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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-40 USS NEW MEXICO
1942 - 1945

Radio Call Sign: November - Echo - Victor - November
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1915 - 1918
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1940 - 1941
1946 - 1947

New Mexico Class Battleship: Displacement 32,000 Tons, Dimensions, 624' (oa) x 97' 5" x 31' 1" (Max). Armament 12 x 14"/50 22 x 5"/51, 8 x 3"/50 2 x 21" tt. Armor, 13 1/2" Belt, 18" Turrets, 3 1/2" +2" Decks, 16" Conning Tower. Machinery, 27,500 SHP; G.E. Geared Turbines with electric drive, 4 screws. Speed, 21 Knots, Crew 1084.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York Navy Yard, October 14, 1915. Launched April 23, 1917. Commissioned May 18, 1918. Decommissioned July 19, 1946. Stricken February 25, 1947.
Fate: Sold November 9, 1947 and broken up for scrap in New York.
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BB-40 New Mexico 1.5m View from overhead of the New Mexico (BB-40) underway 4 December 1942, indicating that it was taken out of Pearl Harbor. Photo # 5300-42 courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 358k A small boat speeds along the length of the New Mexico (BB-40), probably at Pearl Harbor in December 1942. In 1943 she would go to Puget Sound for a refit when she received SK radar and other modifications. BuShips photo #40215 courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 73k Off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, following overhaul, 6 October 1943. A barge and motor launch are alongside her port quarter, with Sailors coming on board from the latter. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # NH 97414, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 70k Bow view off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, following overhaul, 6 October 1943. Official USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 303k New Mexico (BB-40) underway near Pearl Harbor sometime around Nov. 1943. She is wearing Measure 21 camouflage with a new gallery of 20mm Oerlikons P&S of her Stack and SK atop her mainmast. U.S. Navy Photograph submitted by Pieter Bakels.
BB-40 New Mexico 271k View of the Efate Hills from New Mexico (BB-40) . Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 369k Efate Clubhouse, wishing you were there. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 225k Church services. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 278k New Mexico's (BB-40) laundry & galley. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 160k Lt. Richard Hatch holding a piece of teak wood deck of the Liscomb Bay (CVE-56) which landed on the New Mexico (BB-40) after it exploded on 24 November 1943.
The following PDF's are Plans of the day for the New Mexico's crew.
2 November 1943
16 November 1943
18 November 1943
19 November 1943
25 November 1943 		Photo & PDF from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-38 Pennsylvania78kBack at Pearl Harbor after supporting the Gilbert Island invasion, Nov. 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-42 Idaho98kPhotographed from Natoma Bay (CVE-62), shortly after the conclusion of the Gilberts Campaign, Sept - Dec. 1943. The three battleships, in an anchorage protected by anti-torpedo nets, are (from left to right): Idaho (BB-42); New Mexico (BB-40); and Mississippi (BB-41).Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # 80-G-275940, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-42 Idaho106kThe Idaho (BB-42), New Mexico (BB-40) Mississippi (BB-41) at Pearl Harbor sometime after 5 December 1943. All three battleships then proceeded with the Marshall Islands assault force 12 January 1944. Photo courtesy of Joseph MacDonald. Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-40 & 42 381k New Mexico (BB-40) & Idaho (BB-42) 7 December 1943, at Pearl Harbor. Note the anti-torpedo net in the foreground. Official USN Photograph # 4-ORD-085-16, courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 309k Stern view of the New Mexico (BB-40) viewed from one of her sisters, possibly at Pearl Harbor. Note the anti-torpedo net in the foreground. USN Photograph courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 117k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 6D intended for battleships of the BB-40 class. This plan, approved by Captain Logan McKee, USN, is dated 16 February 1944. It shows the ship's starboard side, superstructure ends and exposed decks. Ships known or reported to have worn this camouflage design include New Mexico (BB-40) and Mississippi (BB-41). Official U.S. Navy Photograph # 80-G-166247, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 100k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 6D intended for battleships of the BB-40 class. This plan, approved by Captain Logan McKee, USN, is dated 16 February 1944. It shows the ship's port side, superstructure ends and exposed decks. Ships known or reported to have worn this camouflage design include New Mexico (BB-40) and Mississippi (BB-41). Official U.S. Navy Photograph # 80-G-166246, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 250k Thomas F. Grady, MM2c (Machinist's Mate) is standing throttle watch on board New Mexico (BB-40) . Photo courtesy of the Kibbe Museum via Bill Gonyo.
BB-40 New Mexico 177k Shelling peninsula. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 90k Near miss.
The following PDF's concern the Kwajalein Bombardment on 6 Feb. 1944, shelling of Taroa, Maloelap & Wotje on 21 Feb. 1944 & Kavieng Bombardment on 20 March 1944		 Photo & PDF's from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 129k New Mexico (BB-40) Mascot Kwajalein, who deserted ship in Australia, 29 May 1944. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9 /9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 448k The Braine (DD-630) transfers wounded to the battleship New Mexico (BB-40) during a dramatic moment for immediate medical attention after being hit by a Japanese six-inch shore battery off the shores of Tinian in the Mariana Islands on 14 June 1944. The Braine and New Mexico were participants in support of the troop landings during the capture efforts of the islands of Saipan and Tinian. The battleship Colorado (BB-45) and the destroyer Norman Scott (DD-690) were both hit by six inch Japanese shore batteries. The Colorado was hit 22 times, killing 44 men. The Norman Scott was hit six times, killing the captain, Seymore Owens, and 22 of his seamen. After the battle, Tinian became an important base for further Allied bombing operations in the Pacific Campaign. Camps were built for 50,000 troops. Fifteen thousand Seabees turned the island into the busiest and largest airfield of the war, with six 2,400 m runways for attacks by B-29 Superfortress bombers on targets in the Philippines, the Ryukyu Islands and mainland Japan, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to help end hostilities in the Pacific. Photo # 09-7930-26, courtesy of the U.S. Navy BUMED Library and Archives via Bill Gonyo.
BB-40 New Mexico 129k New Mexico's (BB-40) 5"/25 battery prepares to fire during the bombardment of Saipan, 15 June 1944. Note time-fuse setters on the left side of each gun mount, each holding three "fixed" rounds of ammunition; barrels of 20mm machine guns at the extreme right; and triple 14"/50 guns in the background. Official U.S. Navy Photograph # 80-G-K-14162, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 143k Firing at aircraft.
New Mexico (BB-40) bombarded Tinian & Saipan 14 & 15 June, and Guam 16 June, and twice helped drive off enemy air attacks 18 June.		 Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo & PDF's from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9 /9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 139k Transfering a casualty. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 169k 5-In column. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 475k Admirals, Captains, Reporters & Shelling Guam on 16 June 1944. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 333k Battle Stations at Tinian, Marianas. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 50k New Mexico's (BB-40) firing her guns in support of invasion of Saipan, June 1944. USNI / USN photo.
BB-40 New Mexico 455k Shelling Saipan on 22 June 1944. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 246k Medal presentation of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded to Harrison D. Miller for heroism aboard New Mexico (BB-40). Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 59k New Mexico (BB-40) firing her after 14"/50 guns during the pre-invasion bombardment of Guam, circa 14-20 July. Taken by a Combat Photo Unit Two (CPU-2) photographer, looking aft along the port side from the forward sky lookout position. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # 80-G-K-14233, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 159k 14-inch projectiles on deck, while the battleship was replenishing her ammunition supply prior to the invasion of Guam, July 1944. The photograph looks forward on the starboard side, with 3-gun mount 14"/50 gun turrets at left. Note floater nets stowed atop the turrets. Text info courtesy of Daniel Cronan. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # 80-G-K-14228, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 111k Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D intended for battleships of the BB-40 class. This plan, approved by Captain Torvald A. Solberg, USN, is dated 18 August 1944. It shows the ship's starboard side, horizontal surfaces and superstructure ends. Official U.S. Navy Photograph # 19-N-104916, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives
BB-40 New Mexico 113kDrawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for a camouflage scheme intended for battleships of the BB-40 class. This plan, approved by Captain Torvald A. Solberg, USN, is dated 19 August 1944. It shows the ship's port side. Official U.S. Navy Photograph # 19-N-104915, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives
BB-40 New Mexico 313k Capt Zack on bridge. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 161k In appreciation from the crew of the New Mexico (BB-40). Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 400k Change of Command. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 480k Water color of the New Mexico (BB-40) painted by the artist Henry Beaumont. Photo from the collection of Capt. Ellis Zacharias, C.O. from 9/9/ 1943 - 14/9/ 1944, courtesy of Capt. Jerry Zacharias, USN (Ret.)
BB-40 New Mexico 92k Port side view wearing Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D on 21 October 1944, Puget Sound Navy Yard showing her final configuration. Ultimate battery of ten quadruple 40mm guns are in place along with 40-45 20mm Oerlikons. All but her six forward 5"/51 caliber guns have been replaced with the dual purpose although somewhat short range 5"/25 caliber open mounts and 40mm quad mounts wherever room was available. Official USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 178k Gun barrels on bottom forward turret are painted black; 21 October 1944, Puget Sound Navy Yard. National Archives photo # 19-N-73599 courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 124k October, 1944 stern shot of the New Mexico (BB-40) at Puget Sound Navy Yard. Particularly noticeable is the removal of the #3 turret mounted catapult. She retained the fantail catapult and usually carried two planes. Searchlights have been lowered to almost the base of the stack. Official USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 20k Damage caused to the New Mexico (BB-40) after being hit by a "Kamikaze" on 6 January 1945. Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil.
BB-40 New Mexico 70k At sea with two other battleships and an amphibious force command ship (AGC), probably at the time of the Iwo Jima or Okinawa operations, circa February-April 1945. Battleship in the center background is Idaho (BB-42). The one further to the left is Tennessee (BB-43). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # 80-G-K-3706, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 245k Where there is smoke, there must be fire: Starboard broadside view of the New Mexico (BB-40) or Idaho (BB-42) underway with company and lots of anti-aircraft fire in the offering. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
Photo i.d. courtesy of David C. Nilsen, CTR USA, TRADOC.
BB-40 New Mexico 290k New Mexico (BB-40) putting up a wall of fire. USN Archives photo # N-3110 courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Photo added 03/28/12.
BB-40 New Mexico 62k New Mexico (BB-40) is hit by a "Kamikaze" at dusk on 12 May 1945, while off Okinawa. Photographed from Wichita (CA-45). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # 80-G-328653, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-40 New Mexico 27k Damage caused to the New Mexico (BB-40) after being hit by a "Kamikaze" on 12 May 1945, off the coast of Okinawa. Photo from WWII Damage Reports, courtesy of NavSea / dcfp.navy.mil.
BB-40 New Mexico 92k New Mexico (BB-40) probably dated 13 May, the day after a kamikaze hit and a bomb hit killed 54 of her crew, some of who are shown in this photograph under the flags. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 155k Admirals William F. Halsey (left) and Raymond A. Spruance (right) aboard New Mexico (BB-40) on 27 May 1945. New Mexico had become 5th fleet flagship of Admiral Spruance the previous 5 April. USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
BB-40 New Mexico 59k New Mexico (BB-40) anchored in the Tokyo Bay area, circa late August 1945, at the end of WW II. Mount Fuji is in the background. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, USNHC # NH 50232, now in the collections of the National Archives.
USS NEW MEXICO BB-40 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. Vernon Dascher
Address: 3064 DeVilla Tr. Saint Louis, MO, 63301
Phone: 636-949-9413
E-mail: None

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.
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