USS Saint Paul CA-73
The USS Saint Paul (CA-73) 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 September 16, 1944, and commissioned into the U.S. Navy on February 17, 1945. This ship was part of a massive wartime effort to strengthen the Navy, reflecting the urgency of the times.
Named after Saint Paul, Minnesota, the ship honored the city's contributions during the war. The name symbolized the strength and resilience of the American heartland. The USS Saint Paul lived up to her name, playing a key role in many significant naval operations throughout her service.
The USS Saint Paul was known for her powerful armament and advanced radar systems. As a Baltimore-class cruiser, she boasted nine 8-inch/55 caliber guns, twelve 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, and a range of anti-aircraft weapons. Her state-of-the-art radar and fire control systems were crucial for both offensive and defensive missions. These features made her a formidable force in the Pacific, capable of taking on enemy ships, aircraft, and shore targets with precision.
The USS Saint Paul left a lasting legacy in the U.S. Navy, marked by her distinguished service and numerous accolades. She earned 18 battle stars for her service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Her involvement in key operations, like the bombardment of Japanese home islands and support for ground troops in Korea and Vietnam, highlighted her versatility and effectiveness. She also served as a flagship for various fleet commanders, underscoring her importance to the Navy.
As part of the Baltimore-class, the USS Saint Paul was designed for long-range missions and heavy bombardment. These cruisers were built for offensive firepower and defensive capabilities, suitable for roles like escorting aircraft carriers, shore bombardment, and anti-aircraft defense. The USS Saint Paul embodied these traits, proving to be a versatile and reliable ship throughout her service.
The commissioning of the USS Saint Paul marked the start of a storied career spanning three major conflicts and several decades. Joining the Pacific Fleet in 1945, she participated in the final stages of World War II. Her commissioning came at a crucial time, as the Navy aimed to maintain pressure on Japanese forces and prepare for post-war challenges. Her deployments and engagements demonstrated the strategic importance of heavy cruisers in maintaining naval superiority and supporting ground operations, securing her place in naval history.
USS Saint Paul CA-73: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, known for its tough build and impressive presence at sea. Launched in 1944, this ship stretched 673 feet long and 70 feet wide, offering a stable platform for its missions. Its hull was designed to take a beating, with lots of compartments to boost its chances of surviving in battle. The superstructure mixed steel and aluminum, striking a balance between strength and keeping the top-weight down for better stability. The USS Saint Paul was all about versatility and resilience, ready to escort aircraft carriers or bombard shore targets.
Tech-wise, the USS Saint Paul was ahead of its time. It had cutting-edge radar and fire control systems, crucial for navigation and combat. The SK-2 radar handled long-range air searches, while the SG radar took care of surface searches and navigation. The Mark 34 and Mark 37 fire control systems were key to its gunnery precision, letting it target both surface and aerial threats with pinpoint accuracy. These tech upgrades meant the USS Saint Paul could hit enemy forces from farther away and with more precision than many other ships of its era.
The ship's armament was all about packing a punch. Its main battery had nine 8-inch/55 caliber guns in three triple turrets, delivering powerful blows to surface ships and shore targets. These guns could hit targets over 17 miles away, engaging enemies beyond the horizon. Besides the main guns, it had twelve 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns for both anti-aircraft and surface combat. These secondary guns were great against aircraft and smaller ships, adding a versatile layer of defense and offense.
The USS Saint Paul also boasted a strong anti-aircraft defense, crucial during World War II and the Korean War. It was armed with forty-eight 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and twenty-four 20mm Oerlikon cannons. These rapid-firing weapons created a tough defensive screen against enemy aircraft, boosting the ship's chances of surviving in hostile airspace. With its heavy artillery and extensive anti-aircraft armament, the USS Saint Paul was a formidable opponent, ready to both deliver and withstand intense combat.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Saint Paul (CA-73) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the numerous memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections span from the ship's early years post-World War II to its final decommissioning, capturing a rich tapestry of experiences, camaraderie, and significant events.
**Early Years and Notable Events:** Several crew members recall their time aboard the USS Saint Paul during the 1950s and early 1960s. Bob Board, who served in 1952, remembers working in the print shop and being on board during a turret accident. Harold Bradley, a career Navy man, served in 1951 and passed away in 1976. The ship's involvement in the filming of "In Harm's Way" in 1961 is a fond memory for many, including Mario Chavez and Terry Harold, who recall interactions with stars like John Wayne and Burgess Meredith.
**Vietnam War Service:** The ship's service during the Vietnam War is a recurring theme. Many crew members, such as William Bartle (1965), David Caldwell (1966), and Joe Dematteo (1967), recount their experiences during WestPac cruises and combat operations. The ship's involvement in significant events, such as being hit by enemy fire and the subsequent damage, is vividly remembered by crew members like Gerald Fanning and Patrick White. The ship's role in providing gunfire support and the challenges faced during these missions are highlighted by several veterans.
**Camaraderie and Daily Life:** The sense of camaraderie and the bonds formed aboard the USS Saint Paul are evident in the memories shared. Crew members like Mike Best (1956) and John Doe (1959) recall the friendships and the unique experiences that defined their time on the ship. The ship's various roles, from engine room duties to radar operations, are detailed by veterans like Perfecto Apodaca (1961) and Joel Bailey (1970). The ship's participation in events like the Portland Rose Festival and Seattle Sea Fair, as mentioned by Steve Easley (1964) and Gale Lee (1962), provided memorable moments of respite and celebration.
**Challenges and Hardships:** Life aboard the USS Saint Paul was not without its challenges. Crew members like Don McDowell (1966) and Michael Knox (1965) discuss the long-term health issues they face due to exposure to Agent Orange. The harsh conditions in the engine and fire rooms are recounted by sailors like H.E. Vanmarter (1965) and David Hunt (1965). The tragic loss of shipmates, such as the incident involving a runaway anchor chain mentioned by Dickie Heisch (1970) and Dana White (1969), left lasting impacts on those who served.
**Legacy and Reunions:** The legacy of the USS Saint Paul lives on through the memories of its crew and the reunions organized by the USS Saint Paul Association. Bob Board, a past president of the association, highlights the importance of these gatherings in keeping the ship's history alive. The reunions provide an opportunity for former shipmates to reconnect and share their stories, ensuring that the spirit of the USS Saint Paul endures.
In summary, the memories shared by the crew members of the USS Saint Paul (CA-73) paint a vivid picture of life aboard this storied vessel. From the camaraderie and daily routines to the challenges and significant events, these recollections capture the essence of what it meant to serve on the "Fighting Saint."
USS Saint Paul CA-73: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Saint Paul (CA-73) was a powerhouse in the U.S. Navy, constantly evolving to meet new challenges. Commissioned in 1945, she started with a strong lineup of 8-inch guns and anti-aircraft artillery, plus cutting-edge radar for the era. But as naval warfare changed, so did the Saint Paul. During the Korean War, she got upgraded radar and fire control systems, boosting her accuracy and combat punch. By the 1960s, she was fitted with new electronic warfare gear and better communication systems, making her a key player in the complex electronic battlefield.
The Saint Paul was versatile, adapting to the Navy's shifting strategic needs. Built as a heavy cruiser for surface combat and shore bombardment, she showed her worth in the Korean War. Her naval gunfire support was crucial for United Nations forces, delivering precise bombardments that disrupted enemy positions. In the Vietnam War, she again proved her flexibility, providing gunfire support, interdicting supply routes, and offering anti-aircraft defense. Her ability to handle diverse missions made her invaluable across different theaters of operation.
Though commissioned late in World War II, the Saint Paul quickly became a key player in post-war and Korean War operations. Her powerful guns and advanced radar made her a critical part of naval task forces, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. Her role in the Korean War was particularly significant; her sustained bombardments and support for ground troops earned her several commendations, cementing her reputation as a reliable warship. In Vietnam, she continued to deliver essential fire support, proving her enduring value in a challenging combat environment.
Beyond combat, the Saint Paul was vital in peacetime operations and fleet exercises. She took part in numerous training missions, joint exercises with allies, and goodwill visits to foreign ports, strengthening diplomatic ties and showcasing U.S. naval power. These activities kept her crew sharp and the ship in top condition, highlighting the U.S. Navy's versatility and strength. The Saint Paul's long service life, marked by continuous upgrades and diverse mission capabilities, exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of the U.S. Navy, ensuring it remained a formidable force in both war and peace.
USS Saint Paul CA-73: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Saint Paul (CA-73) had a remarkable service record, marked by numerous deployments and significant roles in major conflicts. Commissioned in 1945, this heavy cruiser quickly joined the final stages of World War II. She took part in the bombardment of the Japanese home islands, providing crucial naval gunfire support that helped hasten the end of the war. After Japan's surrender, the USS Saint Paul was part of the occupation forces, helping stabilize the region during the immediate post-war period. Her presence in these critical moments highlighted the importance of naval power in both combat and peacekeeping roles.
During the Korean War, the USS Saint Paul was recommissioned and played a pivotal role in naval operations. She provided naval gunfire support for United Nations forces, bombarding enemy positions and supply lines along the Korean Peninsula. Her firepower was instrumental in several key battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter. The ship's ability to deliver precise and sustained bombardment made her a valuable asset in the conflict, earning her a reputation for reliability and effectiveness in combat.
The USS Saint Paul continued to serve with distinction during the Vietnam War. She was deployed multiple times to the waters off Vietnam, where she conducted naval gunfire support missions, targeting enemy infrastructure and troop concentrations. Her role in Operation Sea Dragon and other naval operations demonstrated the versatility and enduring value of heavy cruisers in modern naval warfare. The ship's contributions weren't limited to combat; she also participated in search and rescue operations, showcasing the multifaceted capabilities of the US Navy's surface fleet.
Throughout her service life, the USS Saint Paul received numerous awards and commendations, reflecting her exceptional performance and the dedication of her crew. She earned a total of 18 battle stars for her service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Additionally, the ship was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for her outstanding service during the Korean War. These honors are a testament to the ship's significant contributions to US naval operations and her enduring legacy as a symbol of American naval strength and resilience.
USS Saint Paul CA-73 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser |
| Commissioned | February 17, 1945 |
| Displacement | 13,600 tons |
| Length | 673.6 feet |
| Beam | 70.8 feet |
| Draft | 26.8 feet |
| Speed | 33 knots |
| Complement | 2,000 |