5 American Battleships

Introduction to American Battleships

The United States has a rich history of building and deploying powerful battleships that have played significant roles in various conflicts around the world. These battleships were designed to be the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s fleet, providing heavy gunfire support and serving as a symbol of American military power. In this article, we will explore five notable American battleships, their histories, and the impact they had on the world.

1. USS Iowa (BB-61)

The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa class of battleships, which was the largest class of battleships ever built. Commissioned in 1943, the USS Iowa served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It was known for its impressive firepower, with nine 16-inch guns and twenty 5-inch guns. The USS Iowa also had the distinction of being the ship that hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt on his way to the Tehran Conference in 1943.

2. USS Missouri (BB-63)

The USS Missouri was another Iowa-class battleship that played a significant role in American history. It was the site of the Japanese surrender that ended World War II, with the formal ceremony taking place on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri also served in the Korean War and the Gulf War, earning a total of 11 battle stars for its service. It is now a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, serving as a reminder of American military history.

3. USS Arizona (BB-39)

The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was commissioned in 1915. It served in World War I and was rebuilt in the 1920s to increase its firepower. The USS Arizona is most famous for its role in the attack on Pearl Harbor, where it was sunk by Japanese bombers on December 7, 1941. The sinking of the USS Arizona resulted in the loss of 1,177 lives, making it one of the deadliest attacks on an American warship in history.

4. USS Texas (BB-35)

The USS Texas was a New York-class battleship that was commissioned in 1914. It served in both World War I and World War II, earning a total of 5 battle stars for its service. The USS Texas is notable for being the first battleship to launch an aircraft, with a biplane taking off from its deck in 1919. It is now a museum ship in La Porte, Texas, serving as a reminder of American naval history.

5. USS New Jersey (BB-62)

The USS New Jersey was an Iowa-class battleship that was commissioned in 1943. It served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning a total of 19 battle stars for its service. The USS New Jersey was known for its heavy gunfire support, with its 16-inch guns providing support for ground troops in several conflicts. It is now a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey, serving as a reminder of American military power.

🚢 Note: These battleships played significant roles in American history, and their legacy continues to be felt today.

In summary, these five American battleships have played important roles in shaping the country’s history and military power. From the USS Iowa’s impressive firepower to the USS Missouri’s role in the Japanese surrender, each of these battleships has a unique story to tell. By examining their histories and impact, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these powerful warships and their continued relevance in modern times.