USS BALTIMORE CA-68 VERSION 1944

USS Baltimore (CA-68) was an American heavy cruiser of the Second World War. The keel for this unit was laid in 1941, it was launched in July 1942, and it was commissioned for service in the US Navy in 1943. The total length of the ship was 205.2 meters and a width of 21.6 meters. Full displacement reached approximately 17,000 tons, and maximum speed - up to 33 knots. The main armament at the time of the launch included: 9 203 mm guns in three turrets of three cannons, 12 127 mm guns and 24 20 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft cannons. USS Baltimore (CA-68) was the lead ship of the cruiser class of the same name. During the design and construction of the Baltimore units, particular emphasis was placed on the highest possible maximum speed and the most powerful armament - both in the main and medium artillery. Due to the strong on-board artillery, Baltimore-type units were often used to support Allied amphibious operations. The USS Baltimore (CA-68) was built at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, Massachusetts. The unit, shortly after entering service, was directed to the Pacific. It took an active part in the battles related to the activities of American forces on the Makin, Kwajalein, Eniwetok Islands and on Saipan in the period from November 1943 to June 1944. This year, she also took an active part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. In 1945, the USS Baltimore took part in the battles for Iwo-Jima and Okinawa. In the period 1946-1951, the ship remained in reserve, but returned to active service for 1951-1956. In 1956, the USS Baltimore was placed in reserve, and in 1972 was sold for scrap.