Norton Sound (AVM 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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The testing of the Mark 45 was completed in November 1972 and NORTON SOUND entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for removal ofthe system and for installation ofthe Navy's most mod- ern combat system--AEGIS. The installation of AEGIS included an Engineer- ing Model Deckhouse at the 06 level. This was the most important change to NORTON SOUND's profile since the Typhon conversion. The remainder ofthe AEGIS System was housed within the existing ship's structure, mostly at the 05 level. A new MK 26 launcher for AEGIS was installed onthe ship's fantail during the conversion. Conversion was completed on July 20, 1973, and NORTON SOUND returned to Port Hueneme and officially entered the AEGIS era. In October 1973 the launcher received its first test with the successful firing of five structural blast test vehicles. NORTON SOUND re-entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard on completion of launcher tests to com- plete installation of the AEGIS system. Added to the AEGIS radar and launching system were a new weapons direction and fire control system and asso- ciated command and control systems. Later the new Spy-l radar was installed. The year period was completed in February 1974 and NORTON SOUND began system testing. By May 1974 six successful test firings were made by NORTON SOUND. AEGIS integration and sustained firing testing continued through the 1970s and into the early 1980s. On Armed Forces Day, May 16, 1981, the first AEGIS cruiser USS TICONDEROGA CCG-475 was christened at Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Pascagoula, Mississippi. Mooredastern of TICONDEROGA was NOR- TON SOUND at Ingalls to be fitted with vertical launch capability. In his remarks Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer, then AEGIS Shipbuilding Project Manager, pointed out that NORTON SOUND had fired the first AEGIS missile seven years ago that morning. It was only fitting that NORTON SOUND should be present as the first AEGIS cruiser was christened and watching the ceremony from her deck were NSWSES engineers and technicians aboard for the installation- of the first AEGISfVertical Launching System, the last Navy surface system to be tested in NORTON SOUND. NORTON SOUND AEGIS installation Above, AEGIS test flrlngs ln 1973

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Lightweight 5-inch 54 caliber gun ready for tests in 1969 Seasparrow missile is fired from deck of NORTON SOUND.

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v. 'tix 4 At left, AEGIS computer system is installed. , KX Above, Standard Missile Il is fired in early test of Vertical Launching System. At right, Tomahawk missiles streak skyward from Vertical Launching System.