Intro
Explore the iconic American battleships that transformed the US Navys history. From the USS Arizona to the USS Missouri, discover the 10 most influential vessels that played a crucial role in shaping naval warfare, including their innovative designs, notable battles, and lasting legacies in American military history and naval power.
The United States has a rich naval history, with numerous battleships playing a significant role in shaping the country's military presence and influence around the world. From the early 20th century to the present day, American battleships have been involved in various conflicts, showcasing their power, versatility, and strategic importance. Here, we will explore 10 American battleships that have made a lasting impact on U.S. naval history.
1. USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona is one of the most iconic American battleships in history. Commissioned in 1915, the Arizona served in both World War I and World War II, playing a crucial role in the latter conflict. On December 7, 1941, the Arizona was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of 1,177 lives. The tragedy led to the United States' entry into World War II.
Key Features and Specifications
- Length: 608 feet (185 meters)
- Beam: 97 feet (29.5 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Speed: 21 knots (39 km/h)
- Armament: 12 x 14-inch guns, 22 x 5-inch guns, 4 x 3-inch guns
2. USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa is the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships, which were designed to be fast, heavily armed, and highly maneuverable. Commissioned in 1943, the Iowa served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, earning a reputation as a formidable and reliable warship. The Iowa is also famous for being the ship on which President Franklin D. Roosevelt traveled to the Tehran Conference in 1943.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 80 x 40mm guns
3. USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri is the third ship of the Iowa-class battleships and is best known for being the site of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which marked the end of World War II. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, earning a reputation as a symbol of American military power and diplomacy.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 80 x 40mm guns
4. USS New Jersey (BB-62)
The USS New Jersey is the second ship of the Iowa-class battleships and is known for its extensive service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1943, the New Jersey earned 19 battle stars for its service and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its actions in the Korean War.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 80 x 40mm guns
5. USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina is the lead ship of the North Carolina-class battleships, which were designed to be fast and maneuverable. Commissioned in 1941, the North Carolina served in World War II, earning 15 battle stars for its service. The ship is now a museum and memorial in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Key Features and 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 x 14-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns
6. USS South Dakota (BB-57)
The USS South Dakota is the third ship of the South Dakota-class battleships, which were designed to be heavily armed and armored. Commissioned in 1942, the South Dakota served in World War II, earning 13 battle stars for its service. The ship is now a memorial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns
7. USS Washington (BB-56)
The USS Washington is the second ship of the North Carolina-class battleships, which were designed to be fast and maneuverable. Commissioned in 1941, the Washington served in World War II, earning 10 battle stars for its service. The ship is now a museum and memorial in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Key Features and 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 x 14-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns
8. USS Alabama (BB-60)
The USS Alabama is the fourth ship of the South Dakota-class battleships, which were designed to be heavily armed and armored. Commissioned in 1942, the Alabama served in World War II, earning 9 battle stars for its service. The ship is now a museum and memorial in Mobile, Alabama.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns
9. USS Indiana (BB-58)
The USS Indiana is the second ship of the South Dakota-class battleships, which were designed to be heavily armed and armored. Commissioned in 1942, the Indiana served in World War II, earning 9 battle stars for its service. The ship is now a memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns
10. USS Massachusetts (BB-59)
The USS Massachusetts is the third ship of the South Dakota-class battleships, which were designed to be heavily armed and armored. Commissioned in 1942, the Massachusetts served in World War II, earning 11 battle stars for its service. The ship is now a museum and memorial in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Key Features and 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 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns
American Battleship Image Gallery
What is the largest American battleship ever built?
+The largest American battleship ever built is the USS Montana (BB-67), which was a proposed battleship that would have been over 920 feet (280 meters) long and would have displaced over 60,000 tons of water.
What is the most decorated American battleship in history?
+The most decorated American battleship in history is the USS Enterprise (CV-6), which earned 20 battle stars for its service in World War II.
What is the current status of the American battleship fleet?
+The American battleship fleet is currently inactive, with the last battleship, the USS Missouri (BB-63), being decommissioned in 1992. However, there are plans to reactivate some of the older battleships as museum ships or for other purposes.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the 10 American battleships that shaped U.S. naval history. From the early 20th century to the present day, these warships have played a significant role in shaping the country's military presence and influence around the world.