In a demonstration conducted by the U.S. Navy, the ship demonstrated a transformative new capability: reloading missile containers while at sea.
This capability, praised by Secretary Del Toro himself, could represent a strategic shift for the US Navy, as it eliminates the need for cruisers to return to ports to replenish weapons.
Ticonderoga Cruisers: Importance and Legacy
The Ticonderoga-class cruisers occupy a prominent position in U.S. military history. With advanced radar systems and the ability to intercept aerial threats, they are crucial for the defense and protection of other vessels and allies..
According to experts, the extension of its useful life represents a clear message about the strategic role of the United States in maintaining a powerful and diversified fleet, capable of operating in different regions and responding quickly to possible global crises.
The strategic impact of a fleet reinforcement
With increasing military competition between major powers such as China and Russia, the US decision to preserve these veteran ships becomes even more relevant.
By keeping cruisers Ticonderoga and destroyers Arleigh Burke fully operational, the Navy strengthens its presence in the regions most critical to national security..
Secretary Del Toro emphasized that the measure allows maintaining a balance between new and modernized forces, in addition to taking advantage of the strategic knowledge accumulated over the years.
What to expect from the future?
With these reinforcements, the U.S. Navy is moving closer to a more robust and adaptable fleet. The decision to retain the Ticonderoga class could influence the development of new vessels and the U.S. military’s own strategic planning.
After all, by preserving ships with a proven track record and cutting-edge technology, the Navy ensures a significant advantage on the global stage.
With the decision to extend the service life of the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, the US seeks to demonstrate power and efficiency.
But is maintaining veteran ships the best strategy to ensure US naval supremacy?
The USA can't even replace its sailors today, it's not like in World War II when veterans were heroes.
Today the pay is not attractive and young people do not want to be in the military.
Another problem is that with Globalization and the disarticulation of American Industry there is no qualified labor and the USA has enormous difficulty in building warships.
Reforming what they have is the only way out. We will see if that will solve the problem when they have to face China head on.
See combat training in Brazil where our Brazilian pilots shot down 2 US Air Force Gripen 2 F16s.
The difference was not the planes but the pilots.
They were National Guard F-15s.