Discover the naval marvel of the North Carolina Class Battleship, a World War II-era vessel that epitomized American warship design. Learn about its impressive speed, advanced armament, and innovative armor-plating, making it a formidable opponent in naval battles. Explore its history, specifications, and significance in the Pacific Theater.
The North Carolina class battleships were a class of two fast battleships built by the United States Navy in the 1930s and 1940s. These vessels were the first to be built in accordance with the limitations imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty, which was signed in 1922. The treaty aimed to reduce the naval armament of the major powers and prevent an arms race. The North Carolina class battleships were designed to be fast and maneuverable, with a strong emphasis on gunnery and armor protection.
The two ships of the North Carolina class, USS North Carolina (BB-55) and USS Washington (BB-56), were built at the New York Navy Yard and the Philadelphia Navy Yard, respectively. The construction of these ships was a major undertaking, requiring significant resources and manpower. The North Carolina class battleships were designed to be 728 feet 1 inch (222 meters) long, with a beam of 108 feet 4 inches (33 meters) and a draft of 32 feet 11.5 inches (10 meters). They displaced approximately 44,800 tons of water.
Design and Construction
The North Carolina class battleships were designed to be fast, with a top speed of 28 knots (52 kilometers per hour). They were powered by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, which provided steam to four General Electric turbines. The turbines were connected to four propeller shafts, each with a diameter of 17 feet 9 inches (5.4 meters). The ships' main armament consisted of nine 14-inch (356-millimeter) guns, mounted in three triple turrets. They also had 20 five-inch (127-millimeter) anti-aircraft guns, mounted in ten twin turrets.
Armor Protection
The North Carolina class battleships had a complex armor protection system, which included a main belt of 12-inch (305-millimeter) armor, a upper belt of 5-inch (127-millimeter) armor, and a lower belt of 2.5-inch (63.5-millimeter) armor. The main armor belt was inclined at an angle of 15 degrees, to provide better protection against incoming shells. The ships' deck armor consisted of three layers, with a total thickness of 5.5 inches (140 millimeters). The conning tower had 14-inch (356-millimeter) armor, while the gun turrets had 10-inch (254-millimeter) armor.
Service History
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) was commissioned on April 9, 1941, and spent the next year undergoing sea trials and shakedown cruises. The ship was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and spent most of the war patrolling the eastern seaboard. In 1942, the USS North Carolina was transferred to the Pacific Fleet and participated in several battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal. The ship earned 15 battle stars for its service during World War II.
The USS Washington (BB-56) was commissioned on May 15, 1941, and spent the next year undergoing sea trials and shakedown cruises. The ship was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and spent most of the war patrolling the eastern seaboard. In 1942, the USS Washington was transferred to the Pacific Fleet and participated in several battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal. The ship earned 13 battle stars for its service during World War II.
Post-War Service
After the war, the USS North Carolina (BB-55) and USS Washington (BB-56) were decommissioned and placed in reserve. In 1954, the USS North Carolina was stricken from the Navy's list and sold for scrap. The USS Washington was also stricken from the list and sold for scrap in 1961.
Legacy
The North Carolina class battleships were an important part of the United States Navy's fleet during World War II. They played a significant role in several battles and earned numerous awards and accolades. Today, the USS North Carolina (BB-55) is remembered as a naval marvel, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the men and women who built her.
Museum Ships
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) is now a museum ship, moored on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, North Carolina. The ship is operated by the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission and is open to the public for tours. The USS Washington (BB-56) was scrapped in 1961, but a memorial to the ship was erected in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Gallery of North Carolina Class Battleships
North Carolina Class Battleships Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the North Carolina class battleships. These vessels were an important part of the United States Navy's fleet during World War II, and their legacy continues to be remembered today. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.