10 Most Iconic World War 2 Warships

World War 2 was a pivotal moment in history, marked by the clash of nations and the display of military might. Among the many warships that played a crucial role in the war, some stand out for their iconic status, impressive capabilities, and significant contributions to the outcome of the conflict. Here are 10 of the most iconic World War 2 warships, each with its unique story and impact on the war.

1. USS Missouri (BB-63)

The USS Missouri, also known as the "Mighty Mo," is one of the most iconic warships in American history. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri played a significant role in the final stages of World War 2, including the bombardment of Okinawa and the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 45,000 tons
• Length: 887 feet 3 inches
• Beam: 108 feet 2 inches
• Speed: 30 knots
• Armament: 9 x 16-inch guns, 20 x 5-inch guns, 80 x 40mm guns, 49 x 20mm guns

2. Yamato (, Yamato)

The Yamato was the largest battleship ever built, commissioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1942. With its massive size and firepower, the Yamato was intended to be the flagships of the Japanese Combined Fleet. However, it met its demise on April 7, 1945, when it was sunk by American aircraft while on a mission to Okinawa.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 72,000 tons
• Length: 863 feet 10 inches
• Beam: 127 feet 8 inches
• Speed: 27 knots
• Armament: 9 x 18.1-inch guns, 12 x 6.1-inch guns, 12 x 5-inch guns, 24 x 25mm guns

3. HMS King George V (41)

The HMS King George V was the lead ship of the King George V-class battleships, commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1940. The King George V played a significant role in the Battle of North Cape, where it helped sink the German battleship Scharnhorst.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 42,000 tons
• Length: 745 feet 1 inch
• Beam: 103 feet 2 inches
• Speed: 28 knots
• Armament: 10 x 14-inch guns, 16 x 5.25-inch guns, 64 x 40mm guns, 4 x 20mm guns

4. USS Enterprise (CV-6)

The USS Enterprise was the most decorated warship in American history, earning 20 battle stars for its service in World War 2. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise played a significant role in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, and the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 19,800 tons
• Length: 824 feet 9 inches
• Beam: 93 feet 3 inches
• Speed: 33 knots
• Armament: 8 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns, 32 x 20mm guns

5. Tirpitz (Tirpitz)

The Tirpitz was the sister ship of the Bismarck, commissioned by the Kriegsmarine in 1941. The Tirpitz was one of the most feared warships in the world, known for its impressive firepower and speed. However, it met its demise on November 12, 1944, when it was sunk by British bombers in a Norwegian fjord.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 42,900 tons
• Length: 823 feet 6 inches
• Beam: 118 feet 1 inch
• Speed: 30 knots
• Armament: 8 x 15-inch guns, 12 x 5.9-inch guns, 16 x 4.1-inch guns, 56 x 37mm guns

6. HMS Hood (51)

The HMS Hood was the largest warship in the world at the time of its launch in 1920. Commissioned by the Royal Navy, the Hood played a significant role in the early years of World War 2, including the Battle of the Denmark Strait, where it was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 47,600 tons
• Length: 860 feet 7 inches
• Beam: 104 feet 2 inches
• Speed: 31 knots
• Armament: 8 x 15-inch guns, 12 x 5.5-inch guns, 8 x 4-inch guns, 24 x 40mm guns

7. USS Arizona (BB-39)

The USS Arizona was one of the eight battleships moored at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. The Arizona suffered catastrophic damage, resulting in the loss of 1,177 lives.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 31,400 tons
• Length: 608 feet 1 inch
• Beam: 97 feet 1 inch
• Speed: 21 knots
• Armament: 10 x 14-inch guns, 16 x 5-inch guns, 44 x 40mm guns, 4 x 20mm guns

8. Bismarck (Bismarck)

The Bismarck was the most famous German warship of World War 2, commissioned by the Kriegsmarine in 1940. The Bismarck played a significant role in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, where it sank the HMS Hood.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 42,100 tons
• Length: 794 feet 6 inches
• Beam: 118 feet 1 inch
• Speed: 30 knots
• Armament: 8 x 15-inch guns, 12 x 5.9-inch guns, 16 x 4.1-inch guns, 56 x 37mm guns

9. USS Lexington (CV-2)

The USS Lexington was one of the most iconic American aircraft carriers, commissioned in 1927. The Lexington played a significant role in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where it was sunk by Japanese aircraft.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 36,000 tons
• Length: 888 feet 1 inch
• Beam: 106 feet 1 inch
• Speed: 33 knots
• Armament: 8 x 5-inch guns, 16 x 1.1-inch guns, 24 x 20mm guns

10. IJN Akagi (-)

The IJN Akagi was the flagship of the Japanese Combined Fleet, commissioned in 1927. The Akagi played a significant role in the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway, where it was sunk by American aircraft.

Key Features:

• Displacement: 27,000 tons
• Length: 855 feet 1 inch
• Beam: 103 feet 1 inch
• Speed: 31 knots
• Armament: 10 x 8-inch guns, 12 x 5-inch guns, 20 x 25mm guns

World War 2 Warships Image Gallery

What was the largest battleship ever built?

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The largest battleship ever built was the Yamato, commissioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1942.

Which warship was the most decorated in American history?

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The USS Enterprise was the most decorated warship in American history, earning 20 battle stars for its service in World War 2.

What was the name of the Japanese aircraft carrier that was sunk at the Battle of Midway?

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The IJN Akagi was the Japanese aircraft carrier that was sunk at the Battle of Midway.

The iconic warships of World War 2 played a significant role in shaping the course of history. Each of these warships has its unique story, features, and contributions to the war effort. By exploring these warships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.