Military Model Scene

Title: US Navy Cold War Guided Missile Cruisers

Author: Mark Stille

Publisher: Osprey

ISBN: 978-1-4728-3526-0

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Cold War Guided Missile Cruisers of the Cold War make the subject for New Vanguard 278 from author Mark Stille and Osprey Publishing. Naturally it also includes excellent artwork illustrations, this time from illustrator Adam Tooby.
After WW2 weapons technology was making great leaps in capability, especially in the field of missiles. The US Navy needed to improve their anti-aircraft protection for their carrier groups and initially this was done by concerting ex-WW2 era cruisers. They were good sized vessels, and also intended for use as flagships. Following a scene setting Introduction, the 48-page book is split across 6 main sections. These look at USN Missile Cruiser Development: USN Missile Cruiser Weapons: USN Missile Cruisers at War: USN Missile Cruisers: the Nuclear Cruisers and finally, an Analysis & Conclusion. The larger number of cruisers were conventional vessels, across 6 classes, while there were just a much smaller number of the more expensive nuclear powered ships, such as the Long Beach. While the Cold War never did get Hot, they still did go to war, particularly during the Vietnam conflict. In addition to the text and the first-class artwork there are plenty of archive photos and a number of data tables which all add together to provide a fine and interesting account of this type of large US Navy warship, an important element of the protective screen for the large Carrier Groups. Not without their faults, but with 38 ships a significant element of the fleet for the Cold War period.

 

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review copy.

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Robin