USS Baltimore (C-3)

USS Baltimore (C-3) was a United States Navy protected cruiser that served during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, playing a significant role in several key events, including the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. The ship was named after the city of Baltimore, Maryland, and was commissioned on January 7, 1890, under the command of Captain Winfield Scott Schley. During its service, the USS Baltimore (C-3) was part of the Pacific Squadron and participated in various operations, including the Battle of Manila Bay alongside Admiral George Dewey and the USS Olympia (C-6). The ship also made port visits to several locations, including Honolulu, Hawaii, San Francisco, California, and Hong Kong.

● History

The USS Baltimore (C-3) was one of the first protected cruisers built by the United States Navy, and was designed to be a fast and heavily armed ship, with a top speed of over 19 knots. The ship's history is closely tied to the events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War. During the Spanish-American War, the USS Baltimore (C-3) played a key role in the Battle of Manila Bay, where it fought alongside the USS Olympia (C-6), USS Raleigh (C-8), and USS Concord (PG-3). The ship was also involved in the Siege of Manila, where it supported the United States Army and the Philippine Revolutionary Army in their fight against the Spanish Empire. The USS Baltimore (C-3) was also present during the Boxer Rebellion, where it participated in the Battle of Tientsin and the Battle of Peking alongside the British Royal Navy, French Navy, and German Navy.

● Design and construction

The USS Baltimore (C-3) was designed by the United States Navy's Bureau of Construction and Repair, and was built at the William Cramp & Sons shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The ship's design was influenced by the British Royal Navy's Essex-class cruisers, and featured a unique combination of speed, armor, and armament. The USS Baltimore (C-3) was powered by a pair of triple-expansion steam engines, which provided a top speed of over 19 knots. The ship's armament included a range of guns, including 6-inch guns, 4-inch guns, and 3-inch guns, as well as several torpedo tubes. The USS Baltimore (C-3) was also equipped with a range of advanced technology, including telegraphy equipment and searchlights, which were provided by companies such as Western Union and General Electric.

● Service history

The USS Baltimore (C-3) had a long and distinguished service history, serving in a variety of roles and locations around the world. The ship was initially assigned to the Pacific Squadron, where it participated in various operations, including the Battle of Manila Bay and the Siege of Manila. The USS Baltimore (C-3) also made port visits to several locations, including Honolulu, Hawaii, San Francisco, California, and Hong Kong. During the Philippine-American War, the ship supported the United States Army and the Philippine Revolutionary Army in their fight against the First Philippine Republic. The USS Baltimore (C-3) was also involved in the Boxer Rebellion, where it participated in the Battle of Tientsin and the Battle of Peking alongside the British Royal Navy, French Navy, and German Navy. The ship was eventually decommissioned on February 15, 1922, and was sold for scrap on March 16, 1922, to the Union Shipbuilding Company of Baltimore, Maryland.

● Armament and equipment

The USS Baltimore (C-3) was equipped with a range of advanced armament and equipment, including 6-inch guns, 4-inch guns, and 3-inch guns, as well as several torpedo tubes. The ship's armament was designed to provide a balance of firepower and speed, and was influenced by the British Royal Navy's Essex-class cruisers. The USS Baltimore (C-3) was also equipped with a range of advanced technology, including telegraphy equipment and searchlights, which were provided by companies such as Western Union and General Electric. The ship's equipment included anchors, boats, and sails, as well as a range of navigation equipment, including chronometers and sextants, which were provided by companies such as Hamilton Watch Company and Keuffel & Esser. The USS Baltimore (C-3) was also equipped with a range of communication equipment, including radio transmitters and receivers, which were provided by companies such as Radio Corporation of America and American Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Category:Protected cruisers of the United States Navy