Battleships: South Dakota Class

[Brian James]

South Dakota Class Battleship USS Alabama pictured in March 1945,post her last wartime overhaul at Puget Sound.

[designeraccd]

It was quite a design feat to get the desired 27/28 knot speed + armor, weapons, crew all crammed into their stubby little hulls. The previous 27 knot NORTH CAROLINAs were 729' oa with 121,000 shp. These were only 680' oa with 130,000 shp. Both classes were 108.25' in beam.

I have read that with a fouled hull and full load in wartime this class was doing good to hit 25-25.5 knots. Not much wonder all 6 of both classes were laid up after the war. Hard to stay with 32-33 knot carriers. Of course, by then BBs were basically floating AA ships to help guard the carriers. DFO

[Brian James]

Lead Ship,Fast Battleship USS South Dakota pictured in the stormy Atlantic,February 1942.

[designeraccd]

Sister ALABAMA, now a survivor down in Mobile, Alabama....... DFO

[DonBoyer]

Indiana's Captain, James Steele, was found by Court of Inquiry to have been at fault for the collision and was of course relieved of command, effectively ending his naval career. Captain Steele had been one of Admiral Nimitz' top staffers during the early war years, instituting and maintaining the famed "Gray Book" of CINCPACFLT important messages and documents, and had also played "devil's advocate" during the run up to the Midway battle. His outstanding work was rewarded by him getting command of Indiana.

[designeraccd]

The incident Don speaks of resulted in the attached pictures showing some of the damage, also on first page........definite career CRUNCHER. DFO

[ivorthediver]

Thanks for that information Don / Dennis , it helps us on the other side of the Pond link the facts together so much obliged to you both for taking the time to educate us here

[designeraccd]

To complete this "episode", the WASHINGTON.....recipient of INDIANA's love tap! DFO

[Brian James]

Battleships USS Alabama and USS South Dakota pictured in transit to the Marshall Islands in 1944.

[Brian James]

Lead Ship,Fast Battleship USS South Dakota pictured off the East Coast,August 9th 1943.