1942 USS BALTIMORE .The class of 18 ships laid down between 1941 and 1945 of which USS Baltimore was the leader was to have a long life, many serving as flagships and fire support ships during the Vietnam War.
THE BALTIMORE CLASS
In all the class contained 14 identical ships and four which were somewhat modified. A further six were planned but cancelled before construction started. The name-ship was constructed by Bethlehem at Quincy, Massachusetts, where all save six of the ships were built; laid down on 26 May 1941, she was launched on 28 July the following year and completed on 15 April 1943. She remained in service until February 1971. Boston and Canberra, the next two units built, later lost their quarterdeck guns and gained two Terrier SAM launchers in their place, while Albany, Columbus and Chicago lost all their big guns and gained Tabs and Tartar SAMs instead (though a pair of 5in (127mm) guns was later installed amidships).
WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
The Baltimores were effectively stretched, up-engined Clevelands (the most prolific of all the Second World War cruiser classes), with nine 8in (203mm) guns in triple turrets in place of the latters four quad 6in (152m) mountings. In addition, they mounted 12 5in (127mm) anti-aircraft guns in six double turrets together with 48 40mm Bofors and 24 20mm Oerlikons. They were equipped with two steam catapults, and Baltimore (though not all her sister-ships) carried four aircraft.
TECHNICAL DATA
Type: Heavy cruiser
Machinery: 4-shaft turbines giving a total of 120
Dimensions (overall): Length, 205.3m (673.5(t); beam, 21 .6m (70.9
Displacement: 1 4,470t standard, I7,030t full load
Draught: 7.3m (24(t) full load
Complement: 1700
