[RitchieAprile]

remind me why the nuclear powered cruisers were decommisioned...

[al_c]

remind me why the nuclear powered cruisers were decommisioned...

Maybe the gubmint wants GM Volt powered cruisers. Or maybe solar. I don't know ........

[GonzoGOP]

remind me why the nuclear powered cruisers were decommisioned.

Expenses and flexibility. All of them needed an upgrade in their electronics to keep up with the Aegis ships. With all the regulations imposed by the greens regarding disposal of nuclear waste, you could build a new Alrigh Burke for the cost of refueling and upgrading the electronics on one of the older nuclear cruisers.

In addition with a conventional power plant you can get repairs done anyplace in the world. Look at Cole, Stark and Roberts. Major hits that could be patched up locally before sending them home for yard work. Now imagine what would have happened if Cole had been a nuke. You just handed Bin Laden and Co. the ability to Fukushima any port we entered. How soon before nobody would let us in?

We use nukes only where there is no alternative. Carriers are so big they need the power. Subs need an AIP power source. But a cruiser can get along with conventional power.