Hard Charger " is the story of a Cold War cruiser, the USS "Biddle" (DLG-34), the last Navy cruiser powered by conventional steam, the last of the single-ended guided missile frigates, the last ship of her class, but the first on the front lines. "Biddle's" story is traced from when her combat systems were conceived soon after the end of World War II and then designed and built during the 50's and 60's, to her construction, commission, shakedown, combat assignments in Vietnam, her battle at PIRAZ, overhauls, upgrades, training exercises and cruises to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, and...

All who served in the military have a story to tell. The story could be about a person, platoon, division, squadron, or ship. It could be about a war, a battle, or everyday experiences. "Hard Charger " is the story of a Cold War cruiser, the USS "Biddle" (DLG-34), the last Navy cruiser powered by conventional steam, the last of the single-ended guided missile frigates, the last ship of her class, but the first on the front lines. "Biddle's" story is traced from when her combat systems were conceived soon after the end of World War II and then designed and built during the 50's and 60's, to...