The Ticonderoga class, was  initially designated as a  Guided Missile Destroyer, but  was redesignated as a Guided  Missile Cruiser in January  1980. The Ticonderoga class  was the first surface  combatant ships equipped with  the AEGIS Weapons System, the  most sophisticated air  defense system in the world.  She has vertical launch  systems which permit them to  carry and launch significant  numbers of TOMAHAWK precision  strike cruise missiles  against targets of military  importance deep in enemy  territory. This land attack  capability, coupled to their  AEGIS anti-air missile  systems, AN/SQQ-89 Undersea  Warfare system and  sophisticated C4ISR suite,  make the ship the most  powerful surface combatant in  service with any navy.