Intro
Explore the mighty US Navys arsenal with our rundown of 5 notable battleships that shaped American naval history. From the Iowa-class USS Missouri to the Pennsylvania-class USS Arizona, discover the legendary vessels that played pivotal roles in World War II, the Cold War, and beyond. Dive into their stories, specs, and significance.
Battleships have been a cornerstone of naval power for centuries, with the United States Navy boasting some of the most iconic and formidable vessels in history. From the early 20th century to the present day, American battleships have played a significant role in shaping the course of global conflicts and maintaining maritime supremacy. Here, we'll explore five of the most notable battleships in the US Navy, each with its unique characteristics, accomplishments, and contributions to American naval history.
The USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship commissioned in 1915 and served in World War I and World War II. Although it's most infamous for its tragic fate during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Arizona had a distinguished career prior to its sinking. It played a key role in the US occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, in 1914 and later participated in the Allied intervention in Russia during the Russian Civil War.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 608 feet (185 meters)
- Beam: 97 feet (30 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Speed: 21 knots (39 km/h)
- Armament: 12 × 14-inch (356 mm) guns, 22 × 5-inch (127 mm) guns
The USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo" or "Big Mo," was an Iowa-class battleship commissioned in 1944. It's most famous for being the site of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which ended World War II. During the war, the Missouri participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. It also served in the Korean War and the Gulf War.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 887 feet (270 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Armament: 9 × 16-inch (406 mm) guns, 20 × 5-inch (127 mm) guns
The USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships, commissioned in 1943. It served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. During World War II, the Iowa played a key role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. It also served as a presidential flagship, transporting President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference in 1943.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 887 feet (270 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h)
- Armament: 9 × 16-inch (406 mm) guns, 20 × 5-inch (127 mm) guns
The USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina was a North Carolina-class battleship commissioned in 1941. It served in World War II, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal. The North Carolina earned 15 battle stars for its service during the war.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 728 feet (222 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
- Armament: 9 × 14-inch (356 mm) guns, 20 × 5-inch (127 mm) guns
The USS South Dakota (BB-57)
The USS South Dakota was a South Dakota-class battleship commissioned in 1942. It served in World War II, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The South Dakota earned 13 battle stars for its service during the war.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 680 feet (207 meters)
- Beam: 108 feet (33 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Speed: 27 knots (50 km/h)
- Armament: 9 × 16-inch (406 mm) guns, 20 × 5-inch (127 mm) guns
These five battleships represent some of the most notable vessels in the US Navy's history, each with its unique characteristics, accomplishments, and contributions to American naval power.
Battleships in US Navy Image Gallery
What was the role of battleships in the US Navy?
+Battleships played a significant role in the US Navy, serving as the centerpiece of the fleet and providing heavy gunfire support for amphibious landings and naval battles.
Which US battleship served the longest?
+The USS Missouri (BB-63) served the longest, with a career spanning over 50 years, including service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War.
What was the largest US battleship ever built?
+The USS Montana (BB-67) was the largest US battleship ever built, with a displacement of over 60,000 tons and a length of over 900 feet.