The vessel's structure is of Cold War origin so it lacks the clean, smooth lines common to "stealth" warships seen today. The forecastle is generally clean leading to the slab-sided bridge section of the hull superstructure. The mastworks are all skeletal and not enclosed. The smoke funnels are, however, of a low-profile design. The rear of the ship uses a stepped approach leading out to the extreme edge of the stern. Overall, these warships certainly show their age and Cold War roots but their firepower and capabilities keep them viable on today's battlefield.
Beginning commissioned service in the late-1980s, Bunker Hill was able to participate in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm as part of the Persian Gulf commitments of 1990-1991. She became one of the first vessels to engage with Tomahawk cruise missiles against Iraqi land targets when the war officially began and proved her ability to operate in an actual warzone. After the Iraqi removal from Kuwait and overall defeat, Bunker Hill remained on station as part of the United Nation's no-fly-zone enforcement through Operation Southern Watch. In March of 2003, she once-again opened her Tomahawk missile tubes against Iraq with the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The warship recorded 31 total missile firings for her part in the war.
Her AEGIS combat system was upgraded in 2006 and, in 2007, she was sent to Somali waters to undertake anti-piracy actions. In 2010, she assisted in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. From 2011 until 2012, she underwent refit in San Diego waters. In late 2020, it was determined that the warship had far exceeded her use and is now planned for reserve status sometime in 2023 and to be decommissioned thereafter.
To succeed the design, the USN sees a new generation of guided-missile frigates (FFG) set to come online for the service in the near future. These will be led by USS Constellation (FFG-62) and be joined by USS Congress and USS Chesapeake.
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