The guided-missile cruiser US Cowpens (CG 63) was inducted as the first naval ship to undergo a significant modernization effort, the U.S. Navy announced on Monday.

The ship went through the Phased Modernization Program. This is designed to balance the Navy's long-term requirement for a carrier strike group air defense commander platform. The ship's capabilities have been refitted for modern mission requirements.

The upgrades include the Aegis weapon, a modernized SPQ-9B multipurpose radar, and mechanical and electrical upgrades to the hull.

"We are saving money, preserving force structure, and generating options for leadership," said the commander of the Naval Surface Force for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Tom Rowden.

Following the ceremony, the cruiser was transferred from the command of Vice Adm. Rowens to VIce Adm. William Hilarides, who manages Naval Sea Systems Command.

"Today's ceremony marks the first step in extending the lives of our cruisers," Hilarides said, "That excitement will only be matched when, after an exciting and challenging modernization, she returns to duty as part of our active fleet."

NAVSEA is the largest of the five U.S. "system commands" organizations. The fleet is tasked with engineering the U.S. Navy's ships and combat systems, and makes up about 25 percent of the Navy's entire budget.