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Guided Missile Cruiser

USS Princeton (CG-59)

The USS Princeton was a US Navy guided missile cruiser that hit a naval mine during the Gulf War in 1991.

United States Introduced 1989 Ingalls ShipbuildingRole: Guided missile cruiser (air defense)

Specifications

Class
Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser
Commissioned
1989
Displacement
About 9,600 tons
Combat System
Aegis
Decommissioned
2023
The USS Princeton (CG-59) of United States

History

The USS Princeton (CG-59) was a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser commissioned in 1989. It was one of the most advanced warships in the US Navy, equipped with the Aegis combat system for air defense. During the Gulf War in 1991, the USS Princeton was part of the naval force in the Persian Gulf. On February 18, 1991, about three hours after the USS Tripoli hit a mine, the USS Princeton also struck an Iraqi naval mine. The mine caused serious damage to the ship's hull and propulsion system. Despite the damage, the crew kept the ship operational and it was able to move under its own power. The ship was later repaired and returned to service. The USS Princeton continued to serve in the US Navy for many years, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Middle East. The ship was decommissioned in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Combat Medals & Awards

Air Force Commendation Medal, Merit decoration, United States medal
Merit decoration

Air Force Commendation Medal

1958

A mid-level military award honoring airmen for meritorious achievement, bravery, or outstanding service.

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished service decoration, United States medal
Distinguished service decoration

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

1960

A high military award given for exceptionally meritorious service to the government in duties of great responsibility.

Air Medal, Merit decoration, United States medal
Merit decoration

Air Medal

1942

A military decoration awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Army Commendation Medal, Merit decoration, United States medal
Merit decoration

Army Commendation Medal

1945

A decoration awarded to soldiers for heroism, meritorious achievement, or exemplary service in the United States Army.

Bronze Star, Valor and merit decoration, United States medal
Valor and merit decoration

Bronze Star

1944

A United States military decoration awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement in a combat zone.

Distinguished Flying Cross, Valor decoration, United States medal
Valor decoration

Distinguished Flying Cross

1926

A United States military decoration awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.

Distinguished Service Cross, Valor decoration, United States medal
Valor decoration

Distinguished Service Cross

1918

The second highest military decoration for valor awarded to members of the United States Army.

Medal of Freedom, Merit decoration, United States medal
Merit decoration

Medal of Freedom

1945

This foreign award from the United States honored civilians and allied service members who helped defeat enemy forces during wartime.

Medal of Honor, Valor decoration, United States medal
Valor decoration

Medal of Honor

1861

The highest military decoration of the United States, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.

Navy Cross, Valor decoration, United States medal
Valor decoration

Navy Cross

1919

The second highest military decoration for valor awarded to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished service decoration, United States medal
Distinguished service decoration

Navy Distinguished Service Medal

1919

A major naval decoration honoring exceptionally meritorious service to the government in duties of great responsibility.

Purple Heart, Valor decoration, United States medal
Valor decoration

Purple Heart

1782 (Badge of Military Merit), revived 1932

A United States military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the armed forces.

Silver Star, Valor decoration, United States medal
Valor decoration

Silver Star

1932

The third highest military decoration for valor in the United States Armed Forces.

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