Baltimore-class (CA-68)

Summary

Description

The Baltimore-class heavy cruisers were commissioned during and shortly after World War II, with a total of fourteen ships completed. These cruisers were the first in the US Navy to be designed without restrictions from the London Naval Treaty. Dating back to the initial planning phase, following the start of World War II, the design took cues from both the USS Wichita heavy cruiser and the Cleveland-class light cruiser. The Baltimore-class incorporated nine 8-inch guns in three turrets and had improved armor and electronics over their predecessors.

The Baltimore-class cruisers served predominantly in World War II, providing protection for aircraft carriers against aerial threats and supporting amphibious landings with their guns. Post-WWII, only six Baltimores and two Oregon City-class ships remained active, with the rest moving to the reserve fleet. During the Korean War, all ships except four were reactivated. By 1971, the ships with all-gun configurations were decommissioned. However, four Baltimores were ultimately transformed into some of the first guided missile cruisers, marking a major shift toward modern naval warfare.

With service spanning World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War for some vessels, these ships saw varying lengths of operational history, with the last being decommissioned in 1991. Notably, the Baltimore-class was heavily involved in the Korean War, providing bombardments and escort missions. The later conversions of some ships into guided missile cruisers extended their service life into the Cold War era. However, no Baltimore-class ships have survived to the present day; all have been scrapped.

Despite undergoing a major redesign with missile upgrades, the fundamental arrangement of the Baltimores remained unchanged. These ships employed steam turbines for propulsion, with a high speed of around 33 knots and a substantial range at cruising speed. Their main armament was comprised of three triple 8-inch gun turrets accompanied by secondary 5-inch guns, anti-aircraft guns, and, later on, various missile systems including early nuclear cruise missiles like the SSM-N-8 Regulus.

Technological progression led to these cruisers being fitted with increasingly sophisticated radar and fire control systems, both for navigation and combat. The aircraft capabilities of these ships evolved as well, initially with seaplane catapults for reconnaissance and rescue missions, eventually paving the way for on-deck helicopter operations.

Similar in some aspects to the Baltimore-class, the Oregon City-class and Des Moines-class cruisers offered their own improvements, such as enhanced gun layouts and automated systems. Meanwhile, the hull design of the Baltimores also influenced the development of the light aircraft carriers of the Saipan class, illustrating the versatility and impact of the Baltimore-class design across different ship types.

Technical specifications

Photo of Baltimore class