7066 USS SPRINGFIELD CLG-7

The USS Springfield (CL-66 / CLG-7 / CG-7) was initially an American light cruiser, which was later converted into a missile cruiser. The keel under this unit was laid in February 1943, launched in March 1944, and entry into service took place in the same year. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 186 m, width 20.2 m, with a standard displacement of approx. 11,900 tons. The maximum speed was up to 32-33 knots. At the time of the launch, the armament of the unit consisted of: 12 152 mm guns, 12 127 mm AA guns and 21 AA guns. Oerlikon cal. 20 mm. USS Springfield (CL-66 / CLG-7 / CG-7) was one of the Cleveland class cruisers. Units of this type were created as a development of the earlier Brooklyn class, with an even greater range and significantly enhanced anti-aircraft armament. They also received modern fire control systems and radars. The Cleveland class also proved to be the most numerous class of US Navy light cruisers during World War II! USS Springfield in March 1945 took part in raids of American ships against the Japanese mother islands, and soon joined in supporting the US Marines landing in Okinawa. After the end of World War II, the unit still remained in the Far East. In the years 1957-1960, the ship underwent a major renovation, reconstruction and modernization, which meant the installation of new electronic equipment and the RIM-2 Terrier missile system. After the conversion, the unit operated to a large extent in the Atlantic, often participating in NATO naval exercises. In 1974 she was withdrawn from service.