Half a Century Strong: How the USS Blue Ridge Continues to Shape Naval Power
With the United States Navy, there is an assumption, from within and from outside, that no costs will be spared to field a fully equipped, technologically sophisticated, and ever-ready-at-the-drop-of-a-hat force for war. Although the Navy is constantly investing in next-generation warships, planes, and unmanned systems, it doesn’t mean that tried-and-true ships from previous generations have no place. Indeed, a number of older ships in the fleet continue to prove themselves, easily meshing with new technology and standing their ground in the current-day strategic environment. Anything but outdated, these veteran ships have earned their place, proving that experience and strong design can still pack formidable punch on the high seas.
Why We're Covering This
The U.S. Navy's ships and submarines represent a significant investment by the American government and the Navy's commitment to maintaining a strong and capable fleet. Older active vessels demonstrate the quality and operational effectiveness of American ships. Their enduring presence in the fleet proves that age is not a weakness. Instead, it signifies a well-maintained and reliable ship.
22. USS San Juan
The USS San Juan is a Los Angeles-class attack submarine commissioned by the US Navy on August 6, 1988.
21. USS Leyte Gulf
The USS Leyte Gulf was commissioned on September 26, 1987. It is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
20. USS Key West
The USS Key West was commissioned on September 12, 1987. It is a Los Angeles-class attack submarine.
19. USS Helena
The USS Helena was commissioned on July 11, 1987. It is a Los Angeles-class attack submarine.
18. USS Antietam
The USS Antietam was commissioned on June 6, 1987. It is a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.
17. USS Theodore Roosevelt
The USS Theodore Roosevelt was commissioned on October 25, 1986. It is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
16. USS Nevada
The USS Nevada was commissioned on August 16, 1986. It is an Ohio-class submarine.
15. USS Germantown
The USS Germantown was commissioned on February 8, 1986. It is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship.
14. USS Alaska
The USS Alaska was commissioned on January 25, 1986. It is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.
13. USS Alabama
The USS Alabama was commissioned on May 25, 1985. It is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.
12. USS Henry M. Jackson
The USS Henry M. Jackson was commissioned on October 6, 1984. It is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.
11. USS Georgia
The USS Georgia was commissioned on February 11, 1984. It is an Ohio-class guided missile submarine.
10. USS Florida
An Ohio-class guided missile submarine, the USS Florida, was commissioned on June 18, 1983.
9. USS Michigan
The USS Michigan was commissioned on September 11, 1982. It is an Ohio-class guided missile submarine.
8. USS Carl Vinson
The USS Carl Vinson was commissioned on March 13, 1982. It is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
7. USS Ohio
The USS Ohio was commissioned on November 11, 1981. It is an Ohio-class guided missile submarine.
6. USS Frank Cable
The USS Frank Cable was commissioned on October 29, 1979. It is an Emory S. Land-class submarine tender.
5. USS Emory S. Land
The USS Emory S. Land was commissioned on July 7, 1979. It is an Emory S. Land-class submarine tender.
4. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was commissioned on October 18, 1977. It is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
3. USS Nimitz
The USS Nimitz was commissioned on May 3, 1975. It is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.
2. USS Mount Whitney
The USS Mount Whitney was commissioned on January 16, 1971. It is a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship.
1. USS Blue Ridge
The USS Blue Ridge was commissioned on November 14, 1970. It is a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship.
