Prior to 17 July 1920 US battleships were designated "Battleship X", abbreviated "B-X" in this list, i.e. Michigan was "Battleship 27" or "B-27". On 17 July 1920 new designations were implemented; the battleships were redesignated "BB-X", keeping their original numbers, i.e. Michigan became "BB 27".
The earliest US dreadnoughts lagged behind contemporary European designs in some respects, but later ships were equal or superior to all foreign ships. US ships introduced several revolutionary features, including superimposed turrets and "all or nothing" armor.
During WWI the US dreadnought fleet saw varied, mainly non-combat duties, including training of engineering and gunnery crews and convoy escort. Several ships (Delaware, Florida, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, New York, Texas, Nevada Oklahoma and Arizona) served with the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet after US entry into the war, but saw no action.
After WWI a few of the oldest dreadnoughts were reduced to secondary duties and discarded under the Washington Treaty. The survivors formed the main strength of the US fleet during the inter-war years; they spent most of their time cruising with the fleet, participating in annual battle exercises, and "showing the flag".
During the 1920's and 1930's most of the battleships were reconstructed to provide the latest equipment and remedy shortcomings of their designs. The older, coal-burning ships were the first to be rebuilt; they were upgraded to a relatively uniform standard and were assigned to the Scouting Force. Next to be rebuilt were the larger, newer ships of the so-called "Standard Designs"; these too were rebuilt to a generally uniform standard, and formed the Battle Force. Finally, the most modern of US dreadnoughts, the "Big Five", were never reconstructed, although several reconstruction proposals were put forth. They were too badly needed in the fleet to be spared for lengthy reconstructions.
During WWII the US battleships were again put through a series of rebuilding programs. The oldest, the former coal burners that had been assigned to the Scouting Force (and, more recently, to training duties), underwent austere overhauls. These overhauls mainly provided a large number of light AA guns, and other simple, straightforward improvements dictated by war experience. Major reconstructions for these ships were considered, but not carried out.
The old "Standard" designs received various upgrades, depending on the amount of work required by battle damage repairs, age of the ship, and time the ship could be spared from the front lines. Their upgrades ranged from moderate refits up through partial reconstructions. They ended the war in a wide variety of configurations.
Of the "Big Five", three received major reconstructions, emerging as virtually new ships. The other two saw only minor upgrades, as they were too badly needed in service to be spared for major yard work.
All of these dreadnoughts, regardless of modernization status, saw the same employment during WWII - shore bombardment duty. Most served in the Pacific, but a few served in the Atlantic until the European war moved away from the coastlines. They were officially referred to as "Old Battleships" (OBB), but were not actually redesignated in this manner.
Several of the old battleships participated in the world's last battleship-vs-battleship surface engagement, at Surigao Strait. The old battleships were also deployed as a last-ditch defense against the Japanese Yamato when that ship made her last run at Okinawa, but the big battleship was killed by carrier aircraft before she reached the Okinawa beachhead.
After the war, all of these ships were promptly decommissioned. Only the "Big Five" were retained in reserve, as potential shore bombardment platforms. The other, older ships were scrapped, sunk, preserved, and converted for experimental uses.
Concept/Program: The first US dreadnoughts, and by design the first all-big-gun ships in the world. However, they were directly developed from the predreadnought designs, and were quite conservative in many areas; as a result, they were not as effective or satisfactory as other nations' first-generation dreadnoughts. During WWI they served with the predreadnoughts in secondary roles.
Design: This class was constrained by a 16,000 ton displacement limit imposed by Congress; this resulted in compromises that made the ships less effective. The initial design for this class was developed from the previous predreadnought designs, and featured the same pair of dual 12"/45cal turrets, fore and aft, that had been carried by the previous predreadnought class. The design also included four single 12"/45cal turrets, replacing the four dual 8" turrets of the predreadnoughts' intermediate batteries. However, this arrangement was found to be structurally impractical, so the additional four 12"/45cal guns were relocated into two dual turrets on the centerline, fore and aft, superimposed above the other pair of turrets. As a result, these were the first ships with superimposed main gun turrets, and the first dreadnoughts with all-centerline main gun turrets, although the safety and effectiveness of the superimposed arrangement was not proven until well after construction had started.
As part of the shift to all-big-gun armament, the 7" secondary battery of the previous class was eliminated. The 3" battery mounted in previous classes was retained, but was housed in a main-deck casemate - a much higher, drier and more useful location than the second-deck casemate of the previous (and following) classes.
This class retained the VTE engines fitted in previous classes, and as a result they were relatively slow for their day. They were originally designed with pole masts, as in the predreadnoughts, but were changed to cage masts during construction. These ships were considered bad rollers.
Modernization: No modifications other than minor wartime improvements.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Discarded under the Washington Treaty after WWI.
Served in the Atlantic throughout her career. Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1913-1914. Operated along the US east coast during WWI; briefly served as a convoy escort and as a gunnery training ship. Operated as a troop transport postwar, then as a training ship 1920-1921. Designation BB 26 assigned 17 July 1920.
Decommissioned 15 December 1921, stricken for disposal 10 November 1923. Used as a test hulk for anti-torpedo bulges in early 1924. Scrapped 1924 under the Washington Treaty.
Served in the Atlantic throughout her career. Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. During WWI operated as a convoy escort, as a part-time recruit training ship, and as a gunnery training ship late in the war. Cage foremast collapsed 15 January 1918; 6 killed. Operated as a troop transport postwar, then as a training ship 1919-1921. Was in reduced commission (commissioned reserve) for brief periods during 1919-1920 and 1920-1921; was inactive after August 1921, but remained in commission. Designation BB 27 assigned 17 July 1920.
Decommissioned 11 February 1922, stricken for disposal 10 November 1923, and scrapped at Philadelphia Navy Yard under the Washington Treaty; scrapping completed 1924.
Concept/Program: An all-new battleship design, and the first US design to truly match the standard set by European designs. Compared to the previous class they had an additional main turret and considerably higher speed, but several aspects of the design were less than satisfactory. Construction of these ships was delayed by Congressional insistence that privately-developed designs be considered; the Navy designs turned out to be much superior.
Design: The design featured five main turrets, all on the centerline. Due to the machinery and turret arrangement, steam lines passed directly around the magazines of #3 turret, and that magazine could not be kept cool enough. One of the ships had conventional VTE engines; the other turbines, as a competitive trial. Unfortunately, the turbines resulted in poor cruising range; this was particularly a problem for operations in the Pacific. The secondary battery was much heavier than in the previous class, but was located on the second deck, where it was useless in anything short of calm seas; the forward-most guns were washed out by the bow wave at any speed. Additionally, the secondary battery was entirely unprotected. As in the previous class, they were designed with pole masts but changed to cages during construction. This class also attempted to eliminate permanent bridgework in favor of a large armored conning tower suited to peacetime use; this effort was not a success.
Modernization: No modifications other than minor wartime improvements.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Both were scheduled for disposal under the Washington Treaty, but were briefly retained until their replacements, Colorado and West Virginia, were completed; both were then removed from the effective fleet. Delaware was immediate discarded and scrapped, but North Dakota was retained as a mobile target ship until replaced by Utah in 1930.
Served with the Atlantic Fleet throughout her career. Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914-1915. Operated along the US east coast during WWI; served as a part-time gunnery training ship. Operated with the British Grand Fleet late in WWI. Designation BB 28 assigned 17 July 1920. Made two training cruises postwar.
Replaced by Colorado; decommissioned 10 November 1923, stricken for disposal 27 November 1923, sold 5 February 1924 under the Washington Treaty and subsequently scrapped.
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Refitted with new turbines during 1917. Operated as a gunnery and engineering training ship during WWI; conducted summer training cruises postwar. Designation BB 29 assigned 17 July 1920.
Replaced by West Virginia; decommissioned 22 November 1923 and converted to an unmanned radio-controlled target ship; turbines salvaged for later use in Nevada. Redesignated IX (no number) 31 May 1924. Stricken for disposal 7 January 1931, sold 16 March 1931, and subsequently scrapped.
Concept/Program: The next US battleship class was essentially a repeat of the previous Delaware class, but modified to accommodate an improved machinery installation, and fitted with an improved secondary battery. In other respects they were functionally identical to the previous class. These were the oldest US battleships retained under the Washington Treaty; their mid-life reconstruction set the pattern for the six surviving ships of this general design.
Design: Very similar to the Delaware design, but with the machinery spaces lengthened to accommodate a four-shaft turbine installation, in place of the previous two shafts. A 6" secondary battery was proposed, but was reduced to a 5"/51cal battery, using a very powerful 5" gun, to save weight; this weight savings allowed additional of some light armor for the secondary battery. The forward-most secondary gun was raised to the main deck level, but the rest of the battery remained in a low and useless second-deck position. In other respects they were repeats of the Delawares.
Modernization: These were the first US battleships to undergo major reconstructions following the Washington Treaty. The major goals of these reconstructions included improved deck and underwater protection, conversion to oil fuel, improved secondary and AA batteries, and provision of aircraft facilities. A new armored deck was added above the armor belt, the existing armor deck was thickened fore and aft of the belt, and turret and conning tower roofs were thickened. They were reboilered with boilers taken from ships cancelled under the Washington Treaty, and the space saved in the boiler rooms allowed inclusion of improved torpedo protection. The uptakes were trunked into a single funnel. The hull was bulged to improve torpedo protection and stability. It had been planned to increase the elevation of the main guns, but this was cancelled due to protests by the British.
Most of the 5"/51cal guns were moved from the hull casemates to a new main deck sponson (and two to the 01 level), but eight guns remained in their old positions; of those, four were soon removed and are not listed in the specifications below. A battery of 3" AA guns was fitted atop the 5" battery; the fleet-standard 5"/25cal AA guns were not fitted due to these ships advanced age. The submerged torpedo tubes were removed, and plans to add above water tubes were not carried out.
The cage mainmast was eliminated in favor of aircraft cranes, with a catapult mounted on #3 turret, and a small pole mast between #3 and #4 turrets. The cage foremast was retained, with the original fire controls unchanged. Following the reconstruction, the ships were considerably more effective, but were considered quite wet and stiff; the bulges did not improve seakeeping. Data following reconstruction was as follows:
|
Displacement: 21,986 tons standard; 27,762 tons full load Dimensions: 521.5 x 106 x 31.5 feet/159 x 32.3 x 9.6 meters Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 4 shafts, 28,000 shp, 21 knots Crew: 1171 Armor: 9-11 inch belt, 3.5 inch deck, 4-10 inch barbettes, 3-12 inch turrets, 6-11.5 inch CT Aviation: 1 catapult; 2 floatplanes Armament: 5 dual 12"/45cal, 12 5"/51cal, 8 3"/50cal AA |
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Operated along the US east coast during WWI. Operated with the British Grand Fleet late in WWI. Laid up pending reconstruction June 1924; reconstructed at Boston Navy Yard 1 April 1925 to 1 November 1926.
Decommissioned 16 February 1931, stricken for disposal 6 April 1932, and scrapped at Philadelphia Navy Yard under the London Treaty; scrapping completed 30 September 1932.
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Operated as a gunnery and engineering training ship for most of WWI; operated with the British Grand Fleet late in the war. Designation BB 31 assigned 17 July 1920. Conducted summer training cruises 1925-1926. Reconstructed at Boston Navy Yard 8/26 to 28 October 1927.
Redesignated AG 16 1 July 1931 and converted to a radio-controlled target ship; recommissioned in this role 1 April 1932. Also served as an AA training and experimental ship after August 1935. Refitted at Puget Sound Navy Yard 1939 and again 31 May 1941 to 26 August 1941.
Torpedoed, capsized and sunk at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; 64 killed. Hulk placed in reserve 29 December 1941; placed out of commission 5 September 1944, stricken 13 November 1944. The hulk was partially righted to clear another berth, but was not salvaged.
Concept/Program: Three alternative designs were developed for the 1909 shipbuilding program - one with 12x12 inch guns, one with 8x14 inch guns, and one with 10x14 inch guns. Although the 14" designs were considerably more powerful ships, they could not be docked in existing shipyards, so the 12" design was built, and shipyard facilities improved to allow future construction of larger ships. This class was a product of that decision; the design was developed from the previous class, but showed a number of major improvements. The class was retained and reconstructed under the Washington Treaty, but one ship was reduced to auxiliary duties under the London Treaty. The surviving battleship was scheduled for disposal in 1940, but was saved by WWII, and survived through the war as a bombardment ship.
Design: Similar to the Florida class design in overall arrangement and layout, but lengthened to accommodate 50-caliber 12" guns and a sixth 12" turret, resulting in two superimposed turret pairs aft. The design was flush-decked, and the secondary batteries were raised one full deck compared to their previous location. Otherwise they were quite similar to the Floridas.
Modernization: Both were reconstructed under the same modernization program as the Florida class, and the details of the reconstruction were similar to that class. These ships received a dwarf tripod mast aft, but retained the original cage foremast and original fire controls. Post-reconstruction specifications were as follows:
|
Displacement: 26,066 tons standard; 30,610 tons full load Dimensions: 562 x 106 x 30 feet/171.3 x 32.3 x 9.1 meters Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 4 shafts, 28,000 shp, 21 knots Crew: 1242 Armor: 9-11 inch belt, 4.5-11 inch barbettes, 3.5 inch deck, 3-12 inch turrets, 6-11.5 inch CT Aviation: 1 catapult; 2 floatplanes Armament: 6 dual 12"/50cal, 16 5"/51cal, 8 3"/50cal AA |
Arkansas received a major refit early in WWII; her cage foremast was replaced by a tripod, her bridgework was extensively altered, six 5"/51cal were removed (four from the second deck and two from the 01 level), and a few light AA guns were fitted. In a second big refit the main superstructure was again altered, and the aft stump mast was reduced. Throughout the war additional light AA guns were added, and the 1.1" and .50cal weapons fitted early in the war were replaced by 20mm and 40mm guns. By the end of the war she had only six 5"/51cal remaining, along with 8 3"/50cal AA, 9 quad 40mm AA and 28 single 20mm AA. An "ultimate" refit was proposed, but probably not seriously considered; it would have replaced the 5"/51cal and 3"/50cal with 8 dual 5"/38cal DP, increased the 40mm and 20mm AA, and provided additional gun directors.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Wyoming was reduced to a training ship under the London Treaty; her armor was removed and she was reduced to 6 12" guns. WWII-era proposals to convert her back to a battleship or to an expeditionary force support ship were not proceeded with; during WWII she operated as a gunnery training ship, then as an AA training ship, and finally as an experimental AA ship. When converted to an AA training ship all the 12" guns were removed and the armament altered to 4 dual 5"/38cal DP, 6 single 5"/38cal DP, 4 single 3"/50cal AA, and various light AA guns; the cage foremast was finally removed when she served as an experimental AA ship. She was discarded shortly after the war. Arkansas remained in service as a battleship and was disposed of as a target immediately postwar.
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Served as an engineering training ship early in WWI, then operated with the British Grand Fleet. Served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific during the 1920's and 1930's. Designation BB 32 assigned 17 July 1920. Reconstructed at Philadelphia Navy Yard August 1927 to 2 November 1927.
Reduced to commissioned reserve 1 January 1931 and converted to a training ship at Norfolk Navy Yard 1930-31. Redesignated AG 17 and recommissioned 1 July 1931. Participated in development of amphibious assault tactics during the late 1930's. Served as a gunnery training ship during WWII.
Refitted as an AA training ship at Norfolk Navy Yard 12 January 1944 to 3 April 1944. Served as an AA experimental ship after July 1945. Replaced by Mississippi and decommissioned 1 August 1947, stricken for disposal 16 September 1947, sold 30 October 1947, and scrapped at Newark during 1948.
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Operated along the US east coast during WWI; served as a part-time gunnery training ship. Operated with the British Grand Fleet late in WWI. Designation BB 33 assigned 17 July 1920. Conducted summer training cruises during the early 1920's.
Reconstructed at Philadelphia Navy Yard 1 September 1925 to 21 November 1926. Conducted summer training cruises until US entry into WWII; also conducted full-time training operations for several periods. Operated as a convoy escort in the Atlantic during WWII, until early 1944; major refit at Norfolk Navy Yard 6 March 1942 to 26 July 1942. Operated as a bombardment ship in European waters from June to September 1944, then shifted to the Pacific to support the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Conducted several "Magic Carpet" runs postwar.
Sunk as a target during Operation Crossroads atomic bomb tests, 25 July 1946; decommissioned 29 July 1946, stricken 15 August 1946.
Concept/Program: This was the larger 10x14 inch design originally proposed as an alternative to the Wyoming design; it was proceeded with only one year after being postponed in favor of the smaller ships. In general the design was an enlarged, improved version of the previous classes. They were reconstructed in the 1920's. Both ships were scheduled for disposal in 1940, but were saved by WWII and served through the war as bombardment and training ships.
Design: Generally similar to the previous two classes. There were five main turrets, as in Florida, they were flush-decked, as in Wyoming, and the secondary battery remained on the second deck. Due to the poor performance of the direct-drive turbines in North Dakota, these ships returned to VTE engines. These engines later exhibited severe mechanical problems, most significantly severe vibration at standard fleet cruising speeds.
Modernization: Both were reconstructed under the same modernization program as the Florida and Wyoming classes, and the details of the reconstruction were similar to those classes. These ships received new fire controls, a dwarf tripod mast aft, and a large tripod mast forward. Six new boilers, rather than four, were fitted. Post-reconstruction specifications were as follows:
|
Displacement: 27,000 tons standard; 31,924 tons full load Dimensions: 573 x 106 x 30.1 feet/174.7 x 32.3 x 9.2 meters Propulsion: VTE engines, 6 boilers, 28,000 ihp, 21 knots Crew: 1290 Armor: 10-12 inch belt, 3.5 inch deck, 5-12 inch barbettes, 4-14 inch turrets, 6-12 inch CT Aviation: 1 catapult; 2 floatplanes Armament: 5 dual 14"/45cal, 16 5"/51cal, 8 3"/50cal AA |
During WWII both ships received minor refits, mainly to fit additional light AA guns and to make minor modifications to the superstructures; 5" guns on the second deck were removed. By the end of the war they had only 6 5"/51cal remaining, along with 10 3"/50cal AA, 10 quad 40mm AA, 1 twin 20mm AA (New York only), and 44 single 20mm AA. "Ultimate" refits were proposed, but probably not seriously considered; they would have replaced the 5"/51cal and 3"/50cal with 8 dual 5"/38cal DP, increased the 40mm and 20mm AA, and provided additional gun directors.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Both were disposed of immediately after WWII.
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Operated with the British Grand Fleet 1917-1918. Served mainly in the Pacific from 1919 to 1935. Designation BB 34 assigned 17 July 1920. Reconstructed at Norfolk Navy Yard 1926 to 10 October 1927. Operated as a training ship 1938-1940, then participated in Neutrality Patrols during 1941.
Operated as a convoy escort during 1942, and as a bombardment ship off North Africa. Served as a training ship 1943-1944, then transferred to the Pacific to support the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Used as a target during Operation Crossroads atom bomb tests, June-July 1946 but survived; decommissioned 29 July 1946 but retained at Pearl Harbor for examination. Sunk as a target off Hawaii 8 July 1948; stricken 13 July 1948.
Participated in operations at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1914. Operated along the US east coast during WWI; served as a part-time gunnery training ship. Ran aground at Block Island 27 September 1917; refloated 30 September and repaired at New York Navy Yard through December. Operated with the British Grand Fleet late in WWI.
Designation BB 35 assigned 17 July 1920. Served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific during the 1920's and 1930's. Reconstructed at Norfolk Navy Yard 1 August 1925 to 23 November 1926. Served as a training ship 1937-1940. Operated on Neutrality Patrols during 1940-1941.
Served as a convoy escort during 1942-43, as a bombardment ship off North Africa, and as a bombardment ship in European waters during 1944. Regunned late 1944 and transferred to the Pacific to support the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Conducted several "Magic Carpet" runs postwar.
Was inactive but in commission 1946-1948; decommissioned 21 April 1948, stricken for disposal 30 April 1948 and donated for preservation on that date; preserved at the San Jacinto battlegrounds, Houston, TX. Extensive overhaul and restoration at Todd Galveston 13 December 1988 to 26 July 1990.
Concept/Program: A completely new battleship design, introducing the concept of "all or nothing" armor. Although barely larger than the previous class, they were much better, more effective ships, and they set the pattern for all US battleships up to the Washington Treaty. They were also the first US battleships with triple turrets. This, and the following classes, were known as the "Standard" types, due to their many similarities. Both ships underwent major reconstructions during the 1930's. Oklahoma was sunk at Pearl Harbor, but Nevada underwent a second (partial) reconstruction during WWII.
Design: A completely new design. There were four main turrets, two dual and two triple, arranged in superimposed pairs fore and aft. Most of the secondary battery was housed in casemates on the main deck, with five guns in second-deck casemates, aft. All the casemates, especially the forward-most ones, were found to be excessively wet, and the 9 wettest guns were removed early in the ships' careers. There was nearly 40% more armor (by weight) than in the previous class, and it was used more efficiently, because the turrets were concentrated in a shorter length. These ships, like the Delaware class, had competing machinery installations - turbines vs. VTE; both ships used oil fuel, rather than coal as in previous classes. Superstructure was minimal, consisting mainly of the armored conning tower; there were two large cage masts, and a single funnel.
Modernization: Both ships underwent major reconstructions during the 1930's; their modernizations set the pattern for subsequent ships. Both were fitted with new boilers, improved internal torpedo protection, and external bulges for added protection and stability. The armored deck was increased in thickness by two inches, and the maximum elevation of the main battery was increased to 30 degrees. The secondary battery was reduced and relocated from the hull to the 01 level deckhouse; a heavy AA battery was fitted atop this deckhouse, at the 02 level. The torpedo tubes were removed. The superstructure was extensively modified and enlarged, new tripod masts replaced the cages, and new fire controls were fitted. Nevada also received the turbines removed from North Dakota in place of her original turbines; Oklahoma retained her VTE engines. Post-reconstruction specifications were as follows:
|
Displacement: 29,067 tons standard, 31,706 tons full load Dimensions: 583 x 108 x 29.6 feet/177.7 x 32.9 x 9 meters Propulsion: Steam turbines (Oklahoma VTE engines), 6 boilers, 4 shafts, 31,700 shp, 20.2 knots (Oklahoma: 23,400 ihp, 19.7 knots) Crew: 1374 Armor: 8-13.5 inch belt, 5 inch deck, 13 inch barbettes, 5-18 inch turrets, 5-16 inch CT Aviation: 2 catapults; 2 floatplanes Armament: 2 triple & 2 dual 14"/45cal, 12 single 5"/51cal, 8 single 5"/25cal AA |
Nevada underwent a partial reconstruction following Pearl Harbor, intended to give the greatest capability possible in a limited time, at relatively low cost; a complete reconstruction was ruled out by her advanced age. The old secondary battery was removed and replaced by 8 dual 5"/38cal DP; numerous 40mm and 20mm AA were fitted. The aft tripod mast was removed, and the forward fire control top dramatically reduced in size; new directors for the new secondary battery were fitted. The superstructure was cut down and simplified, and the armored conning tower was removed. Displacement increased to over 33,700 tons full load. This configuration was quite close to her "ultimate" planned configuration, except in the number of secondary and AA gun directors, and in the number of light AA guns. Following this reconstruction she remained essentially unchanged through WWII, except for the gradual addition of more 40mm and 20mm AA guns, and minor modifications to the superstructure. By the end of WWII, she had 10 quad 40mm AA, 20 twin 20mm AA, and 5 single 20mm AA.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Oklahoma was sunk at Pearl Harbor; although salvaged, there was little serious consideration of rebuilding her, her guns were used to regun Pennsylvania, and she was hulked. Nevada was expended as a target ship after the war.
Operated along the US east coast during WWI; served as a part-time gunnery training ship. Operated with the British Grand Fleet late in WWI. Designation BB 36 assigned 17 July 1920. Served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific during the 1920's. Reconstructed at Norfolk Navy Yard 27 September 1927 to 26 November 1929. Served in the Pacific during the 1930's.
Was the only battleship to get underway during the attack on Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; hit by one torpedo and several bombs; beached to avoid sinking in the channel; 50 killed. Refloated 12 February 1942; temporary repairs conducted at Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Reconstructed at Puget Sound Navy Yard during 1942. Operated as a bombardment ship for the invasion of Attu, then transferred to the Atlantic and refitted at Norfolk Navy Yard. Served as a bombardment ship in European waters during 1944, then returned to the Pacific to support the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Received minor Kamikaze damage 27 March 1945; 11 killed.
Used as a target during Operation Crossroads atom bomb tests, June-July 1946 but survived; decommissioned 29 July 1946 but retained at Pearl Harbor for examination. Sunk as a target off Hawaii 31 July 1948; stricken 31 August 1948.
Served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific throughout the 1920's and 1930's. Designation BB 37 assigned 17 July 1920. Reconstructed at Philadelphia Navy Yard 16 September 1927 to 15 July 1929.
Capsized and sunk by one bomb and numerous torpedoes at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941. Righted, raised 28 December 1943, decommissioned and stricken for disposal 1 September 1944; stripped to the main deck; her 14" guns were used to re-gun Pennsylvania. Sold 5 December 1946; broke tow and sank 17 May 1947 en route San Francisco for scrapping.
Concept/Program: Essentially a repeat of the Nevada class, but with two additional main guns and improved underwater protection. As with the Nevadas, both were reconstructed in the 1930's, and the Pearl Harbor survivor received a partial reconstruction during WWII.
Design: Essentially a repeat of the Nevada class. The main battery was upgraded to four triple turrets, rather than two triple and two dual. The secondary battery was increased by one gun and slightly rearranged; as in the previous class, the casemates were wet, and the 8 worst were removed early in the ships' careers. A few 3" AA guns were fitted, as was a new torpedo protection system.
Variations: Pennsylvania was fitted as a fleet flagship, with an extra level in her armored conning tower.
Modernization: Both were reconstructed in the 1930's, with the details being as in the Nevada class. They received new turbines from the cancelled Washington; 1.75 inches were added to the armor deck. Post-reconstruction specifications were as follows:
|
Displacement: 33,348 tons standard; 35,929 tons full load Dimensions: 608 x 106 x 30.2 feet/185.4 x 32.4 x 9.2 meters Propulsion: Steam turbines, 6 boilers, 4 shafts, 33,375 shp, 21 knots Crew: 1052 Armor: 8-13.5 inch belt, 4.75 inch deck, 4.5-13 inch barbettes, 5-18 inch turrets, 4-16 inch CT Aviation: 2 catapults; 2 floatplanes Armament: 4 triple 14"/45cal, 12 5"/51cal, 8 5"/25cal AA |
Pennsylvania received a very minor refit after Pearl Harbor; light AA guns were added and shields installed on her 5"/25cal AA. She received a partial reconstruction, very much similar to Nevada's, later in 1942 . The arrangement of the dual 5"/38cal was somewhat different, as were the details of her superstructure, but in all other respects the work as described for Nevada. This configuration was quite close to her "ultimate" planned configuration, except in the number of secondary and AA gun directors, and in the number of light AA guns. By the end of WWII she had 10 quad 40mm AA, 22 twin 20mm AA, and 27 single 20mm AA.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Arizona was sunk at Pearl Harbor. Pennsylvania was badly damaged late in the war, was not repaired, and was expended as a target postwar.
Operated along the US east coast during WWI. Designation BB 38 assigned 17 July 1920. Served mainly in the Pacific after 1922. Reconstructed at Philadelphia Navy Yard 1 June 1929 to 8 May 1931. Was in drydock at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; received minor damage from one bomb; 19 killed. Received a minor refit early in 1942, then operated in a defensive role and as a bombardment ship. Reconstructed at Mare Island Navy Yard 4 October 1942 to 5 February 1943 and served as a bombardment ship in the Pacific for the remainder of the war.
Attempted to engage Japanese battleships at Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944 but was unable to locate the enemy due to fire control deficiencies. Regunned with 14" guns from Oklahoma early in 1945. Torpedoed at anchor 12 August 1945 and was nearly sunk; the hull structure aft of #4 turret was substantially destroyed. Temporary repairs carried out at Guam; one propeller shaft failed while en route to Puget Sound Navy Yard 17 October 1945. The damage was not repaired and the ship was stripped for use as a target hulk.
Used as a target during Operation Crossroads atom bomb tests, June-July 1946 but survived. Decommissioned 29 August 1946 but retained at Kwajalein for examination and for use as an experimental and target ship. Sunk as a target off Kwajalein 10 February 1948; stricken 19 February 1948.
Operated along the US east coast during WWI; served as a part-time gunnery training ship. Assigned designation BB 39 17 July 1920. Placed in reduced commission for reconstruction at Norfolk Navy Yard 15 July 1929; complete and recommissioned 1 March 1931.
Hit by two bombs at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, causing the forward magazines to detonate; the ship was blasted apart and sunk almost instantly; 1,177 killed. Hulk placed out of commission 29 December 1941; stricken 1 December 1942. Most of the remaining superstructure and guns were removed during 1942; only the guns of #1 turret remain; #3 and #4 turrets were removed entirely and installed as shore defense batteries in Hawaii. Dedicated as a memorial and tomb for 945 men 30 May 1962.
Concept/Program: This class was initially proposed as an all-new 35,000 ton design, but instead became a moderately improved Pennsylvania design. They incorporated various evolutionary improvements, and one ship had turbo-electric drive for test and evaluation purposes. Originally two ships were planned, but a third was funded by the sale of two obsolete predreadnoughts to Greece. All three were modernized in the 1930's, the last US battleships to be rebuilt during that period. At the start of WWII they were transferred to the Atlantic for Neutrality Patrols, but returned to the Pacific after Pearl Harbor. During WWII they saw limited, incremental upgrades, mainly because they were badly needed in the fleet, and were modern enough to operate without extensive upgrades. It had been planned to retain all three in reserve postwar, but instead two were discarded, and the third became an experimental ship.
Design: Generally similar to the Pennsylvania class, but with several improvements. The main battery was upgraded from 14"/45cal to 14"/50cal, and for the first time the guns could elevate independently. Most of the secondary battery was relocated to the 01 level deckhouse, with four guns remaining forward at the main deck level, and four aft on the second deck. The 8 fore/aft guns were removed from the first ship soon after completion, and were never fitted in the other two ships. The armor was thickened slightly, and they had clipper bows, to reduce wetness. New Mexico was fitted with turbo-electric drive instead of geared turbines.
Modernization: All three underwent reconstructions during the 1930's; this work was generally similar to the Pennsylvania class, but was more limited in scope, because the ships were already more modern. All three ships received new turbines and boilers; the armor deck was thickened by 2". New 5"/25cal AA were fitted; no relocation of 5"/51cal guns was needed. Plans originally included new tripod masts in place of the cages, but instead lower, tower-style bridge superstructures were constructed. Post-reconstruction specifications were as follows:
|
Displacement: 33,420 tons normal; 36,157 tons full load Dimensions: 624 x 106.2 x 31 feet/190.2 x 32.4 x 9.4 meters Propulsion: Steam turbines (New Mexico steam turbine-electric), 6 boilers (New Mexico 4), 4 shafts, 40,000 shp, 22 knots Crew: 1443 Armor: 8-13.5 inch belt, 5.5 inch deck, 4.5-13 inch barbettes, 5-18 inch turrets, 4-16 inch CT Aviation: 2 catapults; 2 floatplanes Armament: 4 triple 14"/50cal, 12 5"/51cal, 8 5"/25cal AA |
WWII modernizations were varied. Early in the war the 5"/51cal were reduced to six, and many 20mm and 40mm AA were added, but no major refits/reconstructions were undertaken, because the ships were too badly needed in service. The "ultimate" planned refit for this class included addition of 8 dual 5"/38cal DP in place of the previous secondary and heavy AA batteries, but this was not carried out in any of these ships. Idaho was refitted late in the war, with 10 single 5"/38cal DP, 10 quad 40mm AA, and 43 single 20mm AA replacing all previous secondary and AA guns; this refit did not require major bulging or other changes. Instead of the "ultimate" refit, it was then planned to refit the other two ships to the same standard as Idaho, but this plan was not carried out. Instead, Mississippi had her AA armament improved during battle damage repairs, with all 5"/51cal removed, and a total of 16 5"/25cal AA, 13 quad 40mm AA, and 40 20mm AA added. New Mexico received no major refits, but was upgraded gradually over the course of the war; her final secondary/AA armament was 6 5"/51cal, 8 5"/25cal AA, 10 quad 40mm AA, and 46 single 20mm AA.
Departure from Service/Disposal: It had been planned to retain all three in reserve postwar, but instead two were discarded, and Mississippi became an experimental ship, replacing Wyoming. Initially three of the four main turrets, and virtually all of the secondary and AA guns were removed; she was fitted with various medium-caliber guns for test and evaluation purposes. Later the final 14" turret was removed and she was fitted as a test ship for the new Terrier SAM.
Served in the Pacific for most of her career. Designation BB 40 assigned 17 July 1920. Reconstructed at Philadelphia Navy Yard 5 March 1931 to 22 January 1933. Transferred to the Atlantic for Neutrality Patrols June 1941; returned to the Pacific immediately after Pearl Harbor.
Served as a bombardment ship in the Pacific throughout WWII. Received moderate Kamikaze damage 6 January 1945; 30 killed; repaired at Pearl Harbor; again received moderate Kamikaze damage 12 May 1945; 54 killed.
Decommissioned 19 July 1946, stricken for disposal 25 February 1947, sold 13 October 1947, and scrapped at Newark starting November 1947.
Operated mainly in the Pacific throughout her career. Designation BB 41 assigned 17 July 1920. Suffered an explosion in #2 turret 12 June 1924; 48 killed. Reconstructed at Norfolk Navy Yard 30 January 1931 to 31 August 1932. Transferred to the Atlantic for Neutrality Patrols June 1941; returned to the Pacific immediately after Pearl Harbor.
Operated in the Pacific as a bombardment ship throughout WWII. Suffered a turret explosion 20 November 1943; 43 killed. Engaged Japanese battleships at Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944. Suffered moderate Kamikaze damage 9 January 1945; repaired and partially rearmed at Pearl Harbor. Received minor Kamikaze damage 5 June 1945.
Converted to a gunnery test ship at Norfolk Navy Yard November 1945 to July 1947, replacing Wyoming; redesignated AG 128 15 February 1946. Converted to a missile test ship 1952. Decommissioned 17 September 1956, stricken for disposal 30 July 1956, sold 29 November 1956, and subsequently scrapped at Baltimore.
Designation BB 42 assigned 17 July 1920. Operated mainly in the Pacific throughout her career. Reconstructed at Norfolk Navy Yard 30 September 1933 to 4 October 1934. Transferred to the Atlantic for Neutrality Patrols June 1941; returned to the Pacific immediately after Pearl Harbor.
Operated in the Pacific as a bombardment ship throughout WWII. Underwent a major refit at Puget Sound Navy Yard 22 October 1944 to 1 January 1945. Received minor Kamikaze damage 12 April 1945. Decommissioned 3 July 1946, stricken for disposal 16 September 1947, sold 25 November 1947, and scrapped at Newark starting December 1947.
Concept/Program: An improved version of the New Mexico class, with better underwater protection and enlarged superstructure. These were among the best and most modern US battleships prior to WWII, and with three ships of the next class, were known as the "Big Five". They were not modernized during the 1930's, since they were already quite modern, and were too badly needed in the fleet to be spared. A program of small refits was approved, but not carried out due to the outbreak of war. Both were completely reconstructed after Pearl Harbor, and emerged as virtually new ships.
Design: Very similar to the New Mexico class in most respects. A new, five-layer torpedo protection system was fitted. The superstructure was significantly larger than in previous ships. Improved fire controls were fitted, resulting in larger, stronger cage masts. They were originally planned with 8 secondary guns in casemates in the hull, as in previous classes, but these were eliminated prior to completion, and the casemates were completely faired over. The main battery was identical to that fitted in the New Mexicos, except maximum elevation was increased to 30 degrees.
Modernization: There were several prewar modernization plans, ranging from minor to major. Initial proposals were similar to the New Mexico reconstruction, but later proposals included many more changes, such as a secondary battery of 8 dual 5"/38cal. These large refits were not approved, due to cost and schedule problems, but the addition of small bulges, to restore lost freeboard, was approved. As of late 1940 this work was scheduled for early 1942; it was never carried out.
After Pearl Harbor both received major reconstructions. The armor deck was increased by 2-3 inches; massive bulges were fitted to maintain freeboard and stability, and to improve torpedo protection. The superstructure and masts were completely removed and replaced by a modern tower-style superstructure. The conning tower was replaced with a light cruiser conning tower; the turret tops were thickened. New fire controls were fitted. Completely new, modern secondary and AA batteries were also fitted. Post-reconstruction specifications were as follows:
|
Displacement: 34,858 tons standard; 40,345 tons full load Dimensions: 624 x 114 x 33 feet/190.2 x 34.8 x 10.1 meters Propulsion: Turbo-electric, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 26,800 shp, 20 knots Crew: 2375 Armor: 8-13.5 inch belt, 5.5 inch deck, 4.5-13 inch barbettes, 7-18 inch turrets, 5 inch CT Aviation: 1 catapult; 2 floatplanes Armament: 4 triple 14"/50cal, 8 dual 5"/38cal AA, 10 quad 40mm AA, 43 single 20mm AA |
Tennessee's final AA armament was as listed above, but at the end of WWII California had 14 quad 40mm AA and 40 twin 20mm AA.
Departure from Service/Disposal: Were laid up in reserve immediately after WWII; eventually discarded in 1959.
Designation BB 43 assigned 17 July 1920. Served in the Pacific throughout her career. Received moderate damage from two bombs at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; was trapped by the sunken West Virginia. Temporary repairs conducted at Pearl Harbor Navy Yard; received repairs and a minor refit at Puget Sound Navy Yard 29 December 1941 to 26 February 1942. Served along the US west coast early in the war.
Reconstructed at Puget Sound Navy Yard 27 August 1942 to 7 May 1943. Served as a bombardment ship in the Pacific for the remainder of WWII. Engaged Japanese battleships at Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944.
Reduced to reserve 8 December 1945 but remained in commission; decommissioned to reserve 14 February 1947. Stricken for disposal 1 March 1959, sold 10 July 1959, and scrapped at Baltimore starting July 1959.
Operated with the Pacific Fleet throughout her career. Sunk by two bombs and two torpedoes at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; 98 killed. Raised 26 March 1942; temporary repairs conducted at Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Reconstructed at Puget Sound Navy Yard June 1942 to 31 January 1944. Operated as a bombardment ship in the Pacific through the remainder of WWII. Engaged Japanese battleships at Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944. Moderate Kamikaze damage 6 January 1945; repaired at Puget Sound Navy Yard.
Decommissioned to reserve 14 February 1947. Stricken for disposal 1 March 1959, sold 10 July 1959, and subsequently scrapped at Baltimore.
Concept/Program: A repeat of the Tennessee class with the triple 14" turrets replaced by dual 16"; there was no other significant change. This was originally planned as a class of four; Washington was cancelled under the Washington Treaty and expended as a target, following experimental use. The surviving trio formed part of the "Big Five". Like the other "Big Five" ships, they were too modern and too badly needed to allow for prewar reconstruction, but two did receive small bulges in 1941-1942. West Virginia was reconstructed after Pearl Harbor, but the other two operated through WWII with only minor refits and improvements.
Design: Identical to the Tennessee class in virtually all respects, except for the substitution of 16" for 14" guns.
Modernization: West Virginia was reconstructed after Pearl Harbor, becoming a virtual sistership to the reconstructed Tennessee class ships; see that class for details.
Maryland and Colorado both received small bulges prior to WWII (Colorado's refit was partially complete at the time of Pearl Harbor). Early in the war they received minor improvements, including additional light AA and shields for their 5"/25cal AA, but no major reconstructions could be undertaken. Both had their cage mainmasts cut down to stumps; the stumps were later replaced by small tower superstructures. Maryland received a new secondary battery of 8 dual 5"/38cal during late-war battle damage repairs; similar improvements were planned for Colorado, but were not carried out. By the end of the war Colorado was the least modern of the former "Big Five" ships.
Their final secondary and AA batteries were as follows:
Colorado: 8 5"/51cal, 8 5"/25cal AA, 8 quad 40mm AA, 1 quad
20mm AA, 8 twin 20mm AA, 39 single 20mm AA
Maryland: 8 dual 5"/38cal DP, 11 quad 40mm AA, 1 quad 20mm
AA, 29 twin 20mm AA
West Virginia: 8 dual 5"/38cal DP, 10 quad 40mm AA, 1 quad
20mm AA, 1 twin 20mm AA, 58 single 20mm AA
Departure from Service/Disposal: All laid up in reserve immediately after WWII, and discarded in 1959. Postwar it was planned to convert Colorado into a radio-controlled missile target ship, but this conversion was not funded.
Operated with the Pacific Fleet after 1924. Bulged and refitted at Puget Sound Navy Yard July 1941 through 31 March 1942. Operated in a defensive role early in the war, and as a bombardment ship through the remainder of the war. Refitted at Puget Sound early 1944, but was not reconstructed during WWII. Minor kamikaze damage 27 November 1944. Conducted several "Magic Carpet" runs postwar.
Decommissioned to reserve 7 January 1947. Stricken for disposal 1 March 1959, sold 23 July 1959, and subsequently scrapped at Seattle.
Operated with the Pacific Fleet after 1923. Bulged and refitted at Puget Sound Navy Yard during 1941. Received moderate damage from two bombs at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; was trapped by the sunken Oklahoma. Refitted and repaired at Puget Sound Navy Yard 30 December 1941 to 26 February 1942. Operated in a defensive role early in the war, and as a bombardment ship through the remainder of the war.
Torpedoed 22 June 1944 with moderate damage; repaired at Pearl Harbor. Engaged Japanese battleships at Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944. Received moderate Kamikaze damage 9 November 1944; repaired at Pearl Harbor. Received heavy Kamikaze damage 7 April 1945; repaired and partially rearmed at Puget Sound Navy Yard. Conducted several "Magic Carpet" runs postwar.
Reduced to commissioned reserve 15 July 1946, decommissioned to reserve 3 April 1947. Stricken for disposal 1 March 1959, sold 8 July 1959, and scrapped at Oakland starting August 1959.
Sunk by 7 torpedoes and 1 bomb at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941; nearly capsized but was saved by counterflooding. Raised 17 May 1942; temporary repairs conducted at Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. Reconstructed at Puget Sound Navy Yard, completed September 1944. Operated as a bombardment ship in the Pacific through the remainder of WWII. Engaged Japanese battleships at Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944. Received minor Kamikaze damage 1 April 1945. Conducted several "Magic Carpet" runs postwar.
Decommissioned to reserve 9 January 1947. Stricken for disposal 1 March 1959, sold 24 August 1959, and scrapped at Seattle starting January 1961.
Concept/Program: This was essentially an enlarged Colorado design, intended to respond to more powerful foreign ships; they were more powerful and faster than any previous US ships. Their construction was delayed by WWI and cancelled by the Washington Treaty.
Design: A scaled-up Colorado, with triple turrets instead of duals, 16"/50cal guns instead of 16"/45cal, and 6"/53cal secondary guns replacing the standard 5"/51cal guns. Main battery elevation was again increased, to 40 degrees. Armor was the same as the previous three classes. Speed was increased two knots in response to fast foreign ships.
