Ticonderoga (CG 47) - Naval Cruise Book

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PRE-COM PASCAGGULA Ticonderoga was built by Ingalls shipyard using the technique of modular fabrication, which allows improved access to all areas of the ship during construction. The aft superstructure is shown during fabri- cation at upper right. Each module was built seperately, once the 3 sections of the hull at rightwere completed they were carefully aligned and welded together, later 2 superstructure modules were added. Other pictures on this page show the ship after painting. Dozens of railroad Htrucksv, shown at bottom right, were used to move the ship 'en masse' several hundred yards over land to the launch pontoon, where the ship was intro- duced to her natural element for the first time, then towed to the christening dock. Thisjourney took place on 25 April 1981 and is shown in a sequence of 3 pictures next page. 6 weeks later, on 16 May 1981, Mrs. Nancy Reagan broke the traditional bottle of champagne on the bow to christen this mighty warship. Final construction and out- fitting moved into high gear in early 1982, when the SPY radar faces were installed, and an extensive test and check-out effort began as crewmembers and contractors worked hand-in-glove to bring the hull to life. Tico,' put to sea in May 1982 on the first of 3 sea trials, Trial Alpha stringently tested and proved the propulsion systems as we maneuvered at over 30 knots during a four hour full-power speed run. Emphasis then shifted to the combat systems, because plans for Trial Bravo in August would have us firing every weapons system on board. X, it f 5 ii 0 .s+ 1 it 1 8 i mg 5 mr aww A LA E

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were uncrated 800 rds of 20mm ammo came aboard TRIAL B In August of 1982 Ticonder- oga made Naval history by exer- cising all of her weapons systems 6 months prior to commission- ing. Trial Bravo also retested the propulsion systems in the most ambitious sea trial ever pro- posed. Gver 1000 rounds of am- munition were expended by the Cal deck guns, Phalanx 20mm Close-In Weapon System, Mk-26 GMLS and Harpoon launchers. This awesome firepower display effectively previewed our dynamic future. 5,754 Empty containers were removed by hand Blast Test Vehicle being craned aboard on the Strikedown Rea m Lining up the Receiver Plate