US LIGHT AA CRUISER USS OAKLAND

USS Oakland (CL-95) was an American light cruiser of the Second World War. The keel for this unit was laid in 1941, the launch took place in November 1942, and commissioning for service in the US Navy - in 1943. The total length of the ship was 165 meters and a width of 16 meters. Full displacement reached about 8,400 tons, and maximum speed - up to 32.5 knots. The main armament at the time of the launch included: 12 127 mm guns in six turrets, two guns each, 8 twin 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and 8 533 mm torpedo tubes. USS Oakland (CL-95) was one of the Atlanta-class cruisers. Units of this type were designed and built as specialized anti-aircraft cruisers, the main purpose of which was to provide cover for their own ships' teams against enemy air attacks. Due to the very strong anti-aircraft armament, the Atlanta-type units had limited ability to combat surface and underwater targets. However, they turned out to be very successful ships, fulfilling their role well. It is worth noting that the USS Oakland was the first of the Oakland sub-type ships to have the main armament reduced by four guns, which, however, improved stability during shooting and had a positive effect on sea bravery. USS Oakland (CL-95) was built at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in San Francisco, California. The unit, shortly after entering service, was directed to the Pacific. In November 1943, it took part in the activities in the area of the Gilbert Islands. In January and February 1944, the ship participated in raids against the Japanese bases at Kwajalein and Truk. In the same year, the cruiser took part in the great battle of the Philippine Sea. The unit also supported US operations in Okinawa in 1945. It is worth adding that USS Oakland moored in Tokyo Bay during the signing ceremony of Japan's unconditional surrender on September 2, 1945. The unit was decommissioned in 1949.