USS Chicago - Definition and Overview

Four United States Navy ships have been named USS Chicago, after the city of Chicago, Illinois.

• The first Chicago (CA-14) was a protected cruiser launched in 1885 and active in World War I, later converted to a seaplane tender and then a barracks ship, finally being renamed Alton in 1928 and lost at sea while under tow the in 1936.
• The second Chicago (CA-29) was a heavy cruiser commissioned 1931 and active in World War II, until lost at the Battle of Rennell Island in January 1943.
• The third Chicago (CA-136) was also a heavy cruiser commissioned 1945 and later converted to a guided missile cruiser.
• The fourth Chicago (SSN-721) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine commissioned 1986 and still on active service in 2003.