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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-47 WASHINGTON

Radio Call Sign: November - Whiskey - Echo


Colorado Class Battleship: Displacement 32,600 Tons, Dimensions, 624' (oa) x 97' 4" x 31' 4" (Max). Armament 8 x 16"/45 14 x 5"/51, 4 x 3"/50AA 2 x 21" tt. Armor, 13 1/2" Belt, 18" Turrets, 3 1/2" + 1 1/2" Decks, 16" Conning Tower. Machinery, 28,900 SHP; Turbines with Electric Drive, 4 screws. Speed, 21 Knots, Crew 1080.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York, Shipbuilding, Camden, NJ., 30 June 1919. Launched, 1 September 1921. Construction on Washington (BB-47) was stopped 8 February 1922, when she was 75.9% complete due to the terms of Washington Naval Treaty.
Fate: Sunk as a target by the Battleships Texas (BB-35) and New York (BB-34), 26 November 1924.

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Size Image Description Source
Keel Laying / Commissioning
1919 - 1921

Maryland NR GIGANTIC PROJECTED AMERICAN WARSHIPS WILL OUTCLASS WORLD'S GREATEST VESSELS
With the picture of the battle cruiser (upper picture) is shown that of the new projected battleship of the Colorado (BB-45), Maryland (BB-46), West Virginia (BB-48) and Washington (BB-47). They will be vessels of 32,600 tons, With twenty-one knots speed and carrying eight sixteen inch guns each. There will be twenty-two smaller guns besides four anti-air craft guns and torpedo tubes. Big as these ships will be they will be outclassed by the three still newer battleships already authorized, the ships of the 49, 50, 51 class.
Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo from The Democratic Banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 26 December 1916, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47 Washington 139k Keel of the Washington (BB-47) starboard side looking aft, temporary position on Ways "K", New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 July 1919. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 110k Washington (BB-47) view looking aft,foreground assembling long torpedo on the ground, background (extreme) work proceeding on ways foundation, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 October 1919. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 221k Washington (BB-47) view from the stern, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 January 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
>BB-47 Washington 276k View from bow of the Washington (BB-47), at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 January 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 230k Bow view looking aft of the Washington (BB-47), 12 April 1920 while under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 245k Stern view looking forward of the Washington (BB-47), 12 April 1920 while under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 191k Starboard quarter view of the Washington (BB-47), at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 12 April 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 185k Bow view of the Washington (BB-47), New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 July 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 271k Washington (BB-47) view from the port quarter, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 July 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 272k Bow view of the Washington (BB-47), New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, October 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 288k Stern view of the Washington (BB-47), New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 26 October 1920. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 184k View taken from starboard quarter of the Washington (BB-47), 6 January 1921 while under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 225k View taken from port quarter of the Washington (BB-47), 6 January 1921 while under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. Print somewhat obscured, but what looks like "trimming machine" is mentioned in the description. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 258k Washington (BB-47) under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. Script on back of photo says "Progress View - Stern View, 15 January 1921." US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 230k "Progress view - Bow View of the Washington (BB-47), 15 January 1921." Deck under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 236k Washington (BB-47) view from the port quarter, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 April 1921. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 314k Bow view of the Washington (BB-47) under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ, 7 July 1921. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 10k Washington (BB-47) view of the starboard bow, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 7 July 1921.
(No larger image available at this moment, hint, find me one!
US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
Washington NR APPOINTED SPONSOR.
Jean Summers has been appointed by Gov. L. F. Hart of Washington as sponsor of the dreadnought Washington (BB-47) to be launched at Camden. N. J. She is a daughter of Congressman John W. Summers.
Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo & text by The Pensacola Journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 16 July 1921, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Washington NR Washington (BB-47) Ready for Waves
Walla Walla Girl to Launch New Ship
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo & text by The Seattle Star. (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 31 August 1921, Image 12, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47 Washington 120k Washington (BB-47) starboard after poppet & packing at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 September 1921. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 107k Washington (BB-47) starboard fore poppet & packing at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 1 September 1921. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 842k BOW OF BATTLESHIP
A unique view of the graceful clipper stem of the superdreadnaught Washington (BB-47) as she appeared just before launching (1 September 1921). The picture shows the pronounced flare outward from the waterline to the upper deck, intended to facilitate the stowing and handling of her anchors of which there will be three. The extreme top of the bow with its gargoyle-line appearance, shows the three hawse pipes for the anchors, a design carried out now on all the late superdreadnaughts constructed.
Digital ID # ggbain 32937, LC-B2-5531-10. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
Image and text provided by Montana Historical Society; Helena, MT.
Photo & text by Great Falls Tribune. (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 18 September 1921, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47 Washington 1.81k Stern and view of Washington's (BB-47) propellers, 1 September 1921. Digital ID # ggbain 32932v, LC-B2-5531-1A. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
BB-47 Washington 1.91k Starboard bow view of the Washington (BB-47) before her launching, 1 September 1921. Digital ID # ggbain 32936v, LC-B2-5531-9. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
Washington NR Giant Warship Leaving Ways and its Sponsor
The Superdreadnought Washington (BB-47) taking the water at Camden, N. J.,yesterday and Miss Jean Summers, ten-year-old daughter of representative J. W. Summers, of Walla Walla, Wa., who christened the vessel with a bottle of water taken from the rivers of her native state.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 2 September 1921, Image 63, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Washington
014700
NR Giant New Battleship Taking Water and Her Young Sponsor, the Washington (BB-47), leaving the ways-at Camden, N. J., where it was christened on the first of September. Image and text provided by University of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL.
Photo & text by The Birmingham Age-Herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 12 September 1921, Image 9, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47 Washington 369k The launching of the Washington (BB-47), 1 September 1921 at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey. US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 47, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47 Washington 135k The launching of the Washington (BB-47), at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard, Camden, New Jersey, 1 September 1921. Photographed by the Aero Service Corporation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Colorado (BB-45) is fitting out in the wet basin at the end of the covered ship ways building. The two 535-foot passenger liners fitting out in the upper left are S.S. Southern Cross, converted later as the Wharton (AP-7), and S.S. Hoosier State. Washington's construction ceased in February 1922, under the terms of the Naval Limitations Treaty, and she was sunk as a target in 1924. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 105177. Donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2007.
BB-49
014938
NR Video showing state of construction of the South Dakota (BB-49), Washington (BB-47) & Colorado (BB-45) at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey.
Worker walking across snow-covered deck of unfinished battleship South Dakota / ship under construction or construction halted / workers on ship / pan ship side, signs reading "Twin Screws Keep Clear of Propeller," can see Washington faintly above sign / pan down ship funnels, workers on deck levels / side view nearly finished Colorado, workers along railroad tracks / workers on deck of Colorado, big guns in fg / Note: exact day not known.
Video courtesy of Daniel Hacker.
New York, Shipbuilding
014577
1.65k Inscription: "Bird's Eye View of New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, N.J." Copyright 1921, this view shows all the elements of the World War I expansion, as well as Yorkship Village rising from the former Cooper farm at top center. The Yard looked much like this when the Washington (BB-47) was constructed here.
Colorado (BB-45) is fitting out in the wet basin at the end of the covered ship ways building. Two 535-foot passenger liners are also fitting out, in the upper left of the photo.
Photo & partial text courtesy of newyorkship.org.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Charles R. Haberlein Jr.
BB-47 Washington 614k Partial stern view of the Washington (BB-47), 30 September 1921. Note her name written on the side of her stern. US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 34, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47 Washington 110k Washington (BB-47) general view looking aft, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 30 September 1921. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 927k A freighter sails past the Washington (BB-47), as she lies in her berth next to a steamer, 30 September 1921. US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 16, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47
014754
NRWASHINGTON (BB-47) SUPER DREADNAUGHT.
The photo shows two of the huge propellers, each of which is to be driven by its own 8,300 H.-P. motor. Power for the motors will be furnished by two 5,000 H.-P. Westinghouse turbo-electric generators.
Underwood & Underwood photo.
Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo & text by The Herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 20 October 1921, Image 13, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47
014748
762kWashington (BB-47) propeller strut.Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress: Call Number: LC-B2-5537-13.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov via Daniel Hacker.
BB-47
014755
1.25kWashington (BB-47) dynamos.Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress: Call Number: LC-B2-5537-14.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov via Daniel Hacker.
BB-47 Washington 148k Washington (BB-47) bow view looking aft, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 31 December 1921. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 744k View from forward looking aft, 31 December 1921. US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 38, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47 Washington 3.47 Drawing by the artist Barclay of the Washington (BB-47) underway, had she been completed, 1921. Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress: Call Number: LC-B2-5536-4.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov via Daniel Hacker.
BB-47 Washington 1.00k The Washington (BB-47) as she would appear when completed. USNIP., January 1922. USNI Photo Navy Recruiting Bureau, N.Y.. Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-47 Washington 678k Interior view of the Washington (BB-47) under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. Script on back of photo says "February 04, 1922". US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 44, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47 Washington 89k View of the Washington (BB-47) looking towards her two main turrets under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. Script on back of photo says "February 04, 1922". US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 446k Stern view of the Washington (BB-47) under construction at NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. Script on back of photo says ""February 04, 1922". Note the sign on her stern saying "Twin screws, keep clear of propellers." US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 43, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
7BB-47 Washington 85k Starboard side view of the Washington (BB-47) tied up to the NY Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ. docks. Script on back of photo says "February 04, 1922". Four days from the date of this picture, work was stopped on her construction. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 852k Washington (BB-47) "Being fitted out in wet slip - Looking aft from bow. Taken from overhead crane. February 04, 1922". US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 14, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47
014752
NRINSPECTING Rear Admiral George M. McElroy on the Washington (BB-47) in the New York Shipbuilding yard at Camden, in connection with ship scrapping plans.Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 20 February 1922, Final, Image 24, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47 Washington NR Naval board weighs fate of big battleships.
Photo snapped during inspection of the Washington (BB-47) and the Colorado (BB-45), both ships now nearing completion at the Camden, N. J., yards. Rear Admiral George W. McElroy in overalls at right.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star.([volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 26 February 1922, Image 67, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Washington NR Rear Admiral George McElroy, who heads a special board of naval officers to determine whether the battleship Washington (BB-47) or West Virginia (BB-48) shall be the one completed under the new naval treaty signed at the conference on limitation of armament. By the treaty the United States is allowed to have two ships of this class, the Colorado (BB-45) being completed. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 26 February 1922, Image 68, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
7BB-47 Washington 406k The Washington (BB-47), photographed from the South Yard of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, on 5 April 1922. Her construction had been suspended some two months previously, under the terms of the Washington Naval Limitations treaty. US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 48, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47 Washington 452k Slightly different angle from the above photo of the Washington (BB-47), photographed from the South Yard of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, on 5 April 1922. US National Archives photo # 19-lc-22D 9277, from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-47 Washington 122k View of the Washington (BB-47), taken from her superstructure, looking aft, photographed from the South Yard of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, on 5 April 1922. US National Archives photo from NARA, College Park, Maryland, Record Group (RG-19-LC), Box 23. Courtesy of Dan Treadwell.
BB-47 Washington 240k "Smoke stack of Washington (BB-47)", 13 November 1924.Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
BB-47 Washington NR NAVAL EXPERT WHO ASKED COURT TO HALT SHIP SCRAPPING
William Baldwin Shearer of New York who filed suit when Navy Department issued order to sink battleship Washington (BB-47) in accordance with Arms Treaty, and claims that destruction of craft in not required by provisions of treaty. The date of the sinking has been kept secret, but Mr. Shearer asked the court to stop action until Congress can investigate. Left to right; Martin J. McNamara, attorney; Mr. Shearer, and Wilton J. Lambert, attorney.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 15 November 1924, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-47
014753
NRGreatest Navy Scrapper Doomed Despite objection of William Baldwin Shearer, New York, partly completed battleship Washington (BB-47) must be destroyed before next February, the Supreme court ruled recently. Shearer contended that signatories of arms pact, which provided that the Washington (view of deck,above) be sunk, failed to live up to pact.Image and text provided by Connecticut State Library, Hartford, CT.
Photo & text by New Britain Herald. volume] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 17 November 1924, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Sinking
BB-47 Washington 93k Incomplete hulk of the Washington (BB-47) being towed out to sea. Among the many not completed features, note the partially completed cage mast. USN photo courtesy of maritimequest.com.
BB-47 Washington 316k Washington (BB-47) being struck by a salvo on 26 November 1924. USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-47 Washington 64k A salvo from the battleship New York (BB-34) strikes the Washington (BB-47) on her starboard side while the ship was used as a target off Virginia Capes, Virginia, 26 November 1924. The battleship Texas (BB-35) is in the background. USN photo courtesy of maritimequest.com.
BB-47 Washington 115k 26 November 1924, off Virginia Capes, after being battered by fourteen 14" hits from the New York (BB-34) and Texas (BB-35), the incomplete Washington (BB-47) starts to sink after gunfire tests. USN photo.
BB-47 Washington 146k Final moments of Washington (BB-47) on 26 November 1924. The Battleship New York (BB-34) is in the background. USN photo.
BB-47
014756
1.43kThe Sinking of $30,000,000 Dreadnought.Photo from facebook.com via Daniel Hacker.

BB-47 WASHINGTON History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
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