USS Maryland (BB-46)

USS Maryland (BB-46) was a United States Navy Colorado-class battleship that served during World War I and World War II. Commissioned in 1922, she was named in honor of the State of Maryland. The battleship was built at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey, and was a member of the United States Fleet.

Design and description

The USS Maryland was one of four Colorado-class battleships designed by William Cramp & Sons and the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. She had a length of and a beam of , with a draft of . The battleship was powered by Babcock & Wilcox boilers and General Electric turbines, which provided and a top speed of . The ship was armed with eight /Mark 8 guns in four twin gun turrets, and sixteen /Mark 12 guns in casemates.

Construction and career

The USS Maryland was laid down on 18 December 1917 at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. She was launched on 20 March 1920, sponsored by Ethel McCormack, the daughter of U.S. Senator John W. McCormack of Massachusetts. The battleship was commissioned on 30 April 1922, under the command of Captain Sewall M. Kittredge. After her commissioning, the USS Maryland served with the United States Fleet and made several voyages to Europe and the Pacific Ocean.

World War II

The USS Maryland was Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, when Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States Pacific Fleet. Although damaged, she was able to provide anti-aircraft fire during the attack. The battleship was repaired at Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington, and returned to service in February 1942. The USS Maryland then participated in several amphibious assaults, including the Guadalcanal campaign and the Battle of Tarawa. In 1945, she provided naval gunfire support during the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa.

Post-war and fate

After World War II, the USS Maryland was modernized at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, and served with the United States Pacific Fleet. In 1947, she was flagship of the United States Pacific Fleet, and in 1959, she was decommissioned and placed in reserve. The battleship was scrapped in 1959, and sold to Lipsett Corporation of New York City for .

Awards and legacy

The USS Maryland earned seven battle stars for her service during World War II, and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. The battleship was also awarded the China Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. The USS Maryland was named after the State of Maryland, and her legacy continues to be honored by the United States Navy. Category:Colorado-class battleships Category:World War II battleships of the United States Category:Ships built by New York Shipbuilding Corporation Category:1920s in the United States