The Ticonderoga course, was initially designated as a Guided Missile Destroyer, but had been redesignated as a Guided Missile Cruiser in January 1980. The Ticonderoga class was 1st area combatant ships built with the AEGIS Weapons System, the absolute most advanced air defense system in the world. She has straight launch systems which permit them to hold and introduce significant numbers of TOMAHAWK accuracy hit cruise missiles against objectives of army value deep in enemy territory. This land assault ability, coupled for their AEGIS anti-air missile systems, AN/SQQ-89 Undersea Warfare system and advanced C4ISR suite, result in the ship the absolute most effective surface combatant operating with any navy.