Intro
Explore the 4 largest South Dakota-class battleships, a class of dreadnought battleships designed for the US Navy in the 1920s. Learn about their features, armament, and service history, including the USS South Dakota, USS Indiana, USS Massachusetts, and USS Alabama, and discover their significance in naval warfare during World War II.
The South Dakota-class battleships were a class of four fast battleships built by the United States Navy during World War II. These ships were designed to be the world's most advanced battleships, with a focus on speed, firepower, and protection. In this article, we will explore the four largest South Dakota-class battleships, their design, construction, and service history.
Introduction
The South Dakota-class battleships were designed in the late 1930s, as a response to the growing threat of the Japanese and German navies. The US Navy wanted a battleship that could match the speed and firepower of the latest Japanese battleships, while also providing improved protection against enemy aircraft and submarines. The result was a class of four battleships that would become some of the most iconic warships of World War II.
USS South Dakota (BB-57)
The USS South Dakota (BB-57) was the lead ship of the class and was commissioned on March 20, 1942. She was built at the New York Navy Yard and took approximately three years to complete. The USS South Dakota was 680 feet (207 meters) long, with a beam of 108 feet (33 meters) and a draft of 33 feet (10 meters). She displaced 35,000 tons of water and had a top speed of 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h).
The USS South Dakota was heavily armed with nine 16-inch (406mm) guns, arranged in three triple turrets. She also had 20 5-inch (127mm) guns, 76 40mm guns, and 56 20mm guns. The ship was protected by a 12-inch (305mm) thick armor belt, with 6-inch (152mm) thick armor on the turrets.
USS Indiana (BB-58)
The USS Indiana (BB-58) was the second ship of the class and was commissioned on April 30, 1942. She was built at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia and took approximately three years to complete. The USS Indiana was identical to the USS South Dakota, with the same dimensions and armament.
The USS Indiana saw extensive service during World War II, participating in several major battles, including the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. She was decommissioned in 1947 and sold for scrap in 1963.
USS Massachusetts (BB-59)
The USS Massachusetts (BB-59) was the third ship of the class and was commissioned on May 12, 1942. She was built at the Fore River Shipyard in Massachusetts and took approximately three years to complete. The USS Massachusetts was also identical to the USS South Dakota, with the same dimensions and armament.
The USS Massachusetts saw extensive service during World War II, participating in several major battles, including the Battle of Casablanca and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. She was decommissioned in 1947 and preserved as a museum ship in 1965.
USS Alabama (BB-60)
The USS Alabama (BB-60) was the fourth and final ship of the class and was commissioned on August 16, 1942. She was built at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Virginia and took approximately three years to complete. The USS Alabama was also identical to the USS South Dakota, with the same dimensions and armament.
The USS Alabama saw extensive service during World War II, participating in several major battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. She was decommissioned in 1947 and preserved as a museum ship in 1964.
Gallery of South Dakota-class Battleships
South Dakota-class Battleships Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main purpose of the South Dakota-class battleships?
+The main purpose of the South Dakota-class battleships was to provide a fast and heavily armed battleship that could match the speed and firepower of the latest Japanese battleships.
How many South Dakota-class battleships were built?
+Four South Dakota-class battleships were built: USS South Dakota (BB-57), USS Indiana (BB-58), USS Massachusetts (BB-59), and USS Alabama (BB-60).
What was the top speed of the South Dakota-class battleships?
+The top speed of the South Dakota-class battleships was 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h).
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the four largest South Dakota-class battleships. These ships played a significant role in World War II and remain an important part of naval history.