USS Bainbridge Cruiser

USS BAINBRIDGE

Bainbridge was in a class of her own, having been conceived as a nuclear-powered version of the Leahy class on a slightly enlarged hull with the same basic form. At the time she was constructed, she represented the smallest possible ship to be nuclear powered and possessed the performance characteristics of a destroyer. Built by Bethlehem at Quincy, USS Bainbridge (DLGN, later CGN, 25) was laid down on 15 May 1959, launched on 15 April 1961 and completed on 6 October 1962. She was modernised in 1976-77, finally decommissioned on 13 September 1996, and ordered to be disposed of by submarine recycling.

ARMAMENT AND EQUIPMENT

As completed, Bainbridge was armed with twin two-arm launchers for Terrier SAMs, an ASROC anti-submarine rocket launcher, six tubes for 12.75in (324mm) lightweight torpedoes and four 3in (76mm) DP guns. During her modernisation, she received the New Threat Data System, four Harpoon SSM launchers to replace her guns and Standard missiles to replace the aging Terriers. She later received two Phalanx CIWS, and her radar and sonar installations were extensively modernised.

TECHNICAL DATA

Type: Nuclear guided-missile cruiser
Machinery: 2-shaft nuclear, 2 D2G reactors supplying steam to 2 geared turbines developing a total of 60,000shp
Dimensions (overall): Length, 1 72.3m (565ft); beam, 17m 156ft)
Displacement: 7250t standard; 7980t deep load
Draught: 5.9m (1 9.5ft) deep load
Complement: 548
Speed: 30 knots (55.5km/h)