Ticonderoga class cruiser: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Ticonderoga class cruiser is the first warship in the world to use phased-array radar; the increased combat capability offered by the Aegis combat system and the AN/SPY-1 radar system justified the changing of the classification of USS Ticonderoga and USS Yorktown from DDG (guided missile destroyer) to CG (guided missile cruiser).

The 27 ships of the Ticonderoga class form the largest class of cruisers ever constructed by any nation in modern naval history (second and third are the Cleveland class and Baltimore class, also built by the United States).

Of the "Ticos", at least five (Ticonderoga, Yorktown, Valley Forge, Antietam and Princeton) share names with World War II aircraft carriers. Only one, Thomas S. Gates) is not named for a battle.