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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-38 USS PENNSYLVANIA

Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Delta - Xray


Pennsylvania Class Battleship: Displacement 31,400 Tons, Dimensions, 608' 6" (oa) x 97' 1" x 29' 10" (Max).Armament 12 x 14"/45 14 x 5"/51, 4 x 3"/50 2 x 21" tt. Armor, 13 1/2" Belt, 18" Turrets, 3" +2" Decks, 16" Conning Tower. Machinery, 31,500 SHP; Geared Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 21 Knots, Crew 915.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA, October 27, 1913. Launched 16 March 1915. Commissioned June 12, 1916. Decommissioned August 29, 1946. Stricken February 19, 1948.
Fate: Target During Atomic Bomb Tests, Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands. Scuttled off Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, February 10, 1948.
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SizeImage DescriptionContributed
By And/Or Copyright
Keel Laying / Commissioning
1913 - 1916

BB-38 Pennsylvania1.68kTREMENDOUS POWER OF NEWEST SUPERDREADNOUGHT
Battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) to Show an Advance Over All Previous Vessels of Her Class and to Cost $15,000,000
...Fifteen Minutes May Decide Next Naval Battle
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 22 September 1912, FOURTH SECTION MAGAZINE, Image 49, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania241k"Proposed B.S. 38 & 39 ... Sketch G".
Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board during consideration of designs for Battleships #s 38 & 39, which became the Pennsylvania class (BB-38 / 39). This plan, dated 14 February 1912, provides twelve 14-inch guns, turbine machinery and a speed of 21 knots in a ship 630 feet long on the load water line (L.W.L.), 93 feet in beam, with a normal displacement of 31,300 tons. The original plan is in the 1911-1925 "Spring Styles Book".
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # S-584-010.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.68kPENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) TO BE THE BIGGEST BATTLESHIP EVER BUILT BY ANY NATION: TO HAVE A TONNAGE OF 31,000 AND ITS TOTAL COST WILL APPROXIMATE $14,000,000.Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 09 March 1913, FOURTH SECTION PICTORIAL MAGAZINE, Image 36, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania739kTHEFT OF SECRET OF WORLD'S GREATEST DREADNOUGHT AROUSES UNCLE SAM'S IRE
Plans of the Battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) Missing; Believed Have Been Stolen From the Office
Image and text provided by University of Oregon, Knight Library; Eugene, OR. & Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo by The Evening Herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) 1906-1942, 14 May 1913, Image 1, & The Democratic Banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 20 May 1913, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania882kPENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) AS SHE WILL LOOK WHEN COMPLETEDImage and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times.(Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 16 March 1915, HOME EDITION, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania249kStern of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) sometime before launching at Newport News Shipyard.Photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania131kPlatform ready for the occasion of Pennsylvania's(BB-38) launching, 16 March 1915. Digital ID: # ggbain 18620v, LC-B2-3406-3. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
BB-38  Pennsylvania 1.26k Launching of Pennsylvania (BB-38) at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, 16 March 1915. Shown is the Sponsor, Elizabeth Kolb, and her party. USN photo # Lot-10784-6, George C. Bain Collection, courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania633kPENNSYLVANIA (BB-38), AMERICA'S BIGGEST BATTLESHIP, TAKES FIRST PLUNGE INTO WATER
Above is the forward part of the Pennsylvania's hull as it appeared before leaving the ways.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 16 March 1915, Night Extra, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania370kPostcard RPPC Pennsylvania (BB-38) launching stand.Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
BB-38 Pennsylvania4.21kMiss Elizabeth Kolb, called by Gov. Brumbaugh, "The sweetest girl in Pennsylvania", naming the Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Note the American flag painted on the bow.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library
Photo by International News Service, The New York Times.(New York), page 8, 28 March 1915, & The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 22 March 1915, 4 P.M. City Edition, Image 3, courtesy of memory.loc.gov. & chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania149kMiss Elizabeth Kolb of Germantown, Pennsylvania and her sponsoring party watch the Pennsylvania (BB-38) slide down the ways on 16 March 1915. Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-38 Pennsylvania485kMiss Elizabeth Kolb of Germantown, Pennsylvania christens the Pennsylvania (BB-38), 16 March 1915. All photos courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.90kLaunching of American Battleships of Latest Types
The U.S. DREADNOUGHT PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38), OF LARGEST AND MOST POWERFUL CLASS STARTING DOWN THE WAYS TO THE WATERS OF NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA 16 MARCH 1915.
THE AMERICAN DREADNOUGHT ARIZONA (BB-39) OF 32,000 TONS TAKING THE WATER. SHE WAS THE FIRST FIGHTING SHIP BUILT FOR ANY NATION EQUIPPED WITH THE ELECTRIC DRIVE.
Photos by Bain News Service & International News Service.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, Page 361 from The War of the Nations (New York), 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania672kPennsylvania (BB-38) launching at Newport News Shipyard on 16 March 1915.Photo # LC-H261-4980, courtesy of the Library of Congress via Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania962kThe new United States Superdreadnought Pennsylvania (BB-38) when ready for action, will have a displacement of 31,400 tons, over 4,000 more than the New York (BB-34). Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo & text by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 21 March 1915, FOURTH SECTION PICTORIAL SECTION, Image 49, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania2.76k14-Inch Cannon On New Pennsylvania (BB-38)Image and text provided by University of South Carolina; Columbia, SC & Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo from The Anderson Daily Intelligencer. (Anderson, S.C.) 1914-1917, 20 March 1915, Image 5, & The Tacoma Times. (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 27 March 1915, Image 8, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 246kPennsylvania (BB-38) fitting out, at Newport News, Virginia, on 23 April 1915. Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Photo No. NH 93528, Collection of Gilman L. Smith via Mike Green.
Almost Unknown1.16kHull of the Battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Dry Dock, 17 May 1915.Photo courtesy of Record Group 181, ARC Identifier 6861974, National Archives Catalog.
BB-39 ArizonaNRUNCLE SAM HAS REAL QUEENS' OF THE SEA
U. S. Dreadnoughts, Arizona (BB-39) and Pennsylvania (BB-38) Will Spurn Submarines
They Have Armor Protection and Armament So Great That Undersea Craft Will Be Rendered Ineffective Against Them
Last Word In Naval Construction After Lessons Of the Present European War
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Ogden Standard.(Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 17 July 1915, 4 P.M. CITY EDITION, MAGAZINE SECTION, Image 16, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania51k Starboard bow view of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) under construction. Superstructure has not yet been started. Photo taken by Kenneth S. Hampton and Helen F. Hampton, at Newport News, Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA. Contributed by their grandson, Kenneth H. Guinn.
BB-38 New York 488k NEW DREADNOUGHT PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) APPROACHING COMPLETION AT NORFOLK.
The great monster, which when in action, will be able to throw more steel at a time than any other ship afloat, was recently taken at the Norfolk Navy Yard to be docked. She is 95% completed and will soon be placed in commission. One of her distinctive features is her single smokestack.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 07 January 1916, Night Extra, Image 20, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania610kPENNSYLVANIA (BB-38), NEW "MISTRESS OF THE SEAS"
The latest addition to the United States Navy and the most powerful battleship afloat, is now on its trial trip undergoing the severest kind of tests. This photograph shows the Pennsylvania on its way to Rockland, Maine.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 19 February 1916, Night Extra, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRThe Dreadnought Wyoming (BB-32) leading the battleship fleet to sea.
Officers & crew of the super dreadnought Pennsylvania (BB-38), largest battleship ever built for the US Navy.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 19 February 1916, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
1.97k LESSONS FOR UNCLE SAM IN LONG RANGE NAVAL BATTLES
The Queen Elizabeth, heaviest type of British battleship. At the Dardanelles she bombarded the forts with her 15 inch guns at the extreme range of 21,000 yards.
The Pennsylvania (BB-38), heaviest of the United States battle fleet. She carries twelve 14 inch guns and it is a disputed point or not she is out ranged for effective fighting by the Queen Elizabeth type, the difference ordnance being offset by the weight of metal thrown in one of her broadsides.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 09 April 1916, SIXTH SECTION SPECIAL FEATURE SUPPLEMENT, Image 59, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38
013855
1.40k1916 photo of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) in New York's East River.Photo i.d. courtesy of Daniel Hacker.
Photographer: E. Mueller Jr.
National Archives Identifier: 55242092
Local Identifier: 111-SC-41483
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov via Roy C. Thomas.
BB-38 Pennsylvania641kPennsylvania (BB-38) at anchor in the evening, circa 1916. Lots of other battleships in the distance.National Archives Identifier: 45512607
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-67.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania617kAiring bedding on the Pennsylvania (BB-38) shortly after commissioning, 21 June 1916.National Archives Identifier: 45512623
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-75.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania771kCOULD DEMOLISH Veracruz PROM SIXTEEN MILES AT SEA; PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) CARRIES BATTERY OF FOURTEEN-INCH GUNS
Uncle Sam's newest battleship, the Pennsylvania, has several features new to naval construction. The most striking is her four turrets, each with three guns. She can fire at one broadside nine tons of steel a distance of sixteen miles. The boat is an oil burner and has a speed of 21 knots. Her complement consists of nearly a thousand officers and men.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Ogden Standard.(Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 25 July 1916, 4 P.M. CITY EDITION, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania602kHURLING DESTRUCTION 11 MILES
What the Superdreadnought Pennsylvania's (BB-38) Hitting Power, Displayed in World's Record Feat of Naval Gunnery, Means to the Nation
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York, [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 24 September 1916, SECTION 5 SPECIAL FEATURE SUPPLEMENT, Image 49, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania643kWarship's 14-Inch Guns Hit Target Eleven Miles Away
Image and text provided by University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Photo from The Evening Herald.(Klamath Falls, Or.) 1906-1942, 25 September 1916, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania433kGuns of the Pennsylvania (BB-38). USN photo courtesy of e.bay.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania447kThe Pennsylvania (BB-38) at the Brooklyn Navy Yard with the 50FT steamer NO 1, with Talbot Boiler, general view, 28 September 1916.Photo No. f1051n3, Brooklyn Navy Yard Archive - courtesy National Archive and Records Administration, Northeast Region - NYC, Record Group 181 via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania363kU. S. Fleet Back From Battle Practice With New Records
The Men Behind the Guns Who Sustained the Navy's Traditions
An anti-aircraft gun crew aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38), which led the fleet in gunnery.
Photo by Enrique Muller Jr.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 15 October 1916, SECTION 4 PICTORIAL MAGAZINE, Image 33, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania597kBATTLESHIP THAT MADE RECORD IN TARGET PRACTICE
Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo from Tombstone Epitaph. (Tombstone, Ariz.) 1887-current, 22 October 1916, WEEKLY EDITION, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-34 New York 735k BATTLESHIP FLEET ARRIVING FOR FOOTBALL GAME
PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) LEADS SEVEN BATTLESHIPS IN

Superdreadnought Goes to Navy Yard, but Others Anchor Off the Drive.
Advance guard of the Atlantic fleet as it steamed up New York Day to-day. The ships are in the following order: New York (BB-34), Texas (BB-35), Oklahoma (BB-37), Connecticut (BB-18), Florida (BB-30), Utah (BB-31) and Wyoming (BB-32). The photograph was taken as the battleships passed the Battery, and shows the Statue of Liberty in the background.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Evening World.(New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 24 November 1916, Final Edition, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania190kSailors & motor launches are lowered from the Pennsylvania (BB-38) into NY Harbor.Photo by Edwin Levick from the Edwin Levick Collection, Mariner's Museum via Jim Geldert.
BB-38 Pennsylvania127k Pennsylvania (BB-38) model on exhibit in a museum, probably prior to World War I. It depicts the battleship in her original configuration, as completed in 1916. Other artifacts present include a somewhat damaged model of the airship Shenandoah (ZR-1), overhead, and examples of marine boilers and engines, in the background.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 3019.
BB-38 Pennsylvania127kCaptain Henry Braid Wilson was Pennsylvania's (BB-38) first commanding officer in 1916. He commanded the Atlantic Fleet's patrol forces during the First World War, and was responsible for the safe convoying of troops and supplies to Europe. For his outstanding service Wilson was awarded both the Navy and War Department Distinguished Service Medals.
Rear Admiral Henry Braid Wilson was Commander-in-Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet and later the Battle Fleet commander following WW I.
Photo from the New York Public Library, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
Texas NR HITTING TARGET AT 20.000 YARDS IS FEAT OF BIG GUNS
Hitting a target at 20,000 yards with fourteen inch guns probably will put our navy above all others. That's what the dreadnoughts Pennsylvania (BB-38) and Oklahoma (BB-37) did in Chesapeake bay. The target was the hulk of the San Marcos, formerly the battleship Texas. No. 1. Pennsylvania, No. 2 Oklahoma's fourteen inch guns. No.3 San Marcos pierced by a shell.
Image and text provided by University of Nevada Las Vegas University Libraries.
Photo from The Goldfield News and Weekly Tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 23 September 1916, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania56kUpon commissioning, Pennsylvania (BB-38) was attached to the Atlantic Fleet. On 12 October 1916. She became flagship of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, when Admiral Henry T. Mayo shifted his flag from Wyoming (BB-32) to Pennsylvania.
In 1916 Mayo was handed full command of the Atlantic Fleet and promoted Vice-Admiral, a post he held throughout his country's involvement in World War One. He traveled to London in August 1917 to discuss Allied naval co-operation, and was an advocate of a convoy anti-submarine policy as well as the construction of the Northern Barrage anti U-boat minefield. For his achievements, Admiral Mayo was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for the outstanding operation of the US Atlantic Fleet in a condition of war.
Admiral Henry T. Mayo was commander of the Atlantic Fleet in World War I and for a time in 1919 commanded the entire U.S. fleet.
Photo from the New York Public Library, courtesy of Bill Gonyo. Info from the USS Mayo Association & spiritus-temporis.com, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-38  Pennsylvania 525k Pennsylvania (BB-38) escorted by tugs, perhaps on the same occasion as the above photo. Photographer: Enrique Mueller.
National Archives Identifier: 45512597
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-62.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-39 Arizona131k"A Sack race".
Recreation on board a battleship, circa 1916-1917. This ship is either Pennsylvania (BB-38) or Arizona (BB-39).
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106273. Donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2008.
BB-38 Pennsylvania447kTHE DREADNOUGHT PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) BIG AS SHE IS, LOOKS ALMOST DWARFED WHEN PASSING IN THE SHADOW OF NEW YORK'S LOOMING SKYSCRAPERS.Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 9 December 1916, Night Extra, Image 18, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania390kIn Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 10 December 1916. Note that long-based range finders have been built into all four turrets and that the two superfiring turrets carry unarmored range-finders. Note the canvas screens protecting the torpedo defense stations on both masts.Text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
National Archives Identifier: 45512605
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-66.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania413kPort bow image of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) at anchor on 13 December 1916. National Archives Identifier: 45512635
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-65.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
1917 - 1931
307kUS Navy sailors cleaning the stacks on the super-drednought battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), late 1910s. Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images courtesy of gettyimages.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania477k WORKING MODEL OF THE PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) THAT LACKS NOTHING A REAL BATTLESHIP SHOULD HAVE
A Boston man spent two years and a half constructing this remarkable reproduction, which goes through maneuvers daily At Lit Brothers store.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 10 February 1917, Night Extra, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania437kSetting-up exercises, Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1917-18. Photographer: Navy Dept., Bureau of Construction & Repair.
National Archives Identifier: 45510084
Local Identifier: 165-WW-321D-005.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania390kPhoto shows curtain on stage built to give a minstrel show, circa 1917-18.Photographer: Navy Dept., Bureau of Construction & Repair.
National Archives Identifier: 45512108
Local Identifier: 165-WW-332D-2.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania771kMAN OF ACTION HEADS OUR FIGHTING FLEET
SUPER DREADNOUGHT PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) FLAGSHIP OF THE FLEET.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York, [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 15 April 1917, Section 5 Special Feature Supplement, Image 47, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania NR ANTI-AIR CRAFT GUN FOR UNITED STATES.
Photo shows an anti-air craft gun recently installed on the super Dreadnought Pennsylvania (BB-38), which is the first United States battleship to be equipped with those guns.
Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo from Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 28 April 1917, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
RecruitNRNOT EVEN THE SPEED of the camera was sufficient to miss the vibrations on this U.S. battleship following a salvo from the guns while racing at top speed.
NEVER BEFORE in the navy's history have our battleships been manned by such a high physical type of young Americans as now, for which the setting up exercises shown above are to a degree, responsible.
Note: The photo below this caption, and possibly all of them, were taken during the year aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo courtesy of Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 21 June 1918, Sports Extra, Pictorial Section, Image 20 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania396kLiberty party going ashore from Pennsylvania (BB-38), 21 June 1917.Photographer: Kadel & Herbert.
National Archives Identifier: 45512204
Local Identifier: 165-WW-332D-50.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-39 Arizona1.10kObservation balloon aboard an American battleship, Pennsylvania class, circa 1917-18. Photographer: C.P.I.
National Archives Identifier: 20807812
Local Identifier: 165-WW-63D-3
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania271kSighting through the 40 power telescope of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1917-18.Photographer: Underwood & Underwood
National Archives Identifier: 45510753
Local Identifier: 165-WW-324C-30
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania464kPennsylvania (BB-38) men being inspected by their commander, circa 1917-18.Photographer: Navy Dept., Bureau of Construction & Repair.
National Archives Identifier: 45510903
Local Identifier: 165-WW-325B-6.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania715kHoisting last bag of stores aboard Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1917-18.Photographer: Navy Dept., Bureau of Construction & Repair.
National Archives Identifier: 45512078
Local Identifier: 165-WW-332C-2.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania521k First appearance of new band on the Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1917-18.Photographer: Navy Dept., Bureau of Construction & Repair.
National Archives Identifier: 45510192
Local Identifier: 165-WW-321E-16.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania347kGarbage press aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38), 16 January 1918.
She did not sail to join the British Grand Fleet since she burned fuel oil and tankers could not be spared to carry additional fuel to the British Isles. In the light of this circumstance, only coal burning battleships were selected for this mission. Based at Yorktown, she kept in battle trim with Fleet maneuvers, tactics, and training in the areas of the Chesapeake Bay, intervened by overhaul at Norfolk and New York, with brief maneuvers. in Long Island Sound.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo No. N3487, Brooklyn Navy Yard Archive - courtesy National Archive and Records Administration, Northeast Region - NYC, Record Group 181 via flickr.com.
BB-38
01newhome
585kRecruits looking over their new home.
These men are being transferred to a battleship of the Pennsylvania class (BB-38/39), having completed their preliminary training. The canvas bundles at their feet contain bedding, hammock and clothes, 1 February 1918.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Daniel Hacker.
Photographer: Underwood and Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45512294
Local Identifier: 165-WW-333A-11.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania993kLowering a 21 inch torpedo in the hole after it has been recovered, February 1918.Photographer: Underwood & Underwood
National Archives Identifier: 45514069
Local Identifier: 165-WW-339C-45
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania701kVisitors aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38). This photo shows mothers, fathers, sister, and brothers of our victorious bluejackets about to make an inspection tour thru the Pennsylvania, circa Winter 1918.Photographer: Underwood & Underwood
National Archives Identifier: 45512174
Local Identifier: 165-WW-339C-45
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania379kUnited States Marines and Sailors posing on unidentified ship {likely either the Pennsylvania (BB-38) or Arizona (BB-39)}, in 1918.Photo courtesy of National World War I Museum, Kansas City, Missouri, via World War I in Photos: The War at Sea @ theatlantic.com
BB-38 Pennsylvania622kPennsylvania (BB-38 / 39) class battleship during a fleet review.National Archives Identifier: 45513305
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-001.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania367kScrubbing hammocks and mess tables on the Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1917-18. Photographer: Navy Dept., Bureau of Construction & Repair.
National Archives Identifier: 45512629
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-78.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania717kGERMAN SPIES' ATTEMPT TO CRIPPLE U. S. FLEET IN NEW YORK HARBOR UPSET BY "THE EAGLE'S EYE'
In a Little Shack at a Deserted Spot of Staten Island Mechanics Worked Day and Night to Complete a Wireless-Controlled Torpedo Destined to Sink the Pennsylvania (BB-38)
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 04 May 1918, Postscript, Image 10, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania584kPennsylvania (BB-38) looking aft from forecastle.
Note the ship's bell.
National Archives Identifier: 45512619
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-73.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania96kChaplain distributing the ship's newspaper to sailors and Marines of her crew, circa 1918. Almost all the Sailors present are wearing knitted "watch" caps.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 3027, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-38 Pennsylvania569kSix "Big Reasons" Why the German Fleet Stayed Under Cover.
A front view of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), one of America's fighting warships that has just returned from duty in the North Sea, showing six of the big guns.
Photographer: Underwood & Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45513313
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-005.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania727kA blue jacket aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38) telling two feminine visitors all about the mechanism of the anti-submarine guns.Photographer: Underwood and Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45512188
Local Identifier: 165-WW-332D-42
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRThe battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), for a day the President's choice of a ferry to Europe.Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 24 November 1918, Image 43, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic  Fleet468kPennsylvania (BB-38) leading President Wilson's convoy while 40 miles from Brest, France in 1918. Photo was taken from a dirigible at 300 feet. Photographer: Underwood & Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45512615
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-71.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania65kGeorge Washington (ID-3018), at right arrives at Brest, France, with President Woodrow Wilson on board, 13 December 1918. Photographed by Zimmer from on board another Navy ship. In the left background is Pennsylvania (BB-38), which had escorted George Washington across the Atlantic. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 53896, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.68kPennsylvania (BB-38) flying flag of Admiral Mayo, Commanding Atlantic Fleet, on her arrival at Brest, Finistere, France, 13 December 1918.Photographer: Lt. Jackson.
National Archives Identifier: 86730290
Local Identifier: 111-SC-62751.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania448kLooking out 5-Inch gun port of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), Ca. 1918.
Note the caption says 7" inch gun".
Text courtesy of Pieter Bakes. USN photo by Navy Bureau of Construction & Repair. NARA FILE #: 165-WW-639C-3. Photo # HD-SN-99-02139 courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil, Defense Visual Information Center.
BB 27& 38 755k Photo of the Michigan (BB-27), circa 1918 and the guns on the Pennsylvania (BB-38).
The caption for the bottom image writes, "Muzzles of the big guns of the Pennsylvania, the flagship of the American Atlantic fleet, that will take into their capacious maws projectiles weighing 1, 400 pounds and throw them to a distance of eighteen or twenty miles."
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRWill Head Greatest Naval Review in History of America
THE GIANT AMERICAN BATTLESHIP PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38)

The greatest naval review in the history of America is now expected to take place Christmas Eve, next Tuesday, when the fleet of dreadnoughts, destroyers and other war craft which kept the seas clear of submarines will steam into the Hudson river.
Ten Dreadnoughts, headed by the giant battleship Pennsylvania the flagship of Admiral Mayo, will be the leader of the string.
They will be joined here by dreadnoughts and other battle craft now in Atlantic ports. A large number of smaller craft, some of them with the returning fleet, will participate in the review. Unprecedented crowds are expected here for America's first big "welcome home" to her sea fighters.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times.(Washington [D.C.])1902-1939, 18 December 1918, FINAL EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania79kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of a galley on board the Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1916-1918. It was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104171, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania57kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of the interior of the Pennsylvania's (BB-38) wheelhouse, showing a binnacle, steering wheel and an engine order telegraph. Taken circa 1916-1918, it was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104169, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania87kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of the ship's officers' ward room, circa 1916-1918. It was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104170, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania77kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of a surgical operating room on board the ship, circa 1916-1918. It was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104173, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania78kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of a sick bay on board the ship, circa 1916-1918. It was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104174, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania83kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of crew members in the ship's library, circa 1916-1918. It was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104175, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania100kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of the ship's carpenter shop, circa 1916-1918. It was published in about 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten images in a "Souvenir Folder" concerning Pennsylvania.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104177, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2006.
BB-38 Pennsylvania259kPostcard photo of the Drill of a 5-Inch gun crew, showing method of receiving orders. Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.
Atlantic  Fleet2.27kSUNSET OVER THE VICTORY FLEET
The battleships of the U.S. Atlantic Squadron just back from its vigilant watch in the North Sea is here shown at rest in the Hudson River as the sun slowly sinks in the West. In the distance is the Oklahoma (BB-37), Nevada (BB-36), Utah (BB-31) & Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Photographer: Underwood & Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45513328
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-012.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013826
667kPennsylvania (BB-38) firing salute as she passes the Mayflower, 26 December 1918.Photographer: Sgt Palumbo.
National Archives Identifier: 55224948.
Local Identifier: 111-SC-32898
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard237kBattleships Louisiana (BB-19) & New Hampshire (BB-25) dock at Hoboken, New Jersey. From the top deck of the ferry to Long Island City, the returning soldiers watch a Pennsylvania (BB-38 / 39) class battleship on its way down the harbor, 14 February, 1919.Photographer: 2nd Lieutenant George H. Lyon.
National Archives Identifier: 26433759
Local Identifier: 165-WW-139A-65
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-39 Arizona
013912a
618kThe fleet in Guantanamo Bay on 24 February 1919.
The Pennsylvania (BB-38) is the ship in the foreground, based on the pilothouse configuration. Nevada (BB-36) is beyond her forward, based on the mast platforms, and Arizona (BB-39) is beyond her aft based on mainmast location. They were on or returning their way to Puerto Rico during the 1918 San Fermín earthquake.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Photo by Sergt. McGarricle.
National Archives Identifier: 55238971
Local Identifier 111-SC-39928
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013845q
2.15kUnited States Fleet Admiral Mayo, (center, middle row) 3 April 1919 with his staff, on board the Battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38).
The contributor's grandfather was a member of the Admiral's staff and is in the third row, fourth from right.
Donated from collection of William F. Sheridan, Chief Pharmacist Mate.
New York Harbor1.78k"American dreadnoughts & superdreadnoughts steaming into New York harbor 14 April 1919."
The Texas (BB-35) leads the procession with a airplane on her turret catapult. Note the escorting biplane.
The "escorting" aircraft is either a Curtiss HS-1 or HS-2 (note the single engine) can't tell which from the photo. The aircraft on a fly-off platform atop the No. 2 turret of the Texas is 1 of 6 Sopwith Camels purchased from Britain at the end of the war.
The platforms were a British concept designed to provide the fleet with an aircraft capable of reaching the high flying Zeppelins which the German Navy occasionally used as scouts. The Texas was the only US Battleship to be fitted with turret fly-off platforms while in Europe and was the test bed for this program in the US Navy. Not visible in this view is a stripped down (No fabric and no wings) Sopwith 1-1/2 Strutter lashed atop the No. 3 Turret. The platforms were eventually mounted on all 14" gun BB's through the New Mexico (BB-40 / 42) class (with mixed reviews from their commanders) and carried either a Hanriot HD-1 or a Neiuport 28. Though equipped inflatable floats for water landings, this tended to do a lot of damage not the least of which was dowsing a hot engine in cold salt water. By 1920 a successful compressed air catapult was developed and were being mounted on the aft deck of all 4 turreted battleships and fly-off platforms were removed. The Texas and New York (BB-34), because of their 5 Turrets, lacked the deck space for the catapult and had to make do with a float plane (Vought VE-7) sitting on the aft deck which would be launched by lowering it over the side for a surface take-off.
If you look carefully at the photo you see the VE-7 on the deck and the A-frame hoist used for handling it.
Photo by Paul Thompson.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, page 481, from The War of the Nations (New York), 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Text i.d. courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
631kDivers and the pump crew aboard the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) as it rests at anchor in the Hudson River, New York, New York, 15 April 1919. Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images courtesy of gettyimages.com.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRADJUSTING A submarine telephone on a diver's head on the Pennsylvania (BB-38) so he may keep in communication with shipboard. The Pennsylvania flagship of the Victory fleet, is now in the Hudson river. Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from the Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 17 April 1919, Night Extra 2:45 Financial, Image 24, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic  FleetNRHow the Atlantic Fleet looked to the camera man in a seaplane flying over lower Manhattan a week ago yesterday morning as the mighty armada came up the bay to anchorage in the Hudson off Riverside Drive for a two weeks' vacation after months of strenuous maneuvers in Southern waters. The destroyers Dale (DD-290) and Flusser (DD-289) are shown leading the column of eight dreadnoughts: Oklahoma (BB-37), Nevada (BB-36), Arizona (BB-39), flagship Pennsylvania (BB-38), Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30), North Dakota (BB-29) and Delaware (BB-28) past the Statue of Liberty at a fifteen-knot clip. In addition to the big battleships, the fleet includes thirty-two destroyers, numerous supply ships and several submarines.
The Atlantic battleship fleet is home: again. Here are the twelve great first line fighting ships that are paying Father Knickerbocker a two weeks' visit. Over a hundred of Uncle Sam's grim sea warriors gray the North River, while their 30,000 sailor-men are given the freedom of the city in a royal welcome home.
The Battleship Mississippi (BB-41) leading the fleet into the harbor, as photographed from an airplane. Note the airplanes atop the forward and aft turrets.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 20 April 1919, Image 48, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.03kMonster Battleship on View in Hudson River
One of the biggest of Uncle Sam's battleships now on review in the Hudson river is the Pennsylvania (BB-38). In one of the accompanying pictures is shown the after turret of the great sea fighter, while another scene shows the wireless plant on the big vessel. The Pennsylvania is a favorite with the thousands of visitors who view the great line of vessels daily.
Image and text provided by Indiana State Library.
Photo by South Bend News-Times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 22 April 1919, EVENING EDITION, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013834n
1.10kPhoto caption reads Hampton Roads, showing U.S. battleships at anchor. Taken from General Hospital #43, Hampton, Va, between 20 May through 7 June 1919.
Left to right we have Pennsylvania (BB-38), New York (BB-34), an unidentified Florida class BB obscured by the collier, Arizona (BB-39), and then North Dakota (BB-29). The shot was taken in a very narrow window between the time that the Pennsylvania and Arizona were fitted with their pilot houses and the time that the lookout stations were added to the cage masts.
Photo & text i.d. via Richard M. Jensen
Photo by Sgt. P.R. Newberg
National Archives Identifier: 86719165.
Local Identifier: 111-SC-56991
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 Pennsylvania923kNew Commander of the Atlantic Fleet and His Flagship
ADMIRAL HENRY B. WILSON AND PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38).
Admiral Wilson succeeds Admiral Henry T. Mayo, who becomes head of the navy selection board. Under the new naval system two main fleets equal in strength will be maintained in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A third fleet will be maintained as the Asiatic fleet, under command of Rear Admiral Albert Gleaves. Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman will command the Pacific fleet.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from the The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 06 July 1919, FINAL EDITION, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania887k New Commander of Atlantic Fleet Wins Post Through Merit
SCENE ON FLAGSHIP PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) AS WILSON SUCCEEDED MAYO.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from the The Sun. (New York, [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 06 July 1919, Section 3 Magazine Section, Image 29, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.55kAmerican Fleet in Atlantic Waters That Has Upheld Navy Traditions.
"U.S. Battleships in Line of Column led by one of the largest Superdreadnoughts".

The battleship in the lead appears to be either the Pennsylvania (BB-38) or the Arizona (BB-39).
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, Page 361 from The War of the Nations (New York), 31 December 1919.
Photo by Central News Photo Service, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania320kBroadside of Mississippi (BB-41) viewed from the Pennsylvania's (BB-38) front turrets. Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
A real photo postcard (RPPC) courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
BB-38 Pennsylvania566kA group of care-free gobs perilously perched on the roof of a fighting top of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) as the mighty dreadnought and flagship of the Atlantic Fleet passes down the East River en route to Southern waters and winter target practice.Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
PDF courtesy of New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 18 January 1920, Image 55, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRADMIRALS MEET ON BATTLESHIP PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
PDF courtesy of The Madison Journal. (Tallualah, Madison Parish, LA.]) 1888 - Current, 28 February 1920, Image 6, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-39 Arizona
013930a
NRPLAY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP AT GUANTANAMO
On Sundays the ships teams of the United States war vessels battle for the fleet baseball pennant at the United States recreation ground, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where seven baseball diamonds have been laid out. There are also many fields prepared for other sports. The photograph shows a member of the battleship Pennsylvania's (BB-38) team opposing a strong Arizona (BB-39) pitcher.
Image and text provided by University of Vermont.
Photo from Essex County Herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 26 March 1920, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-42 Idaho558kAtlantic Fleet Proceeding to Guantanamo Bay for Winter Maneuvers.
Marines Manning One of the Powerful Three Inch Anti-Aircraft Guns Aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38), Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet.
Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
PDF courtesy of The Mahoning Dispatch., (Canfield, Mahoning County, Ohio) 1877-1968, 02 April 1920, Image 4 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania655kSECRETARY DANIELS looks well in one of the many naval circles. This characteristic smile is shown through a porthole of the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) in a New York harbor.Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
PDF courtesy of Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 06 May 1920, Night Extra, Image 26, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38-9 176kThe Pennsylvania (BB-38) or Arizona (BB-39) is in the background in this 1920 photo.
The Bureau of Construction and Repair letter of 21 May 1920, requesting information on any special painting and/or markings being used in the field showed most units to be painting their aircraft as specified. However, the reports show variations had been adopted locally by nearly every installation. Aircraft of the Atlantic Fleet Air Detachment were identified by a system of black and white stripes or squares on the hull of each flying boat. These had been developed to aid in joining up for squadron formations, allowing each aircraft to be recognized almost as far as it could be seen. This, of course, was not possible with the small serial numbers. The actual design was considered of no importance so long as the various designs were distinctive.
One aircraft was left with the original painting to which the last two digits of the serial number were painted on the sides of the hull. These numbers were repeated on the bottom of the hull, with the tops forward, in numerals 4 feet (121 .92 cm) high. While this system was satisfactory for the 6 flying boats of the detachment, its use in a larger force was questioned.
So-called ‘Dazzle' finishes were appearing on USN seaplanes in 1917. The Burgess-Dunne Company initiated the finish, which was characterized by dark and light irregular patterns. NAF F5Ls were later seen and photographed in a dark and light striped pattern. F5Ls were also photographed in a checkerboard pattern of dark and light shades. A February 1917 C&R Report, File 13-Z-11 mentions Vermilion (approximately FS11140) and Off-White (approx. FS37778) as being used in the ‘Dazzle' scheme. This color mention was part of a Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida Board of Painting Seaplanes Letter, same date.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Chris Hoehn & Alan Moore.
Aircraft i.d. courtesy of Alan Moore via Elliott, John M. The Official Monogram US Navy & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, Vol 1: 1911-1939. Boylston, MA: Monogram Aviation Publications, 1987. p22. & Doll, Thomas E. US Navy Aircraft Camouflage & Markings 1940-1945. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, 2003. p3.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRSAILOR-SPIDERS ON U. S. BATTLESHIP MAST.
Here is an unusual photograph. It shows one of the fighting towers of the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38). No other nation's warships are equipped with such masts, built of heavy steel cables. They can stand a lot of battering from from heavy shells. Glancing up, the Pennsylvania sailors look a lot like human spiders.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
PDF courtesy of Evening Star., (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 10 September 1920, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 526k Canal Zone on 17 February 1921: The nearer ship is New Mexico (BB-40). The ship pier side behind the tanker is Pennsylvania (BB-38). Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo from the collection of Lieutenant Thomas Marshall Colston during his naval service.
US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1986.094.001.128.
BB-42 Idaho900kPhoto of President Harding, CIC of Uncle Sam's Navy, standing beneath the muzzles of the giant 14-inch rifles of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), flagship of the Atlantic Fleet, address the Fleet's officers on their return to Hampton Roads from the Southern waters saying: "Officers of the navy, I bid you make ours the most efficient, conscientious and effective navy in the service of any civilized nation, and I pledge to you in return the confidence and regard of one hundred and ten million people. Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
PDF courtesy of New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 08 May 1921, page 3, Image 65, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Photo courtesy of Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress via George Lane.
Almost Unknown587kBattleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) during the Naval Review of 1921. Among the ships in the background is the destroyer Lawrence (DD-250) off the stern of the Pennsylvania.Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo LOC31027u courtesy of Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress via George Lane.
BB-30 Florida502kAerial Salute to Pres. Harding on the Mayflower at the Naval Review of 1921. The Florida (BB-30) is on the left, the Pennsylvania (BB-38) is on the distant right.Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo # LOC31030u courtesy of Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress via George Lane.
BB-39 Arizona
013930a
NRPLAY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP AT GUANTANAMO
On Sundays the ships teams of the United States war vessels battle for the fleet baseball pennant at the United States recreation ground, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where seven baseball diamonds have been laid out. There are also many fields prepared for other sports. The photograph shows a member of the battleship Pennsylvania's (BB-38) team opposing a strong Arizona (BB-39) pitcher.
Image and text provided by University of Vermont.
Photo from Essex County Herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 26 March 1920, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania107kIn 1922 Vice Adml. Hilary P. Jones, was appointed Commander in Chief of the United States Fleet. He is seen here aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38) on 23 June 1921. Digital ID: # npcc 04460. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division & submitted courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.00kFlag hoist, Pennsylvania (BB-38). USNIP., July 1921.Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels via USNIP.
BB-38 Pennsylvania738kBroadside view of Pennsylvania (BB-38) in warm weather during 1921. US National Archives photo # 80-G-1035097 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-38 Pennsylvania121kPanoramic photograph of Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington by H.E. Wale, 1922, assembled from five separate images. This image scans West-North-East across the Navy Yard waterfront from alongside Pier Number Six.
Among the ships present are:
Pennsylvania (BB-38), at far left, with Coal Barge No. 322 and Floating Derrick No. 59 alongside her bow, and Coal Barge No. 372 in the distance, beyond the battleship's bow.
A U.S. Shipping Board 535-foot passenger ship, in drydock, left center;
Iroquois (AT-46), seen stern-on in the center;
Swallow (AM-4) in right center;
Somers (DD-301), right foreground; and
Delphy (DD-261) on the opposite side of the pier from Somers.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 105300.
BB-38 Pennsylvania762kKite balloon, Pennsylvania (BB-38). USNIP., April, 1922.Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels via USNIP.
BB-38 Pennsylvania474k(Original Caption) San Pedro, California...Thousands of people swarmed over Uncle Sam's battleships to inspect them on Navy Day, at Los Angeles Harbor. The people are watching the catapulting of a seaplane from the deck of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), 1920's. Photo by US Navy/The LIFE Premium Collection/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.
Melbourne 2.13k The Nevada (BB-36) leads the battle force in the early 1920's.
The next ship in line is the Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Battle Fleet1.60kU.S. Navy Battle fleet steaming into Panama Bay to join scouting fleet for combined fleet maneuvers, probably 1923.
The irony of this photo is that the ship with the least certain ID is the one closest to the camera! The probability is that she is the California (BB-44) based on the fact that the 3 Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) operated for such a short time without catapults and the ship in the photo has a bare quarterdeck). The photo is not clear enough to show twin or triple turrets. However, the ships in the background show enough unique characteristics to give more certainty about an ID. The nearest column are, left to right, Mississippi (BB-41) (uneven lookout station heights on the cagemasts), Tennessee (BB-43), (unique searchlight towers on after stack), and Idaho (BB-42) (lower bridge than New Mexico (BB-40)). The two ships in the second column are New York (BB-34) (bridge does not extend out far enough to be Texas (BB-35)) and Nevada (BB-36) (no enclosed lookout stations on the cagemasts and she has a catapult on her quarterdeck). The farthest column has (again left to right) Arizona (BB-39) (lower bridge), Pennsylvania (BB-38) (higher bridge) and New Mexico (again, the higher bridge). It is interesting that the only apparent catapult is the one on the Nevada. This would place the photo in the 1922-24 time frame.
Ernest La Rue Collection, Gift of the U.S. Army. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. USN photo # Lot-11952-VI-37, courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
BB-39 Arizona 115k Early 1920's circa aerial photo of the Arizona (BB-39) surrounded by small boats. Note the higher bridge, indicative of Pennsylvania (BB-38) and not Arizona. Also note the E on the stack. The photo appears to be backwards. © Associated Press Photo courtesy of San Francisco Examiner via David S. Smith.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
BB-38 Pennsylvania843kPennsylvania (BB-38) arriving at Panama for combined fleet maneuvers, 1923. NARA photo # Lot-11952-VI-39, Ernest La Rue Collection, Gift of the U.S. Army. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
BB-28 Delaware819kPanoramic photo of the U.S. fleet in Panama Bay (Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal) on 1 March 1923. 70 vessels are viewed; the Battle Fleet consists of all U.S. battleships from the Delaware (BB-28) through the Idaho (BB-42). Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, courtesy of Tom Kermen. Copyright R.G. Lewis, Y Photo Shop, Balboa, C.Z."
515k(Original Caption) San Pedro, California...Thousands of people swarmed over Uncle Sam's battleships to inspect them on Navy Day, at Los Angeles Harbor. The people are watching the catapulting of a seaplane from the deck of the Pennsylvania (BB-38).Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images courtesy of gettyimages.com.
BB-45 Colorado
014508
1.69kA naval scouting plane lays a protective smokescreen during maneuvers in the Caribbean Sea, 21 March 1924. Left to right: New York (BB-34/35) class battleship; Pennsylvania (BB-38/39) class battleship; Tennessee (BB-43/44) class battleship (behind smoke); Omaha (CL-4/13) class cruiser; Tennessee or Colorado (BB-45/48) class battleship (stern only visible). Photo NH-69203 courtesy of history.navy.mil
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.78kThe Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Panama Canal, in Pedro Miguel Locks, northbound, 24 March 1924. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 718k Mother's Day, 11 May 1924, special observance (Plan of the Day) aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38). Photo courtesy of Steve Inglis.
Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania164kPennsylvania (BB-38) during reconditioning, 11 September 1924.
"The great ship stripped for action and as she will appear in the forthcoming maneuvers and battle practice in Southern waters."
George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania157kPennsylvania (BB-38) underway, before the addition of aircraft catapults, circa 1920 - mid 1920's. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-38 2.35k The Pennsylvania (BB-38) follows other battleships during maneuvers. The first three ships in the background are Nevada (BB-36), Oklahoma (BB-37), and Arizona (BB-39) in that order. However, the photo pre-dates the 1925 Australia/ New Zealand tour since Oklahoma lacks the enlarged lookout stations on the cagemasts. Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.60kPennsylvania (BB-38) off Vancouver, BC. between 1922 - 1929. Source: City of searcharchives.vancouver.ca Vancouver Archives, Photo No. AM1506-S3-2-: CVA 447-2554.2, by Walter E. Frost.
BB-38 Pennsylvania170k1920's photo of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) firing a broadside. Contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Melbourne 360k Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Melbourne during 1924-25. Photo courtesy of Allan Greene via Chris Howell.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba 1927 2.60k Ships of the U.S. Fleet pictured at anchor at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during winter exercises in 1927.
The "center" row has Mississippi (BB-41) then Langley (CV-1) , Oklahoma (BB-37), Pennsylvania (BB-38) and Arizona (BB-39) in that order. The next row to the left has Idaho (BB-42) then New Mexico (BB-40), followed by 3 of the Tennessee/Colorado class (hard to pick out distinguishing features in this photo), with Nevada (BB-36) as tail-end-Charlie. Further to the left are another Tennessee/Colorado class BB and a Memphis (formerly Tennessee) class armored cruiser. Two unidentified Omaha class cruisers are in the foreground. There are at least 17 destroyers, identifiable (bottom, right) is Mahan (DD-102), converted to a minelayer and redesignated DM-7, but still wearing her old DD hull number (102) and two submarine tenders in the foreground with about 10 smaller and two large submarines. The peninsula in the right foreground is South Toro Cay, where the drydock is still visible that was begun in 1904, but cancelled two years later.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen & wikipedia.org.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org via Branden Deschaine & Fabio Pena.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013805
NRA striking naval scene from the deck of the Pennsylvania (BB-38). The dreadnaught, making her way north with the battle fleet, is preparing to release one of her planes from the catapult.
At right: The Colorado (BB-45) comes to grief. Eight tugs are pushing the giant sea fighter into the Brooklyn Navy Yard for inspection after her recent grounding in New York Harbor.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 15 May 1927, Image 112, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 623k Pennsylvania (BB-38) in heavy seas. Photo from the collection of Anthony Kretowicz via flickr.com
BB-38 Pennsylvania93kHumorist Will Rogers with crewmen of Pennsylvania (BB-38), on the battleship's after deck, 28 March 1928.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 42750, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Battle fleet122kWatercolor of a Presidential review during President Hoover's term of office, 1928-32.
Crews line the rails of a Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) battleship as the ships pass in line astern of the reviewing stand with the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3) piercing the clouds accompanied by 9 biplanes.
Courtesy of Michael Schwarz.
Battle fleet56kView of the U.S. Battle fleet from above, possibly from the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3). Photo courtesy of periscopefilm.com.
BB-38 249kPennsylvania (BB-38) docked at League Island, 6 May 1929. Photo by Alonzo D. Biggard, courtesy of phillyhistory.org
BB-36 Nevada1.31kWhat makes a battleship go? Peek here and find out:
Dynamo Condenser Circulating Pump and Turbine for the Nevada (BB-36) & Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Photo courtesy of Ed Zajkowski.
BB-38 Pennsylvania53kU.S. battleship leaves for West Indies cruise.
"Photograph of the battleship Pennsylvania as she left the Philadelphia, PA., Navy Yard 24 March for a 'shakedown' cruise in the West Indies. She had been in the Navy Yard since 2 May 1929 undergoing general modernization."
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
Landenberger
010139a
74k George Bertram Landenberger, Commanded three battleships during his illustrious career, Indiana (BB-1), from 1918-19, Pennsylvania (BB-38), 1929-31 & Arkansas (BB-33) from 1931-32. Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013830o
NR Pennsylvania (BB-38) gets new set of guns--outtakes. Filmed on 21 April 1930.
Shot of the Pennsylvania in the Navy yard. Scenes include fourteen-inch guns being installed on the battleship, and a crane hoisting the guns into place. Captain G. B. Landenberger speaks.
Fox Movietone News Collection, courtesy of Daniel Hacker
BB-381.73kBased on the date, April 1930, the ship in the left-hand drydock was the Pennsylvania (BB-38). She recommissioned on 1 March 1931 after her 2 year modernization. The ship in the other drydock is too small for an active BB of the period and remains unidentified. The left-hand pierside battleship is likely Wyoming (BB-32), which was to start her modernization the following month. The right-hand pierside BB is probably Florida (BB-30) which decommissioned at Philadelphia NY on 16 February 1931.
Note all the Destroyers & Submarines docked on the left.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein & Richard M. Jensen.
Record Group 18: Records of the Army Air Forces, ca. 1902 - 1964
Series: "Airscapes" of American and Foreign Areas, 1917 - 1964
File Unit:Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
Local Identifier: 18-AA-111-48
National Archives Identifier: 68148386
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-383.91k2 photo PDF progress photo update on the above photo, 2 photos dated 9 February 1931.Photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein & Richard M. Jensen.
Record Group 18: Records of the Army Air Forces, ca. 1902 - 1964
Series: "Airscapes" of American and Foreign Areas, 1917 - 1964
File Unit: Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
Local Identifier:18-AA-111-38 & 40.
National Archives Identifier:68148366 & 68148370
Photos 68148366 & 68148370 courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-38 139kThe New Mexico (BB-40) and battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) sit at Pier No. 8, waiting to be modernized. A crane is on the pier in between the two ships, 31 March 1931.Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu.
BB-38 Pennsylvania523k"Modernized Pennsylvania (BB-38) as she left the Philadelphia Navy Yard to cruise in southern waters", 25 May 1931.
"The battleship equipped with all modern improvements, has been undergoing repairs for nearly two years at an approximate cost of $7,500,000. Relatives and friends of the seventy-five officers and 1,250 men are shown on Pier 3, seeing them off. Commander Jonas H. Ingram [...] is executive officer. In addition to new tripod masts, a new battle control station and fifteen five-inch anti-aircraft guns, the ship has bunks instead of hammocks for the crew. She will touch Panama, Cuba and other points and return to the Navy Yard about the first of July."
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania238kPennsylvania (BB-38) all decked out with flags. In the background is a 3 masted bark. Photo by George Winstead, possibly on or about 8 May 1931, when she departed for a refresher training cruise to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba after her modernization.USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-38 Pennsylvania334kFlagship of the United States-Battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), 30 July 1931.
View of the Pennsylvania, port side, disembarking from the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Crew is seen in their Navy Whites on all decks.
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
Insert photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 09 August 1931, Image 87, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania271k"The reconditioned Pennsylvania (BB-38), flagship of the United States fleet, pictured when steaming through the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal recently, when en route to the Pacific Ocean to rejoin the fleet. The vessel is on duty again, following two years of repairs during which $8,000,000 was spent on her. Photo dated 1 September 1931.Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013804
NRNow the Navy Has the Talkies
TALKING movies have been introduced into the navy and were shown for the first time aboard the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) just before that vessel left the Philadelphia navy yard for the Pacific ocean. The illustration shows the crew enjoying the "talkie" on deck.
Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo from The Coolidge Examiner. [volume] (Coolidge, Ariz.) 1930-current, 11 September 1931, Image 7, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-34 New York413k New York (BB-34) ahead of Pennsylvania (BB-38). The next ship ahead is a Tennessee class (BB-43 /44) based on the slope of the turret roofs.(Uniform slope back to front - no kink like the twin 16" mounts on the Colorado's (BB-45). Based on the relatively full appearance of the forward superstructure, I am leaning toward California (BB-44) which had an enlarged flag bridge as Battle Force Flagship. The other three are obviously Tennessee (BB-43) and/or Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) but are too indistinct to ID specifically. Because of the boom cranes on the sterns, the photo was taken between 1931 and 1934. Photo courtesy of Kerry Garrett.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
1932 - Pre-Pearl Harbor Attack
BB-38 Pennsylvania134kIdentifiable ships in this photo at Puget Sound circa early 1932 are, from left to right:
U.S. Crane Ship No. 1 ex-Kearsarge (BB-5), & Seaplane Tender Jason (AV-2), one of the Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) battleships, [possibly the West Virginia (BB-48)] in the dry dock and a Pennsylvania class (BB-38 / 39) along the pier.
The aircraft carrier in the photo is the Saratoga (CV-3) (note the "SARA" on the flight deck aft).
USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Photo & partial text I.d. courtesy of David Stubblebine, Chris Hoehn & David C. Nilsen.
BB-38 Pennsylvania567kUncle Sam's battleships prepare for "action." The Pennsylvania (BB-38) leading a column of dreadnaughts through Pacific waters from Hawaii form an "attack" on the coast, defended by another division of the fleet. The Pennsylvania is the umpire ship in the great "war" game.® Wide World Photo
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 20 March 1932, Image 91, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Pearl Harbor459kPennsylvania (BB-38) entering Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 3 February 1932. At the time, she was Admiral Schofield's flagship. USN photo # 80-G-451176, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large .
BB-38 Pennsylvania870kNY, 17 March: At sea with the Fleet--Fangs of the war dogs.
These six 14 inch guns, bristling from the forward turrets of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) flagship of the U.S. Fleet, were photographed by a Navy cameraman during the war games off Pureto Rico. The flagship carries two similar turrets of 14 inch guns aft. Smaller guns at sides are anti-aircraft and destroyer defense guns.
© Associated Press Photo from the collection of Michael Strout, courtesy of Jonathan Eno.
BB-38 Pennsylvania793kPennsylvania (BB-38) and Raleigh (CL-7) at San Diego on 7 June 1932.US National Archives photo # 80-G-1049998 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-38 Pennsylvania400kPennsylvania (BB-38) with Raleigh (CL-7) partially in the rear at San Diego on 7 June 1932.US National Archives photo # 80-G-187382 from NARA, College Park, Maryland,courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large .
BB-38 Pennsylvania367kScrubbing hammmocks & messtables aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38), 21 June 1932. Digital ID: # npcc 04460. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division & submitted courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRSomething new in battleships. But it's only a camera trick—a wide angle lens that gives this elongated effect to the bow of the Pennsylvania (BB-38). The picture was made in Seattle Harbor.Wide World Photos.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star.([volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 13 August 1933, Image 82, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania126kCaptain Frank Howard Sadler was the commanding officer of the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) from 30.09.1933 - 17.04.1935.Photo courtesy of life.time.
BB-38 Pennsylvania195kCirca 1933 overhead and broadside photo of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) with a full compliment of Vought 03U-3's birds perched on their roosts.Photos courtesy of Mike Wade.
BB-38 Pennsylvania108kAssistant Secretary of the Navy Henry L. Roosevelt (Seated, right center), and Admiral David Foote Sellers, USN (seated, left center), Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet. With other U.S. Fleet flag officers, on board Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the Spring of 1934.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 76413, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-38 Pennsylvania161kSteaming in Panama Bay with her 14"/45 guns trained out to port, on 21 April 1934, at about the time of Fleet Problem XV. Photographed from a U.S. Army Air Corps aircraft.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 93548, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-44 California575kBattleships at Balboa, Panama, on 6 May 1934 passing through for fleet exercises in the Atlantic.
The stern at left belongs to Pennsylvania (BB-38). California (BB-44) is in center/right.
Photo courtesy of Ric Hedman.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013892
NRNavy To Stage Sea Pageant For President
Led by the flagship Pennsylvania (BB-38) (above). Some 90 ships will plow majestically from Atlantic waters, Uncle Sam’s fighting ships will pass in review for President Roosevelt on May 31 around Manhattan island and up the Hudson river to anchorage. Speedy planes, catapulted from their nests aboard aircraft carriers, will zoom above New York’s spired skyline.
Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo from The Key West Citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 25 May 1934, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNRBULWARK OF THE NATIONS INDEPENDENCE—the big guns of its first line of defense. Scene aboard the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) as Admiral Joseph Mason Reeves recently assumed command of the fleet, and a Hudson River view of the battleship California (BB-44) framed by the guns of the Pennsylvania.Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star.[volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 01 July 1934, Image 85, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38284kThe 18th of April 1935 found the Pennsylvania (BB-38) at anchor in San Pedro, CA.USN photo # 80-G-464804, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013806
NRU. S. FLEET GOES INTO ACTION
Greatest Armada Since 1918 to Participate in Pacific Maneuvers.
With Admiral Reeves' pennant fluttering at the main truck, the Pennsylvania (BB-38), shown in the foreground in this photo of a battleship column under way, will be the center-point of this summer' maneuvers in the North Pacific.
The "San Francisco-Hawaii-Alaska triangle," scene of the large scale naval maneuvers of the United States fleet this summer. Over this vast 5,000,000-square-mile seaway, new vessels and tactics will be tested in the greatest naval concentration since the World War. The main body will sail from San Francisco to Hawaii, and operate from the Pearl Harbor base in fleet problems between there and Alaska, returning after more than a month to Southern California.
Image and text provided by Indiana State Library.
Photo from The Indianapolis Times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 22 April 1935, Home Edition, Second Section, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Colon, Canal Zone2.44kShips of the United States Fleet pictured at anchor inside the breakwater at Colon, Canal Zone, 1935.
The carriers are, front to back, Langley (CV-1), Saratoga (CV-3) and Lexington (CV-2). The two battleships beyond Lexington are the New York (BB-34) with Texas (BB-35) behind. The nearest battleship, straight up from the Langley is Pennsylvania (BB-38). The BB immediately beyond and to the left of Pennsylvania (BB-38) is California (BB-44). The remaining battleships include two New Mexico's: Mississippi (BB-41) and Idaho (BB-42), but even this higher rez shot is not clear enough to tell which is which. Also are the rest of the "Big Five" and what is probably one of the Nevada's, but that is not certain. The photo is not clear enough for positive identifications. The cruisers to the left are three Northampton's (CA-26 / 31) and the two Pensacola's (CA-24 & 25) (the pair furthest from the camera) and six Omaha's.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
Photo courtesy of National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo (# 1996.488.001.006) courtesy of Fabio Pena.
BB-33 Arkansas
013315
NR Seven U. S. Ships Due to Be Scrapped for New Ones
Seven of Uncle Sam's l5 biggest battleships are due to be scrapped and replaced with new ones at cost of $50,000,000 each, if Japan fails to withraw its's denunciation of Washington naval treaty, which expires 31 December 1936, it is indicated in Washington. The treaty forbade construction of new battleships, and limited construction to war vessels of 10,000 tons or less. The ships scheduled to be replaced are shown from left to right & top to bottom: Texas (BB-35) ,Arizona (BB-39) & New York (BB-34). Oklahoma (BB-37), Arkansas (BB-33), Nevada (BB-36) & Pennsylvania (BB-38). (Central Press>
Image and text provided by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Library, Chapel Hill, NC.
Photo by Henderson Daily Dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 23 March 1935, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Almost Unknown274kUS Navy battleships in parade formation in San Diego, California, 23 August 1935.
Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the lead followed by West Virginia (BB-48), Colorado (BB-45), Maryland (BB-46), California (BB-44) and Texas (BB-35). After the Texas, the photo is just too "fuzzy" for an ID.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
USN photo # 80-G-462946 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-383.10kPennsylvania (BB-38) in 1935 with two Vought 03U-3's. The center aircraft is 2-0-11, the 11th AC in Observation Squadron Two with the one on the right the Command AC for CinCUs.USN photo courtesy Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania472kVought O3U-1 # 1-0-10 running up its engine on turret catapult of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) in 1936.Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania444kPennsylvania (BB-38) equator memorabilia, 20 May 1936.Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
BB-38 621k The Pennsylvania (BB-38) in San Francisco Bay as the Golden Gate bridge is still under construction, 7 July 1936.USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-38
013891
NR Admiral Hepburn Commands U. S. Fleet.
Admiral Arthur J. Hepburn (left) who took over the post of commander-in-chief of the United States fleet from Admiral Joseph M. Reeves (right). Admiral Reeves had held the post for two years. The ceremony took place aboard the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), flagship of the fleet, at San Pedro, Calif.
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by White Bluffs Spokesman. (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 23 July 1936, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania238k From August 1931 to 1941, Pennsylvania (BB-38) engaged in Fleet tactics and battle practice along the west coast and participated in Fleet problems and maneuvers which were held periodically in the Hawaiian area as well as the Caribbean Sea. She is seen here transiting the Panama Canal at the Pedro Miguel Locks in March, 1937.USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-38 Pennsylvania400kLight & dark versions 1930's circa photo of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri & Anna Stevens, daughter of crew member Albert Sharp, USS Pennsylvania & submitted by Ric Hedman.
BB-38 Pennsylvania227kPennsylvania (BB-38) engaged in night battle practice, 27 October 1937.
"The roar of a big gun, a cloud of dense black smoke drifts skyward, the sound of a hit in the distance, a curt command to reload. It sounded like war on the high seas but it was only the Pennsylvania engaging in night battle practice. This picture shows the secondary battery of the Pennsylvania hurling steel projectiles at distant targets in the dark."
George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania108kLooking into the brig on board the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) at San Diego, 1937.Photographer: Peter Stackpole, courtesy of life.time.
BB-38 Pennsylvania110kAdm. Arthur J. Hepburn (R) in civilian clothing coming on board the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) at San Diego, CA., in 1937. Note the 4 star podium. Photographer: Peter Stackpole, courtesy of life.time.
BB-38 Pennsylvania114kSailors scrubbing the deck of battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38).Photographer: Peter Stackpole, courtesy of life.time.
BB-38 Pennsylvania115kSailors hosing down anchor chain on the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38). Photographer: Peter Stackpole, courtesy of life.time.
BB-38 Pennsylvania79kMen spreading awning on forecastle of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) in 1938. She is probably entering tropical waters. USNI Photo Navy Recruiting Bureau, N.Y.
Text i.d. courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania1.10kRecreation hour on the Pennsylvania (BB-38). The bluejackets acquire a tropical sun-tan while the ship's band renders its daily concert, 1938. USNI Photo Navy Recruiting Bureau, N.Y.
Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania339kPennsylvania (BB-38) sails along with two columns of destroyers for company in this 1930's photo.Photo i.d. courtesy of Bob Crawford.
Photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania654kSTANDING OUT TO SEA, BATTLESHIPS OF THE U.S. NAVY STEAM IN CRUISING FORMATION
Beneath gleaming 14 inch guns, bluejackets aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38) secure anchor and ground tackle. Commissioned in 1916 before the advent of the clipper, or overhanging bow, the ship has a blunt or overhanging forecastle. Immediately ahead steams the New Mexico (BB-40) with the Nevada (BB-36) at the right.
USNI Photo Navy Recruiting Bureau, N.Y.
BB-38 Pennsylvania652kThe SS Virginia of the Panama Pacific Line and Pennsylvania (BB-38) at San Francisco. Alcatraz island is in the background.USNI Photo Navy Recruiting Bureau, N.Y.
Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania443kN.Y., 20 April 1939. "Guns aimed straight ahead, battleship leads way to Pacific."
Here is an air-view of the leading battleship in caravan of naval might that steamed out of Hampton Roads this morning on way to the West Coast. It was the Pacific Fleet, ordered to home waters in surprise announcement. The battleships and convoy formed impressive column as they steamed out in the morning mist.
© Associated Press Photo from the collection of Michael Strout, courtesy of Jonathan Eno.
BB-38 Pennsylvania349kTurret guns aboard the Pennsylvania (BB-38), 19 October 1939.
"Turret guns to starboard! The Pennsylvania, flagship of the Navy, in recent fleet maneuvers off California."
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania254kA painting by the artist Tom Freeman showing the Pennsylvania (BB-38) sailing along in pre WW II period.Drawing courtesy of artbywayne.com.Photo from the PA Military Museum in Boalsburg PA, courtesy of Bruce C. Sheehe.
BB-38 Pennsylvania82kAdmiral James O. Richardson, USN, (foreground) assumes command of the Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, in ceremonies on board Pennsylvania (BB-38), 24 June 1939. Captain Roland M. Brainard, Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Battle Force, is in the background. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 54892, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Insert photo courtesy of Naval Customs Traditions and Usage by Leland P. Lovette (1939) via Tommy Trampp.
BB-38 Pennsylvania & Colorado class119kPennsylvania (BB-38) & or Colorado (BB-45), Maryland (BB-46) & or West Virginia (BB-48) at 1010 dock sometime after returning to Pearl Harbor, circa 1939-40. USN photo by Albert Weigandt & submitted by James D. Card, QMCS (SW/AW).
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Tom Bateman.
BB-38 Pennsylvania244kFour SOC 'Seagull's' are perched on Pennsylvania's (BB-38) stern, 2 July 1939.
The dark-colored Seagull is ADM Richardson's "Flag" or "Command" plane, painted Admiral Blue with "U.S.FLEET" on its side for Commander-in-Chief, US Fleet. (For a beautiful image of this plane, see William Larkins' photo on his flickr photostream:The other three SOC-3s are Pennsylvania's VO-1 (Observation Squadron One) compliment.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Alan Sherman.
USN photo released to San Francisco Examiner for publication via Jim Geldert.
Photo of SOC courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania91kAdmiral James O. Richardson, USN (left), Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet Relaxing in Flag Quarters on board his flagship, Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa January-May 1940. With him are (center) Admiral Charles P. Snyder, Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, and (right) Vice Admiral William S. Pye, Commander Battleships, Battle Force. Note pipe radiator on the bulkhead, to the right, open porthole covers and leather-covered furniture. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 54894, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-38 Pennsylvania89kAdmiral James O. Richardson, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, (seated, center) with members of his staff on board the Fleet flagship, Pennsylvania (BB-38), January 1940.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 77082, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Lahaina859kPhoto of part of the Pacific Fleet in 1940 at Lahaina, Maui.
It is possible that the battleship on the left is the California (BB-44). If you look at the top of the armored conning tower there is a thin vertical structure at the rear on top of the conning tower, just in front of the superstructure.
The center battleship is definitely Oklahoma because of the higher platform.
I believe the rightmost battleship is a Pennsylvania class (BB-38/39) because the height of the forward superstructure beneath the foremast is higher than the middle battleship, as shown by the fact that it's roughly the same height as the top of the stack, which was true of the Pennsylvania's after their rebuild. I also believe that this can be narrowed down to be Pennsylvania rather than Arizona (BB-39) because of the height of the armored conning tower in front of the superstructure and behind turret 2. As can be seen in this picture of the Pennsylvania, which was taken at nearly the same angle, the conning tower is one deck higher than on the Arizona, shown here
Partial text i.d. courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large. Photo courtesy of Floyd Proffitt via Brad Proffitt.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Ron Nash.
BB-40 New Mexico & family463kProbable front and rear photos here and below showing formations of aircraft flying over U.S. Navy battleships during exercises at sea, 1938 / 1939.
Pictured here is the New Mexico (BB-40) in the van with other battleships of the Pacific Fleet and a carrier air group, led by the Air Group Commander in a Curtiss SBC Helldiver.
The aircraft following are:
A torpedo squadron of eighteen Douglas TBD-1s;
A bombing squadron of eighteen Northrop BT-1s;
A scouting squadron eighteen Curtiss SBCs;
A fighting squadron of eighteen Grumman F2F-1s or F3F-3s from either the Yorktown (CV-5) or F3F-2s from the Enterprise (CV-6), plus possibly nine additional aircraft.
The Yorktown and Enterprise were the only two carriers whose bombing squadrons were equipped with the Northrop BT-1.
The text for the photo reads:
"The Navy uses enormous amounts of rubber. At least seventy-five tons of rubber, enough to makes 17,000 tires, are used in the construction of each of these battleships. Tons more are needed for the naval planes that are making history over the world. Medical and communication requirements--and countless other needs of the Navy--are met."
The lead BB looks like Mississippi (BB-41) followed by Maryland (BB-46) (rangefinder on Turret II). My first impression of the Tennessee class (BB-43 /44) is the Tennessee (BB-43), but that is not a certain ID from this photo alone. Fourth is the Oklahoma (BB-37) (no birdbath). Aside from the DD now in the lead, I see nothing in the head-on shot aerial that positively differs from the ID's of the first 4 BB's in the first photo. Of course, in the aft aerial shot, BB #5 is the California (BB-44), ID'd by the enlarged flag bridge, lending support to BB #3 in the first photo being Tennessee. Everything I see supports these three photos all being part of the same operation with at least the first 5 BB's remaining in the same order.
Photograph # LC-USE64 - DC-000944 & partial text courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Battleship i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Aircraft i.d. & text & timeline courtesy of Alan Moore via the following sources: Airplane i.d.: Yorktown Class Carriers (Warship Pictorial No. 9) by Steve Wiper, Tucson, AZ: Classic Warships Publishing, 2000. & That Gallant Ship: U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5) by Robert Cressman, Missoula, MT: Pictorial Histories Pub Co, 1985. Timeline from Battleship Arizona: An Illustrated History by Paul Stillwell, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991.
BB-40 New Mexico & family1.62kProbable front and rear photos here and above showing formations of aircraft flying over U.S. Navy battleships during exercises at sea, 1938 / 1939.
New Mexico (BB-40) is leading the BB column while the remaining battleships have dual masthead fire control structures.
The air group formation in the two photos appears to be similar. The composition of 18 TBDs, 18 BT-1s, 18 SBCs, and 27 fighters is easier to distinguish in the front/surface view. I'm assuming, based on total aircraft count alone, that the formation in the rear/aerial view is the same. (The perspective makes it difficult to sort the monoplanes and biplanes into their respective types.) The only difference is that in the front/surface view the formation is lead by a Curtiss SBC Helldiver (likely the Air Group Commander) but in the rear/aerial view that lead Helldiver is not present. I suppose it's possible that the photographer was in that Helldiver's rear seat. What stands out for me is the presence of nine extra fighters beyond the normal squadron composition of 18, as seen in the other three squadrons in this formation.
Photo i.d courtesy of Chuck Haberlein, Richard Jensen, Aryeh Wetherhorn, & Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Battleship i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Aircraft i.d. & text courtesy of Alan Moore.
US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo No. 2008.104.001.234.
Althouse
013800k
NRNavy to Honor Four on First Eleven That Defeated Army
Special Gridiron Guests Tomorrow Remember Thrills of 24-to-0 Victory In 'Push and Pull' Encounter Fifty Years Ago This Week
When the two service schools meet again at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field tomorrow, four members of the Navy team of 1890 will be honor guests of the Annapolis midshipmen. They are Brig. Oen. R. H. Lane, U. S. M. C„ retired, of Falls Church, Va., and Rear Admiral J. D. Beuret, U, S. N„ retired; Capt. C. F. Macklin, U. S. N., retired, and Capt. Adelbert Althouse, U. S. N., retired, all of Washington. A veteran of the Army team of that year who will be present is Col. E. J. Timberlake.
The Navy veterans had other names when they were learning a ship’s rigging and wrestling with smooth-bore cannons. “Ruf” Lane was 170 pounds of stone wall at left guard, and "Sandy” Beuret was a slashing left end. “Stuffy” Macklin didn’t weigh more than 170 pounds,; but he was a stalwart at right tackle, and ’Bert” Althouse carried the ball at fullback.
Inspired by Mark Liepa.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 29 November 1940, Image 23, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-39 Arizona1.31kBetween 9 & 13 September 1940 the Arizona (BB-39) was under way with other ships of the US Fleet for simulated fleet engagement. She is pictured here in company with other ships of the Pacific Fleet taken during Fleet Ops. and at least one carrier air group.US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2008.104.001.235 courtesy of Alan Moore.
Text & photo i.d. courtesy of Alan Moore via Battleship Arizona: An Illustrated History by Paul Stillwell, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1991.
BB-38 Pennsylvania490kSeven Veteran chief petty Officers of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) of the United States Pacific Fleet prove the ancient adage: "men make the Navy".
This photo was likely taken in 1941, before the 7 December attack on Pearl Harbor. The color of Pennsylvania's turret is dark gray in this photo, which she wore starting in 1941 as part of her Measure 1 camouflage. Also of note are the two Vought OS2U Kingfishers atop Turret III's catapult. They appear to be painted overall light gray, which would also have been sometime from December 1940 to August 1941 according to sources I've read. (The darker blue-gray upper surfaces were added to Kingfishers after that until December 1941.
Photo i.d. & text via Craig Rohloff.
Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 118954.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
BB-38 Pennsylvania60kCaptain Charles M. Cooke, Jr. took command of the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) in February 1941, saw her through the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that opened the Pacific War, and remained with her into 1942. Portrait photograph, taken circa 1938-1941. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 50681.
Pearl Harbor 2.94k Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941. Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carriers in dawn fly-off for Pearl Harbor. Artwork by John Hamilton from his publication, "War at Sea," pg. 68-69.
USN photo # 80-142-H, courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Gallery from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Pearl Harbor
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NR The Assault On Pearl Harbor—An Artist's Conception
HANK BARROW, AP artist, reconstructs the battle at Pearl Harbor from information provided by Secretary Knox. One battleship, the  Arizona (BB-39), (right center), was sunk by a bomb that "literally passed through the smokestack." Another battleship, the Oklahoma (BB-37), (left center,capsized. It can be repaired. Three destroyers (one in right foreground), an old target ship, and a mine layer also went down. Other ships were damaged, many U. S. planes were destroyed on the ground. Almost 2,900 servicemen died The attackers lost three subs (one midget sub is at extreme right) & 41 aircraft. Knox said that after the initial surprise, American men fought with "magnificent courage and resourcefulness. The men's will to resist was tremendous...
Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo from The Key West Citizen.  [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 22 December  1941, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Pearl Harbor
014316s
2.14k The Navy's Own, Four-Page Picture Story of Pearl Harbor
Old Glory flying proudly in one of her darkest hours and over sailors at Pearl Harbor last 7 December risking their lives close up to the bomb-set flames roaring from both West Virginia (BB-48) and Tennessee (BB-43).
Slightly-damaged 31,000-ton Maryland (BB-46) (first battleship to rejoin the fleet after repairs) in Pearl Harbor's flames. Behind her is another battleship, at right the capsized battleship Oklahoma (BB-37).
Image and text provided by Central Michigan University, Clark Historical Library.
Photo from Detroit Evening Times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 06 December 1942, FINAL, Images 21, 22, 23, & 24, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Pearl Harbor 1.67k Battleship row in flames. Artwork by John Hamilton from his publication, "War at Sea," pg. 74-75.
USN photo # 80-142-I, courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Gallery from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Hit 1.01k Japanese post card of bombers over Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941. Photo courtesy of Arnold Putnam.
Hit 3.24k Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor - Hickam Field. Photo courtesy of Arnold Putnam.
BB-38 Pennsylvania47k Cover of the Bomb Damage - Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941 Report of the Pennsylvania (BB-38). Photo from WII War Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania156kPennsylvania (BB-38) in Drydock # 1 at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, with the sunken destroyer Downes (DD-375) and capsized Cassin (DD-372) in the foreground. Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania64kView looking down Pier 1010 toward the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard's Drydock Number One, in center, which holds the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) and the burning destroyers Cassin (DD-372) and Downes (DD-375). Alongside Pier 1010, in the center middle distance, are the light cruiser Helena (CL-50), listing slightly from a torpedo hit, and the capsized minelayer Oglala (CM-4). Taken on 7 December 1941.
Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-32953, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Submitted by Scott Dyben.
BB-38 Pennsylvania3.14kThe wrecked destroyers Downes (DD-375) and Cassin (DD-372) in Drydock One at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, soon after the end of the Japanese air attack. Cassin has capsized against Downes. Pennsylvania (BB-38) is astern, occupying the rest of the drydock. The torpedo-damaged cruiser Helena (CL-50) is in the right distance, beyond the crane. Visible in the center distance is the capsized Oklahoma (BB-37), with Maryland (BB-46) alongside. Smoke is from the sunken and burning Arizona (BB-39), out of view behind Pennsylvania. California (BB-44) is partially visible at the extreme left. This image has been attributed to Navy Photographer's Mate Harold Fawcett.Official USN photo # 80-G-19943, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Pearl Harbor NR Blistered paint and other fire damage to the forward hull of Pennsylvania (BB-38), in Drydock # 1 at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard shortly after the Japanese raid. Note Jack flying at the battleship's bow. USN photo # 80-G-32442, courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Salvage & Repair
BB-38 Pennsylvania63kStarboard bow of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) showing one of her cranes and looking out into Pearl Harbor.Photo from WII War Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania86kDamage to the superstructure deck, broken near the splinter shield to the left and folded back to the right. The crane is being used to clear away damage.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania79kView from the upper deck outboard of No. 9 casemate. Note how the splinter shield of the gun above is lifted. The galley bulkhead is in the center of the picture.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania88k Looking aft of the No. 9 casemate on the upper deck. The galley door in the 30-1b. STS bulkhead to the right is hanging by one hinge. The bomb struck the base of the gun mount in the lower left corner of the picture, and rebounded to explode where the hole is in the deck.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania83k Looking inboard in the No. 9 casemate, showing deck bent shaply down over the beam at frame 85. The fire main riser was broken.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania86k Crew space A-704 on the main deck, looking aft. Foundation of No. 9 gun is in the upper left corner. Note rupture of clipping room bulkhead in the rear center of the picture.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania98k View from within warrant Officers mess, looking to starboard into A-704, and showing distorted bulkhead and fragment penetrations.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania79kPlate I. Cut out of the Plan view of Dry Dock No. 1, from the Action Damage Report.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania106kPlate III. Cut out of the Plans at Superstructure & Upper Deck, from the Action Damage Report.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania96kPlate III. Cut out of the Plans at Main & Secondary Deck, from the Action Damage Report.Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil, link submitted by Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
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1.83kNaval Station Pearl Harbor aerial view of Battleship Row moorings on the southern side of Ford Island, 10 December 1941. Ships shown are, (right to left): Pennsylvania (BB-38); Cassin (DD-372); Downes (DD-375); Helena (CL-50) and Shaw (DD-373). Note dark oil streaks on the harbor surface, originating from the sunken battleships. Photographed by VJ-1 at an altitude of 3,000 feet and released 9 November 1950. USN photo # 80-G-387578 courtesy of Bob Canchola.
BB-38 Pennsylvania398kThe Pennsylvania (BB-38) was rebuilt at Mare Island between 4 October 1942 and 5 February 1943 with simplified bridgework. Note the removal of her conning tower and long-base rangefinder was mounted in its place.
A new deckhouse replaced her Mainmast, the after Main Battery Director cupola (Spot 2) being relocated to its top. Provision for dual-purpose fire control was limited to replacement of the two MK.33 by two Mk.37 with atop radar equipment Mk.4.
The bridgework was simplified mainly by the elimination of the previous outside platforms and the turret-top catapult and boat cranes were removed.
Ten quadruple Bofors and fifty-one Oerlikons were mounted.
Note the Twin 40mm superfiring over the Twin 20mm Mount MK.20 Mod.2 atop her #2 Main Battery Triple 14-Inch Turret.
USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania140kThe proper method of stacking cartridge tanks on deck.USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania143kStriking 14-Inch powder tanks below aboard a battleship.USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania433kPhoto taken on 26 February 1942, one of the 1.10" gun tubs while at Mare Island, eventually replaced by the more effective 40mm Bofors.USN photo serial # 1032-42, courtesy of Ed Zajkowski.
BB-38 Pennsylvania264kView of splintershields, 5-Inch AA gun shields and 20mm guns and platforms. Stb. side, amidship, looking Fwd. Mare Island, CA. 26 February 1942. USN photo # 1028-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania496k View of splinter shields and 20mm guns and platforms amidships, looking Fwd. Mare Island, CA. 26 February 1942.
Note: There also seems to be some sort of exchange regarding what looks like gas balloons in the left corner of the photo.
USN photo # 1020-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania152k 20mm gun and platform on Main Deck aft. Mare Island, CA. 26 February 1942. USN photo # 1030-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania248kLooking up at Mainmast, port side. Mare Island, CA. 26 February 1942. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania421k20 MM guns and shields on emergency cabin platform, port side, 26 February 1942 at Mare Island.USN photo serial # 1026-42, courtesy of Ed Zajkowski.
BB-38 Pennsylvania197k Broadside view of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) starboard side. Bow to frame # 42. Mare Island, Ca. 2 March 1942 as what look to be a slow day at the office: sweeping, discussing orders of the day, looking overboard at the floating barrels chained up alongside. USN photo # 1111-42 courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania198k Broadside view, starboard side at Mare Island, Ca. 2 March 1942. View from Frame # 33 to 58.USN photo # 1110-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania476k Broadside view, starboard side at Mare Island, Ca. 2 March 1942. View from Frame # 40 to 74.
The Pennsylvania (BB-38) survived Pearl Harbor virtually without damage and continued to operate in essentially her Pre-Pearl Harbor configuration, except that now all her 5-in./25-caliber guns were shielded and she had considerable additional light anti-aircraft weapons: the now standard four quadruple 1.1-in. and sixteen, post-attack 20mm Oerlikons.
Some of the features installed on the Pacific Fleet battleships before their destruction were therefore preserved, as shown in this 2 March 1942 Mare Island view, including the installation of enclosed Mark 19 directors on the rangefinder level and extensive splinter protection.
The shields for the 5-inch /25-caliber guns were a Pacific Fleet initiative.
Note the air defense position at the base of the foremast and radar, scheduled for installation aboard all battleships.
USN photo # 1108-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania78kBroadside view, starboard side. Plate # 5a, Frame 96 - 115. 2 March 1942 at Mare Island.USN photo serial # 1105-42, courtesy of Ed Zajkowski.
BB-38 Pennsylvania396kStern view of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), taken on 2 March 1942, at San Francisco for refit and repairs after Pearl Harbor. USN photo serial # 1114-42,courtesy of John Hummel, USN (Retired). Text i.d. courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB-38 Pennsylvania129k20mm & 1.1 guns & platforms on Main Deck, aft, Stb.side, looking Fwd. Mare Island, CA. 3 March 1942. USN photo # 1027-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-40 New Mexico
013840n
2.92k Pennsylvania (BB-38) at Pier 7 and New Mexico (BB-40) at Pier 15 in San Francisco, March 1942. A couple other sets of eyes have identified Kitty Hawk (AKV-1) as sharing Pier 7 with Pennsylvania. Note the torpedo nets. The color appears to be original. I have not seen ANY images of New Mexico on the West Coast in that paint scheme - just in Norfolk prior to heading to the Pacific. USNHHC photo # 80-G-K-1026 & text courtesy of Evan Dwyer & Bob Canchola.
B & W High Resolution photo available @ history.navy.mil
BB-38 Pennsylvania82kPhoto taken on 2 March 1942, at Mare Island for refit and repairs after Pearl Harbor. Visible are much of her different early war guns - two shielded 5in/25cal guns, three 5in/51cal casemate guns, a 1.10" AA gun tub, and numerous 20mm Oerlikons on the upper levels.USN photo # 1109-42.
BB-38 Pennsylvania204kSplinter shield on Pennsylvania's (BB-38) Navigating Bridge, looking aft at Mare Island, CA. March, 1942. USN photo # 1021-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania539k View of splinter shields, 5-Inch A.A.shields, 1.1-inch and 20mm guns and platforms. Stb. side, looking aft.Mare Island, CA. March 1942. USN photo # 1024-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania539k Broadside view, Stb. side. Mare Island, CA. 3 March 1942. View from Frame # 71 to 104.USN photo # 1106-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania233k Broadside view, Stb. side, Mare Island, CA. 3 March 1942. View from Frame # 75 to 104.USN photo # 1107-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania222kBroadside view, Stb. side. Mare Island, CA. 3 March 1942. View from Frame # 115 to stern.USN photo # 1104-42, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 226kAleutian Island Campaign, June 1942-August 1943. Pennsylvania (BB-38), main batteries of the 14" guns during bombardment of Attu Island, Alaska, 11 May 1943. This bombardment lasted nearly three hours.USN photo # 80-G-57051 courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 308kAleutian Island Campaign, June 1942-August 1943. Pennsylvania (BB-38), just before bombardment of Attu Island, Alaska, 11 May 1943 USN photo # 80-G-57049 courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 255kAleutian Island Campaign, June 1942-August 1943. Pennsylvania (BB-38), main batteries of the 14" guns.
This photo is taken after her 1942 refit, where twin 5"/38 secondary mounts replaced her 5"/25 and 5"/51 secondary mounts.
USN photo # 80-G-57050 courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania224kLooking Fwd. from port director platform. Note the long-base rangefinder and the addition of quad.40mm mounts and their associated MK.51 directors. San Francisco, CA. 28 January 1943.Official USN photo # 770-43, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania279kPennsylvania (BB-38) Plan view, looking aft from Stb. Director. Note the CXAM-1. Navy Yard, Mare Island, CA. January 1943. Official USN photo # 773-43, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania222k A good view of her added 40mm quads and directors,the 20mm gallery and the long-base rangefinder already mentioned. Atop her #2 Turret a triplet of 20mm's in their tubs.Plan view, looking Fwd. from Stbd. Director Platform. San Francisco, CA. 28 January 1943.Official USN photo # 771-43, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania168kView aft. Note the type P catapult on her stern. San Francisco, CA., 28 January 1943.Official USN photo # 774-43, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania151kPlan view, port side, looking Fwd. The two MK.33 were replaced by MK.37 with MK.4 radars. San Francisco, CA. 28 January 1943.Official USN photo # 775-43, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania137kA new deck house is base for 8 Twin 5-in. 38-cal. The mainmast is replaced by a stump tower carrying a Main Battery Director to open sky arcs. San Francisco, CA. 28 January 1943.Official USN photo # 777-43, courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania98kDrawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for use in preparing camouflage designs, circa 1943. This plan shows the Pennsylvania's (BB-38) starboard side, superstructure ends and exposed decks. Official USN photo # 80-G-156820-A, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-38 Pennsylvania87kDrawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D, intended for the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1943. This plan shows the ship's starboard side and superstructure ends. Official USN photo # 80-G-156820, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-38 Pennsylvania208k Pennsylvania (BB-38), 135 degrees off centerline (starboard quarter)1 February 1943, Mare Island. USN photo # 862-43, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania522kPennsylvania (BB-38), taken in February 1943, location unknown. Possibly taken from an airship from either ZP-31 or ZP-32 which were based at Moffett Field.USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-38 Pennsylvania458kPortside view of the Pennsylvania (BB-38), February 1943, probably at Mare Island. Official USN photo courtesy of Steve Singlar, ETCS, USN.R-ret.
BB-38 Pennsylvania390kAcrylic on canvas portrait of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) after modernization by the artist William (Bill) H. RaVell III, of the International Society of Marine Artists. He was commissioned to paint a portrait of the battleship Pennsylvania (here) and a portrait of the Trident Submarine Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of William (Bill) H. RaVell III. More of his work can be found @ravellfineart.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania96kRefit at Puget Sound Navy Yard on 29 July 1943. The Pennsylvania (BB-38) had MK3 & 4 added as well as SG & SK radar antennas. Official USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-38 691kStern view of Pennsylvania (BB-38) underway off Port Townsend, Washington, 1 August, 1943. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-N-49340 via Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania362kPhoto probably taken on 1 August 1943 near Puget Sound after a refit.USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-38 Pennsylvania126k A VO-2 OS2U-3 is lifted off the recovery sled and about to be swung aboard Pennsylvania (BB-38) on 3 August 1943.USN photo submitted by Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania165kHookup for an OS2U-3 #24 aboard Pennsylvania (BB-38) on 3 August 1943. Note that the radiomast is folded down to avoid damage from striking cables.USN photo submitted by Pieter Bakels.
Task Group 51133kPhoto of Task Group 51, the Attu force, May 1943.
Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the foreground with the battleships Idaho (BB-42) and Nevada (BB-36) in the background. The Nassau (CVE-16) is pictured astern of the Pennsylvania and provided air cover for the occupation of Attu Island from 11 through 20 May.
Photograph courtesy of Ray Daves via Fabia Pena & Carol Edgemon Hipperson author of Radioman: An Eyewitness Account of Pearl Harbor & World War II in the Pacific (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martins Press, 2008).
Text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013826v
3.45k Adak Harbor in the Aleutians, with part of huge U.S. fleet at anchor, ready to move against Kiska, August 1943.National Archives Identifier:520977.
Local Identifier: 374-ANT-18-NA-80-G-627457
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania956kIn Adak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, on 12 August 1943, just prior to the Kiska operation. An LST is in the left background.Photograph HC # SC 245169, from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
BB-38 Pennsylvania65kPennsylvania class line drawing, 11/43.Courtesy of Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory).
Pearl Harbor656kAerial of Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii. Shown: Ship dispersal and docking areas. Photograph released 12 December 1943.
The BB at the navy yard pier is the New Mexico (BB-40) because of the mainmast configuration. Both of her sisters had their primary air search radar sets on the mainmast at the time. The three BB's nested by Ford Island are the Tennessee (BB-43) (outboard), Colorado (BB-45) in the middle, and Pennsylvania (BB-38) inboard on the Ford Island side.
Note the 2 Essex class carriers off Ford Island, are probably Essex (CV-9) and Yorktown (CV-10), per "Location of U.S. Naval Aircraft," .
In the insert photo (top left) note the Lexington (CV-16) in for drydock repairs suffered when attacked during a raid Kwajalein 4 December; she was hit by a torpedo to starboard, knocking out her steering gear.
She was stateside on 26 December.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
USN photo s # 80-G-221100 & 80-G-221098, now in the collections of the National Archives courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen & Fabio Pena.
BB-38 Pennsylvania78kBack at Pearl Harbor after supporting the Gilbert Island invasion, November 1943. The Pennsylvania (BB-38) (left) is shown tied up to the New Mexico (BB-40). The Pennsylvania has been modernized, with increased A.A. protection, and the removal of the tripod mainmast, which increased the A.A. weapons arcs of fire.USN photo.
BB-38 PennsylvaniaNR The Pennsylvania (BB-38) & Colorado (BB-45) are tied up in port at Pearl Harbor sometime around or after 7 December 1943. Official USN photo # 1-084-13, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-38 Pennsylvania412kView from the ring as Pennsylvania's (BB-38) crew gathers aft to watch a boxing match while anchored at Eniwetok on 1 July 1944.USN photo # 80-G-283627 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania2.10kBombarding shore installations off Guam prior to the invasion, on 20 July 1944.USN photo courtesy Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania251kMaryland (BB-46) and Pennsylvania (BB-38) steam together as the battleships of Task Unit 32.5.2 between 6th and 12 September 1944 as they head towards the Palau Islands and the invasion of Peleliu.USN photo # 80-G-283625 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania400kPennsylvania's (BB-38) anti-aircraft gunners at their battle stations during a lull between her three bombardments of the island of Peleliu the day before allied forces landed on 15 September 1944.USN photo # 80-G-283614 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania422kCrew members passing 5" ammunition aft on her port side at some point around the time of the Peleliu bombardment.USN photo # 80-G-283610 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania365kPennsylvania's (BB-38) port dual 5"/38 mounts fire on Peleliu during her last day of bombardment in support of the invasion, 17 September 1944. 1,755 rounds of 5" ammunition and 298 of her 14" shells were expended that day. USN photo # 80-G-283603 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania480kPowder cans for Pennsylvania's (BB-38) main battery are loaded aboard her forward deck to replace those used in firing the nearly thousand rounds used in the bombardment of Peleliu a week earlier.USN photo # 80-G-283617 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania278kPennsylvania (BB-38) approaches ABSD-2 in Seeadler Harbor, Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea the morning of 1 October 1944. USN # 80-G-288439 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania343kAs the ship is lifted out of the water, sailors work on the hull of the ship, scraping marine growth off before it dries and hardens.USN # 80-G-288442 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania256kView of Pennsylvania's (BB-38) stern with work stands around her propellers and shafts, probably on the 3rd of October 1944. She was in drydock to repair bearings on her #4 shaft as well as the #4 propeller. USN # 80-G-288444 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania291kView of Pennsylvania's (BB-38) forward deck and drydock from "Spot One" in her forward fighting top.USN # 80-G-288451 now in the collection of the US National Archives in College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania4.20kDrydocked in an Advanced Base Sectional Dock (ABSD) at the Pacific, circa October 1944. Note the extensive anti-torpedo "blister" built into her hull side and paravane streaming chains running from her forefoot to her foredeck. Pennsylvania (BB-38) is painted in Measure 21, Navy Blue and Deck Blue on all decks.USN photo courtesy Pieter Bakels.
Majority text courtesy of USNHC.
BB-38 186k Manley's (APD-1) starboard side moored to Pennsylvania's (BB-38) port side on 19 October 1944. Manley was delivering fifteen wounded sailors from Ross (DD-563) to Pennsylvania after the destroyer struck two Japanese mines in less than 30 minutes off Dinagat Island in the Admiralties. USN photo # 80-G-288463 courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-38 Pennsylvania442kWounded are transferred to the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) in Leyte Gulf. Note the empty stretcher being sent for patient. Photograph released 18 October 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288453 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania85k20 October 1944 photo showing the Pennsylvania (BB-38) bombarding Leyte with her main and secondary batteries. Note the gun directors at the side of the bridge. Both are pointing to the port, as a primary and backup target controls for the 14"/45 and 5"/38guns.USN photo.
BB-38 Pennsylvania652kPennsylvania (BB-38) 14" gun, turret #2 salvo on Leyte. Photograph released 20 October 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288475 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania793k Pennsylvania (BB-38) 5" starboard salvo on Leyte. Photograph released 20 October 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288471 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania442kTracers from the battleship converge on Japanese plane during night air attack in Leyte Gulf. Photograph released 20 October 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288465 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania360kBody of sailor is transferred to a smaller craft from Pennsylvania (BB-38) for burial ashore on Leyte Islands. Photograph released 23 October 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288484 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania392kA painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci entitled "We have returned."
The Pennsylvania (BB-38) is moving into bombardment position in Lingayen Gulf during the recapture of the Philippines, October 1944. In the background are the Colorado (BB-45), the Portland (CA-33) and the Louisville (CA-28). Army P-40's are in the foreground & B-25's in the background.
Painting courtesy of artbywayne.com
BB-38 Pennsylvania540kIn one of the most famous photographs of the war, Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the van at Lingayen Gulf during the recapture of the Philippines, October 1944. Ships are from front to back: Pennsylvania, Colorado (BB-45), heavy cruisers Louisville (CA-28) and Portland (CA-33) followed by the light cruiser Columbia (CL-56). A wartime censor has censored the radar on Pennsylvania.NARA Photo # HD-SN-99-02614 from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-38 Pennsylvania64kOil on canvas painting by the artist Mark Churms entitled "Reign of Fire - Pennsylvania (BB-38), Leyte Gulf 1944".
Pennsylvania engages Japanese kamikaze (vals) airplanes, at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Pacific Theater.
Partial text and drawing courtesy of naval-art.com
BB-38 Pennsylvania390kBattle of Leyte Gulf, Surigao Strait, 25 October 1944. Shown: U.S. Ships firing on Japanese Task Force. Photograph by Pennsylvania (BB-38), 25 October 1944. Photograph released 23 October 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288494 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania473kPennsylvania (BB-38), turning wake of the battleship while showing the torpedo wake of the torpedo which narrowly missioned the battleship in Leyte Gulf. Photograph by Pennsylvania, 1 November 1944.USN photo # 80-G-288513 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania19kDamage from shore battery / gunfire while the Pennsylvania (BB-38) was off of Wake on 8 January 1945. Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil.
BB-5 Kearsarge 1.10k Kearsarge (AB-1) is used to install a set of three 14" guns aboard Pennsylvania (BB-38) at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in April 1945. Text i.d. courtesy of John Hendershot.
USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB-5 Kearsarge 1.19k San Francisco Naval Shipyard at Hunters' Point, San Francisco, California, taken by a plane from the USN photo ic squadron VJ-1 from an altitude of 2.300 m on 24 May 1945. The aircraft carrier Intrepid (CV-11) is visible in the center, with the Crane Ship No. 1 on her port side. The light aircraft carrier Cabot (CVL-28) is visible in the drydock in the lower half of the picture. The battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) is visible at the pier in the upper part of the picture. USN photo now in the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration # 296816, courtesy of Robert Hurst.
BB-38 Pennsylvania495kThe Pennsylvania (BB-38) after her last wartime refit at San Francisco (Hunters Point) on 28 June 1945. The aircraft carrier in the background is most likely the Intrepid (CV-11). According to DANFS she left the following day after being sidelined for more than a month due to Kamikaze damage.
Note the two MK.50 Directors with their MK.10 Mod.5 larger 45-Inch radar dishes, just behind the #3 Main Battery Triple 14-Inch/45-Cal. Turret, the radar MK.34 dishes on Antenna Mount MK.19 atop her quadruple 40mm Mounts MK.2 for GFCS. MK.63 and their MK.51 Mod.6 directors, just below the after Main Battery Director MK.34 (Spot 2) with atop Main Battery Fire Control radar MK.8 Mod.3.GFCS. MK.57(appearing here is a view of the Front side of Radar Equipment MK.8 Mod.1 atop Main Battery Director MK.34) flanking the MK.10 radar dishes of the MK.50's.

TDY: (circled, p/s of the MK.34 Director for in this high location jammer range increased and the fat lobes produced by interference with the sea surface were welcome).
A highly-directional, high-powered jammer with monitors incorporated in the antenna, used for very accurate radar direction finding after the rough fix, given by DBM. The antenna was a radiating dipole backed by a screen of horizontal dipole reflectors, the opening angle of which could be varied. These early installations used a single reflector to cover the 175-400mc/s band. This low band was later enlarged to permit operation at frequencies down to 115mc/s.
Atop her Mainmast SP: Simpler, therefore more reliable than SM.
It was designed to scan at 6 rpm with adjustable elevation of -3 to +30 degrees, an 8ft unit weighing 2300lb, having a 2.7x2.7 degrees beam. Conical scan introduced in 1945, improved range performance by about 30 per cent with a range on a bomber at 500 ft of 35nm and on a destroyer 25.
It had a resolution of 200yds and 1.5 degrees and an accuracy of 200 yds and 1.5 degrees with an elevation of 1000ft at 30nm.
Production began in the fall of 1944 and about 300 were built, many installed aboard battleships.
On her Foremast Yardarms: DBM or DBM-1 radar direction finders with their relatively squat domes enclosing spinning antenna that covered different frequencies, one for the 200-1000 or 90-1400mc/s range and another for the 1000-5000 mc/s range, each consisting of a horizontal and a vertical dipole mounted back-to-back, to provide for possible polarizations.
Here is a cropped view of the top of radar picket destroyer Frank Knox's (DD-742) Maintop showing her SP, the lightweight successor to SM, a fighter control radar with a 6ft antenna. BB - 38 had the larger 8ft.antenna-see text there. The small thimble-like radome on the after yardarm is "Derby", CAGW 66132 (300-3000mc/s, a omnidirectional warning type.
The dome on the lower tripod platform is a DBM radar direction-finder required for effective jamming. Actual jamming was done by the TDY visible on the platform.
BB - 38 had CAGW-66132 (300-3000mc/s), its complement "Sword", CAGW 66131 (40-300mc/s) omni-directional warning types. The "Sword" acted to sample enemy reactions to jamming.

TBS tactical radio: SK-2 had a new 17ft dish antenna intended to reduce the side lobes of the previous SK and it spread the main beam in azimuth to 23 degrees. Due to the low elevation of its beams it could not detect high-flying aircraft.
SG, a 10cm surface search radar and the first to incorporate a PPI.
"NANCY" IR beacons flanking the Fire Control Level atop her tripod Foremast. Gun Director MK.50 was an Arma relative-rate director, employing the all- electrical Computer Mark 10, which could change ballistics to handle the full range of A.A. guns up to 5-Inch/38 Cal.
It used a stabilized, conical scanning-type, 10-cm MK.10 Mod.5 radar antenna, of which 37 were built in 1944, with a 45in dish (as seen aboard Pennsylvania) with a narrow beam that gave better performance than the 30in dish used earlier for radar pointing. (seen in this view)
This lightweight director was considered important for 3-Inch/50 fire control on older battleships and cruisers that had not received anti-aircraft directors because of a lack of funds. Typical weight was 19,000lb., including radar MK.10 or -14.
There was a Ballistic Converter MK.10, weighing 2000lb. below decks.
As a result of excessive alteration during development of the all-electric computer Mk.10, MK.50 was reported unsuited to mass production. Only 43 units were produced when production ended in 1944.
Mk.63 Mods.1 and 2 were machine gun blind-fire directors developed by MIT descended from MK.51 and -52 with the MK.34 X-band fire control radar antenna removed from the director. The on-mount antenna with a 30in dish could elevate between-15 and + 85 degrees and could nod to acquire a target at a range of 25,000 yds on bombers.
Accuracy was 15yds plus 0.1 per cent of range and 2mils and resolution 200 yds and 2.25 degrees in bearing and elevation.
Tracking data were projected into the field of vision of Gun Sight MK.15. Post-war use was extensive in the twin- and single 3-Inch/50 rapid-fire guns and on the twin-and quadruple 40mm Gun Mounts.
A Target Acquisition Control Unit (TACU) was incorporated after 1945 that searched through 10 degrees each side of neutral.
To counter BAKA suicide weapons, its limits were raised to 800kts, 20 degrees lead angle and 7000 yards. Typical weights were 1975 lb above and 2025lb below decks.

Director MK.34: Main Battery Director with Range Keeper MK.8 operating in Primary or Secondary and Auxiliary Control.It had an 18ft rangefinder and was crowded after radar, trunnion tilt and director correction correctors were added later and drive was too rough. It was replaced post-war by MK.54.
Weights: 41,300lb topside and 10,742lb below decks with a topside crew of 16 and below decks 10.
USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania334kBow on view of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) taken at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in June 1945 showing her new additions like DBM radar direction finders on both yardarms,"Sword",MK.III IFF,SK,SG,"NANCY" IR beacons and TDY antennas flanking her Navigating Bridge.
Note the score boards painted p/s of her Forward Air Defense Level.
Note the Twin 40mm super-firing over the Twin 20mm Mount MK.20 Mod.2 atop her #2 Main Battery Triple14-Inch Turret.
Note the 40mm Twin Machine Gun Mount Mk.1 designed for anti-aircraft defense with Gun Director MK.51 Mod.2, the most popular modification used during W.W.II with Gun Sight Mk.14 Mod.6.
USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania220kPlan view of stern, looking Fwd. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. June 1945. USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania472kSeen after the last wartime refit, June, 1945.USN photo courtesy of Joe MacDonald.
BB-38 Pennsylvania433k"Battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) gets overhauling", 24 June 1945.
"Workmen swarm over the battleship Pennsylvania at Hunter's Point Naval Drydocks at San Francisco as they overhaul the 29-year-old veteran of 13 Pacific amphibious campaigns. Twelve 14-inch guns in her turrets have been replaced."
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania122kA line drawing by A.L. Raven of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) as rebuilt with twin 5in/38 guns, July 1945. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-38 Pennsylvania880kBATTLESHIP RIDES LOW AFTER TORPEDO HIT
Pumped water spills from hoses as crewmen work to keep the Pennsylvania (BB-38) afloat after she was hit by an aerial torpedo during action off Okinawa 12 August 1945. The ship was saved. Hoses from gun barrels lead from ship's flooded compartments.
AP Wire photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
Photographed by Lieutenant Junior Grade Melvin.
USN photo #80-G-490327, courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania173kPennsylvania (BB-38) on 12 August 1945 at Buckner Bay, Okinawa where she was assisted by two salvage tugs in pumping the water out and later towed her to Apra Harbor, Guam.
On 6 September 1945 she was in ABSD 3 where repairs were made to cover the hole before steaming to Puget Sound Naval Yard under her own power for more extensive repairs.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Tom Jacobs.
USN photo courtesy of Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory).
BB-38 Pennsylvania96kDamage from a torpedo attack on the Pennsylvania (BB-38), 12 August, 1945. Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013801o
305kScenes of salvage activity on the Pennsylvania (BB-38) from the gig of Putnam (DD-757). Extricate (ARS-16) is astern of Menominee (ATF-73) alongside the port quarter of Pennsylvania doing pump and salvage on the morning of 13 August 1945. Shackle (ARS-9) is along the starboard quarter. Pennsylvania had been torpedoed at 2045 the evening before in Buckner Bay, Okinawa. Fleet tug standing off at distant right is Tenino (ATF-115).
For more photos see Shackle (ARS-9).
USN photo courtesy of the collection of George Hansen, Putnam (DD-757) via Eric Hansen and John Chiquoine.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013845t
2.28kThe two photos that appear here come from the papers / photos of Raymond E. Hayes – "N" Division Officer (He has what appears to be a glasses case on his right hip. In the picture on the left he is standing to the right between a Marine and a Chief. In the second picture, he is standing to the left of the bugler.). Pictures are of funeral service for four of his "N" Division men killed in torpedo attack on 12 August 1945 in Buckner Bay, Okinawa. At that time, Hayes was Lt (jg). He was promoted to Lt on 1 February 1946.
Also included is a two page humorous award ceremony for the head censor and subsequent burial at sea of the censor’s box. It’s quite a well-done piece that folks interested in the Pennsylvania might enjoy seeing.
USN photos from the collection of Raymond E. Hayes, who served 2.5 years aboard BB 38 as Asst Navigator and "N" Division Officer.
Photos courtesy of Dave Johnson socpsy.com
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013827r
691kRaymond E. Hayes crosses the line (1st of 13 times) on the Pennsylvania (BB-38).Photo courtesy of Dave Johnson socpsy.com
BB-38 Pennsylvania18kLine art drawing of Pennsylvania (BB-38), c. 1945. Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory)
BB-38 Pennsylvania71kPennsylvania (BB-38) inboard profile, 1945. Note that her conning tower has been removed. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-38 Pennsylvania87kAnd what did you do in the war Daddy? Pennsylvania's (BB-38) score card on Bridge.USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Post War / Sinking
BB-38 Pennsylvania87kABSD-3 at Guam, Marianas Islands & the Pennsylvania (BB-38) docked in ABSD-3 after the end of World War II. Note the white boxes on the barge, these are coffins that contain the remains of Pennsylvania crew members killed during the torpedo attack on her at Okinawa, 12 August 1945. The island at upper left was built between the two drydocks, ABSD-3 and ABSD-6. (ABSD-6 is to the left of the picture.) The island was built for supplies and Enlisted and Officers Clubs, movie theater, etc.USN photo courtesy of Homer N. Rich Jr. MM3/c USS ABSD-3.
BB-38 Pennsylvania405k"Pennsylvania sailors and marines on Pennsylvania (BB-38)", 27 October 1945.
"These Navy men and marines from the state of Pennsylvania are shown aboard the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the Pacific.
Front row, left to right: Albert J. Bulavich, mechinist's mate, second class, [...]; Kenneth D. Hons, seaman, first class, [...]; Harry B. Elridge, seaman, first class, [...]; Merle M. Iannotti, seaman, first class, [...]; Fred N. Krause, seaman, first class, [...]; Herbert D. McClenahan, fire controlman, third class, [...]; Mile Alick, Jr., seaman, first class, [...]; Thaddeus M. Dukate, storekeeper, third class, [...]; Robert A. Winterbottom, seaman, first class, [...]; Edmund W. Lesniewski, seaman, second class, [...]; Sgt. Joseph J. Evangelist, USMCR, [...]. Second row, left to right: Theodore H. Gemmill, machinist's mate, first class, [...]; George J. Cipolloni, seaman, first class, [...]; Raymond E. Bioletti, seaman, first class, [...]; Robert F. Holtz, signalman, third class, [...]; Dewitt J. Cress, seaman, first class, [...]; Harry L. Hamilton, seaman, first class, [...]; Walter E. Ames, seaman, first class, [...]; John A. Conatti, seaman, first class, [...]; Guy H. Woods, Jr., seaman, first class, [...]; Theodore Baldwin, coxswain, [...]; Frederick M. Smith, coxswain, [...]; Allen Cenis, fire controlman, third class, [...]; Walter E. Ballnut, coxswain, [...]; Third row, left to right: Pvt. Eugene Linton, USMCR, [...]; August Kantner, seaman, first class, [...]; Wendel Coeyman, seaman, first class, [...]; Paul N. Nicklaus, aviation metalsmith, second class, [...]; William J. Ellis, radio technician, second class, [...]; Pvt. Charles Hartley, [...]; Thaddeus A. Grzebiniowski, seaman, first class, [...]; John D. Larkin, seaman, first class, [...]; Pfc. James E. Hill, [...]; Byron F. Beast, coxswain, [...]; Henry J. Shetler, seaman, second class, [...]; James E. Clinton, seaman, first class, [...]; Henry Lawton, seaman, first class, [...]; Peter Gula, Jr., seaman, first class, [...]; Fourth row, left to right: James Gentile, seaman, first class, [...]; John A. Allsop, seaman, first class, [...]; John McLaughlin, aviation ordnanceman, second class, [...]: Clifford A. Hoffman, seaman, first class, [...]; Robert J. Horner, seaman first class, [...]; John M. Curto, seaman, [...]; George R. Jenkins, seaman, first class, [...]; Robert L. Bollinger, seaman, first class, [...]; Evan A. Lloyd, fireman first class, [...]; J.C. Riggle, electrician's mate, second class, [...]; Russell W. Guis, gunner's mate, third class, [...]; William M. Barron, gunner's mate, second class, [...]; Howard F. Noble, Jr., chief pharmacist's mate, [...]. Fifth row: Nicholas Karlovich, chief signalman, [...]; Robert K. Ashbough, fire controlman, second class, [...]; William G. Gibson, boatswain's mate, second class, [...]; Paul B. Kyler, [...]; Donald Casey, seaman, first class, [...]; Charles H. Metz, seaman, first class, [...]; Charles Catley, seaman, first class, [...]; Pfc. Walter A. Troutman Jr., [...]; William R. McAdams, fire controlman, third class, [...]; Charles R. Hellein, Jr., [...]; William C. Kowinski, seaman, first class, [...]; John Kubick, Jr., seaman, second class, [...]; Charles D. Isack, seaman, first class, [...]. Sixth row: William Beckert, seaman, first class, [...]; Thomas P. Beall, seaman, first class, [...]; Meyer Levine, radarman third class, [...]; William J. Elmer, seaman, first class, [...]; George E. Bromwell, seaman, first class, [...]; John F. Causey, seaman, second class, [...]; Daniel J. Giordano, gunner's mate, third class, [...]; Robert J. Fischer, seaman, first class, [...]; Thomas C. Lynn, seaman, first class, [...]; Michael J. Boxen, seaman, first class, [...]; Louis H. Farra, gunner's mate, second class, [...]; Jude T. Noel, seaman, first class, [...]. Seventh row: Richard D. Smith, machinist's mate, third class, [...]; James E. Long, seaman, second class, [...]; Karl Beliakoff, machinist's mate, third class, [...]; John D. Kephart, machinist's mate, second class, [...]; Anthony A. Kane, machinist's mate, first class, [...]; Elmer C. Bodnar, seaman, first class, [...]; Michael Daruda, seaman, first class, [...]; Donald E. Steck, seaman, second class, [...]; Karl F. Buchholz, seaman, first class, [...]; Michael J. Minsterman, fireman, second class, [...]; Melvin Girard, boatswain's mate, first class, [...]."
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania392kUnit Citation for Pennsylvania (BB-38) being given by her CO Captain W.M. Moses at Puget Sound, 5 November 1945. Photo courtesy of Joe Macdonald.
BB-38 Pennsylvania87kABSD-3 crew photo. In the background is the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the dock.USN photo courtesy of Homer N. Rich Jr. MM3/c ABSD-3.
BB-38 Pennsylvania364k"Preparing Pennsylvania (BB-38) for atomic test", 14 February 1946.
"Anti-aircraft guns are hoisted from the veteran battleship which is being made ready at Bremerton, Wash., to take part in the Navy's test of the atomic bomb at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific next July."
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-38 Pennsylvania212kPennsylvania (BB-38) Plan view from Foremast of Main Deck, looking Fwd., being stripped for the Bikini nuclear test. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 1 March 1946. USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania190kLooking aft from centerline to starboard from foremast. Note the removed MK.50 Director and GFCS MK57 in addition to the 40mm Quads. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 1 March 1946.USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania279kPennsylvania (BB-38) looking Fwd. Centerline to Stbd. Camera approximately 3' above MK.34 Director Top. Note the missing 5in. mounts. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 1 March, 1946. USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania212k Looking aft Centerline to port from foremast. Camera approximately 3' above Top of Main Battery Control. Note SP radar atop her Main Mast. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 1 March, 1946. USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania195kPlan view, looking aft from Director. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. 1 March 1946. USN photo and text courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania935k15 March 1946 photo showing the Pennsylvania (BB-38) leaving Puget Sound, Washington heading for the Bikini Atoll. She has been partially stripped for the test as evidenced by the missing portside 5" gun mounts. She is still leaking from the 12 August 1945 Japanese torpedo hit, only repaired enough to make her seaworthy to sail.
This photo was marked: "UTILITY SQUADRON SEVEN DET.'B' ", and, "NOT TO BE USED FOR PUBLICATION BY ORDER OF CHIEF OF BUREAU OF AERO."
USN photo, BUShips # 113969, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-38 Pennsylvania172k1946 Crew photo.Kory Vaught.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013809w
770k Project 18 - Operation Crossroads (Bikini) Test Activities: Evacuation of Personnel from Pennsylvania (BB-38). Note: The Original Image is a Part of the Series 80-G (NAID: 520587).Record Hierarchy
Record Group 374:
Records of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, 1943 - 2005 Series: Photographs of Atmospheric Nuclear Testing at Pacific Island and Nevada Test Sites, 1946 - 1962. Project 18 - Operation Crossroads (Bikini) Test Activities
National Archives Identifier: 146763110.
Local Identifier: 374-ANT-18-NA-80-G-627457
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013815
690kJune 1946 photo of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) anchored in Bikini Atoll prior to the "Crossroads" nuclear tests. Other test ships can be seen in the background and of particular interest is the hull markings at the bow indicating how much water she is drawing. By the height of the markings, it is obvious that the Navy wasn't sure what would happen to the ship during the blast.Source: LIFE Magazine Archives – Bob Landry photographer, shared by Peter DeForest courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-33 Arkansas 45k The Arkansas (BB-33) is in the left hand corner of this photo with other test ships at the Bikini Bomb Test, 1946. I believe the New York (BB-34) is in the center, and the Pennsylvania (BB-38) is to her immediate right. Courtesy of submarinesailor.com.
BB-38 Pennsylvania81kBikini Bomb Test, 1946. New York (BB-34) is in the center & Pennsylvania (BB-38) is to the right. USN photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Bikini 1.00k The underwater test at Bikini shows its terrific power amid the anchored vessels, made bare seconds after its release. Photo courtesy of courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-38 Pennsylvania43kA Watercolor by the artist Arthur Beaumont entitled Pennsylvania (BB-38). She survived both atomic tests at Crossroads, a fitting testament to a battleship that had been at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Although suffering only minor fire damage, she was heavily contaminated and was scuttled off Kwajalein in 1948.Arthur Beaumont #11 Watercolor, 1946.
Gift of the artist. NHC #88-169-K, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013800f
689k Port side stern side view of the ex-Pennsylvania (BB-38) showing damage to the OS2U Kingfisher observation aircraft after nuclear bomb Able explosion. Source: LIFE Magazine Archives – Bob Landry photographer, shared by Peter DeForest courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013863
922kRelaimer (ARS-42) washing down ex-Pennsylvania (BB-38) in July, 1946 in attempt to wash radiation off the ship. Source: LIFE Magazine Archives – Bob Landry photographer, shared by Peter DeForest courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-38
013846w
NR WHAT DID "A" BOMB DO? . . . Standing under the wing of a damaged float plane with a light bomb still in its rack unexploded (directly over the officer's heads), Rear Adm. Ralph Ofstie, member of the joint chiefs of staff evaluation board (left), and Rear Adm. Luis De Florez stand on the deck of the veteran battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), inspecting the damage caused by the atom bomb at Bikini.Image and text provided by Montana Historical Society; Helena, MT.
Photo by Laurel Outlook. [volume] (Laurel, Mont.) 1909-current, 17 July 1946, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-38 Pennsylvania81k 10 February 1948 photo of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) being scuttled off Kwajalein after being subjected to both "Crossroads" atomic blasts. She was towed to Kwajalein after the explosions and studied there. Too "hot" to handle, she was simply towed to sea and scuttled at the conclusion of the radiation studies.NARA # NA-80-G-705027.
BB-38 Pennsylvania57kFinal moments of the Pennsylvania (BB-38).NARA # NA-80-G-705028.
BB-38 Pennsylvania108kFinal moments of the Pennsylvania (BB-38).USN photo.
BB-38 Pennsylvania70kThe Bell of the Pennsylvania (BB-38) on display at Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA. Courtesy of Pete Donatucci.
Althouse
013885a
NRAdelbert Althouse, 85, Helped Sink Spanish Ship and Army 11
Ex-Navy Captain Played in First Inter-Service Game & 6th Captain of the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Inspired by Mark Liepa.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 19 May 1954, Image 26, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
(NISMF)376kA guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991. USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-38 Pennsylvania243k Everett Hyland, one of the remaining Pearl Harbor survivors (he died on 24 July 2019) who served aboard the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), reflects a moment aboard the Arizona Memorial just before a flag raising ceremony on 7 December 2003. Sailors from Naval Medical Clinic Pearl Harbor planned and participated in the ceremony, where a flag was flown over the Arizona Memorial and then sent to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where it will be flown regularly above the future Flight 93 Memorial, commemorating those who perished in the United Airlines Flight 93 on 11 September 2001.USN photo # N-7391W-044 by Journalist 2nd Class Jim Williams courtesy of news.navy.mil.
World War II Memorial371k A quote made by Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz is inscribed on a granite wall at the National World War II Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Fleet Adm. Nimitz was the United States signatory to the surrender terms aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay, Japan on 2 September 1945, thus ending World War II. Established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the memorial honors all military veterans of World War II, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. On 29 May 2004, the memorial was formally dedicated with an estimated 200,000 people expected to attend, and includes 100,000 visiting veterans of all wars. USN photo # N-0295M-011 by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
BB-38 Pennsylvania308kTwo of the Pennsylvania's (BB-38) 14 inch guns on display at the PA Military Museum in Boalsburg PA.Photo from the PA Military Museum in Boalsburg PA, courtesy of Bruce C. Sheehe.

Commanding Officers
01CAPT. Wilson, Henry Braid, USN (USNA 1881) :ADM12.06.1917 - 28 05.1917
02CAPT. Hoogewerff, John Adrian, USN (USNA 1881) :RADM01.04.1917 - 17.09.1917
03CAPT. Howard, William L, USN (USNA 1889) :RADM17.09.1917 - 22.08.1918
04CAPT. Nulton, Louis McCoy, USN (USNA 1889) :RADM17.09.1918 - 18.09.1920
05CAPT. Day, George Calvin, USN (USNA 1892) :RADM18.09.1920 - 19.05.1921
06CAPT. Althouse, Adelbert, USN (USNA 1890) :RADM19.05.1921 - 07.12.1921
07CAPT. Campbell, Edward Hale, USN (USNA 1893) :VADM07.12.21 - 25.11.1922
08CAPT. Hines, John Fore, USN (USNA 1892)25.11.1922 - 12.06.1924
09CAPT. Laning, Harris, USN (USNA 1895) :ADM12.06.1924 - 09.06.1926
10CAPT. Owens, Charles Truesdale, USN (USNA 1897)09.06.1926 - 25.06.1928
11CAPT. Greenslade, John Wills, USN (USNA 1899) :VADM25.06.1928 - 04.05.1929
12CAPT. Landenberger, George Bertram, USN (USNA 1900)04.05.1929 - 30.05.30
13CAPT. Enochs, John Matt, USN (USNA 1901)17.30.31 - 07.04.1932
14CAPT. Giles, William Jefferson~16.04.1932 - 30.09.1933
15CAPT. Sadler, Frank Howard, USN (USNA 1908) :RADM30.09.1933 - 17.04.1935
16CAPT. Willson, Russell, USN (USNA 1906) :VADM17.04.1935 - 27.10.1936
17CAPT. Draemel, Milo Frederick, USN (USNA 1906) :RADM27.10.1936 - 16.10.1937
18CAPT. Barker Jr., William Cyrus16.10.1937 - 16.06.1939
19CAPT. Cutts, Elwin Fisher, USN (USNA 1908)16.06.1939 - 27.02.1941
20CAPT. Cooke Jr., Charles Maynard (Savvy), USN (USNA 1910) :ADM27.02.1941 - 03.04.1942
21CAPT. King II, Thomas Starr, USN (USNA 191110.04.1942 - 08.02.1943
22CAPT. Corn, William Anderson08.02.1943 - 23.04.1944
23CAPT. Martin, Charles Franklin, USN (USNA 1914) :RADM23.04.1944 - 05.06.1945
24CAPT. Moses, William Moultrie05.06.1945 - 05.11.1945
25CDR. Kaufman, William Metcalfe, USN (USNA 1936)05.11.1945 - 23.01.1946
26CAPT. Bushnell, Carl Hilton23.01.1946 - 29.08.1946
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler

USS PENNSYLVANIA BB-38 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The Hazegray & Underway Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)

Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name: Mr. Jess Dennis
Address: 3053 Birchfield Dr, Memphis, TN, 38127-7403
Phone: 901-357-0263
E-mail: jess@usspennsylvania.com


Note About Contacts.

The contact listed, Was the contact at the time for this ship when located. If another person now is the contact, E-mail me and I will update this entry. These contacts are compiled from various sources over a long period of time and may or may not be correct. Every effort has been made to list the newest contact if more than one contact was found.


Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway Battleship Pages By Andrew Toppan.
BB-38 Web Page By Ken Munro
HyperWar Pacific Theater of Operations.

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