From: DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL FIGHTING SHIPS, VOL. I, 1959,
1964, Navy Department, Office of the Cheif of Naval Operations,
Naval History Division, Washington, DC. pp 189-199.
This file contains information on U.S. battleships including
specification as of commissioning.
Act of 3 August 1886:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed, ...
"Two sea-going double-bottomed armored vessels of about six
thousand tons displacement, designed for a speed of at least
sixteen knots an hour, with engines having all necessary
appliances for working under forced draught, and costing,
including engines and machinery and excluding armament, not more
than two million five hundred thousand dollars each. Said
vessels shall have each a complete torpedo outfit and be armed
in the most effective manner.
- - - - - -
"... The vessels hereinbefore authorized to be constructed shall
be built of steel of domestic manufacture, ... :
- - - - - -
"... The armor used in constructing said armored vessels ...
shall be of the best obtainable quality and of domestic
manufacture, provided contracts for furnishing the same in a
reasonable time, at a reasonable price, and of the required
quality can be made with responsible parties...
"... The secretary of the Navy shall cause one or more of the
new vessels hereinbefore provided for to be constructed ... In
one or more of the navy-yards of the United States; ....
"... The engines, boilers, and machinery of all the new vessels
provided for by this act shall be of domestic manufacture ...
unless the Secretary of the Navy shall be unable to obtain the
same at fair prices, in which case he may construct the same,
.. in the navy-yards of the United States: ...."
TEXAS Second-Class Battleship
Built at Norfolk Nary Yard, Portsmouth, Va.,
Keel laid 6/1/89, Commissioned 8/15/96
Capt. H. Glass commanding
Length Overall: 308'10 "
Extreme Beam: 64'1"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 6,315; Mean Draft: 22'6 "
Designed Complement: Off.: 30; Enl.: 362
Armament:
Main:
(2) 12"/35
(6) 6"/40
Secondary:
(12) 6 pdr.
(6) 1 pdr.
(4) 37 mm.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 14" surface
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 17
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 8600
Engines: Manufacturer: Richmond Loco. Wks.;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp, Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Richmond Loco. Wks.;
Type: FT:
No: 4
Fuel (coal): Tons: 850
MAINE 2nd-Class Battleship (ex ACR1)
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 10/17/88, Commissioned 9/17/95
Capt. A. B. Crowninshield commanding
Length Overall: 319'
Extreme Beam: 57'
Normal Displacement: Tons: 6,682; Mean Draft: 21'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 31; Enl.: 343
Armament:
Main:
(4) 10"/35
(6) 6"/40
Secondary:
(7) 6 pdr.
(8) 1 pdr.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 14" surface
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed : 17
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 9,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Quintard I. W.;
Type: Vert. 3- Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Quintard I. W.;
Type: FT;
No.: 4
Fuel (coal): Tons: 896
- - - - - -
Act of 30 June 1890:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract three seagoing coast-line battle ships designed to
carry the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance upon a
displacement of about eight thousand five hundred tons, with a
coal endurance of about five thousand knots on the total coal
capacity at the most economical rate of speed, and to have the
highest practicable speed for vessels of their class, to cost,
exclusive of armament ... not exceeding four million dollars
each; ... In all their parts said vessels shall be of domestic
manufacture. ... Such provisions for minimum speed and ...
penalties for deficient speed may be made subject to the terms
of this bill, as in the discretion of the Secretary of the Navy
may be deemed advisable. ... One of such vessels shall be built
on or near the coast of the Pacific Ocean ... one of them on or
near the Gulf of Mexico. ... Provided, That if it shall appear
.. that said vessels cannot be constructed at a fair cost on or
near the coast of the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, he
shall authorize the construction of said vessels, or either of
them, elsewhere in the United States ; ...."
BB 1 INDIANA
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 5/7/91, Commissioned 11/20/95
Capt. R. D. Evans commanding
BB 2 MASSACHUSETTS
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 6/25/91, Commissioned 6/10/96
Capt. F. Rodgers commanding
BB 3 OREGON
Built at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Calif.
Keel laid 11/19/91, Commissioned 7/15/96
Capt. H. L. Howison commanding
BB 1-3
Length Overall: 350'11" (BB 1-2);
351'2" (BB 3)
Extreme Beam: 69'3 "
Normal Displacement: Tons: 10,288; Mean Draft: 24'
Designed Complement: Off.: 32; Enl.: 441
Armament:
Main :
(4) 13"/35
(8) 8"/35
(4) 6"/40
Secondary:
(20) 6 pdr.
(6) 1 pdr.
Torpedo Tubes: (6) 18" Surface
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 15
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 9000
Engines: Manufacturer: Cramp (BB 1-2) ;
Union (BB 3) ;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Cramp (BB 1-2) ;
Union (BB 3) ;
Type: FT;
No.: 6
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1660
- - - - - -
Act of 19 July 1892:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed, ...
"... One sea-going coast-line battle ship, designed to carry the
heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance, with a displacement
of about nine thousand tons, to have the highest practicable
speed for vessels of its class, and to cost, exclusive of
armament and of any premiums that may be paid for increased
speed, not exceeding four million dollars...."
BB 4 IOWA (Originally seagoing coastline battleship 1.)
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 8/5/93, Commissioned 6/16/97
Capt. W. T. Sampson commanding
BB 4
Length Overall: 362'5"
Extreme Beam: 72'3 "
Normal Displacement: Tons: 11,410; Mean Draft: 24'
Designed Complement: Off.: 36; Enl.: 450
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/35
(8) 8"/35
(6) 4"/40
Secondary:
(20) 6 pdr.
(4) 1 pdr.
(4) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 14" surface
Armor: Max. Thickness: 15"
Designed Speed: 16
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 11,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Cramp;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Cramp;
Type: FT;
No.: 5
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1795
- - - - - -
Act of 2 March 1895:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract two seagoing coast-line battle ships designed to carry
the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance upon a
displacement of about ten thousand tons, to have the highest
practicable speed for vessels of their class, and to cost,
exclusive of armament, not exceeding four million dollars each ;
.. One seagoing battle ship ... shall be built on or near the
coast of the Pacific Ocean, ... Premiums, ... are not to be
offered, In all their parts said vessels shall be of domestic
manufacture: Provided, ... that [If] the said ... battle ships
can not be constructed at a fair cost at the places fixed ... he
may authorize the construction of ...the battleship ...
elsewhere in the United States, ...One of said battle ships
shall be named Kearsarge... ."
BB 5 KEARSARGE
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 6/30/96, Commissioned 2/20/00
Capt. W, M. Folger commanding
BB 6 KENTUCKY
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 6/30/96, Commissioned 5/15/00
Capt. C. H. Chester commanding
BB 5-6
Length Overall: 375'4 "
Extreme Beam: 72'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 11,540; Mean Draft: 23'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 40; Enl.: 518 (BB 5), 514 (BB 6)
Armament:
Main:
(4) 13"/35
(4) 8"/35
(14) 5"/40
Secondary:
(20) 6 pdr.
(8) 1 pdr.
(4) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 18" surface
Armor: Max. Thickness: 17"
Designed Speed: 16
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 10,000
Engines: Manufacturer: NN;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: NN;
Type: FT;
No.: 5
Fuel (coal) : Tons : 1591
- - - - - -
Act of 10 June 1896:
"... . The President is hereby authorized to have constructed
by contract three seagoing coast-line battle ships designed to
carry the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance upon a
displacement of about eleven thousand tons, to have the highest
practicable speed for vessels of their class, and to cost,
exclusive of armament, not exceeding three million seven hundred
and fifty thousand dollars each; ... Not more than two of said
battle ships ... shall be built in one yard or by one
contracting party, ... Premiums ... are not to be offered, In
all their parts said vessels shall be of domestic manufacture;
.. Not more than one seagoing battle ship shall be built on or
near the coast of the Pacific Ocean... "
BB 7 ILLINOIS
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 2/10/97, Commissioned 9/16/01
Capt. G. A. Converse commanding
BB 8 ALABAMA
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 12/2/96, Commissioned 10/16/00
Capt. W. H. Brownson commanding
BB 9 WISCONSIN
Built at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Calif.
Keel laid 2/9/97, Commissioned 2/4/01
Capt. G. C. Reiter commanding
BB 7-8
Length Overall: 375'4" (BB 7);
374' (BB 8);
373'10" (BB 8)
Extreme Beam: 72'3 "
Normal Displacement: Tons: 11,565 (BB 7-8);
11,653 (BB 9);
Mean Draft: 23'6" (BB 7-8);
23'8" (BB 9)
Designed Complement: Off.: 40 (BB 7-8);
35 (BB 9);
Enl.: 496
Armament:
Main :
(4) 13"/35
(14) 6"/40
Secondary:
(16) 6 pdr.
(6) 1 pdr.
(4) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 18" surface
Armor: Max. Thickness: 16.5"
Designed Speed: 16
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 10,000
Engines: Manufacturer: NN (BB 7);
Cramp (BB 8);
Union (BB 8);
Type: Vert. 3 Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: NN (BB 7);
Cramp (BB 8);
Union (BB 9);
Type: FT;
No.: 8
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1400 (BB 7);
1355 (BB 8);
1310 (BB 9)
- - - - - -
Act of 4 March 1898:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract three seagoing coast-line battle ships carrying the
heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance upon a displacement of
about eleven thousand tons, to have the highest practicable
speed for vessels of their class, and to cost, exclusive of
armor and armament, not exceeding three million dollars each,
one of said battle ships to be named the Maine.... Not more than
two of said battle ships, ... shall be built in one yard or by
one contracting party,... In all their parts said vessels shall
be of domestic manufacture ... One ... of the aforesaid seagoing
battle ships, ... shall be built on or near the coast of the
Pacific Ocean.... "
BB 10 MAINE
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 2/15/99, Commissioned 12/29/02
Capt. E. H. C. Leutze commanding
BB 11 MISSOURI
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 2/7/00, Commissioned 12/1/03
Capt. W. S. Cowles commanding
BB 12 OHIO
Built at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Calif.
Keel laid 4/22/99, Commissioned 10/4/04
Capt. L. C. Logan commanding
BB 10-12
Length Overall: 393'11" (BB 10-11);
393'10" (BB 12)
Extreme Beam: 72'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 12,846 (BB 10);
12,362 (BB 11);
12,723 (BB 12);
Mean Draft: 24'4" (BB 10);
23'9" (BB 11);
23'10" (BB 12)
Designed Complement: Off.: 40; Enl.: 521
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/45
(16) 6"/50
Secondary:
(6) 3"/50 (6) 1 pdr.
(8) 3 pdr. (2) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 18" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 18
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 16,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Cramp (BB 10);
NN (BB 11);
Union (BB 12);
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Niclausse (BB 10);
Thornycraft (NN) (BB 11);
Thornycraft (Union) (BB 12);
Type: FT; NO.: 24 (BB 10);
12 (BB 11-12)
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1867 (BB 10);
1837 (BB 11);
2150 (BB 12)
- - - - - -
Act of 3 March 1899:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract three seagoing coast line battle ships, carrying the
heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance for vessels of their
class upon a trial displacement of about thirteen thousand five
hundred tons, to be sheathed and coppered, and to have the
highest practicable speed and great radius of action, and to
cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not exceeding three
million six hundred thousand dollars each; ... Not more than two
of the seagoing battle ships ... herein provided for shall be
built in one yard or by one contracting party; ... One of the
aforesaid seagoing battle ships, ... shall be built on or near
the coast of the Pacific Ocean...."
BB 13 VIRGINIA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 5/21/02, Commissioned 5/7/06
Capt. S. Schroeder commanding
BB 14 NEBRASKA (ex PENNSYLVANIA)
Built at The Moran Co., Seattle, Wash.
Keel laid 7/4/02, Commissioned 7/1/07
Capt. R. F. Nicholson commanding
BB 15 GEORGIA
Built at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine
Keel laid 8/31/01, Commissioned 9/24/06
Capt. R. G. Davenport commanding
BB 13-15
Length Overall: 441'3 "
Extreme Beam: 76'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 14,948; Mean Draft: 23'9"
Designed Complement: Off.: 40; Enl.: 772
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/40
(8) 8"/45
(12) 6"/50
Secondary:
(12) 3"/50
(12) 3 pdr.
(8) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 19
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 19,000
Engines: Manufacturer: NN (BB 19);
Moran (BB 14);
Bath (BB 15);
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Niclausse (BB 13, 15);
BW (BB 14)
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1900 (BB 19);
1700 (BB 14);
1925 (BB l5)
- - - - - -
Act of 7 June 1900:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract two seagoing battle ships, carrying the heaviest armor
and most powerful ordnance for vessels of their class, upon a
trial displacement of about thirteen thousand five hundred tons,
and to have the highest practicable speed and great radius of
action, and to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not
exceeding three million six hundred thousand dollars each; ...
Not more than two of the vessels herein provided for shall be
built in one yard or by one contracting party; ... Not more than
two of the aforesaid vessels shall be built on or near the coast
of the Pacific Ocean, ...."
BB 16 NEW JERSEY
Built at Fore River SB Co., Quincy, Mass.
Keel laid 4/2/02; Commissioned 5/12/06
Capt. W. W. Kimball commanding
BB 17 RHODE ISLAND
Built at Fore River SB Co., Quincy, Mass.
Keel laid 5/1/02; Commissioned 2/19/06
Capt. P. Garst commanding
BB 16-17
Length Overall: 441'3"
Extreme Beam: 76'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 14,948; Mean Draft: 23'9"
Designed Complement: Off.: 40; Enl.: 772
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/40
(8) 8"/46
(12) 6"/50
Secondary:
(12) 3"/50 (2) 1 pdr.
(12) 3 pdr. (6) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 19
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 19,000
Engines: Manufacturer: FR;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
Type: WT;
No.: 12
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1955 (BB l6);
1700 (BB 17)
- - - - - -
Act of 1 July 1902:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract two first-class battle ships carrying the heaviest
armor and most powerful ordnance for vessels of their class upon
a trial displacement of not more than sixteen thousand tons, and
to have the highest practicable speed and great radius of
action, and to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not
exceeding four million two hundred and twelve thousand dollars
each; ...Said vessels ... in all their parts shall be of
domestic machinery; and the steel material shall be of domestic
manufacture ... Not more than two of the ... battle ships, ...
shall be built by one contracting party. "One battle ship or
one armored cruiser herein provided for shall be built on or
near the coast of the Pacific Ocean ... Provided, That the
Secretary of the Navy shall build one of the battle ships ... In
such nary-yard as he may designate: ...."
BB 18 CONNECTICUT
Built at New York Nary Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 3/10/03, Commissioned 9/29/O6
Capt. W. Swift commanding
BB 19 LOUISIANA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 2/7/03, Commissioned 6/2/06
Capt. A. R. Couden commanding
BB 18-19
Length Overall : 456'4"
Extreme Beam: 76'10"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 16,000; Mean Draft: 24'6'
Designed Complement: Off.: 42; Enl.: 785
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/45
(8) 8"/45
(12) 7"/45
Secondary:
(20) 3"/50 (2) 1 pdr. (BB 19)
(12) 3 pdr. (4) .30 cal. (BB 18)
(4) 1 pdr. (BB 18)
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 18
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 16,500
Engines: Manufacturer; NYNY (BB 18);
NN (BB 19)
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
Type: WT;
No.: l2
(Hereafter all boilers may be assumed to be water-tube type.)
Fuel: (coal): Tons: 2249 (BB 18) ;
2376 (BB 19)
- - - - - -
Act of 3 March 1903:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
the contract or in navy-yards ... three first-class battle ships
carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance for
vessels of their class upon a trial displacement of not more
than sixteen thousand tons, and to have the highest practicable
speed and great radius of action, and to cost, exclusive of
armor and armament, not exceeding four million two hundred and
twelve thousand dollars each; two first-class battle ships,
carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance for
vessels of their class, upon a trial displacement of not more
than thirteen thousand tons, and to have the highest speed and
great radius of action, and to cost, exclusive of armor and
armament, not exceeding three million five hundred thousand
dollars each; ... Said vessels ... in all their parts shall be
of domestic machinery; and the steel material shall be of
domestic manufacture, ... Not more than two of the five battle
ships provided for in this act shall be built by one contracting
party: .... "
BB 20 VERMONT
Built at Fore River SB Co., Quincy, Mass.
Keel laid 5/21/04, Commissioned 3/4/07
Capt. W. P. Potter commanding
BB 21 KANSAS
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 2/10/04, Commissioned 4/18/07
Capt. C. E. Vreeland commanding
BB 22 MINNESOTA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 10/27/03, Commissioned 3/9/07
Capt. J. Hubbard commanding
BB 20-22
Length Overall: 456'4"
Extreme Beam: 76'10"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 16,000; Mean Draft: 24'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 42; Enl.: 838
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/45
(8) 8"/45
(12) 7"/45
Secondary:
(20) 3"/50 (2) 1 pdr.
(10) 3 pdr. (BB 20) (6) .30 cal. (BB 20)
(12) 3 pdr. (BB 21-22) (2) .30 cal. (BB 21-22)
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 18
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 16,500
Engines: Manufacturer: FR (BB 20);
NYSB (BB 21);
NN (BB 22);
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2405 (BB 20);
2310 (BB 21);
2387 (BB 22)
BB 23 MISSISSIPPI
Built at Wm. Cramp and sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 5/12/04, Commissioned 2/1/08
Capt. J. Fremont commanding
BB 24 IDAHO
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 5/12/04, Commissioned 4/1/08
Capt. S. W. B. Diehl commanding
BB 23-24
Length overall: 382'
Extreme Beam: 77'
Normal Displacement: Tons: 13,000; Mean Draft: 24'8"
Designed Complement: Off.: 94; Enl.: 710
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/45
(8) 8"/45
(8) 7"/45
Secondary:
(12) 3"/50 (2) 1 pdr.
(6) 3 pdr. (6) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 10,000
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 17
Engines: Manufacturer: Cramp;
Type: Vertical 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 8
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1800
- - - - - -
Act of 27 April 1904:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract or in navy-yards ... "One first-class battle ship,
carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful armament for a
vessel of its class upon a trial displacement of not more than
sixteen thousand tons; to have the highest practicable speed
and great radius of action, and to cost, exclusive of armor and
armament, not exceeding four million four hundred thousand
dollars.
"... Said vessels ... in all their parts shall be of domestic
manufacture; and the steel material shall be of domestic
manufacture, ... Not more than two of the vessels provided for
in this act shall be built by one contracting party: ..."
BB 25 NEW HAMPSHIRE
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 5/1/05, Commissioned 3/19/08
Capt. C. M. Winslow commanding
BB 25
Length Overall: 456'4"
Extreme Beam: 76'10"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 16,000; Mean Draft: 24'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 41; Enl: 809
Armament:
Main:
(4) 12"/45
(8) 8"/45
(12) 7"/45
Secondary:
(20) 3"/50
(2) 1 pdr.
(2) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 18
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 16,500
Engines: Manufacturer: NYSB;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2287
- - - - - -
Act of 3 March 1905:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract or in navy-yards ... "Two first-class battle ships,
carrying the heaviest armor and most powerful armament for
vessels of their class upon a maximum trial displacement of not
more than sixteen thousand tons; to have the highest practicable
speed and great radius of action, and to cost, exclusive of
armor and armament, not exceeding four million four hundred
thousand dollars each.
"... Said vessels ... In all their parts shall be of domestic
manufacture; and the steel material shall be of domestic
manufacture, ....Not more than one of the vessels provided for
in this act shall be built by one contracting
party: ..."
BB 26 SOUTH CAROLINA
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 12/18/06, Commissioned 3/1/10
Capt. A. F. Fechteler commanding
BB 27 MICHIGAN
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 12/17/06, Commissioned 1/4/10
Capt. N. R. Usher commanding
BB 26-27
Length Overall: 452'9"
Extreme Beam: 80'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 16,000; Mean Draft: 24'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 51; Enl,: 818
Armament:
Main:
(8) 12"/45
Secondary:
(22) 8"/50
(4) 1 pdr.
(2) .30 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 18.5
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 16,500
Engines: Manufacturer: Cramp (BB 26);
NYSB (BB 27);
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2380
NOTE.-These vessels were the first American all-big-gun
battleships; also, the first American battleships with
superfiring big-gun turrets.
- - - - - -
Act of 29 June 1906:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by
contract or in navy-yards ... "One first-class battle ship,
carrying as heavy armor and as powerful armament as any known
vessel of its class, to have the highest practicable speed and
greatest practicable radius of action, and to cost, exclusive of
armament and armor, not exceeding six million dollars: Provided,
That before approving and plans or specifications for the
construction of such battle ship the Secretary of the Navy shall
afford, by advertisement or otherwise, in his discretion, a
reasonable opportunity to any competent constructor ... to
submit plans and specifications for his consideration, ...
Provided, That before any proposals for said battle ship shall
be issued or any bids received and accepted the Secretary of the
Navy shall report to Congress ... full details covering the type
of such battle ship and the specifications for the same, ....
"... Provided, ... said vessels ... in all their parts shall be
of domestic manufacture; and the steel material shall be of
domestic manufacture, ... Not more than one of the vessels
provided for in this act shall be built by one contracting
party: ...."
BB 28 DELAWARE
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 11/11/07, Commissioned 4/4/10
Capt. C. A. Gove commanding
BB 28
Length Overall: 518'9"
Extreme Beam: 85'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 20,380; Mean Draft: 27'4"
Designed Complement: Off.: 55; Enl.: 878
Armament:
Main:
(10) 12"/45
Secondary:
(14) 5"/50
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Indicated Horsepower: 25,000
Engines: Manufacturer: NN;
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 14
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2668
- - - - - -
Act of 2 March 1907:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed, ...
one first class battle ship to cost, exclusive of armor and
armament, not exceeding six million dollars, similar ... to, the
battle ship authorized by the act ... for the fiscal year ending
June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and seven, plans and
specifications for which ... have already been prepared and
submitted ... for the information of Congress, as required by
the provisions of the aforesaid act.
".... Said vessels ... in all their parts shall be of domestic
manufacture; and the steel material shall be of domestic
manufacture, ... Of the vessels provided for in this act and the
act ... for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen
hundred and seven. ... not more than one battle ship ...shall be
built by one contracting party: ... "
BB 29 NORTH DAKOTA
Built at Fore River SB Co., Quincy, Mass.
Keel laid 12/16/07, Commissioned 4/11/10
Cdr. C, P. Plunkett commanding
BB 29
Length Overall: 518'9"
Extreme Beam: 85'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 20,000; Mean Draft: 26'11"
Designed Complement: Off.: 66; Enl.: 878
Armament:
Main:
(10) 12"/45
Secondary:
(14) 5"/60
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 25,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Curtis (FR);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 14
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2676 (Plus 380 tons of auxiliary fuel oil.)
Drive: TD
- - - - - -
Act of 13 May 1908:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed,
two first-class battle ships to cost, exclusive of armor and
armament, not exceeding six million dollars each, similar in all
essential characteristics to the battle ship authorized by the
act making appropriations for the naval service for the fiscal
year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and eight. At least
one of such battle ships shall be built and constructed under
the direction of the Secretary of the Navy at one of the navy-
yards; ...
"... Said vessels ... in all their parts shall be of domestic
manufacture; and the steel material shall be of domestic
manufacture, ..."
BB 30 FLORIDA
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Keel laid 3/9/09, Commissioned 9/15/11
Capt. H. S. Knapp commanding
BB 31 UTAH
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 3/15/09, Commissioned 8/31/11
Capt. W. S. Benson commanding
BB 30-31
Length Overall: 521'6"
Extreme Beam: 88'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 21,825; Mean Draft: 28'4"
Designed Complement: Off.: 60; Enl.: 941
Armament:
Main:
(10) 12"/45
Secondary:
(16) 5"/51
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 20.75
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 28,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Parsons (NYNY) (BB 30);
Parsons (NYSB) (BB 31);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2500 (estimated) (BB 30);
2520 (BB 31)
Drive: TD
- - - - - -
Act of 3 March 1909:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed two
first-class battle ships to cost, exclusive of armor and
armament, not exceeding six million dollars each, similar in all
essential characteristics to the battle ship authorized by the
act making appropriations for the naval services for the fiscal
year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and eight.
"... Said vessels ... in all their parts shall be of domestic
manufacture; and the steel material shall be of domestic
manufacture, ..."
BB 32 WYOMING
Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia; Pa.
Heel laid 2/9/10, Commissioned 9/25/12
Capt. F. L. Chapin commanding
BB 33 ARKANSAS
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J,
Heel laid 1/25/10, Commissioned 9/17/12
Capt. R. C. Smith commanding
BB 32-33
Length Overall: 562'
Extreme Beam: 93'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 26,000; Mean Draft: 28'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 58; Enl,; 1005
Armament:
Main:
(12) 12"/50
Secondary:
(21) 5"/51
Torpedo tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 12"
Designed Speed: 20.5
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 28,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Parsons (Cramp) (BB 32);
Parsons (NYSB) (BB 33);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2500 (estimated) (plus 400 tons of auxiliary
fuel oil) (BB 92);
2699 (plus 400 tons of auxiliary fuel oil)
(BB 33)
Drive: TD
- - - - - -
Act of 24 June 1910:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed two
first-class battle making appropriations for the naval service
for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and
nine.
"... The contract for the construction of said vessels shall
contain a provision requiring said vessels to be built in
accordance with the provisions of an act entitled 'An act
relating to the limitation of the hours of daily service of
laborers ... upon the public works of the United States ...'
Said vessels ... In all their parts shall be of domestic
manufacture; and the steel materials shall be of domestic
manufacture, ... Provided, ... That one of the battle ships
herein authorized shall be constructed in one of the navy-yards.
.."
BB 34 NEW YORK
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 9/11/11, Commissioned 4/15/14
Capt. T. S. Rodgers commanding
BB 35 TEXAS
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 4/17/11, Commissioned 3/12/14
Capt. A. W. Grant commanding
BB 34-35
Length Overall: 573'
Extreme Beam: 95'3 "
Normal Displacement: Tons: 27,000; Mean Draft: 28'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 98; Enl.: 984 (BB 34);
994 (BB 35)
Armament:
Main:
(10) 14"/45
Secondary:
(21) 5"/51
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 14"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 28,100
Engines: Manufacturer: NYNY (BB 34);
NN (BB 35)
Type: Vert. 3-Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer : BW;
No. : 14
Fuel (coal): Tons: 2850 (BB 34-35) (Plus 400 tons of auxiliary
fuel oil.)
- - - - - -
Act of 4 March 1911:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed two
first-class battleships, each carrying as heavy armor and as
powerful armament as any vessel of its class, to have the
highest practicable speed and the greatest practicable radius of
action, and to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not to
exceed six million dollars each...."
BB 36 NEVADA
Built at Fore River SB Co., Quincy, Mass.
Keel laid 11/4/12, Commissioned 3/11/16
Capt. W. S. Sims commanding
BB 37 OKLAHOMA
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 10/26/12, Commissioned 5/2/16
Capt. R. Welles commanding
BB 36-37
Length Overall: 583'
Extreme Beam: 95'3"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 27,500; Mean Draft: 28'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 55; Enl.: 809
Armament:
Main:
(10) 14"/50
Secondary:
(21) 5"/51
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 20.5
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 26,500 (BB 36);
24,800 (BB 37)
Engines: Manufacturer: Curtis (FR)( BB 36) (Cruising turbines,
Curtis (GE);
NYSB (BB 87);
Type: Turbine (BB 36);
Vert. 3-Exp. Recip. (BB 37)
Boilers: Manufacturer: Yarrow (FR) (BB 36);
BW (BB 87);
No.: 12
Fuel (oil): Tons: 2037
Drive: TRD (BB 36)
- - - - - -
Act Of 22 August 1912:
"... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed one
first-class battleship, carrying as heavy armor and as powerful
armament as any vessel of its class, to have the highest
practicable speed and greatest desirable radius of action, and
to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not to exceed seven
million four hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ...."
BB 38 PENNSYLVANIA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 10/27/13, Commissioned 6/12/16
Capt. H. B. Wilson commanding
BB 38
Length Overall: 608'
Extreme Beam: 97'1 "
Normal Displacement: Tons: 31,400; Mean Draft: 28'10"
Designed Complement: Off.: 55; Enl.: 860
Armament:
Main:
(12) 14"/45
Secondary:
(22) 5"/51
Torpedo Tubes: (4) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 31,500
Engines: Manufacturer: Curtis (NN);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (oil): Tons: 2322
Drive: TRD
- - - - - -
Act of 4 March 1913:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed one
first-class battleship, carrying as heavy armor and as powerful
armament as any vessel of its class, to have the highest
practicable speed and greatest desirable radius of action, and
to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not to exceed
$7,425,000: Provided, That the battleship herein authorized
shell be built in a Government navy yard...."
BB 39 ARIZONA
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 3/16/14, Commissioned 10/17/16
Capt. J. D. McDonald commanding
BB 39
Length Overall: 608'
Extreme Beam: 97'1"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 31,400; Mean Draft: 28'10"
Designed Complement: Off.: 55; Enl.: 860
Armament:
Main:
(12) 14"/45
Secondary:
(22) 5"/51
(14) 3"/50
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 34,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Parsons (NYNY);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 12
Fuel (oil): Tons: 2821
Drive: TRD
- - - - - -
Act of 30 June 1914:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed two
first-class battleships carrying as heavy armor and as powerful
armament as any vessel of their class, to have the highest
practicable speed and greatest desirable radius of action, and
to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not to exceed
$7,800,000 each. One of the battleships hereby authorized shall
be built and constructed at a Government nary yard.
- - - - -
"The President may, in his discretion, direct the sale, ... of
the two battleships Idaho and Mississippi.... After said sale,
in addition to the two battleships hereinbefore authorized, the
President is hereby authorized to have constructed a first-class
battleship carrying as heavy armor and as powerful armament as
any vessel of its class, to have the highest practicable speed
and the greatest desirable radius of action, and to cost,
exclusive of armor and armament, not to exceed $7,800,000...."
BB 40 NEW MEXICO (ex CALIFORNIA)
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 10/14/15, Commissioned 5/20/18
Capt. A. H. Robertson commanding
BB 41 MISSISSIPPI
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 4/5/15, Commissioned 12/18/17
Capt. J. L. Jayne commanding
BB 42 IDAHO
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 1/20/15, Commissioned 3/24/19
Capt. C. T. Vogelgesang commanding
BB 40-42
Length Overall: 624'
Extreme Beam: 97'5"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 32,000; Mean Draft: 30'
Designed Complement: Off.: 58 (BB 40);
55 (BB-41-42);
Enl: 1026
Armament:
Main:
(12) 14"/50
Secondary:
(14) 5"/51
(4) 3"/50
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 27,500 (BB 40);
32,000 (BB 41-42)
Engines: Manufacturer: Curtis (GE) (BB 40);
Curtis (NN) (BB 41);
Parsons (NYSB) (BB 42);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 9
Fuel (oil): Tons: 3277
Drive: TE (BB 40);
TRD (BB 41-42)
- - - - - -
Act of 3 March 1915:
".... The President is hereby authorized to have constructed two
first-class battleships, carrying as heavy armor and as powerful
armament as any vessel of their class, to have the highest
practicable speed and greatest desirable radius of action, and
to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not to exceed
$7,800,000 each...."
BB 43 TENNESSEE
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 5/14/17, Commissioned 6/3/20
Capt. R. H. Leigh commanding
BB 44 CALIFORNIA
Built at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, Calif.
Keel laid 10/25/16, Commissioned 8/10/21
Capt. H. J. Ziegemeier commanding
BB 43-44
Length Overall: 624'6"
Extreme Beam: 97'4"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 32,300; Mean Draft: 30'3"
Designed Complement: Off.: 57; Enl.: 1026
Armament:
Main:
(12) 14"/50
Secondary:
(14) 5"/51
(4) 3"/50
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 26,800 (BB 43);
28,500 (BB 44)
Engines: Manufacturer: Wstgh. (BB 43);
Curtis (GE) (BB 44);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW (BB 43);
Bureau Express(BB 44);
No.: 8
Fuel (oil): Tons: 4656
Drive: TE
- - - - - -
Act of 29 August 1916:
".... The President ... is hereby authorized to undertake prior
to July first, nineteen hundred and nineteen, the construction
of ...
"Ten first-class battleships, carrying as heavy armor and as
powerful armaments as any vessels of their class, to have the
highest practicable speed and greatest desirable radius of
action; four of these at a cost, exclusive of armor and
armament, not to exceed $11,500,000 each, to be begun as soon as
practicable.
"Provided, That the ... vessels directed herein to be begun as
soon as practicable shall be contracted for or shall be begun in
navy yards within six months from the date of the approval of
this Act.
"The Secretary of the Navy is hereby directed to submit to the
Congress ... a report on the largest battleship which can be
undertaken in the United States in the present state of the
shipbuilding and engineering sciences ... and he shall further
report on the desirability of building one or more such
vessels...."
BB 45 COLORADO
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 5/29/19, Commissioned 8/30/23
Capt. R. R. Belknap commanding
BB 46 MARYLAND
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 4/24/17, Commissioned 7/21/21
Capt. C. F. Preston commanding
BB 47 WASHINGTON
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Keel laid 6/30/19, [canxd]
BB 48 WEST VIRGINIA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 4/12/20, Commissioned 12/1/23
Capt. T. J. Senn commanding
BB 45-46; 48
Length Overall: 624'6" (BB 45);
624' (BB 46, 48)
Extreme Beam: 97'6"
Normal Displacement: Tons: 32,600; Mean Draft: 30'6"
Designed Complement: Off.: 58 (BB 45);
62 (BB 46, 48);
Enl.: 1022
Armament:
Main:
(8) 16"/45
Secondary:
(12) 5"/51
(8) 3"/50
Torpedo Tubes: (2) 21" submerged
Catapults: None (Two compressed-air catapults installed shortly
after commissioning.)
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 21
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 28,900
Engines: Manufacturer: Wstgh. (BB 45, 47);
Curtis (GE); (BB 46, 48);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 8
Fuel (oil): Tons: 4570
Drive: TE
- - - - - -
Act of 4 March 1917:
"... Of the vessels authorized in the Act ... approved August
twenty-ninth, nineteen hundred and sixteen, the construction of
the following vessels shall be begun as soon as practicable at a
cost exclusive of armor and armament not to exceed the following
amounts: Three battleships, $16,500,000 each; ...."
BB 49 SOUTH DAKOTA
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 3/15/20, [Construction Canceled 2/8/22]
BB 50 INDIANA
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Keel laid 11/1/20, [Construction Canceled 2/8/22]
BB 51 MONTANA
Built at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, Calif.
Keel laid 9/1/20, [Construction Canceled 2/8/22]
- - - - - -
Act of 1 July 1918:
".... Of the vessels authorized to be constructed prior to July
first, nineteen hundred and nineteen, in the Act ...' approved
August twenty-ninth, nineteen hundred and sixteen, the
construction of which has not heretofore specifically been
directed to be begun shall be begun as soon ad practicable,
but not later than June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and
nineteen..."
- - - - - -
Act of 11 July 1919:
"... The provision in the Act ... approved July 1, 1918, ...
which reads as follows: 'but not later than June 30, 1919, is
hereby repealed...."
BB 52 NORTH CAROLINA
Built at Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va.
Keel laid 1/12/20, [Construction Canceled 2/8/22]
BB 53 IOWA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Keel laid 5/17/10, [Construction Canceled 2/8/22]
BB 54 MASSACHUSETTS
Built at Bethlehem Steel Co., Quincy, Mass.
Keel laid 4/4/21, [Construction Canceled 2/8/22]
In order to continue listing battleships in their hull number
sequence, it is no longer possible to organize data on the basis
of authorization acts. Extracts from acts which have authorized
the building of battleships since 1934 follow at this point:
- - - - - -
Act of 27 March 1934:
"... The composition of the United States Navy with respect to
the categories of vessels limited by the treaties signed at
Washington, ... and at London, ... is hereby established at the
limit prescribed by those treaties.
".... Provided, That the President of the United States is
hereby authorized to replace, by vessels of modern design and
construction, vessels in the Navy in the categories limited by
the treaties ... when their replacement is permitted by the said
treaties: ... Provided further, That the first and each
succeeding alternate vessel of each category, ... shall be
constructed or manufactured In the Government navy yards, ..."
- - - - - -
Act of 3 June 1936:
"... The commencement [is authorized] of ... not more than two
capital ships, as replacements of overage capital ships, to be
undertaken only in the event that the President determines ...
that capital-ship-replacement construction is commenced by any
of the other signatory powers to the Treaty ... signed at
London, ..."
- - - - - -
Act of 17 May 1938:
"... In addition to the tonnages of the United States Navy as
agreed upon and established by the treaties signed at
Washington, ... and at London, ... the authorized composition
of the United States Navy in underage vessels is hereby
increased by the following tonnages:
"(a) Capital ships, one hundred and five thousand tons, ....
Provided, That vessels of tonnages in excess of thirty-five
thousand tons each may be laid down if the President determines
.. that the interests of national defense so require, in which
event the authorized composition of the United States Navy of
capital ships is hereby increased by one hundred and thirty-five
thousand tons, ...."
- - - - - -
Act of 19 July 1940:
"... The authorized composition of the United States Navy in
under-age vessels ... is hereby further increased by one million
three hundred and twenty-five thousand tons as follows:
"(a) Capital ships, three hundred and eighty-five thousand tons:
.. Provided, That each of the foregoing increases in tonnages
.. may be varied upward or downward in the amount of 30 per
centum of the total ... so long as the sum of the total
increases in tonnages of these classes as authorized herein is
not exceeded...."
BB 55 NORTH CAROLINA
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Authorized 3/27/34, 6/3/36,
Keel laid 10/27/37,
Commissioned 4/9/41
Capt. O. M. Hustvedt commanding
BB 56 WASHINGTON
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 3/27/34, 6/3/36,
Keel laid 6/14/38,
Commissioned 5/15/41
Capt. H. H. J. Benson commanding
BB 55-56
Length Overall: 728'9" (BB 55);
729' (BB 56)
Extreme Beam: 108'4" (BB 55);
108' (BB 56)
Standard Displacement: Tons: 35,000; Mean Draft: 26'8"
Designed Complement: Off.: 108; Enl.: 1772
Armament:
Main:
(9) 16"/45
Secondary:
(20) 5"/38
(4) quad 1.1"
(12) .50 cal.
Torpedo Tubes: None
Catapults: (2) aft
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 27
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 121,000
Engines: Manufacturer: GE (3) and NYNY (9);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.; 8
Fuel (oil): Tons: 6582 (BB 55);
6583 (BB 56)
Drive: TRD
BB 57 SOUTH DAKOTA
Built at New York SB Corp., Camden, N. J.
Authorized 3/27/34,
Keel laid 7/5/39,
Commissioned 3/20/42
Capt. T. L. Gatch commanding
BB 58 INDIANA
Built at Newport News SB Co., Newport News, Va.
Authorized 3/27/34,
Keel laid 11/20/39,
Commissioned 4/30/42
Capt. A. S. Merrill commanding
BB 59 MASSACHUSETTS
Built at Bethlehem Steel Co., Quincy, Mass.
Authorized 3/27/34,
Keel laid 7/20/39,
Commissioned 5/12/42
Capt. F. E. M. Whiting commanding
BB 60 ALABAMA
Built at Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va.
Authorized 3/27/34,
Keel laid 2/1/40,
Commissioned 8/16/42
Capt. G. B. Wilson commanding
BB 57-60
Length Overall: 680' (BB 57-58, 60);
680'10" (BB 59)
Extreme Beam: 108'2"
Standard Displacement: Tons: 35,000; Mean Draft: 29'3"
Designed Complement: Off.: 115; Enl.: 1678
Armament:
Main:
(9) 16"/45
Secondary:
(16) 5"/38 (BB 57) (35) 20 mm (BB 57, 59)
(20) 5"/38 (BB 58-60) (7) quad 1.1" (BB 57)
(16) 20 mm. (BB 58) (22) 20 mm. (BB 60)
(6) quad 40 mm. (BB 58-60)
Torpedo Tubes: None
Catapults: (2) aft
Armor: Max. Thickness: 18"
Designed Speed: 27
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 130,000
Engines: Manufacturer: GE (BB 57,59);
Wstgh. (BB 58, 60);
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW (BB 57, 59);
FW (BB 58, 60);
No.: 8
Fuel (oil): Tons: 6950 (BB 57, 59);
7340 (BB 58, 60)
Drive: TRD
BB 61 IOWA
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Authorized 5/17/38,
Keel laid 6/27/40,
Commissioned 2/22/43
Capt. J. L. McCrea commanding
BB 62 NEW JERSEY
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 5/17/38,
Keel laid 9/16/40,
Commissioned 5/13/43
Capt. C. F. Holden commanding
BB 63 MISSOURI
Built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Authorized 5/17/38,
Keel laid 1/6/41,
Commissioned 6/11/44
Capt. W. M. Callaghan commanding
BB 64 WISCONSIN
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 3/27/34,
Keel laid 1/25/41,
Commissioned 4/16/44
Capt. E. E. Stone commanding
BB 65 ILLINOIS
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 7/19/40,
Keel laid 1/15/45,
CONSTRUCTION CANCELED 8/12/45
BB 66 KENTUCKY
Built at Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va.
Authorized 7/19/40,
Keel laid 12/6/44,
CONSTRUCTION SUSPENDED 2/17/47
BB 61-64
Length Overall: 887'3" (BB 61, 63-64);
887'7" (BB 62)
Extreme Beam: 108'2" (BB 61, 63);
108'1" (BB 62);
108'3" (BB 64)
Standard Displacement: Tons: 45,000; Mean Draft 28'11"
Designed Complement: Off.: 117; Enl,: 1804
Armament:
Main:
(9) 16"/50
Secondary:
(20) 5"/38
(15) quad 40 mm. (BB 61) (60) 20 mm. (BB 61-62)
(16) quad 40 mm, (BB 62) (49) 20 mm. (BB 63-64) '
(20) quad 40 mm, (BB 63-64)
Torpedo Tubes: None
Catapults: (2) aft
Armor: Max. Thickness: 17"
Designed Speed: 33
Designed Shaft Horsepower: 212,000
Engines: Manufacturer: GE (BB 61, 63),;
Wstgh. (BB 62, 64 );
Type: Turbine
Boilers: Manufacturer: BW;
No.: 8
Fuel (oil): Tons: 7073 (BB 61);
7251 (BB 62-64)
Drive: TRD
BB 67 MONTANA
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 7/19/40,
CONSTRUCTION CANCELED 7/21/43
BB 68 OHIO
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 7/19/40,
CONSTRUCTION CANCELED 7/21/43
BB 69 MAINE
built at New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Authorized 7/19/40,
CONSTRUCTION CANCELED 7/21/43
BB 70 NEW HAMPSHIRE
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 7/19/40,
CONSTRUCTION CANCELED 7/21/43
BB 71 LOUISIANA
Built at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa.
Authorized 7/19/40,
CONSTRUCTION CANCELED 7/21/43
NOTE.--These vessels were to have been the ultimate in
battleships development. Designed as follows: length overall,
925'; extreme beam 121'2"; standard displacement, 60,500 tons;
armament, (12) 16'/50, (20) 5'/54, (8) quad 40 mm.; des. SHP
172,000; drive TRD.
Transcribed and edited by:
Larry W. Jewell
[email protected]
