The USS Port Royal (CG-73) was a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser in the United States Navy. Built to protect fleets and project power far from shore, this ship represented the cutting edge of naval warfare when she entered service. Her keel was laid on October 18, 1991, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on November 20, 1992, and commissioned on July 9, 1994, at Savannah, Georgia. From the start, Port Royal was designed to bring together advanced weapons, powerful radar, and reliable propulsion into one highly capable warship.
The USS Port Royal was named for the Battles of Port Royal Sound, fought off the coast of South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. These engagements were strategically important moments in U.S. naval history. Carrying that name connected the ship directly to a legacy of contested seas, hard lessons, and determined sailors who shaped the nation’s maritime past.
One of Port Royal’s defining features was the Aegis Combat System. This system allowed the ship to detect, track, and engage multiple threats at the same time. Its AN/SPY-1 phased-array radar gave the crew constant awareness of the air and sea around them. The ship’s Mk 41 Vertical Launching System could fire a wide range of missiles, including Standard Missiles for air defense, Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range strike missions, and ASROC rockets for hunting submarines. Together, these systems made Port Royal a flexible and dangerous opponent in nearly any scenario.
Throughout her career, USS Port Royal deployed across the Pacific, the Persian Gulf, and other key regions. She supported maritime security operations, joined multinational exercises, and stood ready during times of crisis. Whether escorting carrier strike groups or operating independently, her presence helped maintain stability and deter aggression.
As a Ticonderoga-class cruiser, Port Royal belonged to the first class of surface combatants built around the Aegis Combat System. These ships were designed primarily for air defense, but their real strength was versatility. They could defend fleets, strike land targets, track submarines, and operate seamlessly with allied forces. Port Royal embodied that multi-mission role throughout her service life.
After more than 28 years of service, USS Port Royal was decommissioned on September 29, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register the following day, closing the chapter on the final Ticonderoga-class cruiser ever built.
USS Port Royal CG-73: A Technological Titan of the Seas
USS Port Royal was built for strength and endurance. Her hull was constructed from high-strength steel, giving her the toughness needed for long deployments and rough seas. The ship measured approximately 567 feet in length, with a beam of 55 feet and a draft of about 34 feet. Four General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines powered her, allowing speeds in excess of 30 knots when the mission demanded it.
At the core of her combat power was the Aegis Combat System. Using the AN/SPY-1 phased-array radar, the ship could track hundreds of targets at once. Cooperative Engagement Capability allowed Port Royal to share targeting data with other ships and aircraft, creating a broader and more effective defensive network.
USS Port Royal carried 122 Mk 41 Vertical Launch System cells. These could be loaded with Standard Missiles for air defense, SM-3 and SM-6 variants for ballistic missile and extended-range engagements, Tomahawk cruise missiles for land attack, and ASROC rockets for anti-submarine warfare. She was also armed with two 5-inch/54 caliber Mk 45 guns, providing naval gunfire support and surface engagement capability.
For close-in defense, Port Royal mounted two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems, designed to stop threats that slipped through outer defenses. She also carried eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles and torpedo tubes capable of launching Mk 46 or Mk 50 torpedoes against submarines. This layered weapons suite allowed the ship to respond effectively across the full spectrum of naval combat.
USS Port Royal CG-73 Crew Member Reports of Time Aboard
The USS Port Royal left a lasting impression on those who served aboard her. Crew members often describe strong camaraderie, demanding work, and moments that shaped them long after leaving the ship. From the early pre-commissioning days to later deployments, sailors remember Port Royal as a place where teamwork mattered and friendships were forged under pressure.
Plankowners recall the challenges of bringing a brand-new warship to life, while later crews remember long deployments, foreign ports, and the shared experience of operating one of the Navy’s most advanced cruisers. Through good days and difficult ones, the ship built bonds that endured well beyond the end of each tour.
USS Port Royal CG-73: Evolution of a Naval Powerhouse
Over time, USS Port Royal received upgrades to keep pace with evolving threats. Aegis system modernizations improved tracking, computing power, and missile defense capability, including support for ballistic missile defense missions. Updates to electronic warfare systems enhanced survivability in contested environments.
Port Royal’s mission set ranged from high-end combat operations to peacetime presence and humanitarian assistance. She supported carrier strike groups, enforced maritime security, and contributed to joint and coalition operations. The ship’s flexibility allowed her to shift quickly between roles as global conditions changed.
USS Port Royal CG-73: A Chronicle of Valor and Vigilance on the High Seas
USS Port Royal deployed worldwide in support of U.S. strategic interests. She took part in operations enforcing no-fly zones, supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, and participated in major multinational exercises such as RIMPAC. Her Aegis capabilities made her a key air-defense asset during these missions.
The ship earned multiple awards over her career, including Navy Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and Battle “E” awards recognizing overall excellence. These honors reflected not just the ship’s technology, but the professionalism and dedication of her crew.
USS Port Royal CG-73 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Ticonderoga-class (Flight II) Guided Missile Cruiser |
| Commissioned | July 9, 1994 |
| Displacement | Approximately 9,600 tons (full load) |
| Length | 567 feet |
| Beam | 55 feet |
| Draft | Approximately 34 feet |
| Speed | 30+ knots |
| Complement | Approximately 390 officers and enlisted |