High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! USS Houston (CL-81), a Cleveland-class light cruiser, was the third vessel in the United States Navy named after the city of Houston, Texas. She was active in the Pacific War for several months, then crippled in an attack in October 1944.She was launched by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 19 June 1943, sponsored by Mrs. C. B. Hamill. Originally named Vicksburg, her name had been changed on 12 October 1942 in honor of her fallen predecessor USS Houston (CA-30). The ship commissioned on 20 December 1943, with Captain William W. Behrens, USN, in command.