The USS Truxtun (CGN-35), a nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser, served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1995. She was a unique vessel, originally laid down as a destroyer leader (designated DLGN-35) and later reclassified as a cruiser (CGN-35) during her service. She was built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey, with her keel laid on June 17, 1963, and launched on December 19, 1964. Commissioned on May 27, 1967, Truxtun was based on a heavily modified Belknap class hull, with notable distinctions including her nuclear propulsion system—powered by two D2G reactors, unlike her sister ships that used four boilers—making her the smallest nuclear surface vessel in the U.S. Navy at just over 8,500 tons full load. Physically, Truxtun was larger than her Belknap class counterparts, measuring 17 feet longer, 3 feet wider across the beam, and with a 2-foot deeper draft. Her armament initially included a 5-inch/54 caliber gun forward, a twin-rail Mk 10 missile launcher for RIM-2 Terrier missiles on the quarterdeck, and two single 3-inch guns (later replaced by Harpoon missile launchers in 1979). Her missile magazine was housed beneath the helicopter deck, capable of storing 40 RIM-67 Standard missiles and 20 ASROC missiles. Her anti-submarine warfare suite was upgraded over time from unmanned DASH drones to the inclusion of LAMPS Mk. I and SH-2 Seasprite helicopters, and later, CIWS systems and advanced electronics. Throughout her service, USS Truxtun participated in numerous deployments, notably in Vietnam, the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific. She performed roles such as radar picket, search and rescue, plane guard, and maritime patrol. She earned seven battle stars and a Navy Unit Commendation for her Vietnam War service, including notable actions such as directing fighter intercepts resulting in the destruction of multiple MiGs. She also participated in operations during the Iranian Hostage Crisis, the Gulf War, and various multinational exercises, including RIMPAC. Decommissioned on September 11, 1995, and disposed of by ship recycling in 1999, USS Truxtun holds maritime significance as a pioneering nuclear cruiser, demonstrating advanced missile systems and operational versatility over nearly three decades of service.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.