USS Portland CA-33, a heavy cruiser, was commissioned in 1933. During World War II, it served in the Pacific theater, earning 16 battle stars and participating in many pivotal battles. The ship was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually scrapped. Today, it is remembered as a legendary vessel that played a pivotal role in the United States' naval history. In this article, we will explore the history of the USS Portland CA-33 and its legacy.
The Birth of the USS Portland CA-33
The USS Portland CA-33 was built at Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. It was commissioned on February 23, 1933, and was the third ship to bear the name Portland. The ship was 610 feet long and had a displacement of 10,258 tons. It was equipped with eight 8-inch guns, twelve 5-inch guns, and numerous anti-aircraft guns.
The USS Portland CA-33 was part of the Northampton-class of heavy cruisers. Its design was based on the earlier Pensacola-class cruisers, but with improvements in armor protection and torpedo defense. The ship's top speed was 32.5 knots, and it had a range of 10,000 nautical miles. It was powered by four Parsons steam turbines and eight boilers.
The USS Portland CA-33 in World War II
During World War II, the USS Portland CA-33 served in the Pacific theater and participated in many pivotal battles. In December 1941, the ship was in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by Japanese forces. The ship suffered minor damage but was able to return to service quickly.
In 1942, the USS Portland CA-33 was part of the task force that participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The ship's anti-aircraft guns played a key role in defending the task force against Japanese air attacks. Later that year, the ship participated in the Battle of Midway, where it provided cover for the aircraft carriers that launched the decisive attack on the Japanese fleet.
The USS Portland CA-33's Other Battles
The USS Portland CA-33 also participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, where it helped sink a Japanese battleship and several destroyers. The ship was also part of the task force that participated in the Battle of Tarawa, where it provided fire support for the Marines who landed on the island.
Later in the war, the USS Portland CA-33 participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, where it engaged in a fierce battle with a Japanese cruiser and destroyer force. The ship's guns played a key role in sinking several enemy ships. The USS Portland CA-33 also participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where it provided fire support for the troops who landed on the island.
The USS Portland CA-33's Legacy
The USS Portland CA-33 was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually scrapped. However, it is remembered as a legendary ship that played a pivotal role in the United States' naval history. The ship earned 16 battle stars for its service in World War II and participated in many pivotal battles. Today, there are several memorials and museums dedicated to the ship and its crew.
The USS Portland CA-33's legacy also lives on in the Navy's current ships. The USS Portland (LPD-27), commissioned in 2018, is named in honor of the legendary ship and its crew. The new USS Portland is an amphibious transport dock that is part of the Navy's San Antonio-class of ships. It is fitting that this new ship carries on the name and legacy of the USS Portland CA-33.
Conclusion
The USS Portland CA-33 was a legendary ship that played a pivotal role in the United States' naval history. It earned 16 battle stars for its service in World War II and participated in many pivotal battles. Today, it is remembered as a symbol of the Navy's strength and resilience. The legacy of the USS Portland CA-33 lives on in the Navy's current ships, and it will continue to inspire future generations of sailors and Americans.
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