The USS San Diego (CL-53) was a light cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned during World War II. Launched on 7 September 1941, she served primarily in the Pacific Theater, participating in numerous battles, including the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The ship was known for her speed and agility, making her an effective combat vessel. After the war, the USS San Diego was decommissioned in 1946 and later sold for scrap in 1970. She was named after the city of San Diego, California, reflecting the Navy's tradition of naming ships after U.S. cities.