The U.S. Navy has announced the decision to keep three cruisers— the Gettysburg, Chosin, and Cape St. George—in service for an additional three years, extending their operational timeline from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2029. This update comes shortly after the Navy previously extended the service life of 12 destroyers.
The cruisers have undergone modernization updates that include extensive hull, mechanical, engineering, and combat system upgrades. The Gettysburg and Chosin completed their modifications in fiscal years 2023 and 2025, while the Cape St. George is expected to finish its updates within the current year.
This announcement occurs amid ongoing tensions between the Navy and Congress regarding the pace at which cruisers should be decommissioned. The Navy aims to decommission more cruisers in order to reallocate funds for new ships and maintenance. In contrast, lawmakers have been advocating for the retention of these vessels to bridge capability gaps in the fleet.
Recently, the Navy has decommissioned three cruisers: the Leyte Gulf, the Cowpens, and the Antietam. Former cruiser Sailor and Secretary of the Navy, Del Toro, expressed pride in the service’s longstanding capabilities and emphasized that only ships which have completed modernization and possess the necessary readiness are being retained.
Additionally, the Navy plans to keep 12 destroyers in service longer—extending their operational timeline from 2028 to 2035. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of each ship’s condition and is part of the fiscal year 2026 budget request, intended to facilitate the necessary service life updates.
These initiatives to maintain additional vessels in active service aim to enhance the fleet as new ships are constructed. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti noted that the current budgetary constraints necessitate prioritized investments to ensure that the Navy maintains a robust presence to support U.S. global interests and ensures a decisive advantage in conflict situations.
