Pensacola-class (CA-24)

Summary

Description

The USS Pensacola (CL/CA-24) was the lead ship of the Pensacola-class heavy cruiser in service with the United States Navy from 1929 to 1945. It was initially classified as a light cruiser before being reclassified in 1931 as a heavy cruiser in accordance with the London Naval Treaty. Built at the New York Navy Yard and launched in April 1929, it was the third vessel to bear the name of the city of Pensacola, Florida, and earned the nickname "Grey Ghost" from Tokyo Rose during its service. The Pensacola received 13 battle stars for its contributions during World War II.

During the inter-war period, the cruiser conducted operations along the East Coast, the Caribbean Sea, and participated in Fleet battle practices from California to Hawaii. It was relocated to operate with the Pacific Fleet, making trips as far as Alaska and the Caribbean, and was one of six ships to be equipped with the new RCA CXAM radar in 1940.

The Pensacola's operational history includes active involvement in World War II, beginning with the "Pensacola Convoy" to Manila in late 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the convoy was diverted to Australia. Returning to Pearl Harbor in early 1942, it would go on to be involved in the Coral Sea operations, the Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal Campaign, and the Santa Cruz Islands, helping to repel air and sea attacks from the Japanese forces. The cruiser was heavily damaged during the Battle of Tassafaronga, suffering significant casualties but was eventually saved through diligent damage control efforts.

The cruiser was repaired and continued its service, sailing from Pearl Harbor in late 1943 and providing bombardments during invasions across the Pacific, including at Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, and supporting raids against Japanese targets in the Caroline Islands. In 1944, the Pensacola took part in bombing raids in the Northern Pacific and screened fast aircraft carriers in the Philippines.

During the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945, the cruiser took hits from shore batteries but delivered supporting fire for the landings and suppressed enemy batteries. It continued its service until the Okinawa invasion, where once again it delivered shore bombardments and dodged torpedo attacks.

Technical specifications