5 US Battleships

Introduction to US Battleships

The United States has a long and storied history of naval power, with its battleships playing a significant role in the country’s military dominance. These powerful warships have been a symbol of American strength and have played a crucial part in many conflicts throughout history. In this article, we will explore five of the most notable US battleships, highlighting their history, specifications, and contributions to American naval power.

USS Iowa (BB-61)

The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships, which were commissioned in the 1940s. The USS Iowa was launched in 1942 and went on to serve in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The ship was known for its speed and firepower, with a top speed of over 30 knots and a main armament of nine 16-inch guns. The USS Iowa was also equipped with advanced radar systems and anti-aircraft defenses, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

USS Missouri (BB-63)

The USS Missouri was another Iowa-class battleship that played a significant role in American naval history. The ship was commissioned in 1944 and went on to serve in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. The USS Missouri is perhaps most famous for being the site of the Japanese surrender that ended World War II. The ship was also known for its advanced technology, including guided missile systems and helicopter landing pads.

USS Arizona (BB-39)

The USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that was commissioned in 1915. The ship served in World War I and was later modified to serve as a training ship. The USS Arizona is perhaps most famous for its role in the attack on Pearl Harbor, where it was sunk by Japanese bombers. The ship’s loss was a significant blow to the American navy, but it also served as a rallying cry for the country’s entry into World War II.

USS Texas (BB-35)

The USS Texas was a New York-class battleship that was commissioned in 1914. The ship served in World War I and World War II, and was also used as a training ship and a test bed for new technologies. The USS Texas was known for its durability and longevity, serving for over 30 years before being decommissioned in 1948. Today, the USS Texas is a museum ship and a popular tourist attraction.

USS North Carolina (BB-55)

The USS North Carolina was a North Carolina-class battleship that was commissioned in 1941. The ship served in World War II and was known for its speed and firepower. The USS North Carolina was equipped with nine 16-inch guns and had a top speed of over 28 knots. The ship played a significant role in several naval battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal.

🚢 Note: The USS North Carolina is now a museum ship and is open to the public for tours.

Comparison of US Battleships

Here is a comparison table of the five US battleships mentioned above:

Ship	Class	Commissioned	Decommissioned	Length	Beam	Draft	Speed	Armament
USS Iowa	Iowa-class	1943	1990	887 ft	108 ft	29 ft	30 knots	9 x 16-inch guns
USS Missouri	Iowa-class	1944	1992	887 ft	108 ft	29 ft	30 knots	9 x 16-inch guns
USS Arizona	Pennsylvania-class	1915	1941	608 ft	97 ft	29 ft	21 knots	12 x 14-inch guns
USS Texas	New York-class	1914	1948	573 ft	95 ft	28 ft	21 knots	10 x 14-inch guns
USS North Carolina	North Carolina-class	1941	1947	728 ft	108 ft	30 ft	28 knots	9 x 16-inch guns

In summary, these five US battleships have played a significant role in American naval history, serving in various conflicts and demonstrating the country’s military power. Each ship has its own unique characteristics and contributions, but they all share a common legacy as symbols of American strength and determination.