Cleveland class cruiser

Image:USS Cleveland CL-55.jpg The United States Navy designed the Cleveland class of light cruisers for World War II with the goal of increased range and AA armament as compared with earlier classes.

Although 39 ships were projected to be built, only 27 were actually commissioned. The Cleveland class is the most successful cruiser class in history (tied with the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser). Nine ships were reordered as Independence-class light carriers.

The ships were mainly used in the Pacific during World War II, some however saw action in Europe and off of the coast of Africa.

Statistics

Displacement:
- Standard: 11800 tons
- Full: 14131 tons
Length: 186.0 meters
Beam: 20.2 meters
Draught: 7.5 meters
Height (Mast): 34.5 meters
Crew (Officers/Men): 70/1285
Speed: 32.5 knots
Armament:
- Cleveland, 1942: 12 x 6 in (152mm) L/47 in four triple turrets, two superfiring fore and aft each, 12 x 5 in (127mm) L/38 in six twin turrets, one forward, one aft, two on each side, 12 x 40mm L/56, 20 x 20mm
- Vicksburg, 1944/45: 12 x 6 in (152mm) L/47 as above, 12 x 5 in (127mm) L/38 as above, 28 x 40mm L/56, 10 x 20mm