Cleveland-class (CL-55)

Summary

Description

The USS Cleveland (CL-55) was the lead cruiser of the Cleveland-class in the United States Navy, constructed during World War II. The Cleveland-class was developed as an enhancement of the preceding Brooklyn-class cruisers due to the expiration of the First London Naval Treaty limitations. They shared the same hull design but were heavier, with the Cleveland-class ships boasting a main battery of twelve 6-inch guns in four turrets and a secondary armament of twelve 5-inch dual-purpose guns, and capable of a top speed of 32.5 knots.

The origins of the Cleveland-class cruisers began in the late 1930s when the displacement of light cruisers was restricted by the Second London Naval Treaty. However, the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent suspension of the treaty allowed for an expansion in ship design, and though a fresh design concept was not feasible due to the pressing need for warships, the Cleveland-class emerged as a modified version of the Brooklyn-class, mainly by exchanging one of the main battery turrets for a dual-purpose gun mount.

The USS Cleveland had an impressive armament setup, with a main battery comprising twelve 6-inch /47 caliber guns organized in four three-gun turrets, and a secondary battery that included twelve 5-inch /38 caliber dual-purpose guns in twin turrets. It featured also eight 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and thirteen 20mm Oerlikon cannons for air defense. Armor protection involved a belt armor ranging from 3.5 to 5 inches, deck armor of 2 inches thickness, armored turrets, and a conning tower with 5-inch thick sides.

Commissioned in June 1942, the cruiser was initially deployed to the Atlantic for the invasion of North Africa. Shortly afterward, the Cleveland was transferred to the Pacific theater, where she played pivotal roles in numerous battles including the Solomon Islands consolidation, bombardments at Vila and the Shortland Islands, support for invasions, and engagements in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, Marianas operation, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

The USS Cleveland's service history was marked by extensive engagement in combat and support activities, participating in the invasions of the Treasury Islands and Bougainville, as well as providing fire support and undertaking bombardment missions in key operations throughout the Pacific. It also played a role in the final stages of World War II by assisting in the liberation of the Philippines and the invasions in Borneo and controlled the East China Sea to support the occupation of Japan. After the war, Cleveland's active service ceased, and she was used for training before being decommissioned in 1947 and eventually scrapped in 1960.

Technical specifications

Photo of Cleveland class