5 Facts USS Pennsylvania BB 38

Introduction to the USS Pennsylvania BB 38

The USS Pennsylvania BB 38 was a Pennsylvania-class battleship that served in the United States Navy from 1916 to 1946. This battleship played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, earning several awards and commendations for its service. Here are five key facts about the USS Pennsylvania BB 38:

Design and Construction

The USS Pennsylvania BB 38 was designed and constructed by the Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia, with its keel laid down on October 27, 1913. It was launched on March 16, 1915, and commissioned on June 12, 1916. The ship measured 608 feet in length, with a beam of 97 feet and a draft of 29 feet. It had a displacement of approximately 31,400 tons and was manned by a crew of around 1,407 officers and men.

Armament and Armor

The USS Pennsylvania BB 38 was heavily armed, featuring 12 14-inch guns arranged in four triple turrets, 22 5-inch guns for anti-torpedo boat defense, and 4 3-inch guns for anti-aircraft purposes. Its armor belt was 13.5 inches thick, while the turrets had 18-inch thick armor plating. The ship’s armor was designed to protect it from enemy shellfire, and its armament made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Service History

During World War I, the USS Pennsylvania BB 38 served as the flagship of the United States Atlantic Fleet. After the war, it underwent a major modernization, which included the installation of 8 5-inch anti-aircraft guns and the replacement of its cage masts with tripod masts. In World War II, the ship played a crucial role in the Battle of Surigao Strait, where it helped sink several Japanese battleships. The USS Pennsylvania BB 38 earned a total of 8 battle stars for its service in World War II.

Notable Events and Awards

One notable event in the USS Pennsylvania BB 38’s history was its participation in the Battle of Pearl Harbor. Although it was in dry dock at the time of the attack, the ship suffered minor damage from a 150-pound bomb that exploded nearby. The USS Pennsylvania BB 38 went on to receive several awards and commendations, including the World War I Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Decommissioning and Fate

The USS Pennsylvania BB 38 was decommissioned on August 29, 1946, after serving for over 30 years. It was subsequently used as a target ship in nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll and was finally sunk on February 10, 1948. The ship’s legacy lives on, with its ship’s bell and other artifacts preserved in museums and memorials.

🚢 Note: The USS Pennsylvania BB 38's service history is a testament to the bravery and dedication of its crew, who served with distinction in two world wars.

In summary, the USS Pennsylvania BB 38 was a powerful and versatile battleship that played a significant role in both World War I and World War II. Its design, armament, and armor made it a formidable opponent, and its service history is a testament to the bravery and dedication of its crew.