7044 USS AUGUSTA CA31 1945

The USS Augusta (CA-31) was an American heavy cruiser, the keel of which was laid in July 1928, launched in February 1930, and was finally completed in 1931. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 183 m, width 20.1 m, with a standard displacement of about 9,200 tons. The maximum speed was up to 32-33 knots. The armament of the unit at the time of launching mainly consisted of: 9 203 mm caliber guns, 4 127 mm anti-aircraft guns and 6 533 mm torpedo tubes. The ship could also carry out air operations using 4 seaplanes. USS Augusta (CA-31) was the last of six Northamtpon class heavy cruisers. Vessels of this type were built on the basis of the provisions of the Washington Treaty and their displacement was below 10,000 tons. Compared to the chronologically earlier Pensacola-class cruisers, the Northamtpon-class had changed main armament, different - and often better - armor layout, better sea prowess and improved internal layout. Finally, a series of successful ships was created, with considerable combat capabilities, which took a very active part in World War II. USS Augusta (CA-31) in the interwar period operated mainly in the Pacific Ocean, and one of its commanders was Chester W. Nimitz, later commander of the Pacific Fleet in 1941-1945. In 1941, US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt traveled to Canada on board to meet Winston Churchill in order to sign the Atlantic Charter. After the US entered the war, the cruiser operated in the Atlantic, and in November 1942 supported Operation Torch, the Allied landing in North Africa. In 1943, the unit continued to operate in the Atlantic, also in close cooperation with the Royal Navy ships. In June 1944, it took a very active and significant part in the Normandy landings, and soon the USS Augusta (CA-31) supported operations in southern France (Operation Dragoon). In the summer of 1945, US President Harry Truman went to the Yalta on board. In July 1946, the unit was placed in reserve, and shortly afterwards sold for scrap.