USS Pittsburgh CA-72
The USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser built during World War II. Her keel was laid on February 3, 1943, at the Bethlehem Steel Company's Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on February 22, 1944, and officially joined the U.S. Navy on October 10, 1944. This ship was part of a massive effort to strengthen the Navy during a time of global conflict, showcasing the urgency and scale of wartime shipbuilding.
Named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city known for its steel production, the USS Pittsburgh carried the spirit of American industrial strength and resilience. The name honored Pittsburgh's contributions to the nation's defense, reflecting the city's vital role in the war effort.
The USS Pittsburgh was armed to the teeth. She boasted nine 8-inch/55 caliber guns, twelve 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, and a range of anti-aircraft weapons. Her advanced radar and fire control systems made her a formidable force in both surface and air battles. This ship was all about firepower and versatility, ready to tackle a variety of missions.
The USS Pittsburgh left a lasting mark on the U.S. Navy with her significant contributions during World War II. She played a key role in operations like the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa, providing essential fire support and engaging enemy aircraft. On June 5, 1945, she faced a typhoon that tore off her bow. Yet, thanks to the crew's quick actions and the ship's sturdy build, she made it back to port for repairs, showcasing the crew's resilience and determination.
As a Baltimore-class cruiser, the USS Pittsburgh was part of a fleet designed to be the backbone of the Navy's cruiser force during the war. These ships were built for heavy gunfire support, carrier protection, and engaging enemy ships. With their speed, armor, and firepower, they were versatile and powerful assets in the Pacific Theater.
When the USS Pittsburgh was commissioned, she quickly became a vital part of the Pacific Fleet under Captain John Edward Gingrich. Her service came at a crucial time as the Navy ramped up efforts to defeat Japan and end the war. The USS Pittsburgh's actions during this period highlighted the strategic importance of heavy cruisers in achieving naval superiority and supporting amphibious operations.
USS Pittsburgh CA-72: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, a class known for its sturdy build and cutting-edge design during World War II. It stretched 673 feet 5 inches long and had a beam of 70 feet 10 inches, offering a stable platform for various missions. Built with high-tensile steel and armor plating, it was well-protected against enemy fire. Its superstructure was designed for maximum visibility and command efficiency, featuring a distinctive tower mast for radar and communication gear. The Pittsburgh was all about durability and versatility, ready for anything from anti-aircraft defense to shore bombardment.
Tech-wise, the USS Pittsburgh was ahead of its time. It had the SG radar for surface search and navigation and the SK radar for air search, giving early warnings of incoming aircraft. These were paired with the Mark 8 fire-control radar, boosting the accuracy of its main guns. Advanced communication systems, including radio and signal equipment, ensured smooth coordination with other naval units. This tech made the Pittsburgh a powerhouse in the Pacific, capable of both offensive and defensive operations.
The armament of the USS Pittsburgh was impressive. It had nine 8-inch/55 caliber guns in three triple turrets, delivering powerful blows against surface and shore targets. These main guns could hit targets over 17 miles away with 335-pound armor-piercing shells, effective against heavily armored foes. Alongside, it had twelve 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns for both anti-aircraft and surface battles. These versatile guns fired 15 rounds per minute, adding a strong secondary defense layer.
The Pittsburgh also had a formidable array of anti-aircraft weapons, crucial during World War II's aerial threats. It was armed with forty-eight 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in quad mounts and twenty-four 20mm Oerlikon cannons, providing 360-degree coverage. These guns were vital for protecting the ship and its task force from aerial attacks, especially in the Pacific where kamikaze threats loomed large. This mix of heavy and light anti-aircraft armament made the USS Pittsburgh a key player in the US Navy's arsenal, ready to defend itself and its allies from airborne dangers.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) holds a rich tapestry of memories shared by its former crew members, spanning from its commissioning in 1944 through the early 1950s. These recollections provide a vivid snapshot of life aboard the heavy cruiser, highlighting both the camaraderie and the challenges faced by those who served.
Cris Criswell served as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class (HM2) in 1953. He recalls a diverse group of shipmates, including a young doctor named Don Carter and several fellow corpsmen: Bob Bumgardner, Dennie Geeloff, Hanson, Robbie Robinson, Roy Bristow, Cole Yates, and a man known simply as Sy. This group likely formed a tight-knit medical team, essential for maintaining the health and well-being of the crew during their voyages.
Clive Cunday, who served as a Seaman First Class (S1/C) in 1943, provides a more harrowing account of his time aboard. He participated in significant World War II battles, including the Marshall Islands, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima. Cunday was wounded by shrapnel during the action at Roi Island in the Marshalls on February 12, 1944, an injury that earned him the Purple Heart. His experiences underscore the perilous nature of naval warfare during this period.
Howie Davis, a Quartermaster Third Class (QM3) in 1952, reminisces about his service alongside shipmates such as Triaster, Stonehouse, Moore, and Whitehouse. He fondly recalls spending a weekend with Triaster's parents and encountering Alonzo Moore again in 1968, indicating the lasting bonds formed during their service.
Jack Etzel served as a Musician Seaman in 1953, part of the flag division under Vice Admiral Jurald Wright during a seven-month Mediterranean and Indian Ocean cruise. Etzel is particularly interested in reconnecting with other band members or shipmates who remember the band, humorously noting that "we were bad." His memories highlight the lighter, more cultural aspects of life aboard the USS Pittsburgh.
Joseph Holt's granddaughter shares that Holt served as a Seaman Second Class (S2C) in 1944 and was present on the ship's commissioning day, October 10, 1944. She expresses a desire to learn more about her grandfather's experiences and life on board, reflecting a common interest among descendants of veterans to connect with their family history.
Ronald Rogers, who served as a Seaman in 1951, mentions that he and his twin brother Conald were part of the 3rd division, Gunnery. At 92 years old, Ronald is still eager to reconnect with any surviving crew members, demonstrating the enduring connections formed during their service.
Allyn Rowley served as an Ensign/Lieutenant Junior Grade (ENS/LTJG) in 1953, functioning as the Disbursing Officer. He recalls the 1954 Mediterranean cruise and Indian Ocean voyage when the USS Pittsburgh served as the flagship for CINCNELM, following a yard period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and refresher training at Guantanamo Bay. Rowley retired in 1973 as a Commander in the Supply Corps and currently resides in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Gerald Tanenbaum, a Radioman Second Class (RM2) in 1952, is searching for an Ensign named James Winfrey, who he believes hailed from Iowa, and another shipmate, Albert E. Hall from Connecticut. His quest to reconnect with these individuals highlights the lasting impact of the relationships formed during their service.
These shared memories from the USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) crew members paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship, from the intense combat of World War II to the more routine and cultural aspects of naval service in the 1950s. The bonds formed during these years have clearly endured, as evidenced by the crew members' ongoing efforts to reconnect and reminisce about their shared experiences.
USS Pittsburgh CA-72: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Pittsburgh (CA-72) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser that saw some serious action and upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1944, it was armed with powerful 8-inch guns and anti-aircraft artillery, plus cutting-edge radar systems for that era. As naval warfare changed, so did the Pittsburgh. After World War II, it got better radar and fire control systems, making it even more accurate and aware of its surroundings. These upgrades kept the Pittsburgh a strong player in the U.S. Navy, ready to tackle new challenges.
The Pittsburgh had a wide range of missions, showing just how versatile heavy cruisers were back then. During World War II, it was all about surface combat and shore bombardment, providing crucial fire support in the Pacific. Its big guns were key in weakening enemy defenses before amphibious assaults, like those on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The ship also played a crucial role in anti-aircraft defense, protecting carrier groups from enemy planes. Thanks to its versatile weapons and sturdy design, the Pittsburgh could handle everything from direct combat to supporting the fleet.
The USS Pittsburgh made a big impact during its service. It earned two battle stars in World War II, taking part in major operations that were crucial to winning the war in the Pacific. One of the most memorable moments came in June 1945 when it survived a typhoon that ripped off its bow. Despite the damage, the Pittsburgh made it back to port for repairs, showing off its tough design and the crew's skill and determination in getting the ship to safety.
After the war, the Pittsburgh continued to be a valuable part of the Navy, joining in training exercises and fleet maneuvers during the early Cold War years. Its presence helped keep the Navy ready and showed American strength during tense times. The Pittsburgh was decommissioned in 1956, but its legacy lived on through the lessons learned and the advancements in naval engineering and tactics it helped inspire. The ship's career is a testament to the adaptability and lasting importance of the Baltimore-class cruisers in U.S. Navy history.
USS Pittsburgh CA-72: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Pittsburgh (CA-72), a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, was a powerhouse of its time. Commissioned in 1944, it boasted 8-inch guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and cutting-edge radar systems. As naval warfare evolved, so did the Pittsburgh. After World War II, it got upgrades to its radar and fire control systems, boosting its targeting accuracy and situational awareness. These changes kept the Pittsburgh a formidable force, ready to tackle new threats and missions.
The Pittsburgh's mission capabilities were as diverse as they were crucial. During World War II, it excelled in surface combat and shore bombardment, providing vital fire support in the Pacific Theater. Its heavy artillery was key in softening enemy defenses before amphibious assaults on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The ship also played a critical role in anti-aircraft defense, shielding carrier task forces from enemy air attacks. Its versatile armament and robust design allowed it to handle everything from direct combat to fleet support.
The USS Pittsburgh's contributions to the fleet were significant. It earned two battle stars during World War II, participating in major operations that were pivotal to the Allied victory in the Pacific. A memorable moment in its history came in June 1945, when it survived a typhoon that severely damaged the ship, including the loss of its bow. Despite this, the Pittsburgh made it back to port for repairs, showcasing its resilience and the crew's determination and skill.
In the post-war years, the Pittsburgh continued to be a valuable asset, taking part in training exercises and fleet maneuvers during the early Cold War. Its presence helped maintain naval readiness and project American power during tense times. Although decommissioned in 1956, the Pittsburgh's legacy lives on through the lessons learned and advancements in naval engineering and tactics it helped pioneer. Its storied career is a testament to the adaptability and enduring value of the Baltimore-class cruisers in U.S. Navy history.
USS Pittsburgh CA-72 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser |
| Commissioned | October 10, 1944 |
| Displacement | 13,600 tons |
| Length | 673.6 feet |
| Beam | 70.8 feet |
| Draft | 26.8 feet |
| Speed | 33 knots |
| Complement | 2,000 |