Intro
Explore the USS West Virginia battleship, a legendary WWII warship that played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater. Learn about its construction, service history, and heroic actions during the Pearl Harbor attack, the Battle of Surigao Strait, and the Philippine Sea battles, showcasing its resilience and firepower.
The USS West Virginia (BB-48) was a legendary American battleship that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The fourth ship of the Colorado-class battleships, the West Virginia was commissioned in 1923 and was one of the most advanced warships of its time. Throughout its illustrious career, the West Virginia earned a reputation for bravery, resilience, and sacrifice, earning it a special place in American naval history.
The USS West Virginia was built at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia and was commissioned on December 1, 1923. The battleship was 624 feet (190 meters) long, 97 feet (30 meters) wide, and had a draft of 30 feet (9 meters). It was powered by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, which produced 26,500 horsepower, allowing the ship to reach speeds of up to 21 knots (24 mph). The West Virginia was armed with eight 16-inch (406mm) guns, 12 5-inch (127mm) guns, and 20 3-inch (76mm) anti-aircraft guns.
Early Years and Interwar Period
The USS West Virginia spent its early years participating in various naval exercises, fleet reviews, and diplomatic visits. In 1925, the battleship visited Australia and New Zealand, becoming the first American warship to visit the region. During the 1930s, the West Virginia underwent several modernizations, including the installation of new radar systems and anti-aircraft guns.
World War II and the Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the USS West Virginia was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American naval base. The battleship was hit by two torpedoes and seven bombs, causing significant damage and fires. Despite the intense attack, the West Virginia remained afloat, thanks to the efforts of its crew, who worked tirelessly to save the ship.
The USS West Virginia suffered 106 casualties during the attack, including four Medal of Honor recipients. The battleship was subsequently repaired and modernized, emerging from the shipyard in 1944 with improved armor, new radar systems, and additional anti-aircraft guns.
Pacific Theater and the Philippines Campaign
The USS West Virginia played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, participating in several key battles, including the Philippines Campaign. In October 1944, the battleship supported the Allied invasion of Leyte, providing gunfire support and helping to secure the beachhead.
In November 1944, the USS West Virginia was involved in the Battle of Surigao Strait, where it helped to sink several Japanese warships, including the battleship Yamashiro. The battleship continued to support Allied operations throughout 1945, participating in the invasion of Okinawa and the bombardment of Japanese coastal defenses.
Awards and Legacy
The USS West Virginia earned a total of five battle stars for its service during World War II. The battleship was also awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
After the war, the USS West Virginia was decommissioned and placed in reserve. In 1959, the battleship was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap. Today, the USS West Virginia is remembered as a symbol of American naval power and bravery, its legacy inspiring future generations of sailors and naval historians.
USS West Virginia Image Gallery
USS West Virginia Battleship Image Gallery
What was the USS West Virginia's role in World War II?
+The USS West Virginia played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in several key battles, including the Philippines Campaign and the Battle of Surigao Strait.
What awards did the USS West Virginia receive for its service during World War II?
+The USS West Virginia earned a total of five battle stars for its service during World War II, as well as the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
What happened to the USS West Virginia after the war?
+After the war, the USS West Virginia was decommissioned and placed in reserve. In 1959, the battleship was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap.