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USS Springfield (CLG 7)

Originally built as a CLEVELAND - class light cruiser and commissioned as CL 66, the SPRINGFIELD was the third ship in the Navy to bear the name. Extensively converted to a light guided missile cruiser from 1957-60, SPRINGFIELD was recommissioned as CLG 7. Decommissioned on May 15, 1974, the SPRINGFIELD was again reclassified CG 7 on July 1, 1975, before stricken from the Navy list on July 31, 1978. The ship was finally sold for scrapping on March 11, 1980.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS SPRINGFIELD. These are no official listings but contain the names of sailors who submitted their information.

• Click here to view the list for CL 66.
• Click here to view the list for CLG 7.

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• Click here to see which USS SPRINGFIELD memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS SPRINGFIELD Cruise Books:

• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1960-62
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1965-67

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USS SPRINGFIELD History:

USS SPRINGFIELD was a CLEVELAND-class light cruiser that was later converted into a PROVIDENCE-class guided missile cruiser and fleet flagship. She was the third United States Navy ship to bear the name Springfield, honoring the cities of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Springfield, Illinois. Her keel was laid on February 13, 1943, at the Bethlehem Steel Company's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on March 9, 1944, co-sponsored by Mrs. Angelina Bertera of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Miss Norma McCurley of Springfield, Illinois, and commissioned at Boston, Massachusetts, on September 9, 1944, with Captain Felix L. Johnson in command.

As originally completed, SPRINGFIELD carried twelve 6-inch/47 caliber guns in four triple turrets, twelve 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns in six twin mounts, and an extensive battery of 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft weapons. Her aviation facilities included two catapults and equipment for operating reconnaissance floatplanes. Her principal wartime assignments involved protecting fast aircraft carrier formations against Japanese air attacks, supporting amphibious operations and conducting shore bombardments.

Following commissioning, SPRINGFIELD completed outfitting and preliminary training at Boston. On November 7, 1944, she departed on her first operational voyage and arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, two days later. After several days of gunnery practice in Chesapeake Bay, she proceeded to the Caribbean for shakedown training. The cruiser reached the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad, on November 21 and conducted exercises in the area during the following month. She completed her shakedown training on December 21 and returned to Boston.

On January 10, 1945, SPRINGFIELD departed Boston for additional training near Bermuda. She proceeded to Norfolk on January 13 and conducted maintenance and gunnery exercises in Chesapeake Bay until January 23. That morning, she joined Task Group 21.5 near the entrance to Thimble Shoal Channel to accompany USS QUINCY (CA 71) during the opening stage of the heavy cruiser's voyage across the Atlantic.

USS QUINCY was carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Malta, where he would board an aircraft for the Yalta Conference in the Crimea. The conference, attended by Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, was intended to discuss the final stages of the war against Germany and arrangements for postwar Europe.

On January 28, approximately 300 miles south of the Azores, Task Group 21.5 was relieved by another American naval formation. SPRINGFIELD subsequently proceeded toward the Panama Canal, which she transited on February 5. She arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on February 16 and spent five days replenishing fuel, ammunition and supplies while conducting anti-aircraft gunnery training.

SPRINGFIELD departed Pearl Harbor for the Western Pacific and called at Eniwetok Atoll on March 2 before reaching Ulithi Atoll on March 6. Ulithi served as one of the principal forward bases supporting American naval operations against Japan. On March 14, the cruiser departed Ulithi and joined Task Force 58, the Fast Carrier Task Force of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, on the following day.

During March 1945, Task Force 58 conducted carrier air strikes against Japanese military installations and airfields on Kyushu and Honshu. Aircraft from the carriers attacked targets on March 18 and 19 before the force turned its attention to Okinawa, where American amphibious forces were preparing for a major landing. From March 23 through April 1, SPRINGFIELD operated in the anti-aircraft screen protecting the carriers while their aircraft attacked Japanese defenses on Okinawa and nearby islands. On March 27 and 28, the cruiser took part in preparatory bombardments of Minami Daito Shima, using her guns against installations on the island.

The Allied invasion of Okinawa began on April 1, 1945. As carrier aircraft shifted from pre-invasion attacks to supporting the troops ashore, SPRINGFIELD continued to provide anti-aircraft protection for the carrier task force operating east and southeast of the island. Japanese aircraft repeatedly attacked the formation, including numerous kamikaze aircraft attempting to crash into American ships. During the Okinawa campaign, SPRINGFIELD's anti-aircraft batteries were credited with destroying at least three Japanese suicide aircraft. On April 17, shortly after the cruiser had shot down an attacking aircraft, another kamikaze approached and attempted to strike the ship. SPRINGFIELD maneuvered clear of the attacker, which crashed into the sea approximately 50 yards away.

SPRINGFIELD continued screening the carriers during the following weeks. On May 10 and 11, she was detached from the anti-aircraft screen to conduct another bombardment of Minami Daito Shima. On May 13 and 14, she accompanied Task Force 58 during strikes against Japanese airfields on Kyushu before returning to operations off Okinawa.

On May 23, 1945, SPRINGFIELD replenished alongside the fleet oiler USS TALUGA (AO 62) while the fast carrier force continued its operations. Replenishments at sea enabled the carrier formations and their escorts to remain in the operating area for extended periods.

On May 27, the U.S. Fifth Fleet was redesignated the Third Fleet when Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. relieved Admiral Raymond A. Spruance as fleet commander. SPRINGFIELD continued operations with the fast carriers under the new command arrangement. On May 30, she entered San Pedro Bay at Leyte in the Philippines for maintenance, replenishment and crew rest.

Following approximately one month at Leyte, SPRINGFIELD returned to sea with Task Force 38 for the final American carrier operations against the Japanese home islands. On July 10 and 11, carrier aircraft attacked targets in the Tokyo area. Further strikes followed against northern Honshu and Hokkaido on July 13 and 14. During the night of July 14 and 15, Task Force 38 conducted an anti-shipping sweep along the coast of Honshu. Additional carrier strikes followed against the Tokyo and Yokohama areas on July 17 and 18, including attacks against major Japanese naval units and shore installations.

On July 18, American carrier aircraft attacked the battleships Nagato and Haruna. Further strikes against naval bases and industrial targets around Kobe and Kure followed on July 24, 25 and 28. During the night of July 24 and 25, SPRINGFIELD participated in a surface bombardment of installations on southern Honshu. The carrier task force continued operations against targets on Honshu and Hokkaido during early August. Japanese military and industrial facilities were attacked on August 9 and 10, and the carriers launched further strikes against the Tokyo area on August 13. On August 15, the Japanese government announced its acceptance of the Allied surrender terms, bringing major combat operations in the Pacific to an end.

On August 27, 1945, SPRINGFIELD entered Sagami Wan, southwest of Tokyo Bay, with Task Force 35. Three days later, she helped cover the entry of Task Force 31 into Tokyo Bay and the occupation of the Yokosuka Naval Base. She subsequently returned to her anchorage in Sagami Wan.

The formal Japanese surrender ceremony took place aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2. SPRINGFIELD remained at Sagami Wan during the ceremony and entered Tokyo Bay on September 3. On September 20, the Third Fleet was again redesignated the Fifth Fleet when Admiral Spruance resumed command. During the following months, SPRINGFIELD supported American naval operations associated with the occupation of Japan and the postwar situation in East Asia. She visited Sasebo and Yokosuka in Japan; Shanghai, Taku, Tsingtao and Chinwangtao in China; and Jinsen, Korea. The visits took place as American naval forces supported the implementation of Japanese surrender arrangements and the movement of military personnel and supplies.

On January 9, 1946, SPRINGFIELD departed Tsingtao for the United States. She arrived at San Pedro, California, on January 25 and proceeded to Mare Island Naval Shipyard for maintenance. After completing the shipyard work, she returned to San Pedro in March.

During the remainder of 1946, SPRINGFIELD operated along the Pacific coast, conducting training and fleet exercises. The postwar reduction of American naval forces was accompanied by the redistribution of ships between active and reserve assignments, although the cruiser continued to operate with the Pacific Fleet. On November 1, 1946, SPRINGFIELD departed for another deployment to the Western Pacific. She arrived at Guam on November 15 and subsequently operated in the Mariana Islands, primarily between Guam and Saipan. These operations continued until February 19, 1947.

On February 25, SPRINGFIELD arrived at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and remained there until February 27. She then proceeded eastward, calling at Pearl Harbor from March 11 to 18 before departing for California. SPRINGFIELD arrived at San Pedro on March 24, 1947.

During the following eighteen months, SPRINGFIELD operated along the West Coast. Her assignments included fleet training, exercises and maintenance. She also participated in the routine peacetime activities of the Pacific Fleet as American naval forces adjusted to the requirements of the early Cold War.

In the autumn of 1948, SPRINGFIELD departed California for another deployment to the Far East. She arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, on November 3 and operated with the Seventh Fleet until the middle of May 1949. During this deployment, SPRINGFIELD visited Sasebo, Yokosuka, Kure and Okinawa in Japan; Tsingtao and Shanghai in China; and Hong Kong. She also called at Hakodate and Otaru in northern Japan. Her operations took place during the final stages of the Chinese Civil War, as American naval forces maintained a presence in Japanese and Chinese waters.

SPRINGFIELD returned to the West Coast on June 1, 1949. Following several months of local operations, she began preparations for inactivation in September. Equipment was inspected, ammunition and supplies were removed, and machinery and other shipboard systems were prepared for extended storage. On January 30, 1950, SPRINGFIELD was decommissioned and placed in the San Francisco Group of the Pacific Reserve Fleet. She remained in inactive status during the following years.

During the mid-1950s, the Navy developed plans to convert selected CLEVELAND-class light cruisers into guided missile cruisers. The conversion program was intended to provide ships capable of employing modern surface-to-air missiles and supporting fleet command staffs while retaining part of the existing hull and machinery of the original cruisers. SPRINGFIELD was selected for conversion into a PROVIDENCE-class guided missile cruiser. In 1957, she was removed from reserve and transferred from the West Coast to the Bethlehem Steel Company's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, where she arrived on May 5. On May 23, 1957, she was officially reclassified from CL 66 to CLG 7.

The reconstruction fundamentally changed the cruiser's appearance, weapons and operational capabilities. Much of the original superstructure was removed, along with three of the four triple 6-inch gun turrets and most of the original 5-inch and smaller anti-aircraft weapons. SPRINGFIELD retained one triple 6-inch turret forward and one twin 5-inch/38 caliber gun mount. The principal new weapon was a twin-arm Terrier surface-to-air missile launcher installed aft, supported by missile magazines, handling equipment, tracking radars and associated fire-control systems.

The Terrier missile system provided medium-range anti-aircraft defense and was intended to engage hostile aircraft at distances beyond the effective range of conventional shipboard guns. The conversion also included new radar, communications and electronic equipment designed to support missile operations and coordinated fleet air defense. Extensive changes were made to the forward and central superstructure to provide command spaces, communications facilities and accommodations for an embarked fleet staff. These alterations were especially important because SPRINGFIELD was intended to serve as a permanent flagship for a major fleet commander rather than primarily as an independent surface combatant.

The new arrangements included expanded flag command spaces, operational plotting and communications facilities, offices, conference rooms and additional accommodation for the admiral and his staff. The ship also received facilities for helicopter operations, allowing personnel and supplies to be transferred without requiring the cruiser to enter port.

SPRINGFIELD was one of three former CLEVELAND-class cruisers converted into the PROVIDENCE-class. The other two ships were USS PROVIDENCE (CLG 6) and USS TOPEKA (CLG 8). SPRINGFIELD and USS PROVIDENCE were fitted with extensive fleet flagship facilities, while USS TOPEKA received a different command arrangement.

The reconstruction continued throughout 1958 and 1959. Contemporary Navy photographs document the ship under conversion at Fore River in October 1958 and July 1959. During the final months of the program, work was completed at Boston Naval Shipyard, where the cruiser underwent additional fitting out and preparation for renewed service. SPRINGFIELD was recommissioned at Boston on July 2, 1960, with Captain Francis D. Boyle in command. During the following months, she completed acceptance trials off the New England coast and conducted shakedown training in the Caribbean, including exercises near Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The post-conversion training program included engineering trials, missile-system evaluations, communications exercises and training in the operation of the ship's new command facilities. The crew also familiarized itself with the substantially altered internal arrangement and new weapons and electronic equipment.

On December 4, 1960, SPRINGFIELD departed Boston for the Mediterranean. Ten days later, on December 14, she relieved USS DES MOINES (CA 134) as flagship of the Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. As Sixth Fleet flagship, SPRINGFIELD carried the fleet commander and his staff and provided the command, communications and operational facilities required to coordinate American naval forces in the Mediterranean. The assignment also involved diplomatic and ceremonial responsibilities during visits to ports in NATO and other Mediterranean countries.

During 1961, SPRINGFIELD operated primarily from Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, which served as the principal homeport of the Sixth Fleet flagship. From there, the cruiser undertook voyages throughout the Mediterranean, supporting fleet exercises, inspections, conferences and visits by senior American and foreign officials. SPRINGFIELD's operational schedule included anti-aircraft warfare exercises, missile firing practice, communications training and coordinated operations with other Sixth Fleet units. As flagship, she maintained communications with American naval commands ashore and afloat while providing working facilities for the fleet command staff.

On June 6, 1961, SPRINGFIELD fired a Terrier surface-to-air missile during a weapons exercise at the Ceres Missile Range in the Mediterranean. The firing was photographed by U.S. Navy personnel and formed part of the continuing evaluation and training program for the cruiser's missile system. During her first extended period as Sixth Fleet flagship, SPRINGFIELD visited numerous Mediterranean ports. Her itinerary included visits to Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey and other countries around the Mediterranean. The ship also called at Dubrovnik and Split in Yugoslavia, Famagusta in Cyprus and Ajaccio on Corsica.

The port visits frequently involved official receptions, meetings with foreign naval and civilian authorities, shipboard tours and exchanges between American and allied military personnel. Among the visitors who came aboard during the period were King Constantine of Greece, Princess Grace of Monaco, American ambassadors and senior officers from several nations.

Throughout 1962, SPRINGFIELD continued operating with the Sixth Fleet from Villefranche-sur-Mer. Her activities included coordination of carrier and surface formations, participation in NATO exercises and routine fleet training. The embarked Sixth Fleet staff used the ship's operational spaces and communications equipment to maintain contact with subordinate task forces and American naval commands. Her helicopter landing facilities supported personnel transfers and liaison flights associated with fleet headquarters duties. The ship also conducted periodic exercises with aircraft and helicopters, allowing the crew to maintain readiness for flight operations.

During 1963, SPRINGFIELD continued her flagship assignment until May, when she returned to the United States for a major overhaul. On May 11, she entered a shipyard availability at Boston, where repairs and maintenance were carried out on her propulsion machinery, weapons systems, electronics and other shipboard equipment. The overhaul continued until December 15, 1963. Following completion of the work, SPRINGFIELD returned to Mediterranean waters and resumed her assignment as Sixth Fleet flagship.

During 1964, the cruiser continued operating from Villefranche-sur-Mer. The Sixth Fleet maintained carrier and amphibious forces in the Mediterranean, and SPRINGFIELD provided the command facilities for the coordination of their activities. Her operational schedule included fleet exercises, communications training, missile-system readiness activities and official visits to Mediterranean ports. In addition to the regular employment of American naval forces, the Sixth Fleet maintained contact with NATO allies and monitored the activities of Soviet naval units operating in the Mediterranean. SPRINGFIELD's command facilities supported the exchange of tactical information and the planning of exercises involving several task groups.

During March 1965, SPRINGFIELD entered drydock at Toulon, France, for maintenance and inspection. Contemporary photographs show the cruiser in the drydock with the three-star flag of the Commander, Sixth Fleet, flying from the after mast. The photographs document the ship's continued service as fleet flagship during the maintenance period.

Following the drydock availability, SPRINGFIELD resumed operations throughout the Mediterranean. During 1965, she conducted replenishment operations with several American naval auxiliaries. Photographs from the deployment document fuel transfers involving USS MISSISSINEWA (AO 144), the transfer of supplies from USS SYLVANIA (AFS 2), and ammunition replenishment alongside USS GREAT SITKIN (AE 17). Other contemporary photographs show SPRINGFIELD operating with USS MAUNA LOA (AE 8) during replenishment operations. These activities were part of the fleet logistics system that allowed the cruiser to maintain operational schedules away from port.

SPRINGFIELD also conducted helicopter-supported transfers and personnel movements during the year. Photographs taken aboard the ship show helicopters used for the fleet commander's transportation and other shipboard operations.

During 1965, SPRINGFIELD participated in operations with American carrier and surface forces, including USS SARATOGA (CVA 60). The ships conducted exercises and personnel transfers while operating in Mediterranean waters. The cruiser also met USS LITTLE ROCK (CLG 4) during a visit to Naples.

Throughout 1966, SPRINGFIELD remained in the Mediterranean as flagship of the Commander, Sixth Fleet. Her duties continued to include fleet coordination, inspections, training exercises, missile readiness, command conferences and visits to allied ports. She maintained a regular presence at Villefranche-sur-Mer and operated with American carrier, amphibious and surface forces. During the year, the political situation surrounding the American naval presence in France changed significantly. In March 1966, President Charles de Gaulle announced that France would withdraw from NATO's integrated military command structure. France subsequently required foreign military headquarters and facilities associated with the integrated NATO command to leave French territory.

The decision affected the long-established American naval facilities used by the Sixth Fleet on the French Riviera. As a result, the Navy prepared to relocate the homeport and support arrangements of its Mediterranean flagship from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Gaeta, Italy. SPRINGFIELD continued her normal operational duties during the transition. The relocation required changes to shore support, communications arrangements and facilities for the dependents of personnel serving aboard the Sixth Fleet flagship.

On January 20, 1967, SPRINGFIELD's homeport was officially changed from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Boston, Massachusetts, in preparation for her return to the United States. During the final days of January, the cruiser transferred her responsibilities as Sixth Fleet flagship to USS LITTLE ROCK, which was assigned to the new homeport at Gaeta. The departure of SPRINGFIELD marked the end of the Sixth Fleet's long-established flagship presence at Villefranche-sur-Mer. During the departure ceremonies, SPRINGFIELD displayed a long homeward-bound pennant as she prepared to leave the Mediterranean after more than six years of almost continuous overseas stationing.

After transferring the fleet command staff and completing preparations for the Atlantic crossing, SPRINGFIELD departed Mediterranean waters and visited Portsmouth, England. She subsequently crossed the Atlantic and arrived at Boston on February 16, 1967.

Following her arrival, SPRINGFIELD entered a six-month overhaul at Boston Naval Shipyard. The work included maintenance and repairs to her propulsion machinery, weapons, electronic equipment and other shipboard systems. The availability also prepared the cruiser for reassignment from the Sixth Fleet to the Atlantic Fleet.

On August 1, 1967, SPRINGFIELD's homeport was changed from Boston to Norfolk, Virginia. She arrived at the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown on August 6 and subsequently proceeded to Norfolk. On September 1, she relieved USS NEWPORT NEWS (CA 148) as flagship of the Commander, U.S. Second Fleet. SPRINGFIELD's new assignment involved coordinating Atlantic Fleet operations rather than the continuously deployed naval forces of the Mediterranean. Her command facilities were used by the Second Fleet commander and staff during training exercises, inspections and operational deployments in the Atlantic.

During September 1967, SPRINGFIELD proceeded to the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range in the Caribbean, where she conducted Terrier missile firings and gunnery exercises. After refueling at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, she crossed the Atlantic for visits to European ports. Her itinerary included Portsmouth, England; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; and Pollenca Bay, Mallorca. The voyage also involved meetings with American and allied naval commanders and provided opportunities for the embarked Second Fleet staff to coordinate with naval authorities in Europe. SPRINGFIELD returned to Norfolk on November 6, 1967.

During the following months, SPRINGFIELD operated primarily from Norfolk, conducting training exercises and fleet operations in Atlantic waters. Her activities included a midshipman training cruise, command staff exercises, communications training and routine missile and gunnery readiness.

On September 12, 1968, SPRINGFIELD departed Norfolk for participation in NATO exercise Silver Tower, conducted in the northern Atlantic and Norwegian Sea. The exercise involved American and allied naval units and included operations north of the Arctic Circle. SPRINGFIELD served as a command platform during the exercise, supporting the coordination of participating naval formations. The ships conducted tactical maneuvers, air-defense exercises, anti-submarine training and communications procedures intended to improve cooperation among NATO forces.

On September 27, SPRINGFIELD departed the exercise area and proceeded south. Her subsequent itinerary included Oslo, Norway; Le Havre, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Portsmouth, England. She arrived at Rota, Spain, on October 23 for a meeting between the commanders of the Second and Sixth Fleets. SPRINGFIELD departed Rota on October 24 and arrived at Norfolk on November 1, 1968.

During the opening months of 1969, SPRINGFIELD continued Second Fleet flagship operations from Norfolk. The ship participated in exercises and carried out routine maintenance, inspections and command duties. Her training program included coordination of air, surface and anti-submarine operations by Atlantic Fleet units.

On July 8, 1969, the Commander, Second Fleet, transferred his flag to USS NEWPORT NEWS, allowing SPRINGFIELD to begin a restricted availability. The work included maintenance and repairs to her propulsion machinery, weapons equipment, electronics and other shipboard systems. Following completion of the availability, SPRINGFIELD underwent sea trials and resumed training in preparation for renewed flagship duties.

On January 14, 1970, SPRINGFIELD again relieved USS NEWPORT NEWS as flagship of the Commander, Second Fleet. During the following months, she conducted operations in Atlantic waters and supported exercises involving American naval units.

In August 1970, the Second Fleet commander's flag returned to USS NEWPORT NEWS. On August 10, SPRINGFIELD departed Norfolk for the Mediterranean, where she was scheduled to resume service as flagship of the Commander, Sixth Fleet. SPRINGFIELD arrived at Gaeta, Italy, on August 20, 1970. During the following two days, personnel, equipment and administrative responsibilities were transferred between SPRINGFIELD and USS LITTLE ROCK. On August 22, the Commander, Sixth Fleet, transferred his flag to SPRINGFIELD, which resumed its former role as the permanent Mediterranean flagship.

Gaeta served as the principal homeport for the Sixth Fleet flagship during the second period of SPRINGFIELD's overseas service. From there, the cruiser operated throughout the Mediterranean, providing command and communications facilities for the fleet commander and staff. The reassignment occurred during a period of heightened tension in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Fighting between Jordanian government forces and Palestinian organizations intensified in September 1970, followed by Syrian military involvement. The United States reinforced its military presence in the region and maintained naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean for possible contingency operations.

On September 29, 1970, President Richard M. Nixon visited American naval forces operating off the coast of Italy. He first went aboard USS SARATOGA and subsequently traveled by helicopter to SPRINGFIELD, approximately fifteen miles off the Italian coast. Aboard SPRINGFIELD, the President met with senior American military and civilian officials, including Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr. and senior NATO commanders. The visit included discussions with the Sixth Fleet leadership concerning American military operations and the international situation.

Following the presidential visit, SPRINGFIELD continued her duties as fleet flagship. During the remainder of 1970, she supported carrier and surface operations, command conferences, fleet exercises and official visits to Mediterranean ports.

During 1971, SPRINGFIELD continued operating from Gaeta as flagship of the Commander, Sixth Fleet. Her schedule included visits to ports in Italy, France, Spain, Greece and other Mediterranean countries, interspersed with operations at sea. The embarked command staff used the ship's operations rooms and communications facilities to coordinate exercises and fleet movements. Training included air-defense operations, anti-submarine exercises, replenishment procedures and cooperation with allied naval units.

The ship also supported ceremonial functions and visits by foreign military and civilian officials. During these occasions, SPRINGFIELD represented the Sixth Fleet and provided accommodations and meeting facilities for the fleet commander and visiting delegations. SPRINGFIELD's helicopter facilities continued to support the movement of personnel and supplies. Helicopters were employed to transfer officials between the flagship, aircraft carriers and shore installations and to deliver personnel and equipment during operations at sea.

During February 1971, SPRINGFIELD was photographed at Gaeta, where she continued to serve as the principal command ship of the Sixth Fleet. The cruiser maintained regular communications with subordinate naval formations operating in different parts of the Mediterranean.

Throughout 1972, SPRINGFIELD continued Sixth Fleet flagship duties. American naval forces in the Mediterranean operated alongside NATO allies and maintained surveillance of Soviet naval units, including surface combatants, submarines and intelligence-collection ships. During February 1972, SPRINGFIELD encountered the Soviet helicopter cruiser LENINGRAD in Mediterranean waters. A Soviet Ka-25 helicopter photographed the American cruiser during the encounter. The incident formed part of the routine contact between American and Soviet naval forces operating in the Mediterranean during the Cold War.

SPRINGFIELD continued participating in fleet exercises, command activities and visits to Mediterranean ports. The ship's operational program included replenishment at sea and training involving aircraft and helicopters. During September 1972, SPRINGFIELD conducted replenishment operations involving the combat stores ship USS SAN DIEGO (AFS 6). Supplies were transferred by helicopter, permitting the cruiser to receive stores without interrupting its operational schedule.

Other duties during the year included communications exercises, visits by senior military officials and the coordination of American task groups. SPRINGFIELD also supported planning and operational activities associated with NATO exercises in the Mediterranean.

SPRINGFIELD began 1973 continuing her Sixth Fleet flagship assignment at Gaeta. On January 11, the cruiser conducted helicopter personnel-transfer training, practicing the procedures required for moving passengers between ships or between ship and shore installations. During the following months, SPRINGFIELD continued fleet exercises, inspections and official visits. The ship operated throughout the Mediterranean, coordinating American naval units while providing command and communications support for the fleet staff. On April 1, 1973, SPRINGFIELD arrived at Genoa, Italy. The visit formed part of her operational schedule and included routine port activities and official engagements.

During July 1973, SPRINGFIELD encountered the Soviet cruiser ZHDANOV in the eastern Mediterranean near the Gulf of Sallum. Both ships were operating in an area where American and Soviet naval units frequently monitored one another's movements. By the summer of 1973, preparations were underway to replace SPRINGFIELD as flagship of the Sixth Fleet. USS LITTLE ROCK, which had previously served in that role from 1967 to 1970, was assigned to return to Gaeta.

On August 29, 1973, USS LITTLE ROCK arrived at Gaeta and moored alongside SPRINGFIELD. During the following days, approximately 150 personnel were transferred from SPRINGFIELD to USS LITTLE ROCK, while approximately 75 personnel moved in the opposite direction. Equipment, records and operational responsibilities were transferred as part of the change of flagship.

On September 1, 1973, USS LITTLE ROCK formally relieved SPRINGFIELD as flagship of the Commander, Sixth Fleet. The transfer ended SPRINGFIELD's second extended assignment as the principal command ship of American naval forces in the Mediterranean. After completing the turnover, SPRINGFIELD departed Gaeta for the United States. She proceeded westward through the Mediterranean, stopping at Gibraltar and in the Azores before crossing the Atlantic. The cruiser arrived at Boston, Massachusetts, on September 14, 1973.

SPRINGFIELD remained at Boston until September 17, when she departed for Norfolk to begin preparations for inactivation. She arrived at Norfolk on September 19. During the following months, the ship's remaining personnel carried out the work necessary to place her in inactive status. Equipment and supplies were removed, ammunition was unloaded, machinery and weapons systems were secured, and shipboard compartments were prepared for preservation. The work was conducted as the Navy reviewed the future of older guided missile cruisers. SPRINGFIELD's Terrier missile system, engineering equipment and command facilities required increasing maintenance, while newer guided missile ships were entering service with improved air-defense and communications systems.

During December 1973, SPRINGFIELD entered the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Portsmouth, Virginia. Additional preservation and inactivation work continued through the opening months of 1974.

USS SPRINGFIELD was decommissioned on May 15, 1974, and placed in reserve. Her final decommissioning ended nearly thirty years since her original commissioning, including active service during World War II, postwar operations in the Pacific and extended assignments as flagship of the U.S. Sixth and Second Fleets. On July 1, 1975, while still in inactive status, SPRINGFIELD was redesignated CG 7 as part of the Navy-wide reclassification of cruisers and other major surface combatants. The change was administrative and did not involve a return to active service.

SPRINGFIELD was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on July 31, 1978. The former cruiser remained in reserve while arrangements were made for her disposal. On March 11, 1980, ex-USS SPRINGFIELD was sold for scrapping. For her service during World War II, SPRINGFIELD received two battle stars.

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USS SPRINGFIELD's Commanding Officers:

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USS SPRINGFIELD Image Gallery:

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