Intro
Explore the mighty history of U.S. battleships with our in-depth look at 15 iconic vessels that shaped Americas naval power. From World War I to the Cold War, discover the legendary ships that dominated the seas, including the Iowa-class, dreadnoughts, and super-dreadnoughts, and learn about their battles, operations, and lasting impact on naval warfare.
The United States has a rich history of naval power, with numerous iconic battleships that have played a significant role in shaping the country's maritime presence. From the early 20th century to the present day, these battleships have served as symbols of American military strength, technological innovation, and strategic diplomacy. In this article, we will explore 15 of the most iconic U.S. battleships in history, highlighting their design, capabilities, and notable achievements.
The development of U.S. battleships began in the late 19th century, with the construction of the USS Indiana (BB-1) in 1893. This ship marked the beginning of a new era in American naval warfare, as the U.S. Navy sought to expand its presence in the Pacific and protect its interests abroad. Over the years, the design and capabilities of U.S. battleships evolved significantly, with advances in armor, firepower, and propulsion systems.
1. USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona (BB-39) was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that played a pivotal role in World War II. Commissioned in 1915, the Arizona was one of the largest battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 608 feet and a crew of over 1,400 sailors. On December 7, 1941, the Arizona was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of 1,177 lives.
2. USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri (BB-63) is an Iowa-class battleship that served as the site of the Japanese surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945, marking the end of World War II. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri was one of the largest battleships in the world, with a length of 887 feet and a crew of over 1,500 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Korean War and the Gulf War before being decommissioned in 1992.
3. USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa (BB-61) is an Iowa-class battleship that served as the flagship of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II. Commissioned in 1943, the Iowa was one of the fastest battleships in the world, with a top speed of 33 knots. The ship saw extensive service in the Korean War and the Gulf War before being decommissioned in 1990.
4. USS New Jersey (BB-62)
The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship that served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Commissioned in 1943, the New Jersey was one of the most decorated battleships in U.S. history, with 19 battle stars and a Navy Unit Commendation. The ship was decommissioned in 1991 and is now a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey.
5. USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) is a North Carolina-class battleship that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1941, the North Carolina was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 728 feet and a crew of over 1,400 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
6. USS South Dakota (BB-57)
The USS South Dakota (BB-57) is a South Dakota-class battleship that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1942, the South Dakota was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 680 feet and a crew of over 1,600 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
7. USS Washington (BB-56)
The USS Washington (BB-56) is a North Carolina-class battleship that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1941, the Washington was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 728 feet and a crew of over 1,400 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
8. USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
The USS Oklahoma (BB-37) is a Nevada-class battleship that served in World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1914, the Oklahoma was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 583 feet and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. On December 7, 1941, the Oklahoma was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of 415 lives.
9. USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
The USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) is a Pennsylvania-class battleship that served in World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1915, the Pennsylvania was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 608 feet and a crew of over 1,400 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
10. USS Texas (BB-35)
The USS Texas (BB-35) is a New York-class battleship that served in World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1914, the Texas was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 573 feet and a crew of over 1,000 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Atlantic Theater, including the Battle of the Atlantic and the invasion of Normandy.
11. USS Nevada (BB-36)
The USS Nevada (BB-36) is a Nevada-class battleship that served in World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1914, the Nevada was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 583 feet and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. On December 7, 1941, the Nevada was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, but was later refloated and saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater.
12. USS West Virginia (BB-48)
The USS West Virginia (BB-48) is a Colorado-class battleship that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1923, the West Virginia was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 624 feet and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. On December 7, 1941, the West Virginia was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of 106 lives.
13. USS Tennessee (BB-43)
The USS Tennessee (BB-43) is a Tennessee-class battleship that served in World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1914, the Tennessee was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 624 feet and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
14. USS California (BB-44)
The USS California (BB-44) is a Tennessee-class battleship that served in World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1914, the California was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 624 feet and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. On December 7, 1941, the California was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, resulting in the loss of 100 lives.
15. USS Maryland (BB-46)
The USS Maryland (BB-46) is a Colorado-class battleship that served in World War II. Commissioned in 1920, the Maryland was one of the most advanced battleships in the world at the time, with a length of 624 feet and a crew of over 1,200 sailors. The ship saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Campaign.
These 15 iconic U.S. battleships have played a significant role in shaping the country's naval history, from the early 20th century to the present day. Their design, capabilities, and achievements have inspired generations of sailors, shipbuilders, and naval historians, and continue to fascinate the public imagination.
U.S. Battleships Image Gallery
What was the first U.S. battleship?
+The first U.S. battleship was the USS Indiana (BB-1), which was commissioned in 1893.
What was the largest U.S. battleship ever built?
+The largest U.S. battleship ever built was the USS Missouri (BB-63), which was commissioned in 1944 and had a length of 887 feet.
What was the most decorated U.S. battleship in history?
+The most decorated U.S. battleship in history was the USS New Jersey (BB-62), which earned 19 battle stars and a Navy Unit Commendation during its service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the 15 most iconic U.S. battleships in history. These ships have played a significant role in shaping the country's naval history and continue to fascinate the public imagination. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us below.