West Virginias Mighty Battleship: Uss West Virginia History

In the heart of the United States, where the Appalachian Mountains meet the Ohio River, lies the state of West Virginia. Known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and resilient people, West Virginia has a unique story to tell. Among its many claims to fame is the USS West Virginia, a mighty battleship that played a significant role in American history. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating story of the USS West Virginia, exploring its construction, battles, and ultimate fate.

Construction and Early Years

The USS West Virginia was a Tennessee-class battleship built at the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia. Laid down on April 12, 1920, the battleship was launched on March 17, 1921, and commissioned on December 1, 1923. Initially, the USS West Virginia was intended to be a slow, heavily armed battleship, but it was later modified to increase its speed and improve its firepower.

Design and Armament

The USS West Virginia was designed to be a formidable warship, with a length of 624 feet (190 meters) and a beam of 97 feet (30 meters). Its top speed was 21 knots (24 mph), making it relatively fast for a battleship of its time. The ship was armed with 12 14-inch (356 mm) guns, 14 5-inch (127 mm) guns, and two 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. Its armor was also impressive, with a maximum thickness of 13.5 inches (343 mm).

Pearl Harbor and the Early War Years

On December 7, 1941, the USS West Virginia was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base. The battleship was among the first to be hit, suffering extensive damage and fires. Despite the chaos and destruction, the USS West Virginia's crew managed to save the ship from sinking, and it was eventually repaired and returned to service.

Battles and Operations

After its repairs, the USS West Virginia played a significant role in several battles and operations, including:

• The Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944)
• The Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944)
• The Battle of Iwo Jima (February 1945)
• The Battle of Okinawa (April-June 1945)

The Final Years and Decommissioning

After the war, the USS West Virginia was decommissioned on January 9, 1947, and placed in reserve. In 1959, the ship was struck from the Naval Vessel Register and sold for scrap. The USS West Virginia was broken up at the Todd Shipyard in Seattle, Washington, in 1959.

Legacy and Memorials

Despite its eventual decommissioning and scrapping, the USS West Virginia's legacy lives on. The ship's heroic actions during World War II earned it five battle stars, and its crew was awarded several commendations and medals. Today, the USS West Virginia is remembered as a symbol of American strength and resilience, and its story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served on the battleship.

USS West Virginia Image Gallery

What was the USS West Virginia's role in World War II?

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The USS West Virginia played a significant role in several battles and operations during World War II, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Okinawa.

How was the USS West Virginia damaged during the Pearl Harbor attack?

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The USS West Virginia suffered extensive damage and fires during the Pearl Harbor attack, including a torpedo hit that caused significant flooding.

What happened to the USS West Virginia after the war?

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The USS West Virginia was decommissioned on January 9, 1947, and placed in reserve. It was later sold for scrap and broken up at the Todd Shipyard in Seattle, Washington, in 1959.

We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the USS West Virginia's history. From its construction to its heroic actions during World War II, the USS West Virginia's story is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who served on the battleship. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with your friends and family.