Naval War #3

USS San Francisco (CA-38).

Identification sheet for the U.S. Navy New Orleans-class heavy cruisers from the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence.

Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12-15 November 1942. USS President Jackson (AP-37) maneuvering under Japanese air attack off Guadalcanal, 12 November 1942. In the center background is smoke from an enemy plane that had just crashed into the after superstructure of USS San Francisco (CA-38), which is steaming away in the right center. Photographed from USS President Adams (AP-38). Note the anti-aircraft shell bursts.

Damage to "Battle II" and "Sky Aft" sections of the U.S. Navy New Orleans-class heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA-38) as a result of actions during the naval Battle of Guadalcanal, on 12 and 13 November 1942. The photo was taken shortly after the battle.

Schonland left, Nimitz center, McCandless right, on board USS San Francisco, December 1942.

USS San Francisco seen here 4 December 1942, arriving back at Pearl Harbor.

USS San Francisco (CA 38) at Pearl Harbor, with her crew manning the rails in "Whites," 4 December 1942. She was en route to the west coast for repair of damage received during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, on 12-13 November 1942.

USS San Francisco (CA 38) steams under the Golden Gate Bridge to enter San Francisco Bay, California, on a foggy day in December 1942. She was en route to the Mare Island Navy Yard for battle damage repairs.

USS San Francisco (CA 38) is seen off San Francisco on 11 December 1942.

USS San Francisco (CA 38) is being assisted to her berth at Mare Island Navy Yard on 14 December 1942.

USS San Francisco (CA 38) at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, for battle damage repairs, 14 December 1942. Circles mark the location of some of the shell hits she received on 13 November 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Medal of Honor recipients Herbert Emery Schonland, Lt. Cdr., USN, and Bruce McCandless, Lt. Cdr., USN, with Navy Cross recipient William W. Wilbourne, Lt. Cdr., USN, Gunnery Officer, on the bridge of the USS San Francisco, 20 December 1942.

Admiral Ernest King, USN, presents the Medal of Honor to Commander McCandless, USN, 12 December 1942.

Commander Bruce McCandless, USN, wearing his Medal of Honor.

Gunfire Damage Diagram of the USS San Francisco (CA 38) during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12-13 November 1942.

Projectile Damage Diagram of the USS San Francisco (CA 38) during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12-13 November 1942.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Hugh W. Hadley (DD-774) after completion in the outer harbor of San Pedro, California (USA), on 11 December 1944. The ship is painted in camouflage Measure 32 Design 25D. Note the Consolidated PBY Catalina in the background.

Commander Baron Joseph Mullaney, USN, Captain of USS Hadley.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Evans (DD-552) in the Gulf of Mexico, 22 December 1943.

Broadside view of the USS Evans (DD-552) showing her battle damage upon arrival at Mare Island on 28 July 1945.

Fires at Cavite Navy Yard, Philippine Islands, resulting from the 10 December 1941 Japanese air raid.

Lieutenant (j.g.) M. M. Champlin, USNR, in 1942, Flag Lieutenant to Rear Admiral Warren Rockwell on Corregidor. Later a judge of California Supreme Bench.

Plate attached to stock of Springfield rifle presented to Champlin by General Wainwright on Bataan.

USS Luzon at Chungking, China. Armament consisted of two 3-in. .50-cal. dual purpose guns and eight .30-cal. Lewis machine guns.

USS Mindanao, arrived at Manila on 10 December 1941 from Hong Kong, capturing twelve Japanese prisoners en route from fishing junk—first POWs of the war. Armament consisted of two 3-in. .50-cal. dual purpose guns and ten Lewis .30-cal. machine guns. On arrival at Manila she received an additional twelve Browning .30-cal. machine guns. Top speed was 16 knots; displacement was 560 tons; 211 feet long, 31 feet wide with a draft of 6.5 feet. Launched in 1928. Sunk by battle damage at Corregidor on 3 May 1942. Sister ship of USS Luzon; slightly larger than USS Oahu which had the same configuration and armament.

Japanese troops entering U.S. Naval Base Mariveles, Bataan, Luzon, Philippines, April 1942.

Aerial view of Mariveles seaplane ramp and quarantine station bordering Mariveles Harbor on the southern end of the Bataan Peninsula, 1941.

USS Alabama shortly after the end of the war. Note the ship's name painted in large-sized letters on her hull, an identification method used for a short time only. Also note her camouflage painting in accordance with Measure 22, the SK-2 radar antenna on her foremast, and the SRa radar on her aft mast. Mk 13 fire control radar is installed both on the forward Mk 38 rangefinder and on the Mk 38 aft.

USS Alabama in March 1945 wearing Measure 22 camouflage (hull blue, superstructure gray) she wore for most of her combat service. Also showing the full array of armament she wore at the end of her World War II service.

Pom-pom guns and mounts under construction at Vickers-Armstrong’s Scotswood Works, Newcastle, in 1942.

Able Seaman R. Allen, on the Hunt III-class destroyer Albrighton, with a 14-round pom-pom belt following an action in which it helped sink two German supply ships and an E-boat near Brittany in April 1943. In 1956, the destroyer was transferred as one of seven frigates to rebuild the German navy.

The port octuple pom-pom gun in action during anti- aircraft training on the battleship Rodney.

Reloading an eight-barrel mount on HMS Howe.

A single 2-pounder pom-pom on the requisitioned paddle steamer Royal Eagle.

PT-77 in the Sinclair Inlet off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington in 1944. She would serve with Ron 13.

USS Duluth, October 1944.

The devastated remains of the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Shaw following the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

Responsible masculinity was also a common theme during the Second World War. This illustration of a sailor preventing his friend from pursuing a buxom blonde woman in the background deals with a serious issue in a humorous though chauvinistic manner. Contrasting the image of the woman as sexual temptress with the image of the masculine but moral soldier, the message avoids overtly addressing his sexual behavior by suggesting that, "A sailor doesn't have to prove he's a man!" The urban setting suggests this poster addresses concerns about wayward sailors during shore leave. The poster carries an additional message that, "There's no medicine for regret," which suggests that, while the venereal disease could be effectively treated, the feeling of regret for reckless behavior could not be easily alleviated.

A massive cloud of smoke billows from the U.S. oil tanker SS Dixie Arrow after being struck by three U-boat torpedoes off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, on 26 March 1942. She had been carrying some 96,000 barrels of crude oil.

The SS Harry F. Sinclair erupts in flames after being torpedoed by U-203 south of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, on 11 April 1942. Although the ship was not sunk, her casualties were heavy.

Most of her bow severed by a Japanese torpedo, the USS Selfridge (DD-357) was able to return to the fight nine months later—thanks to a network of expeditionary battle damage repair assets.

U.S. and British warships in Sagami Bay, Japan, in the final days of World War II.

Convoy duty is unglamorous, dangerous, and hard, but it is one way to prevent an adversary from deranging your own trade, as well as that of allies and neutrals. Here, World War II Liberty ships are seen in convoy from an escort.

The USS Martin H. Ray (DE-338) on convoy duty in the North Atlantic sometime in 1944 or 1945.

War Plan Orange was part of a long Navy tradition of conceptualizing followed by practice. Here in February 1929, participating elements of the U.S. fleet anchor in Panama Bay after the annual fleet problem.

USS Altamaha leaves San Francisco, 16 July 1943, with her decks crammed with P-51 Mustangs and a lone SOC Seagull.

Altamaha (CVE-18) underway 16 July 1943. The ship was commissioned 15 September 1942. Note the deck cargo of P-51 Mustang fighters and the carrier's windbreak erected at the forward edge of the flight deck.

Port aerial view of Altamaha (CVE-18) employed as an aircraft transport, 30 November 1943. The flight deck is loaded with P-47 fighters, which will be assembled when off loaded.

Fleet tugboat USS Zuni (ATF-95) stranded on Yellow Beach, Iwo Jima, 23 March 1945 while attempting to assist USS LST-944 in beaching.

LSTs unloading. The LSTs were only transporting the barrage balloons for use on the invasion beaches. The balloons were not used by the ships for defensive purposes. At the height the balloons are at they were ineffective against attacking enemy aircraft. Deploying them at the higher effective altitudes required for such a purpose would put too much strain on the cables due to the movement of the vessel on the water, causing the cables to break.

USS Skate SS-305.

Crewmen raise their battle flag and Japanese flags, which signify merchant or warships sunk, from the periscope and radar masts of the Batfish (SS-310) as she returns to her base after a war patrol in the Pacific in May 1945.

USS Barb.

CDR Gene Fluckey, USN, commanding officer, USS Barb.

Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal, second from left, has just placed the Medal of Honor around the neck of Commander Eugene B. Fluckey, USN, as his wife assists.

Commander Richard O’Kane, commanding officer of the submarine Tang.

Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood. He was Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.

Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, after receiving the Legion of Merit on 25 February 1944.

US submarine.

American sailors and officers run drills in this submarine off the coast of North Carolina in preparation for combat in the Pacific.

US Navy Submarine Service recruiting poster.

A Coast Guard cutter dumps a depth charge near a disabled German submarine off the coast of New Jersey in the summer of 1942. Crewman mans a Lewis gun waiting for the sub to surface.

Tanker SS R.P. Resor in Neutrality markings.

Burning tanker SS R.P. Resor off the coast of New Jersey, United States after being torpedoed by German submarine U-578. Resor burned for 46 hours after being torpedoed before grounding off Barnegat Light.

A tanker burns at sea. While most of the merchant ships lost in the Atlantic during the dark days of 1942 and 1943 were lost as a result of enemy action, some were the victims of accident and shipwreck. Sailing in convoy, blacked out, was difficult to say the least. Here the oil tanker Montana burns at sea after colliding with the freighter John Morgan, 1 June 1943, about twenty miles off Cape Henry, Virginia. The fire was put out and the tanker returned to port for repairs. When casualties occurred further from shore the results were not always so fortuitous. After colliding with the tanker SS Montana off Cape Henry on the coast of Virginia, John Morgan broke in two and sank immediately, but started fires aboard Montana. USS Shubrick, engaged in gunnery practice in Chesapeake Bay, was sent to investigate. She sent a party aboard Montana to assist in extinguishing the fires, but recalled them after discovering that Montana was also carrying ammunition. Soon afterwards Herndon and Nelson arrived, and circled the area looking for survivors, but recovered only 12 bodies.

Allied convoy as seen from an American vessel.

USS Erie underway in May 1940.

World War II U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Dolphin Enlisted Man Badge (obverse).

World War II U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Dolphin Enlisted Man Badge (reverse).

World War II U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Dolphin Enlisted Man Badge (obverse).

World War II U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Dolphin Enlisted Man Badge (reverse).

World War II U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Dolphin Enlisted Man Badge (reverse) with pin device.

World War II U.S. Navy Submarine Dolphin Warfare Officer Badge. The Submarine Combat Patrol insignia is a breast insignia worn by Navy personnel who have completed war patrols. Such patrols were conducted during World War II and this insignia has not been awarded since that time. Variations exist, including unofficial versions.

USS Triton (SS-201), 1940.

The U.S. Navy heavy cruiser Chester (CA-27) being towed away from the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania, on her way to be scrapped, circa 1959.

USS Chicago (CA-29) underway off New York City, during the 31 May 1934 fleet review.

USS Chicago in Brisbane, March 1941. Chicago, Northampton-class heavy cruiser on a goodwill visit to Brisbane by the U.S. Navy in 1941. This was the first visit of an American Naval Squadron to Brisbane during World War II. This was prior to the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

USS Cincinnati (CL-6) in New York Harbor, 22 March 1944.

Navy light cruiser USS Concord (CL-10) off Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, on 6 January 1943. Concord was assigned to the Southeast Pacific Force, escorted convoys, exercised in the Canal Zone, and cruised along the coast of South America and to the islands of the southeast Pacific, serving from time to time as flagship of her force.

USS Denver (CL-58) in a South Pacific harbor, 1943.

USS Denver, 1943. Taken at the same time as the previous photo.

USS Detroit (CL-8) off Port Angeles, Washington, on 14 April 1944. Her camouflage is Measure 33 Design 3d.

USS Houston (CA-30) ca. 1930.

Captain Albert H. Rooks, USN, Commanding Officer, Houston, photographed circa 1940-1941.

USS Louisville (CA-28) off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 17 December 1943. Her camouflage scheme is probably Measure 32, Design 6d.

USS Louisville (CA-28), early 1930s.

USS Louisville (CA-28), 2 February 1938.

The U.S. Navy heavy cruiser Louisville (CA-28) steams out of Kulak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, bound for operations against Attu, 25 April 1943. The photograph looks toward Sweepers Cove.

The U.S. Navy heavy cruiser Louisville (CA-28) is hit by a kamikaze in Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, 6 January 1945.

The U.S. Navy light cruiser Marblehead (CL-12) underway in San Diego harbor, California, 10 January 1935.

USS Idaho fires the 14-inch/50 guns of Turret Three at nearly point-blank range, during the bombardment of Okinawa, 1 April 1945. Photographed from West Virginia (BB-48).

Enterprise underway toward Panama Canal, 10 October 1945.

USS Halligan (DD-584) slides down the ways at the Boston Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts, 19 March 1943.

USS Halligan refueling from the USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) on March 1, 1945. The official caption of this photo wrongly identifies this as USS Newcomb (DD-586). Compare details, such as the stains on the haze gray panel below the whaleboat, in this photo with the earlier view.

USS Halligan (DD-584) pulling away after delivering mail to USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83) on 1 March 1945, during the Iwo Jima Operation. Photographer: PH3 John M. Andrews. Halligan is painted in Camouflage Measure 32, Design 1D.

USS Wolverine at anchor in Lake Michigan in 1943.

Intrepid (CV-11) off Newport News, Virginia, on 16 August 1943, the day she went into commission.

The keel of the Kentucky is seen being laid on 7 March 1942 at Norfolk Navy Yard. Work progressed until June 1942, when the completed section that would be the base for the machinery spaces was launched to clear the shipway for higher priority construction. This section remained at a nearby dock until work resumed over two years later.

Bottom structure is prepared for launching, at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, 10 June 1942. It was launched to clear the shipway for landing ship tank (LST) construction. Work was not resumed on Kentucky's hull for nearly thirty more months.

11 January 1945 photo of the Kentucky's construction showing a section of the triple bottom. The foundations are for boilers Nos. 5 and 6 in No. 3 boiler room and the bulkhead is located at frame 119.

The Kentucky on 11 June 1945. The carrier fitting out in the background is the Lake Champlain (CV-39).

4 July 1945 photo of the installation of the lower armor belt on the Kentucky. The pin brackets used to attach the upper belt to the lower belt are evident. While the first four ships of the class were completed with their upper and lower armored belts secured by key ways, the Illinois (BB-65) and Kentucky were designed with a pin securing arrangement.

4 July 1945 photo of the installation of the lower armor belt on the Kentucky. The pin brackets used to attach the upper belt to the lower belt are evident. While the first four ships of the class were completed with their upper and lower belts secured by key ways, the Illinois (BB-65) and Kentucky were designed with a pin. The 19 degree slope of the armor can be easily seen here.

7 September 1945 photo of the Kentucky's construction showing the torpedo defense system, as seen looking towards the bow. The lower armor belt has been installed to the No. 1 turret area of the ship, and forms Torpedo Bulkhead No. 3. Torpedo Bulkhead No. 2 is seen further aft (towards the camera) along with the framing supports for Torpedo Bulkhead No. 1.

7 September 1945 photo of the Kentucky's construction showing the 3 inch STS plate for Turret No. 2 lower barbette being fitted to the third deck.

22 October 1945 photo of the Kentucky's forward turrets showing the lower armor belt installed between them. Both barbettes appear to be mostly complete, awaiting the lower roller track and training rack installation while work is progressing on the main armor deck supports at this area of the ship.

4 February 1946 photo of the Kentucky as seen from the bow looking towards the stern. The twin rudder stock housings are easily seen in the foreground along with the port side lower armor belt and the aft torpedo defense system framing.

4 February 1946 photo of the Kentucky's construction looking aft from the bow area of the ship. The forward armor bulkhead is easily visible and consists of five pieces of armor attached to a lower sixth, not visible, horizontal piece. This bulkhead tapers from 14.5 inches thick at the top to 11.7 inches thick at the bottom. The first two ships of the class, Iowa (BB-61) and New Jersey (BB-62), had a thinner bulkhead here, tapering from 11.3 inches to 8.5. inches. Treaty restrictions were responsible for this difference and the armor had already been ordered for the two lead ships when these restrictions were lifted. The original, thinner armor provided only marginal protection at expected battle ranges and then only for oblique, not straight on shell hits.

Kentucky under construction at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia. Photograph was released for publication in February 1946.

The Kentucky's construction as seen on 26 March 1946 looking aft from the forward area of the ship. The lower belt is complete to the forward armor bulkhead and can be distinguished by the holes for the upper armored belt alignment pins.

The Kentucky's construction as seen on 26 March 1946 looking forward from the stern area of the ship. The after portion of the torpedo defense system can be seen here and the lower armor belt has been completed to the after armor bulkhead, just aft of Turret No. 3.

Kentucky under construction at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, 11 September 1946. Her construction was suspended five months later, on 17 February 1947.

The Kentucky's twin skegs as seen on 16 January 1950 just prior to her launching. The skeg mounted inner shaft tubes and the rudder posts are seen in this photo.

Kentucky is moved from her building dock at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, circa 20 January 1950. The ship, completed only up to her second deck, was launched to clear the dry dock, so that Missouri (BB-63) could undergo repairs there following her 17 January 1950 grounding. Note that Kentucky upper bow section is stowed on her deck, immediately in front of her forward barbette.

Kentucky is moved from her building dock at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, circa 20 January 1950. The ship, completed only up to her second deck, was launched to clear the dry dock, so that Missouri (BB-63) could undergo repairs for damage received when she went aground on 17 January 1950.

Ship's bow being transported on a large crane barge from Newport News, Virginia, to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, circa May-June 1956. It was used to repair Wisconsin (BB-64), which had been damaged in a collision on 6 May 1956. Tug closest to camera is Alamingo (YTB-227). Tug on other side of barge is Apohola (YTB-502).

Moored at Norfolk Navy Yard on 24 October 1956, the Kentucky is shown 72% complete and finished up to her second deck. She is missing her bow which was used to repair the Wisconsin (BB-64) after her 6 May 1955 collision with the Eaton (DD-510). The salvaged parts of the Wisconsin's bow and unused 5"/38 caliber gun mounts are stored on her deck.

The Kentucky was considered for a number of conversions including an anti-aircraft battleship and a guided missile battleship. She was finally declared surplus and struck from the Navy List on 9 June 1958. She is docking here at Norfolk Navy Yard on 16 July 1958 for removal of her engines prior to scrapping. The upper portion of her bow is forward of No. 1 barbette and the undamaged portion of the Wisconsin's (BB-64) bow is just aft. Note the gunhouses for her entire secondary battery stored on her deck.

Kentucky being moved for removal of her engines prior to scrapping in July 1958.

Kentucky being towed to the Boston Metals Company, Baltimore, Maryland, for scrapping, 31 October 1958. Note bow sections and 5"/38 gun shields on her deck.

Lexington CV-16 photographed from the light carrier USS Cowpens (CVL-25) during raids in the Marshalls and Gilberts Islands, November-December 1943. She is painted in camouflage Measure 21.

Lexington underway during the Gilberts operation, as seen from Monterey (CVL-26), November-December 1943.

Lexington after the repair of the torpedo damage sustained on 4 December 1943. The photo was probably taken on the day of the completion of her repairs, on 20 February 1944.

Launch of the Lexington at the Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, Massachusetts, on 23 September 1942. The carrier was commissioned on 17 February 1943.

A Mitsubishi Ki-51 “Sonia” closing in for a kamikaze strike on the USS Columbia (CL-56) on 27 March 1945. U.S. observers easily mistook Sonias for the more familiar Vals. 

USS Roper, August 5, 1943. 

USS Antietam (CV-36) underway off Philadelphia Navy Yard, 2 March 1945.

Troop transport USAT Acadia (pictured on May 29, 1942. Acadia was originally built as the steamship SS Acadia by the Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia—the vessel was launched on February 13th, 1932. During Acadia's civilian career, the ship was operated by Eastern Steamship Lines (1932- ~1940) and the Alcoa Steamship Company (1941). From 1941, the vessel was handed back and forth between the two companies with occasional voyages for other services until October 1942 (running VIP transports, special passengers, etc., alongside the usual civilian customers). On the 16th, the ship was acquired by the U.S. War Department and designated "USAT Acadia" for troop transport duties. Come June 5th, 1943, Acadia was converted into a military hospital ship with the "USAHS" designation and served in that role until February 1946. After World War II, the vessel was returned to the (now) Eastern Steamship Company where it carried out civilian operations until being sold to a Belgian location in May 1955. The ultimate fate of the vessel is unknown.

Gunboat USS Vixen (PG-53) pictured during the 1940s. Vixen was originally built as the German yacht Orion in 1929 (Krupp). The U.S. Navy received the ship on November 13, 1940.

American gunboat and former yacht USS Nourmahal (PG 72) at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, sometime between April and December 1943.

Patrol yacht USS Argus (PY-14). Argus originally started out as the American yacht Haida, built in Germany by Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft in 1929. The vessel was under the ownership of yeast manufacturer Charles Fleischmann. In October of 1940, Haida was transferred to the U.S. Navy and renamed USS Argus. The ship was used for patrolling the U.S. West Coast, primarily in the waters around San Francisco, CA. Briefly in 1941/42, Argus was transferred to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey as USC&GS Pioneer. After a short career of survey work, the yacht was returned to the U.S. Navy as Argus and would operate until 1946. During this time, the vessel would help pick up merchant sailors torpedoed by Japanese submarines and also perform meteorological duties. After 1946, Argus returned to civilian yacht duties and would pass from a number of different hands. The ship was renamed quite a few times, but is currently named "Haida 1929". The yacht continues to run today, and is based in England.

Liberty ship USS Crater (AK-70).

On 26 March 1945 Halligan was headed south from Okinawa for independent patrol when she stuck a mine which detonated beneath her forward magazines. PC-1128 and LSMR-94 took aboard the survivors. Halligan then drifted for 12 miles before piling up on a reef off Tokashiki Island. This is an aerial view as she rests on the reef.

A close-up of the destruction to the forward section of the Halligan.

Taken by a member of the inspection party that visited destroyer USS Halligan’s wreck on 28 March 1945, this photo shows the ship down by the bow, the surf breaking over the main deck on the port side, while very little forward of the No. 2 stack (her steaming colors hang limply from the gaff) resembled what had once been a trim destroyer. Note the conical shield for the No.2 torpedo tube has been smashed flat, and that evidently human remains are still on board, as a man’s arm lies over the deck edge near Mount 53, clenched fist clearly visible.

USS Halligan (DD-584): Crew inspecting damage, March 26, 1945.

USS Halligan (DD-584): Only a portion of the stern visible, March 26, 1945.

Stern of USS Halligan (DD-584) visible, with the bow submerged, is aground off Tokashiki Island, Near Okinawa, 26 March 1945. She had been wrecked about twelve miles away on the same day, and drifted ashore after being abandoned. Photograph by USS Rowe (DD-564) according to original caption.

USS Halligan (DD-584).

As the inspection party pulls away from Halligan’s torn and battered wreck (the hole at the fantail from a Japanese shore battery shell), their faces seem to reflect the devastation that they had just seen.

USS Suwanee (CVE-27) after having a kamikaze dive through her flight deck, October 25, 1944. She was back conducting flight operations in two hours but another kamikaze hit the next day forced her out of action for repairs.

USS Langley in heavy seas in the South China Sea in the morning of 13 January 1945. Note the trailing USS Washington riding the storm much better.

Crewmen picking their way along the sloping flight deck of the aircraft carrier Yorktown as the ship listed, head for damaged sections to see if they can patch up the crippled ship. Later, they had to abandon the carrier and two strikes from a Japanese submarine's torpedoes sent the ship down to the sea floor after the battle of Midway. June 1942.

A model of the Montana class showing general appearance only. Note the unique and rather strange shape of the radar antenna, the four 16-inch gun turrets, and the single catapult to starboard. The midship section resembles that of the Iowa class.

An artist's impression of the Montana class battleships  (BB-67 thru BB-71) showing their likely appearance had they been completed before the end of the war. These ships were cancelled on 21 July 1943.

New Hampshire, starboard broadside view of the ship model photographed at the New York Navy Yard, 26 November 1941. Ships planned for construction to this design were: Montana (BB-67), Ohio (BB-68), Maine (BB-69), New Hampshire (BB-70), Louisiana (BB-71).

Montana class (BB-67/71) battleship model photographed at the New York Navy Yard, 26 November 1941. It represents the ship with details somewhat changed from the preliminary design. Note rough finish of this model.

Montana class (BB-67/71) battleship model photographed at the New York Navy Yard, 26 November 1941. It represents the ship with details somewhat changed from the preliminary design. Note rough finish of this model.

Montana class (BB-67/71) model. Large official model of this abortive class of battleship, photographed at the New York Navy Yard, 7 October 1944. Construction of the five ships of the class had been cancelled in July 1943.

Battleship Study, BB 65 - Scheme 1 and BB 61-64 (Inclusive). Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board comparing the outboard profile (including superstructure) of the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) battleships with the hull profile of the Montana class (BB-67 / 71). This plan is dated 9 July 1940 and shows the Iowa class (BB-61 / 66) outboard profile in solid lines and the hull of the in Montana class (BB-67 / 71) dashed lines. At the time, the Montana class (BB-67 / 71) was planned to begin with hull number BB-65, rather than BB-67 as it became after two more Iowa's were ordered as BB-65 and BB-66. Scale of the original drawings is 1/32" = 1'.

Battleship Design Study, BB-65 - Scheme 3. Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board as part of the process leading to the Montana class (BB-67 / 71) battleship design. This plan, dated 6 February 1940, is for a ship of 52,500 tons standard displacement and 64,500 ton trial displacement, with a main battery of twelve 16"/50 guns, a secondary battery of twenty 5"/38 guns and a 130,000 horsepower powerplant for a speed of 28 knots. Ship's dimensions are: waterline length 860'; waterline beam 114'; draft 36'. Scale of the original drawing is 1/32" = 1'. Port side 5" gun arrangement is labeled "previous secondary battery arrangement". Starboard side has a "proposed secondary battery arrangement."

Battleship Design Study, BB-65 - Scheme 4. Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board as part of the process leading to the Montana class (BB-67 / 71) battleship design. This plan, dated 14 February 1940, is for a ship of 54,500 tons standard displacement and 64,500 tons trial displacement, with a main battery of twelve 16"/50 guns, a secondary battery of twenty 5"/54 guns and a 150,000 horsepower powerplant for a speed of 28 knots. Ship's dimensions are: waterline length 870'; waterline beam 114'; draft 36'. Scale of the original drawing is 1/32" = 1'. Port side 5" gun arrangement is labeled "previous secondary battery arrangement". Starboard side has a "proposed secondary battery arrangement.

Battleship Design Study, BB-65 - Scheme 8. Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board as part of the process leading to the Montana class (BB-67 / 71) battleship design. This plan, dated 15 March 1940, is for a ship of 70,000 tons standard displacement and 82,000 ton trial displacement, with a main battery of twelve 16"/50 guns, a secondary battery of twenty 5"/54 guns and a 320,000 horsepower powerplant for a speed of 33 knots. Ship's dimensions are: waterline length 1050'; waterline beam 120'; draft 35'. Scale of the original drawing is 1/32" = 1'. Port side 5" gun arrangement is labeled "previous secondary battery arrangement". Starboard side has a "proposed secondary battery arrangement."

Montana class (BB-67 / 71) inboard profile as designed, 1941. Note the navigational range-finders atop turret No.3 and the bridge. The dashed lines indicate radar antennas as then planned.

Montana class battleship.