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| USN Pensacola-class cruiser 9,200 Tons (standard) 585' 6" x 65' 3" x 16' 2" (1942) 10 x 8" 55 cal gun (2x3, 2x2) 8 x 5" 25 cal AA guns 2 x 3 pdr guns 4 x 1.1" AA guns 8 x 20mm cannons 2 x catapults 4 x floatplanes (1945) 10 x 8" 55 cal gun (2x3, 2x2) 8 x 5" 25 cal AA guns 2 x 3 pdr guns 7 x Quad 40mm AA guns 9 x Twin 20mm cannons 2 x catapults 4 x floatplanes  USN September 28, 1942 |
Ship History Built by New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn, NY. Ordered December 18, 1924. Contract awarded March 7, 1925 with a supplemental contract added July 9, 1926 at a cost of $11,100,000. Laid down October 27, 1926 as the lead ship of the Pensacola-class cruiser. Launched April 25, 1929 as USS Pensacola (CL-24) as the third ship named for Pensacola, Florida sponsored by Mrs. Joseph L. Seligman. Commissioned February 6, 1930 in the U.S. Navy (USN) with Captain Alfred G. Howe in command. Nicknamed "Grey Ghost". On March 24, 1930 departs New York and transits the Panama Canal to Callao, Peru and Valparaíso, Chile then returns to New York June 5, 1930. On July 1, 1931 redesignated as a heavy cruiser USS Pensacola CA-24 in accordance with the provisions of the London Naval Treaty of 1930. For the next four years operates along the east coast of the United States and Caribbean Sea and several times transits the Panama Canal for exercises off California and Hawaii. On November 29, 1941 departs Pearl Harbor leading a convoy of eight ships dubbed the "Pensacola Convoy" bound for Manila with U.S. Navy vessels USS Chaumont (AP-5) USS Republic (AP-33) USS Niagra (PG-52), U.S. Army transports USAT Meigs and USAT Willard A. Holbrook plus merchant vessels SS Admiral Halstead, SS Coast Farmer and MS Blomfontein. On December 5, 1941 the convoy crosses the equator. Wartime History On December 7, 1941 at 8:25am approaching Fiji, informed that hostilities had commenced with Japan and their orders changed and proceeds to Suva where USS Niagra (PG-52) departs for Pearl Harbor and the rest of the convoy proceeds to Brisbane arriving December 22, 1941. PARTIAL HISTORY On November 30, 1942 during the Battle of Tassafaronga Northampton opened fire on Japanese warships and her gunfire likely contributed to the sinking of Takanami. At 11:22pm as the battle began USS Minneapolis (CA-36) and USS New Orleans (CA-32) sustained torpedo hits and withdrew. Pensacola turned to avoid a collision with the two damaged cruisers and was silhouetted and was targeted by Japanese destroyers that fired a spread of 18 torpedoes at her. At 11:48 USS Pensacola was also hit by a torpedo below the mainmast on the port side causing a hole 24' x 40' that flooded the after engine room and broke two propeller shafts. Three of her gun turrets ceased working, oil tanks ruptured causing a fire on the main deck and caused ammunition to detonate. Damaged control efforts by the crew saved ship and allowed the cruiser to enter Tulagi Harbor. Still burning, the flames were extinguished 12 hours later. During the battle, a total of 7 officers and 118 sailors died plus 1 officer, 67 sailors wounded. Afterwards, the damaged cruiser was Camouflaged to appear as part of Tulagi Island while emergency repairs were made then departs for Espiritu Santo arriving December 6, 1942. After more repairs by USS Vestal (AR-4) departs on January 7, 1943 via Samoa to Pearl Harbor arriving twenty days later. PARTIAL HISTORY Postwar On April 29, 1946 departs San Pedro to Pearl Harbor to join Joint Task Force One at Pearl Harbor in preparation for Operation Crossroads atomic bomb tests in Bikini Atoll. On May 20, 1946 departs Pearl Harbor and arrives Bikini Atoll nine days later and is positioned as a target ship. Pensacola survived Test Able on July 1, 1946 and Test Baker on July 25, 1946. On August 24, 1946 towed to Kwajalein and two days later decommissioned. Afterwards, the warship underwent additional radiological and structural test then was to be sunk. Fate On November 10, 1948 sunk off the coast of Washington State. Awards Pensacola earned 13 battle stars for her World War II service. References Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Pensacola III (CA-24) NavSource - USS Pensacola (CL/CA-24) Oz@War - Pensacola Convoy (Plum Convoy) Arriving In Australia During WWII Contribute
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