USS Massachusetts (BB-59) facts for kids
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The USS Massachusetts (BB-59) was a powerful battleship built for the United States Navy in the late 1930s. She was the third of four ships in the South Dakota-class class. These battleships were designed to be fast and carry large 16-inch (406 mm) guns. They were also heavily armored to protect against similar powerful guns.
After being built, Massachusetts first helped with Operation Torch in November 1942. This was an invasion of French North Africa. There, she fought against the French battleship Jean Bart and stopped it from fighting.
Later, Massachusetts moved to the Pacific War to fight against Japan. She spent most of the war protecting aircraft carriers from enemy ships and planes. She took part in important battles like the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign in 1943 and 1944, and the Philippines campaign in 1944 and 1945. In 1945, she also helped during the Battle of Okinawa and attacked factories in Japan.
After World War II, Massachusetts returned to the United States. She was taken out of service in 1947 and kept in a special fleet. In 1962, she was officially removed from the Navy's list of ships. However, in 1965, she became a museum ship at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Massachusetts |
| Namesake | Commonwealth of Massachusetts |
| Builder | Bethlehem Steel Corporation (Fore River Shipyard) |
| Laid down | 20 July 1939 |
| Launched | 23 September 1941 |
| Commissioned | 12 May 1942 |
| Decommissioned | 27 March 1947 |
| Stricken | 1 June 1962 |
| Status | Museum ship at Battleship Cove since 14 August 1965 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | South Dakota-class battleship |
| Displacement | |
| Length | 680 ft (210 m) o/a |
| Beam | 108 ft 2 in (32.97 m) |
| Draft | 35 ft 1 in (10.69 m) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion | |
| Speed | 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h; 31.6 mph) |
| Range | 15,000 nmi (28,000 km; 17,000 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) |
| Crew |
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| Armament |
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| Armor |
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| Aircraft carried | 3 × "Kingfisher" floatplanes |
| Aviation facilities | 2 × catapults |
Building and Features of the Ship
The South Dakota-class battleships, including Massachusetts, were ordered when countries around the world started building more warships again. Before this, treaties like the Washington Naval Treaty limited the size and guns of battleships. However, when Japan left these treaties, the United States Navy decided to build bigger ships.
Even though they could build larger ships, the US Congress wanted the new battleships to stay as close as possible to the old size limits. This meant Massachusetts had to fit powerful 16 inches (410 mm) guns and strong armor into a smaller space.
Massachusetts was 680 feet (210 m) long from end to end. She was 108 ft 2 in (32.97 m) wide and sat 35 ft 1 in (10.69 m) deep in the water. When fully loaded for battle, she weighed about 44,519 long tons (45,233 t).
The ship was powered by four steam turbines, which turned four propellers. These turbines got their steam from eight oil-fired boilers. With 130,000 shaft horsepower (97,000 kW) of power, Massachusetts could reach a top speed of 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h; 31.6 mph) (about 31.6 miles per hour). She could travel 15,000 nautical miles (28,000 km; 17,000 mi) (about 17,260 miles) at a slower speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).
For scouting, she carried three Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes. These planes were launched from two catapults at the back of the ship. In peacetime, her crew had 1,793 sailors and officers. During the war, this number grew to 2,500.
Ship's Weapons and Protection
Massachusetts had a main battery of nine 16 in (406 mm) guns. These were placed in three large turrets. Two turrets were at the front of the ship, one behind the other, and one was at the back.
For smaller targets and air defense, she had twenty 5 in (127 mm) dual-purpose guns in twin turrets along her sides. These guns could fire at both ships and aircraft.
To protect against air attacks, she was also equipped with many anti-aircraft guns. These included six quadruple 40 mm (1.6 in) Bofors guns and thirty-five single 20 mm (0.8 in) Oerlikon cannons.
The ship's main armor belt, which protected the sides, was 12.2 in (310 mm) thick. Her main deck armor was up to 6 in (152 mm) thick. The turrets for the main guns had 18 in (457 mm) thick faces. The command center, called the conning tower, had 16 in (406 mm) thick sides.
Changes and Upgrades
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Throughout her time in the war, Massachusetts received many upgrades. Most of these were additions to her anti-aircraft guns and new radar systems.
- Radar Systems: In 1941, she got an SC air search radar to find planes. This was later replaced with a better SK type. A radar to find ships, called SG surface search radar, was also added. Later, a second SG radar was installed. She also received Mark 8 radar for her main guns and Mark 4 radars for her smaller guns. These helped her aim more accurately. Later, these were upgraded to Mark 12/22 sets. She also got a TDY jammer to block enemy radar. In 1945, her old spotting scopes were replaced with Mark 27 microwave radars.
- Anti-Aircraft Guns: The number of light anti-aircraft guns on the ship grew steadily. Four more 40 millimetres (1.6 in) quad mounts were added in late 1942. In February 1943, two more quad mounts were added, one on top of each of the back two main gun turrets. By this time, she had 61 of the 20 millimetres (0.79 in) guns. More 40 millimetres (1.6 in) and 20 millimetres (0.79 in) guns were added later in 1943. By early 1944, the Navy decided that 20 millimetres (0.79 in) guns were less effective. They planned to reduce their number to 33 and add more 40 millimetres (1.6 in) guns. By October, Massachusetts had 32 of the 20 millimetres (0.79 in) guns and a total of 72 40 millimetres (1.6 in) guns. Some of these new 40 millimetres (1.6 in) guns were placed at the very front of the ship, but they were not very useful in rough seas and were removed after the war.
Service in World War II
Building and Atlantic Operations
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Massachusetts began construction at Bethlehem Steel's Fore River Shipyard on July 20, 1939. She was launched on September 23, 1941, and officially joined the Navy on May 12, 1942. After testing, she was sent to support Operation Torch. This was the invasion of French North Africa.
On October 24, she sailed to join the invasion fleet. She became the lead ship for Task Group (TG) 34.1, which included two heavy cruisers and four destroyers. The ships met the rest of the invasion fleet on October 28 and sailed across the Atlantic.
Massachusetts took part in the Naval Battle of Casablanca on November 8. Her job was to stop the main French defenses. These included coastal guns, submarines, and the battleship Jean Bart. Jean Bart was still being built and only had half of its main guns working.
Massachusetts started firing at 7:04 AM. She soon came under fire from Jean Bart. Massachusetts fired back and hit Jean Bart five times, disabling its main gun turret. After Jean Bart was out of action, Massachusetts and other American ships attacked coastal gun batteries, an ammunition storage, and merchant ships in the harbor. The French defenders agreed to stop fighting on November 11. Massachusetts then left for the United States on November 12 to prepare for the Pacific War.
Pacific War Battles
Fighting in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands
Massachusetts arrived in Nouméa in New Caledonia on March 4, 1943. For several months, she escorted convoys to the Solomon Islands. On June 30, she helped protect an attack on New Georgia.
On November 19, she joined the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign. She escorted aircraft carriers that attacked Makin, Tarawa, and Abemama in the Gilbert Islands. These attacks helped weaken Japanese defenses and cut off their forces. On December 8, she bombarded Japanese positions at Nauru.
The campaign continued into January 1944 with the Battle of Kwajalein. Massachusetts was now part of Task Group 58.1. She protected aircraft carriers from attacks and used her powerful anti-aircraft guns against Japanese planes. The carriers attacked many targets in the Marshall Islands to isolate the Japanese forces on Kwajalein Atoll. Massachusetts bombarded the island on January 30, the day before marines landed.
Massachusetts continued to escort carriers during Operation Hailstone on February 17. This was a big carrier raid on Truk, a main Japanese base. The fleet then attacked Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, which led to strong Japanese air attacks. Massachusetts helped defend the fleet with her anti-aircraft guns.
On April 22, the fleet supported the landing at Hollandia in New Guinea. Afterward, the fleet attacked Truk again. On May 1, Massachusetts joined a group to bombard Pohnpei in the Senyavin Islands. After this, she went to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for repairs and to have her guns replaced because they were worn out. This meant she missed the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign in June and July. She returned to the fleet in the Marshall Islands on August 1.
By this time, the Third Fleet was in charge. Massachusetts joined Task Group 38.3. She escorted carriers that made attacks in late August and early September. These attacks prepared for landings at Morotai and Peleliu. They included strikes on Mindanao in the Philippines to stop Japanese planes from interfering. From September 12 to 14, the fleet attacked targets in the Visayas. Massachusetts also escorted carriers for attacks on Luzon and Manila from September 21 to 22. This month-long campaign destroyed about 1,000 Japanese aircraft and many ships.
Philippines Campaign
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On October 6, Massachusetts sailed with the fleet to prepare for the invasion of the Philippines. The first step was a big attack on Japanese air bases on Okinawa on October 10. From October 12 to 14, the carriers attacked bases on Taiwan. The fleet faced heavy air attacks, but Massachusetts was not directly hit.
On October 17, the carriers attacked Luzon again. This was the same day American soldiers landed at Leyte. The landing at Leyte caused Japan to start Operation Shō-Gō 1, their plan to fight back. Japan had three fleets. One fleet, the Northern Force, was meant to be a decoy. The other two, Center Force and Southern Force, were to attack the invasion fleet.
On October 24, Center Force was found. American planes sank the battleship Musashi. This made the Japanese commander turn back for a short time. This made Admiral William F. Halsey decide to send his fast carrier force to destroy the decoy Northern Force. Massachusetts sailed north with the carriers.
On the morning of October 25, the Americans attacked the Northern Force. They sank all four Japanese aircraft carriers. However, Center Force had turned around and was now attacking the invasion fleet. A group of smaller American ships, including escort carriers and destroyers, fought bravely against the much stronger Japanese force. They held off the attack until the Japanese commander decided to retreat. Massachusetts and other battleships were sent to help, but they arrived too late to fight Center Force.
The fleet then went to Ulithi to resupply. They then launched more attacks on Japanese airfields on Luzon. Massachusetts was now part of Task Group 38.1. On December 14, the carriers attacked Manila. On December 17, Typhoon Cobra hit the fleet. Massachusetts was not badly damaged, but she lost two of her scout planes. From December 30 to January 23, 1945, Massachusetts helped the carriers attack Taiwan and Okinawa. This supported the invasion of Lingayen Gulf in the northern Philippines.
Operations Near Japan and Later Years
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By February, Massachusetts was part of Task Group 58.1. She continued to escort carriers during attacks on Honshu, Japan. These attacks helped prepare for the Battle of Iwo Jima. The task force left Ulithi on February 10 and began attacks on Honshu on February 16. They also attacked Iwo Jima starting February 20.
On March 14, the fleet sailed for another attack on Japan. Massachusetts was again with Task Group 58.1. On March 18, the carriers began attacks on Kyushu to weaken Japanese forces before the Battle of Okinawa. A large attack by 48 kamikaze planes hit the fleet, but Massachusetts was not heavily involved. The next day, Japanese bombers attacked the fleet and badly damaged the carrier Wasp, but Massachusetts was not hit.
On March 23, the fleet moved to attack Okinawa before the landing. On March 24, Massachusetts and other battleships shelled Okinawa. She spent much of April near Okinawa, helping to fight off many Japanese air attacks. Many ships were hit by kamikazes, but Massachusetts was not. In late May, Massachusetts' unit was re-numbered Task Group 38.1. On June 5, she went through another typhoon but was not seriously damaged. Five days later, Massachusetts shelled Japanese facilities on Minami Daito Jima in the Rykukus. After this, the fleet returned to Leyte Gulf for a break.
The fleet then prepared for more operations near Japan. On July 1, the carriers sailed for attacks on Honshu, focusing on the area around Tokyo. On July 14, Massachusetts was sent with other battleships and cruisers to bombard a large industrial area in Kamaishi. This was the first time battleships attacked the Japanese mainland. Two weeks later, she bombarded factories at Hamamatsu. For this, she was joined by the British battleship HMS King George V. Another attack on Kamaishi happened on August 9, with the battleship Alabama joining them.
After Japan surrendered on August 15, Massachusetts left for repairs at Puget Sound. The repairs lasted until January 28, 1946. She then sailed to San Francisco and then to Hampton Roads, Virginia, arriving on April 22. She was officially taken out of service on March 27, 1947, and placed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet.
There were plans to modernize Massachusetts if she was needed again. In 1954, there was a plan to give her new 3-inch (76 mm) guns. Another idea in 1956–1957 was to turn her into a guided missile battleship. This plan would have removed all her main gun turrets and replaced them with missile launchers and helicopter equipment. However, this was too expensive, costing $120 million. Massachusetts stayed out of service until June 1, 1962, when she was removed from the Navy's list of ships. While in reserve, about 5,000 tons of her equipment, including her plane catapults, were removed for use on other Navy ships.
Museum Ship Status
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USS Massachusetts (BB-59)
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Massachusetts at Battleship Cove
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| Location | 5 Water Street, Battleship Cove, Fall River, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1941 |
| Architect | US Navy |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002269 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | 30 September 1976 |
| Designated NHL | 14 January 1986 |
After Massachusetts was taken off the Navy's list and set to be scrapped, a group of her former crew members worked to save her as a museum ship. The Massachusetts Memorial Committee successfully raised enough money to buy the ship from the Navy. Children in the state even helped by donating money. On June 8, 1965, the Navy gave ownership of the ship to the state.
Two months later, on August 14, she was anchored in Fall River, Massachusetts, at Battleship Cove. This museum also includes the destroyer Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the submarine Lionfish, a former East German patrol boat Hiddensee, two PT boats, and many other exhibits.
In the early 1980s, when the Navy brought four Iowa-class battleships back into service, parts were taken from Massachusetts and other preserved battleships. This was to help repair the Iowa-class ships. Most of the parts removed were engine room components that were no longer available.
Massachusetts was named a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 14, 1986. Except for the parts removed in the 1980s and her aircraft catapults, Massachusetts is still mostly in her World War II condition.
In November 1998, Massachusetts was closed to visitors for planned repairs in Boston. She left on November 4, 1998, towed by a tugboat for her 300-mile (480 km) trip. She arrived in Boston on November 7 and entered Drydock Number 3. There, inspections showed she needed more steel plating along her hull to protect against rust. They also found leaking rivets and decided to remove two of her propellers for repair.
For the next four months, Massachusetts was repaired. This included adding almost 225,000 pounds (102,000 kg) of steel to her hull and a special coating to protect it. In March 1999, Massachusetts left the drydock and was towed back to Battleship Cove. She arrived at her home on March 13, 1999, to a crowd of people, including veterans and officials.
Images for kids
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Massachusetts off Casablanca, 8 November 1942
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Massachusetts off Boston in 1942
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Massachusetts after her 1944 refit
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Massachusetts refuels two Fletcher-class destroyers, 1944
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Massachusetts refueling from the tanker USS Saugatuck in 1945
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Massachusetts reloading ammunition from the ammunition ship USS Wrangell
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Massachusetts in Puget Sound in 1946
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See also
In Spanish: USS Massachusetts (BB-59) para niños
