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A guided-missile cruiser is a large, fast warship designed for speed and long-range operations. Historically, cruisers were built to scout, hunt enemy convoys, and defend fleets. Modern guided-missile cruisers, however, have evolved significantly.

The era of big-gun cruisers ended after World War II, with the development of guided missiles. The first vessel designed as a guided-missile cruiser was the USS Long Beach, commissioned in 1961. These ships are now equipped with a variety of weapons, including surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and sophisticated radar systems like Aegis. They primarily serve as escorts for aircraft carriers, forming the first line of defense for a fleet. While some older nuclear-powered cruisers still exist, most modern ones are powered by gas turbines.12

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  1. cruiser
  2. warship - Cruisers

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