stay at sea for long periods under all conditions),plane-carrying capacity, and maintenance capability.B a t t l e s h i p s . — T h e b a t t l e s h i p s h ave b e e ndecommissioned. However, they could be reactivated.Battleships participated in few surface engagements inWorld War II, but with their large number of antiaircraftguns, they proved to be excellent support ships in carriertask forces. Another major role was that of providinggunfire support of amphibious landings in both thePacific and European theaters. Only their large-caliberguns could knock out heavily reinforced gunemplacements. They also provided gunfire support inthe Korean conflict.Several battleships (BBs) were modernized toinclude additional armament such as Tomahawk andHarpoon missile systems or the Phalanx close-inweapons system (CIWS). Battleships were given statenames. However, since there is little likelihood of ourbuilding any more battleships, state names are beinggiven to cruisers like the USS South Carolina (CGN 37)and to submarines (SSBNs) like the USS Ohio (SSBN726) and USS Michigan (SSBN 727).C r u i s e r s . — C r u i s e r s a r e m e d i u m - s i z e d ,general-utility ships. They have a large cruising rangeand are capable of high speeds (over 30 knots). Theyserve as protective screens against surface and airattacks and also provide gunfire support for landoperations. The two basic types of cruisers are theguided-missile cruiser (CG) and guided-missile cruiser(nuclear propulsion) (CGN). Cruisers displace about10,000 tons. The CGs include cruisers with missiles, butsome of these also have guns that are 5"/54 caliber.CGNs are the same as the CGs except that their mainengines are nuclear-powered. Figures 8-15 and 8-16show two cruisers.The Ticonderoga (CG 47) class cruisers are built onthe Spruance (DD 963) hull. Modern U.S. Navyguided-missile cruisers perform primarily a battle force8-16Photograph courtesy of LT Brian DouglasFigure 8-14.—Various aircraft from Carrier Wing Three fly over the USS Enterprise (CVN 65).Student Notes:
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