| HISTORY |
| The USS Philippine Sea CG-58 was commissioned in
March 1989, one of the later batch of Ticonderoga class cruisers with the
Vertical Launch System. She is currently homeported in Mayport, Florida.
It wasn't long before she saw action in the Mediterranean and Red Seas
as part of Operation Desert Shield. When Desert Storm began, she contributed
10 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Iraqi targets, and boarded several suspect
vessels. The Philippine Sea receive the Navy Unit Commendation, the SW
Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal for her deployment
during the crisis.
In 1996 she deployed with the Enterprise Battle Group and fired the
first Tomahawks in support of the Nato forces in Yugoslavia. The Philippine
Sea returned with the Big E in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and
most recently in support of the Global War on Terrorism. |
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| SPRUE A |
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| Dragon is back with another Premium upgrade to their line of 1/700
Warships. This one takes adds some cool features to the already nice Ticonderoga
class cruiser kit. The main sprue in the kit includes the hull and two
bow inserts. You will only need one as the other is used for the Spruance
class destroyer that shares many common components to this kit. |
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| SPRUE B |
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| This sprue contains the superstructure, the walls of which have a considerable
amount of surface detailing. The mast parts are fairly thin by injection
molding standards. But if they are still too thick, then scroll down to
the PE section. |
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| SPRUE C |
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| A full lower hull option with a display stand will give the non waterline
modelers something to get excited about. Propellers and rudder appear to
be accurate for this class of ship. |
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| SPRUE D |
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| An extra sprue provides the fore and aft vertical launch system found
on the later Ticos. |
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| PHOTOETCH FRET |
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| A photo etch fret is included with railings and mast details that are
more of a scale thickness. Safety nets and yardarm details will help give
this Tico a more realistic appearance. |
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| DECALS |
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| The decals are another nice upgrade to this kit. They are printed by
Cartograf of Italy and feature sharp nicely registered printing. Hull numbers
and ships name are included. Warning circles and deck landing markings
will provide that finishing touch. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS |
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| The instructions are eight pages showing the assembly in
a step by step process. A painting guide is included showing where the
decals go.
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| CONCLUSIONS |
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 Another
welcome upgraded kit to join your 700 scale fleet. Dragon took a good kit,
made it better, and then upgraded it to premium standards. |
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