USS Kentucky (BB-6)

USS Kentucky (BB-6) The USS Kentucky (BB-6) was a United States Navy pre-dreadnought battleship that served during the Spanish-American War and World War I. The ship was part of the Kearsarge-class of battleships, which were designed by Naval Constructor William Cramp & Sons. The USS Kentucky was one of the last pre-dreadnought battleships constructed for the United States Navy.

Design and description

The USS Kentucky (BB-6) was 368 feet 6 inches (112.3 meters) in length, with a beam of 76 feet 3 inches (23.3 meters) and a draft of 28 feet 6 inches (8.7 meters). The ship had a displacement of 11,250 long tons and was powered by vertical triple-expansion steam engines, which were designed by Curtis & Curtis. These engines used coal-fired boilers and produced 9,000 horsepower, allowing the ship to reach a top speed of 16 knots. The USS Kentucky had a crew of 305 officers and enlisted men.

The ship's main armament consisted of four 10-inch /40 caliber guns, which were mounted in two twin turrets. The secondary armament included eight 6-inch /50 caliber guns, which were mounted in casemates. The ship also had several smaller guns, including anti-aircraft guns and machine guns.

Construction and commissioning

The USS Kentucky (BB-6) was laid down on June 30, 1896, at the William Cramp & Sons shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ship was launched on March 24, 1898, and was commissioned into the United States Navy on May 15, 1900, under the command of Captain John D. Hayes.

Service history

The USS Kentucky (BB-6) served during the Spanish-American War, although it did not see action. The ship was part of the Asiatic Squadron during the Boxer Rebellion, and it helped to protect American citizens in China. In 1907, the USS Kentucky was part of the Great White Fleet, a U.S. Navy battle fleet that was sent on a world tour to demonstrate the naval power of the United States.

During World War I, the USS Kentucky served as a training ship and a guard ship in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was also used to transport troops and supplies to Europe.

Decommissioning and fate

The USS Kentucky (BB-6) was decommissioned on March 31, 1922, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ship was sold for scrap on March 31, 1923, and was broken up for scrap metal in 1923. The ship's bell is now on display at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Category:Pre-dreadnought battleships of the United States Navy