USS Arizona (BB-39)
The USS Arizona is one of the most iconic US Navy battleships of World War II, although its service was cut short in a tragic and devastating manner. Commissioned in 1915, the Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that saw action in World War I and the interwar period. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Arizona was moored at Ford Island, where it was struck by a 1,760-pound armor-piercing bomb. The resulting explosion and fire killed 1,177 crew members, and the ship sank to the bottom of the harbor.
🚨 Note: The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken ship, is one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii, honoring the lives lost during the attack.
USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri, also known as the “Mighty Mo,” is an Iowa-class battleship that played a significant role in the final stages of World War II. Commissioned in 1944, the Missouri saw action in the Pacific Theater, participating in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. On September 2, 1945, the Missouri hosted the formal Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay, Japan, marking the end of World War II.
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
Although not strictly a battleship, the USS Enterprise is an iconic US Navy aircraft carrier that played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Commissioned in 1938, the Enterprise was one of only three US carriers to survive the war. It participated in numerous battles, including the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
USS Texas (BB-35)
The USS Texas is a New York-class battleship that saw action in both World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1914, the Texas was present at the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet in 1918. During World War II, the Texas participated in the North African Campaign and the D-Day landings in Normandy.
USS North Carolina (BB-55)
The USS North Carolina is a North Carolina-class battleship that saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Commissioned in 1941, the North Carolina participated in the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The ship earned 15 battle stars for its service during the war.
USS South Dakota (BB-57)
The USS South Dakota is a South Dakota-class battleship that saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Commissioned in 1942, the South Dakota participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, the Battle of Guadalcanal, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The ship earned 13 battle stars for its service during the war.
USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa is an Iowa-class battleship that saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Commissioned in 1943, the Iowa participated in the Marshall Islands campaign, the Marianas campaign, and the Philippine Sea campaign. The ship also served as a presidential yacht, carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference in 1943.
🚨 Note: The USS Iowa is now a museum ship in Los Angeles, California, offering tours and educational programs to the public.
In conclusion, these seven US Navy battleships played significant roles in World War II, contributing to the Allied victory and earning their places in history. Their stories serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the sailors and soldiers who served on these iconic vessels.
What was the significance of the USS Arizona’s sinking?
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The USS Arizona’s sinking resulted in the loss of 1,177 lives, making it one of the deadliest single incidents in US naval history. The tragedy also led to a significant increase in US military preparedness and contributed to the country’s entry into World War II.
Which battleship had the most battle stars in World War II?
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The USS Enterprise (CV-6) had the most battle stars, with a total of 20, although it was an aircraft carrier, not strictly a battleship.
What was the USS Missouri’s role in the Japanese surrender ceremony?
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The USS Missouri hosted the formal Japanese surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, Japan, marking the end of World War II.
Related Terms:
- US Navy ww2
- Japanese Navy ww2
- Royal Navy ships ww2
- U S Navy fleet
- United States Navy wiki
- Naval encyclopedia us navy
