Throughout history, battleships have played pivotal roles in shaping naval warfare and asserting maritime dominance. From legendary vessels that changed the course of wars to technological marvels of their time, these formidable giants of the sea have left an indelible mark on history. In this article, we explore 20 historic battleships that you need to know about, each with its own unique story and impact on the world.
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HMS Dreadnought (1906)
The revolutionary British battleship HMS Dreadnought changed naval warfare forever with its “all-big-gun” armament and steam turbine propulsion. It rendered previous battleship designs obsolete, sparking a naval arms race and influencing battleship construction worldwide.
USS Arizona (BB-39)
Sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona symbolizes American resilience and sacrifice. The ship remains a submerged memorial at Pearl Harbor, honoring the lives lost during the attack.
Bismarck
The German battleship Bismarck was renowned for its size and firepower. Its epic final battle in May 1941, where it sank the HMS Hood and was subsequently hunted down and destroyed by the Royal Navy, remains a significant event in naval history.
USS Missouri (BB-63)
Known as the site of Japan’s formal surrender in World War II on September 2, 1945, the USS Missouri served in multiple conflicts, including the Korean War. It is now a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Yamato
The largest battleship ever built, Japan’s Yamato featured massive 18.1-inch guns and heavy armor. It was designed to counter American naval power but was sunk in April 1945 during a suicide mission to Okinawa.
HMS Victory
Admiral Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, HMS Victory played a crucial role in securing British naval dominance. It remains the oldest naval ship still in commission and serves as a museum in Portsmouth, England.
USS Iowa (BB-61)
A key player in both World War II and the Korean War, USS Iowa was known for its speed, firepower, and armor. It also served as the flagship for the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay.
HMS Hood
As the pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood was the largest battlecruiser ever built. Its tragic sinking by the Bismarck in May 1941 resulted in the loss of 1,415 crew members and led to a relentless pursuit to avenge its destruction.
USS New Jersey (BB-62)
The most decorated battleship in U.S. history, USS New Jersey served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Lebanese Civil War. It is now a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey.
Tirpitz
Bismarck’s sister ship, Tirpitz posed a significant threat to Allied convoys in the North Atlantic. Its presence tied down substantial Allied resources until it was finally sunk by British bombers in 1944.
USS Texas (BB-35)
Serving in both World Wars, the USS Texas participated in the Normandy Invasion and the Pacific theater. It is now a museum ship in La Porte, Texas, and represents an important piece of naval history.
HMS Warspite
Known for its remarkable service during both World Wars, HMS Warspite participated in key battles such as Jutland, Narvik, and Normandy. Its resilience and firepower earned it the nickname “The Grand Old Lady.”
USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Serving from World War II through the Gulf War, USS Wisconsin was known for its significant contributions in various conflicts and is now a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia.
USS Maine (ACR-1)
The sinking of USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 was a catalyst for the Spanish-American War. Its destruction remains a topic of historical debate, and the ship symbolizes a turning point in American naval power.
HMS Prince of Wales
Played a crucial role in early World War II, participating in the sinking of the Bismarck and the meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt. It was sunk by Japanese aircraft in December 1941, marking a significant loss for the Royal Navy.
Richelieu
A French battleship that served valiantly during World War II, Richelieu was known for its powerful armament and played a significant role in the Allied naval efforts after joining the Free French Forces.
USS South Dakota (BB-57)
Known for its impressive performance in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, USS South Dakota was heavily armored and played a key role in various Pacific engagements during World War II.
HMS Rodney
Played a key role in the sinking of the Bismarck, delivering decisive blows that crippled the German battleship. HMS Rodney’s participation in this historic battle underscores its importance in naval warfare.
USS Massachusetts (BB-59)
Fought in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II, USS Massachusetts was known for its versatility and firepower. It is now a museum ship in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Nagato
The flagship of the Japanese Combined Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Nagato represented the peak of Japanese naval engineering. It was later used in atomic bomb tests, highlighting its historical significance.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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