USS Salem (CA-139) was an American heavy cruiser, the keel of which was laid in July 1945, launched in March 1947, and commissioned by the US Navy in 1949. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 218.4 m, width 23.3 m, with a standard displacement of approximately 17,300 tons. The maximum speed was up to 33 knots. The armament of the unit at the time of launching mainly consisted of: 9 203 mm AA guns, 6 twin 127 mm AA guns and 12 twin 76 mm AA guns. The ship could also initially carry out air operations using 2 seaplanes, but over time it was adapted to operate a single helicopter. USS Salem (CA-139) was the second and last Des Moines-class cruiser to be built. Units of this type were clearly based on the Baltimore class ships, but they were characterized by larger hull dimensions, a significantly improved engine room and generally more efficient propulsion system, as well as the use of innovative main artillery hold systems. The latter solution significantly improved the rate of fire. It also turned out that the ships of this class were the last heavy cruisers in the US Navy with only artillery armament. The USS Salem (CA-139) was built at Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. The cruiser, shortly after entering service, was directed to the Mediterranean Sea, where it became part of the US VI Fleet. The units operated in this reservoir very actively in the years 1950-1958. At that time, it also took part in NATO naval exercises. In 1959, the ship was transferred to the fleet reserve, and from 1994, she became a museum ship.
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