US Cruisers List: Light/Heavy/Antiaircraft Cruisers, Part 1


Revised 22 January 2000
Version 1.12
Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan (actoppan@hazegray.org)
URL: http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/cruisers/


This list includes US Heavy, Light and Scout Cruisers in the series
CL 1 through CL 50, and various Protected and Peace Cruisers
redesignated in that series.

Type                 Desig.  Notes
Light Cruiser           CL      Some ex CS, PG, CA
Heavy Cruiser           CA      some ex CL

The CL designation originated 17 July 1920 with ex-Scout Cruisers;
a group of old Peace Cruisers and Protected Cruisers were added on
8 Aug 1921.  These ships had been designated PG and CA, respectively,
since 17 July 1920.

The CA designation originated as Cruiser on 17 July 1920, with the ships 
numbered in a separate series.  These ships were former Armored and 
Protected Cruisers.  CA was redefined as Heavy Cruiser and combined with
the CL series 1 July 1931.

Note on WWII modifications: All ships in service through WWII were
extensively modified.  Modifications generally consisted of additions of
new weapons, radars and open bridges, and corresponding reductions as
weight compensation.  Large numbers of 20 and 40 mm AA guns were added,
replacing .50 cal and 1.1 inch weapons.  Superstrucutures were cut down to
open sky arcs for AA weapons and as weight compensation, new open bridges
were added, and masts were cut down or removed. Many ships lost one of two
seaplanes and catapults; boats and boat cranes were removed.  Conning
towers and splinter protection were reduced as weight savings; new gun
directors were fitted, turret rangefinders were removed.  Flammable
material was removed wherever possible.  Modifications were generally done
after major battle damage or during major overhauls, and were done in
stages.  Thus, a few ships were not fully modernized, and the details of
modernization varied from ship to ship. Omaha class modernizations were
kept to a minimum, as the ships were totally obsolete, they were
decommissioned immediately after the war ended.  Most of the other ships
were decommissioned in 1946, with the last going to reserve in early 1947. 
All of these ships were dramatically overweight by 1945. 

Note: CS 1-13 were originally designated Scout Cruisers 1-13 under the
old system.  They became CL 1-13 under the new system, retaining their
original numbers.


Chester class scout cruisers

Displ: 4,926 tons full load Dim: 420 x 47 x 16.5 ft Prop: see individual entries Crew: 358 Arm: 2 5/50, 6 3/50, 2 18 inch TT Armor: 2 inch belt, 1 inch deck (aft only) Equipped with different propulsion systems for comparison purposes. Rearmed in 1917: 4 3/50 removed, all 5/50 removed, 4 5/51 added, 1 3/50 AA added. CS-1/CL 1 Chester Built by Bath Iron. Laid down 25 Sept 1905, launched 26 June 1907, commissioned 25 April 1908. Propulsion: steam turbines, 12 275 psi boilers, 4 shafts, 16,000 hp, 26.5 knots. Decommissioned 15 Dec 1911, recommissioned 5 Nov 1913, decommissioned 12 Dec 1914. Recommissioned 4 April 1915, decommissioned 10 May 1916. Recommissioned 24 March 1917. Decommissioned 10 June 1921, to CL 17 July 1920, renamed York 10 July 1928, stricken 21 Jan 1930, sold 13 May 1930. CS-2/CL 2 Birmingham Built by Fore River. Laid down 14 Aug 1905, launched 29 May 1907, commissioned 11 April 1908. Propulsion: VTE engines, 12 275 psi boilers, 2 shafts, 16,000 hp, 24 knots. Decommissioned 30 June 1911, briefly active during 1911-1913. Recommissioned 2 Feb 1914, converted to torpedo flotilla tender 1914 at Philadelphia Navy. To CL 17 July 1920, decommissioned 1 Dec 1923, stricken 21 Jan 1930, sold 13 May 1930. CS-3/CL 3 Salem Built by Fore River. Laid down 28 Aug 1905, launched 27 July 1907, commissioned 1 Aug 1908. Propulsion: Steam turbines, 12 275 psi boilers, 2 shafts, 22,000 hp, 26 knots. Machinery replaced 1917, 20,000 hp. To CL 17 July 1920. Decommissioned 16 Aug 1921, stricken 13 Nov 1929, sold 11 Feb 1930.

Omaha class scout cruisers

Displ: 9,507 tons full load Dim: 555.5 x 55.5 x 15 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 12 265 psi boilers, 4 shafts, 90,000 hp, 35 kt Crew: 468 Arm: 2 dual, 8 single 6/53, 4 3/50, 224 mines, 6 TT Armor: 3 inch belt, 1.5 inch deck, 1.25 inch CT All changed from CS to CL 17 July 1920. The dual 6" turrets were added during construction. Intended as long range high speed scouts, they were employed as destroyer leaders and with other cruisers after the scouting role was taken by aircraft. They were overcrowded before completion; mine capability soon deleted. Reduced to 2 dual, 6 single (10 total) 6 inch guns 1928-1929. Overage, overweight and overdue for replacement by 1941. Served in subsidiary roles during WWII. Modifications were forbidden after September 1944 due to extreme age and obsolescence. Planned final armament was 10 6 inch, 6 3/50, 3 twin 40 mm, 12 20 mm; exceptions are noted below. Torpedo tubes were removed from some ships. CS-4/CL 4 Omaha Built by Seattle C&DD. Laid down 6 Dec 1918, launched 14 Dec 1920, commissioned 24 Feb 1923. Decommissioned 1 Nov 1945, stricken 28 Nov 1945, scrapped at Philalphia 2/1946. CS-5/CL 5 Milwaukee Built by Seattle C&DD. Laid down 13 Dec 1918, launched 21 March 1921, commissioned 24 Feb 1923. Decommissioned and transferred to Russia 20 April 1944, renamed Murmansk. Returned 16 March 1949, stricken 16 March 1949, sold 10 Dec 1949, scrapped at Wilmington. CS-6/CL 6 Cincinnati Built by Seattle C&DD. Laid down 15 May 1920, launched 23 May 1921, commissioned 1 Jan 1924. Had 2 Army 40 mm, 8 3/50, 3 dual 40 mm at war's end. Decommissioned 1 Nov 1945, stricken 27 Feb 1946, scrapped at Philadelphia 1946. CS-7/CL 7 Raleigh Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 16 Aug 1920, launched 25 Oct 1922, commissioned 6 Feb 1924. Torpedoed and nearly sunk at Pearl Harbor 7 Dec 1941. Had 8 3/50, 3 dual 40 mm, 8 20 mm at war's end. Decommissioned 2 Nov 1945, stricken 28 Nov 1945, sold 27 Feb 1946, scrapped at Philadelphia. CS-8/CL 8 Detroit Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 10 Nov 1920, launched 20 June 1922, commissioned 31 July 1923. Had 8 6 inch, 8 3/50, 5 twin 40 mm, 12 20 mm at war's end. Decommissioned 11 Jan 1946, stricken & sold sold 27 Feb 1946, scrapped at Baltimore 1947. CS-9/CL 9 Richmond Built by Cramp. Laid down 16 Feb 1920, launched 29 Sept 1921, commissioned 2 July 1923. Decommissioned 21 Dec 1945, stricken 21 Jan 1946, sold 18 Dec 1946, scrapped at Baltimore 1947. CS-10/CL 10 Concord Built by Cramp. Laid down 29 March 1920, launched 15 Dec 1921, commissioned 3 Nov 1923. Decommissioned 12 Dec 1945, stricken & sold 21 Jan 1947, scrapped at Baltimore 1947. CS-11/CL 11 Trenton Built by Cramp. Laid down 18 Aug 1920, launched 16 April 1923, commissioned 19 April 1924. Decommissioned 20 Dec 1945, stricken 21 Jan 1946, sold 29 Dec 1946, scrapped at Baltimore 1947. CS-12/CL 12 Marblehead Built by Cramp. Laid down 4 Aug 1920, launched 9 Oct 1923, commissioned 8 Sept 1924. Was equipped with 7 single 6" in 1928, when the others were reduced to 6 6". Later reduced to 6 6". Severely damaged by aircraft 4 Feb 1942, nearly sunk. Decommissioned 1 Nov 1945, stricken 28 Nov 1945, scrapped at Philadelphia 27 Feb 1946. CS-13/CL 13 Memphis Built by Cramp. Laid down 14 Oct 1920, launched 17 April 1924, commissioned 4 Feb 1925. Had 7 3/50, 2 dual 40 mm, 12 20 mm. Decommissoned 17 Dec 1945, stricken 8 Jan 1946, sold 18 Dec 1946, scrapped at Baltimore 1947.

Designation CL 14 skipped

Chicago (CA 14) was scheduled to be redesignated CL 14 on 1 July 1921, but was redesignated IX 5 instead.

Olympia protected cruiser

Displ: 6,558 tons full load Dim: 344 x 53 x 21.5 ft Prop: VTE engines, 4 160 psi boilers, 13,500 hp, 2 shafts, 20 kt. Crew: 428 Arm: 2 dual 8/35, 10 5/40, 14 6 lb, 7 1 lb, 4 Gatling, 6 18 inch TT Armor: 2-4.75 inch deck, 3.5-4.5 inch turrets, 4 inch barbettes New design commerce raiding cruiser. C-6/CA 15/CL 15/IX 40 Olympia Built by Union. Laid down 17 June 1891, launched 5 Nov 1892, commissioned 5 Feb 1895. Dewey's flagship at Manilla. Decommissioned 8 Nov 1899, partially reconstructed 1901-1903, recommissioned Jan 1902. Decommissioned 2 April 1906. Midshipmen cruises 1906, 1907, 1908; barracks ship 1912-1916. Recommissioned 1916, rearmed with 10 5/51 in place of old 8" and 5", 1917-1918. Designated CA 17 July 1921, to CL 8 Aug 1921. Decommissioned 9 Dec 1922. Redesignated IX 30 June 1931 (to clear cruiser tonnage). Stricken and donated for museum at Philadelphia 11 September 1957.

Denver class peace cruisers

Displ: 3,750 full load Dim: 308 x 44 x 16.5 Prop: VTE engines, 6 boilers, 2 shafts, 4,700 hp, 16.5 knots Crew: 327 Arm: 10 5/40, 8 6 lb, 2 1 lb, 4 .30 cal Armor: 1.75 inch gun protection 3rd class cruisers/gunboats. Main battery was 8 5/40 during WWI, one 3/23 AA added postwar. C-14/PG 28/CL 16 Denver Built by Neafie & Levy. Laid down 28 June 1900, launched 21 June 1902, commissioned 17 May 1904. Decommissioned 12 March 1910, recommissioned 15 July 1912. To PG 7 July 1920, to CL 8 Aug 1921. Decommissioned 14 Feb 1931, stricken 12 March 1931, sold 13 Sept 1933. C-15/PG 29/CL 17 Des Moines Built by Fore River. Laid down 28 Aug 1900, launched 20 Sept 1902, commissioned 5 March 1904. To PG 7 July 1920. Decommissioned 9 April 1921, to CL 8 Aug 1921, stricken 13 Dec 1929, sold 11 March 1930. C-16/PG 30/CL 18 Chattanooga Built by Crescent. Laid down 29 March 1900, launched 7 March 1903, commissioned 11 Oct 1904. Decommissioned 17 Sept 1910, recommissioned 21 April 1914, to PG 7 July 1920. Decommissioned 19 July 1921, to CL 8 Aug 1921, stricken 13 Dec 1929, sold 8 March 1930. C-17/PG 31/CL 19 Galveston Built by Trigg. Laid down 19 Jan 1901, launched 23 July 1903, commissioned 15 Feb 1905. To PG 7 July 1920, to CL 8 Aug 1921, decommissioned 30 Nov 1923. Recommissioned 5 Feb 1924. Decommissioned 2 Sept 1930, stricken 1 Nov 1930, sold 13 Sept 1933. C-18/PG 32/CL 20 Tacoma Built by Union. Laid down 27 Sept 1900, launched 2 June 1903, commissioned 30 Jan 1904. To PG 7 July 1932, to CL 8 Aug 1921. Wrecked at Vera Cruz 16 Jan 1924, stricken 7 Feb 1924, sold 5 Sept 1924. C-19/PG 33/CL 21 Cleveland Built by Bath Iron. Laid down 1 June 1900, launched 28 Sept 1901, commissioned 2 Nov 1903. Decommissioned 3 Aug 1910, recommissioned 31 Aug 1912, to PG 7 July 1920, to CL 8 Aug 1921. Decommissioned 1 Nov 1929, stricken 13 Dec 1929, sold 7 March 1930.

New Orleans class 3rd class cruisers

Displ: 3,437 tons normal Dim: 354 x 43.5 x 17 ft Prop: VTE engines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 7,500 hp, 20 knots Crew: 307 Arm: 6 6/50, 4 4.7/50, 10 6 lb, 4 1 lb, 4 .30 cal, 4 18 inch TT Armor: 1.25-3.5 inch deck, 4,5 inch gun protection, .75-4 inch CT Brazilian ships acquired from the builder for the Spanish- American War. 4.7 inch guns replaced with 5 inch guns in 1903; 6 inch guns replaced with 5 inch in 1907. Changed to 8 5 inch in 1913. Torpedo tubes removed 1903, two 5" removed, 1 3" added during WWI. (none)/PG 34/CL 22 New Orleans (ex Amazonas) Built by Armstrong. Laid down 1895, launched 4 Dec 1896, acquired 1898, commissioned 18 March 1898. Decommissioned 6 Feb 1905, recommissioned 15 Nov 1909, decommissioned 14 Feb 1912, recommissioned 31 Dec 1913. Reserve training 1914, to PG 17 July 1920, to CL 8 Aug 1921. Decommissioned 16 Nov 1922, stricken 13 Nov 1929, sold 11 Feb 1930. (none)/PG 36/CL 23 Albany (ex Almirante Abreu) Built by Armstrong. Laid down 1897, acquired 1898, laucnched 14 Jan 1899, commissioned 29 May 1900. Decommissioned 16 June 1904, recommissioned 10 June 1907, decommissioned December 1914. Reserve training June 1915 to 12 May 1916, recommissioned 12 May 1916, to PG 7 July 1920, to CL 8 Aug 1921. Decommissioned 10 Oct 1922, stricken 13 Nov 1929, sold 11 Feb 1930.

Pensacola class heavy cruisers

Displ: 11,512 tons full load Dim: 585.5 x 65 x 19.5 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 107,000 hp, 32.5 knots Crew: 653 Arm: 2 triple, 2 dual 8/55, 4 5/25, 6 21 inch TT Armor: 2.5-4 inch belt, 1-1.75 inch decks, .75-2.5 inch turrets, .75 inch barbettes, 1.25 inch CT All became CA 1 July 1931. Top heavy, overloaded later in life. These ships, as well as the Northampton and Portland classes, were lightly armored "tinclads". Torpedoes removed prior to WWII. Final AA armament was 6 quad 40 mm, 28 20 mm. Stripped of catapults, 4 5 inch, 2 quad 40 mm, 4 twin 20 mm for Magic Carpet duties. CL 24/CA 24 Pensacola Built by New York Navy. Laid down 27 Oct 1926, launched 25 April 1929, commissioned 6 Feb 1930. Severely damaged by a torpedo and subsequent fires and explosions 29/30 Nov 1942. Damaged by shore fire at Iwo Jima 17 Feb 1945. One additional quad 40 mm fitted. Target ship at Bikini July 1946, decommissioned 26 Aug 1946, stricken and hulk sunk 10 Nov 1948. CL 25/CA 25 Salt Lake City Built by New York SB. Laid down 9 June 1927, launched 23 Jan 1929, commissioned 11 Dec 1929. Damaged by gunfire 23 March 1943. Was not fully modernized during the war. Target ship at Bikini July 1946, decommissioned 29 Aug 1946, hulk sunk 25 May 1948, stricken 18 June 1948.

Northampton class heavy cruisers

Displ: 11,826 tons full load Dim: 600 x 66 x 20 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 107,000 hp, 32.5 knots Crew: 621 Arm: 3 triple 8/55, 4 5/25, 6 21 inch TT Armor: 3-3.75 inch belt, 1-2 inch deck, .75-2.5 inch turrets, 1.5 inch barbettes All to CA 1 July 1931. Slightly improved Pensacolas, new aircraft storage arrangements. First three ships were equipped as flagships. Final AA armament was 6 quad 40 mm, 28 20 mm. These ships were scheduled for disposal in 1946 but were retained, modernizations were considered in 1952. CL 26/CA 26 Northampton Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 12 April 1928, launched 5 Sept 1929, commissioned 17 May 1930. Sunk by torpedoes at Savo 30 Nov 1942. CL 27/CA 27 Chester Built by New York SB. Laid down 6 March 1928, launched 3 July 1929, commissioned 24 June 1930. Torpedoed 20 Oct 1942. One additional quad 40 mm fitted. Decommissioned 10 June 1946, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 11 Aug 1959, scrapped at Panama City. CL 28/CA 28 Louisville Built by Puget Sound Navy. Laid down 4 July 1929, launched 1 Sept 1930, commissioned 15 Jan 1931. Kamikaze 5 & 6 Jan 1945. One additional quad 40 mm fitted. Decommissioned 17 June 1946, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 14 Sept 1959, scrapped at Panama City. CL 29/CA 29 Chicago Built by Mare Island Navy. Laid down 10 Sept 1928, launched 10 April 1930, commissioned 9 March 1931. Torpedoed 9 Aug 1942, hit by 2 torpedoes in the Solomons Island 29 Jan 1943, hit by 4 more 30 Jan 1943 while under tow, sunk. CL 30/CA 30 Houston Built by Newport News. Laid down 1 May 1928, launched 7 Sept 1929, commissioned 17 June 1930. Sunk by torpedoes and gunfire in Sunda Strait 1 March 1942. CL 31/CA 31 Augusta Built by Newport News. Laid down 2 July 1928, launched 1 Feb 1930, commissioned 30 Jan 1931. Decommissioned 16 July 1946, stricken 1 March 1959, scrapped at Kearny 4/60.

New Orleans class heavy cruisers

Displ: 12,411 tons full load Dim: 588 x 62 x 23 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 107,000 hp, 32.7 knots Crew: 751 Arm: 3 triple 8/55, 8 5/25, 8 .50 cal Armor: 3-5 inch belt, 1.25-2.25 inch deck, 1.5-8 inch turrets, 5 inch barbettes, 5 inch CT (6.5 inch barbettes in CA 38) Became CA 1 July 1931. New design retaining some features of earlier ships. CA 37 was initially planned as the first ship of this class, with CA 32-35 planned as Northamptons. CA 32, 34 and 36 were reordered to the new design early in 1930; CA 33 and 35 could not be substantially changed, as they were contracted to private yards. These ships were overweight, but not as badly as earlier designs. Final AA armament was 6 quad 40 mm, 28 20 mm. CL 32/CA 32 New Orleans Built by New York Navy. Laid down 14 March 1931, launched 12 April 1933, commissioned 15 Feb 1934. Torpedoed 30 Nov 1942, bow ripped off between the forward turrets. Decommissioned 10 Feb 1947, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 22 Sept 1959, scrapped Baltimore.

Portland class heavy cruiser

Displ: 13,767 tons full load Dim: 610 x 66 x 22 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 107,000 hp, 32.5 knots Crew: 952 Arm: 3 triple 8/55, 8 5/25, 8 .50 cal Armor: 3.25-5 inch belt, 2.5 inch deck, 1.5-2.5 inch turrets, 1.5 inch barbettes Became CAs 1 July 1931. Initially planned as Northampton class, design modified with a modified superstructure and other minor improvements after contracted. Final AA armament was 6 quad 40 mm, 28 20 mm. CL 33/CA 33 Portland Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 17 Feb 1930, launched 21 May 1932, commissioned 23 Feb 1933. Damaged by torpedoes and gunfire 12 Nov 1942. Decommissioned 12 July 1946, planned for disposal but retained, modernization considered in 1952, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 6 Oct 1959, scrapped at Panama City.

New Orleans class heavy cruiser

CL 34/CA 34 Astoria Built by Puget Sound Navy, laid down 1 Sept 1930, launched 16 Dec 1933, commissioned 28 April 1934. Sunk by gunfire and subsequent magazine explosion while under tow at Savo 9 Aug 1942.

Portland class heavy cruiser

CL 35/CA 35 Indianapolis Built by New York SB, laid down 21 March 1930, launched 7 Nov 1931, commissioned 15 Nov 1932. Kamikaze 31 March 1945. Torpedoed and sunk 30 July 1945.

New Orleans class heavy cruisers

CL 36/CA 36 Minneapolis Built by Philadelphia Navy. Laid down 27 June 1931, launched 6 Sept 1933, commissioned 19 May 1934. Torpedoed 30 Nov 1942. One additional twin 40 mm added. Kamikaze 6 Jan 1945. Decommissioned 10 Feb 1947, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 14 Aug 1959, scrapped at Chester 7/60. CA 37 Tuscaloosa Built by New York SB. Laid down 3 Sept 1931, launched 15 Nov 1933, commissioned 7 Aug 1934. Decommissioned 13 Feb 1946, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 25 June 1959, scrapped at Baltimore. CA 38 San Francisco Built by Mare Island Navy. Laid down 9 Sept 1931, launched 9 March 1933, commissioned 10 Feb 1934. Severely damaged by gunfire 12-13 Nov 1942. Decommissioned 10 Feb 1946, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 9 Sept 1959, scrapped at Panama City 5/61. CA 39 Quincy Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 15 Nov 1933, launched 19 June 1935, commissioned 9 June 1936. This ship and CA 44 were a slightly improved version of the New Orleans class design. Sunk by gunfire and torpedoes at Savo 9 Aug 1942.

Brooklyn class light cruisers

Displ: 12,242 tons full load Dim: 608 x 61.5 x 22.5 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 100,000 hp, 32.5 knots Crew: 868 Arm: 5 triple 6/47, 8 5/25, 8 .50 cal Armor: 3.25-5 inch belt, 2 inch deck, 1.25-6.5 inch turrets, 6 inch barbettes, 2.25-5 inch CT New design light cruisers. Reconstructions with blisters and secondary weapons (as Savannah) were ordered for all ships, but were to be done after severe battle damage. Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Honolulu were blistered but not rearmed, others were unmodified. Final AA armament (except Savannah) was 4 quad, 2 twin 40 mm, 18 20 mm. CL 40 Brooklyn Built by New York Navy. Laid down 12 March 1935, launched 30 Nov 1936, commissioned 30 Sept 1937. Decommissioned 30 Jan 1946, to Chile as O'Higgins 9 Jan 1951, stricken 22 Jan 1951. Damaged by grounding 12 Aug 1975, used as stationary accomodations ship, refitted 1977-1978, recommissioned. Decomissioned 14 Jan 1992, sunk 3 Nov 1992 under tow to India for scrapping. CL 41 Philadelphia Built by Philadelphia Navy. Laid down 28 May 1935, launched 17 Nov 1936, commissioned 23 Sept 1937. Damaged by guided bomb in the Mediterranean 11 Sept 1943. Decommissioned 3 Feb 1947, to Brazil as Barroso 9 Jan 1951, stricken 22 Jan 1951. Scrapped 1974 at Sao Paulo. CL 42 Savannah Built by New York SB. Laid down 31 May 1934 launched 8 May 1937, commissioned 10 Feb 1938. Severely damaged by a guided bomb in the Mediterranean 11 Sept 1943. Reconstructed at Philadelphia Navy 22 Dec 1943 to 4 Sept 1944 with blisters (69 ft beam), 4 dual 5/38, 4 quad, 6 twin 40 mm, 12 20 mm. Decommissioned 22 April 1946, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 25 Jan 1966, scrapped. CL 43 Nashville Built by New York SB. Laid down 24 Jan 1935, launched 2 Oct 1937, commissioned 6 June 1938. Severe kamikaze damage 13 Dec 1944. Decommissioned 24 June 1946, to Chile as Capitan Prat 9 Jan 1951. Decommissioned 1981, renamed Chacabuco 1982, scrapped 1985 in Taiwan.

New Orleans class heavy cruiser

One of two new CAs permitted by the treaty, ordered as a repeat New Orleans. CA 44 Vincennes Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 2 Jan 1934, launched 21 May 1936, commissioned 24 Feb 1937. Sunk by gunfire and torpedoes at Savo 9 Aug 1942.

Wichita heavy cruiser

Displ: 13,015 tons full load Dim: 608 x 61.5 x 23.5 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 6 464 psi boilers, 4 shafts, 100,000 hp, 33.6 knots Crew: 863 Arm: 3 triple 8/55, 8 5/38, 8 .50 cal Armor: 4-6 inch belt, 2.25 inch deck, 1.5-8 inch turrets, 7 inch barbettes, 2.25-6 inch CT Second of two new CAs permitted by the treaty; heavy cruiser version of the Brooklyn class. Proposed rebuild with blisters, 6 dual 5/38, 6 quad 40 mm, 28 20 mm was never carried out. Final AA armament was 4 quad, 4 twin 40 mm, 20 20 mm. CA 45 Wichita Built by Philadelphia Navy. Laid down 28 Oct 1935, launched 16 Nov 1937, commissioned 16 Feb 1939. Decommissioned 3 Feb 1947. Considered for conversion to a missile ship (Baltimore class used instead), stricken 1 March 1959, sold 14 Aug 1959, scrapped at Panama City 11/59.

Brooklyn class light cruisers

CL 46 Phoenix Built by New York SB. Laid down 15 April 1935, launched 13 March 1938, commissioned 3 Oct 1938. Decommissioned 3 July 1946, to Argentina as 17 de Octubre 11 Jan 1951, stricken 27 Jan 1951. Participated in coup 9/1955, renamed General Belgrano 1956. Sunk by HMS Conqueror 2 May 1982. CL 47 Boise Built by Newport News. Laid down 1 April 1935, launched 3 Dec 1936, commissioned 12 Aug 1938. Damaged by gunfire 12 Oct 1942. Decommissioned 1 July 1946, to Argentina as 9 de Julio 11 Jan 1951, stricken 25 Jan 1951. Participated in coup 9/1955. Decommissioned 1979, scrapped 1983 at Brownsville, TX. CL 48 Honolulu Built by New York Navy. Laid down 9 Dec 1935, launched 26 Aug 1937, commissioned 15 June 1938. Torpedoed 12 July 1943 (bow destroyed) and 20 Oct 1944. Decommissioned 3 Feb 1947, stricken 1 March 1959, sold 17 Nov 1959, scrapped at Baltimore.

St. Louis Class light cruisers

Displ: 13,327 tons full load Dim: 607.5 x 61.5 x 24 ft Prop: Steam turbines, 8 618 psi boilers, 4 shafts, 100,000 hp, 32.5 knots Crew: 888 Arm: 5 triple 6/47, 4 dual 5/38, 8 .50 cal Armor: 3-5 inch belt, 2 inch deck, 1.25-6.5 inch turrets, 6 inch barbettes, 2.25-5 inch CT Modified Brooklyn class with improved AA armament and new machinery arrangement. CL 49 St. Louis Built by Newport News. Laid down 10 Dec 1936, launched 15 April 1938, commissioned 10 May 1939. Torpedoed 12 July 1943, bow destroyed. Kamikaze 27 Nov 1944. Decommissioned 20 June 1946, to Brazil as Tamandare 9 Jan 1951, stricken 22 Jan 1951. Discarded 28 June 1976, US preservation effort failed, sunk off Capetown 24 Aug 1980 under tow to Kaosiung for scrapping. CL 50 Helena Built by New York Navy. Laid down 9 Dec 1936, launched 27 Aug 1939, commissioned 18 Sept 1939. Hit by one torpedo at Pearl Harbor 7 Dec 1941. Sunk by torpedoes 6 July 1943, first hit caused the bow to break off, two additional hits split the ship nearly in half.

Continued in Part 2


The US Cruiser List
Compiled and Maintained by Andrew Toppan (actoppan@hazegray.org)
Copyright © 1995-2000 by Andrew Toppan
Reproduction, reuse or distribution without permission is prohibited