The US Navy has announced it is seeking contractors to dismantle the USS Long Beach, the world’s first nuclear-powered cruiser. The ship was decommissioned over 30 years ago but has remained docked awaiting a suitable dismantling plan. This process involves the safe removal of the vessel’s nuclear components, a complex and costly undertaking. The Navy’s decision marks the beginning of the end for a historically significant warship that pioneered nuclear propulsion at sea. Details regarding the dismantling contract and timeline have not yet been fully released. The move reflects the increasing costs and logistical challenges of maintaining aging nuclear vessels. This decommissioning will likely set a precedent for future nuclear-powered ship dismantling projects.