Intro
Explore the epic duel between USS Washington and Kirishima in this revealing article, uncovering 5 fascinating battleship facts about the World War II naval showdown. Discover the tactical advantages, technological innovations, and heroic actions that defined this clash of titans, shedding light on naval warfare, ship design, and military strategy.
The USS Washington (BB-56) and the Kirishima were two of the most iconic battleships of World War II, engaging in a fierce duel during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. This battle, fought on November 15, 1942, was a pivotal moment in the war, showcasing the strength and bravery of the sailors on both sides. Here are five fascinating facts about this epic clash:
Design and Armament
The USS Washington was a North Carolina-class battleship, launched in 1940 and commissioned in 1941. She was 728 feet 1 inch long and had a beam of 108 feet 4 inches, displacing over 35,000 tons of water. The ship was armed with nine 14-inch guns, twenty 5-inch guns, and numerous smaller anti-aircraft guns. The Kirishima, on the other hand, was a Kongo-class battleship, launched in 1915 and rebuilt in the 1930s. She was 704 feet 1 inch long and had a beam of 95 feet 6 inches, displacing over 26,000 tons of water. The Kirishima was armed with eight 14-inch guns, sixteen 6-inch guns, and numerous smaller anti-aircraft guns.
Speed and Range
The USS Washington was powered by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, producing 120,000 horsepower and giving her a top speed of 28 knots. She had a range of over 17,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. The Kirishima, on the other hand, was powered by eleven Kampon boilers, producing 136,000 horsepower and giving her a top speed of 30 knots. She had a range of over 10,000 nautical miles at 18 knots.
Battle of Guadalcanal
On November 14, 1942, the USS Washington, along with the USS South Dakota and four destroyers, formed Task Force 64, under the command of Rear Admiral Willis Lee. The task force was sent to intercept a Japanese fleet, led by the Kirishima, which was attempting to reinforce the Japanese forces on Guadalcanal. At around 11 pm, the two forces clashed in a fierce battle, with the USS Washington and the Kirishima exchanging blows. The USS Washington's superior radar and gunnery proved decisive, and the Kirishima was severely damaged, eventually sinking at around 3 am on November 15.
Radar and Gunfire
The USS Washington's radar system, the SG-1, played a crucial role in the battle. It allowed the ship to track the Kirishima's movements and adjust its gunfire accordingly. The USS Washington fired over 100 rounds of 14-inch ammunition, scoring several hits on the Kirishima. The Kirishima, on the other hand, was equipped with older, less effective radar systems, which made it harder for her to accurately target the USS Washington.
Aftermath and Legacy
The battle between the USS Washington and the Kirishima was a significant turning point in the war. It marked the first time that a Japanese battleship had been sunk by an American battleship, and it showcased the strength and bravery of the sailors on both sides. The USS Washington went on to serve in several more battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. She was eventually decommissioned in 1947 and sold for scrap in 1961. The Kirishima, on the other hand, was raised in 1944 and scrapped in 1946.
Preservation and Remembrance
Today, the legacy of the USS Washington and the Kirishima lives on. The USS Washington's anchor is on display at the Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton, Washington, while the Kirishima's wreckage was located in 1992 and explored in 2019. The battle between these two iconic battleships serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by sailors on both sides during World War II.
GALLERY OF BATTLESHIPS
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