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NavSource Online: Cruiser Photo Archive

USS BOSTON (CA-69/CAG-1)


       
Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Whiskey - Papa

CLASS - BALTIMORE
Displacement 13,600 Tons, Dimensions, 673' 5" (oa) x 70' 10" x 26' 10" (Max)
Armament 9 x 8"/55, 12 x 5"/38AA, 48 x 40mm, 24 x 20mm, 4 Aircraft
Armor, 6" Belt, 8" Turrets, 2 1/2" Deck, 6 1/2" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 120,000 SHP; G. E. Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 2000.
Operational and Building Data
Launched 26 AUG 1942 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Fore River, MA
Commissioned 30 JUN 1943
Decommissioned 29 OCT 1946 (Thanks to Art Herbert for the correct date)
Reclassified CAG-14 JAN 1952
Commissioned 1 NOV 1955
Reclassified CA-69 MAY 1968
Decommissioned 5 MAY 1970
Stricken 1 APR 1974
Fate Sold for scrap 28 MAR 1975

Patch image contributed by Mike Smolinski

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For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
BOSTON As Heavy Gun Cruiser CA-69
(1943 - 1952)
Boston 169k

Launching, at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, Massachusetts, 26 AUG 1942. Courtesy of James Russell, 1972.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 75590.

USNHC/James Russell
Boston 77k

In Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, 30 JUN 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98279.

USNHC
Boston 79k

On a full power run, 22 OCT 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #80-G-283559.

National Archives
Boston 99k

Steaming at high speed, probably during a full power trial in October 1943. Note that the ship is carrying Curtiss SO3C "Seamew" floatplanes.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 92449.

USNHC
Boston 58k Undated, Good overhead image showing class details. USN
Boston 61k October, 1944 picture showing the Boston on a full power run. USN
Boston 99k

Task Force 38 Raids on Formosa, October 1944. A destroyer alongside the damaged USS Houston (CL-81) on 15 OCT 1944, removing excess crewmen after she was torpedoed by Japanese aircraft off Formosa. Photographed from USS Boston (CA-69). Note OS2U floatplane on Boston's port catapult.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #80-G-272781.

National Archives
Boston 73k

In Sagami Wan, outside of Tokyo Bay, Japan, circa late August 1945, at the time Third Fleet ships initially entered Japanese waters.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #80-G-K-6522.

National Archives
Boston 145k

Surrender of Japan, 1945. Two Third Fleet heavy cruisers anchored in Sagami Wan, outside of Tokyo Bay, Japan, 28 AUG 1945. Closest ship is USS Quincy (CA-71). The other is USS Boston (CA-69). Photographed by Lt. G.D. Rogers, of USS Shangri-La (CV-38).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #80-G-339379.

National Archives
Boston 61k

USS Boston (CA-69) in Sagami Wan, outside of Tokyo Bay, Japan, circa late August 1945, at the time Third Fleet ships initially entered Japanese waters.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives #80-G-K-6522.

National Archives/Scott Dyben
BOSTON As Converted Into Guided Missile Cruiser CAG-1
(1952 - 1974)
Boston
04010165
348k Port bow view while underway, date and location unknown. David Buell
Boston
04010171
192k Port quarter view while underway, date and location unknown. David Buell
Boston
04010101
248k

A navy blimp flies over the guided missile cruiser USS Boston as the recently converted warship awaits her commissioning at Pier 6 in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

From a Philadelphia Naval Shipyard booklet.

EMC (SW) Brian Kroenung
Boston
04010168
214k

Plan view amidships, looking aft, taken while undergoing an inclining experiment at the New York Shipbuilding Corp, Camden, NJ after conversion to a Guided Missile Cruiser, 17 September 1955.

U.S. Navy Photo.

David Buell
Boston
04010169
239k

Plan view forward, looking amidships, taken while undergoing an inclining experiment at the New York Shipbuilding Corp, Camden, NJ after conversion to a Guided Missile Cruiser, 17 September 1955.

U.S. Navy Photo.

David Buell
Boston
04010170
200k

Starboard bow view, taken while undergoing an inclining experiment at the New York Shipbuilding Corp, Camden, NJ after conversion to a Guided Missile Cruiser, 17 September 1955.

U.S. Navy Photo.

David Buell
Boston 101k

Underway at sea, March 1956.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98280.

USNHC
Boston 95k

USS Boston (CAG-1) Fires a "Terrier" guided missile from her after launcher, during a training cruise in August 1956.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98281.

USNHC
Boston 151k Starboard quarter view of USS Boston (CAG-1) in the Pedro Miguel Locks of the Panama Canal, June 1957. CAPT Don Bodron USCG (Ret.)
Boston
04010173
72k Very nice view of the two Terrier missile launchers on USS Boston (CAG-1), taken July, 1957, Norfolk Navy Base. Derick S. Hartshorn
Boston 172k

USS Boston (CAG-1) (right) and USS Canberra (CAG-2) - Nested together at Pier 5, Norfolk Naval Base, during change of command ceremonies in which Rear Admiral Charles B. Martell relieved Rear Admiral Charles L. Melson as Commander Cruiser Division FOUR. This photograph accompanied a Commander Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet, press release dated 14 APR 1958. Note the different guided missile guidance radars fitted to these "sister" ships, with Boston having a pair of Mark 25 Mod 7 types, while Canberra has two of the later, and larger, SPQ-5 types. USS Intrepid (CVA-11) is on the other side of the pier.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98288.

USNHC
Boston
04010167
266k

Starboard quarter overhead view while underway on 22 April 1958. Photographed by Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #USN 1037379

David Buell
Boston 150k

USS Boston (CAG-1) (left) and USS Canberra (CAG-2) - Steam alongside each other, as they practice high-line operations for the transfer of the World War II Unknown Soldier, 22 April 1958. Photographed by Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98289.

USN
Boston 58k

Crewmen of USS Boston (CAG-1) render honors as the first casket of an Unknown Servicemen of World War II and the Korean War is transferred to USS Canberra (CAG-2), prior to ceremonies on board Canberra to select the Unknown Serviceman of World War II. Two more caskets are still on board Boston, visible just aft of the starboard whaleboat davits. The ceremonies took place off the Virginia Capes on 26 MAY 1958.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. #NH 54117.

USNHC/Joe Radigan
Boston 104k

Steaming off Beirut, Lebanon, while serving with the Sixth Fleet, 18 JUL 1958.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98282.

USNHC
Boston 117k

View of the ship's after portion, as she prepares for underway refueling, 15 JUL 1959. The photograph shows both of her launchers for "Terrier" guided missiles, with a pair of Mark 25 Mod 7 guidance radars just ahead of them. An antenna for a SPS-12 radar is atop the pedestal at the right side of the image, with Boston's after starboard 5"/38 twin gun mount below. Note the refueling boom rigged alongside the forward missile launcher, and the destroyer USS Blandy (DD-943) in the left center background. This print features the large "NAVY" block frequently used in official public release photographs during the later 1950s.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98290.

USNHC
Boston 86k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 107k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 102k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 112k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 147k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 113k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 131k Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 54k Boston Naval Ship Yard, July 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 71k Boston, July 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 99k

Underway off the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, after overhaul, 26 JUL 1960. Note the new electronics antennas received during this overhaul, among them a Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) "pot" atop the mainmast, antenna for SPS-29 air search radar (replacing a SPS-12) atop the pedestal aft of the mainmast, and two SPQ-5 guided-missile guidance radars (replacing the ship's original pair of Mark 25 Mod 7 types) just forward of the "Terrier" missile launchers.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98283.

USNHC
Boston 86k Boston, 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 104k Boston Naval Ship Yard, September 1960. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 58k

One of the cruiser's 3"/50 twin gun mounts firing during amphibious exercises in the Caribbean Sea, circa 1961. The original print is dated (by rubber stamp on its reverse) 2 MAR 1961. Note the ring of burning gas produced by the gun.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98291.

USNHC
Boston 43k Boston Naval Ship Yard, August 1961. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 82k South Boston, November 1961. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 57k South Boston Naval Annex, November 1961. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 129k

Crewmen moving crates of provisions during replenishment at sea in the Mediterranean, 8 JAN 1962.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98292.

USNHC
Boston 126k

Moored at Genoa, Italy, 27 JAN 1962. Note the large antenna for a SPS-37A air search radar (replacing the SPS-29 first fitted in 1960), located atop the pedestal just aft of her mainmast. This antenna was later moved to a new location, atop Boston's mainmast.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98284.

USNHC
Boston 91k South Boston, July 1962. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston 107k South Boston, July 1962. © Richard Leonhardt
Boston
04010166
265k

USS Boston (CAG-1) (left) refueling from the USS Chukawan (AO-100) while operating in the Mediterranean on 15 September 1962.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #USN 1063227

David Buell
Boston 78k

At anchor in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 SEP 1963.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-5765.

National Archives
Boston 82k

The ship's after port 5"/38 gun mount firing during gunnery practice, 21 NOV 1964. Photographed by PHCS G.R. Phelps.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #USN 1112356.

National Archives
Boston
04010172
220k Port side view while at anchor in Naples, 1965. Taken from the USS Providence (CLG-6). William Swisher
Boston 94k

"Relieving on Station...USS Boston (CAG-1), world's first guided missile cruiser relieving USS Albany (CG-10) in Augusta Bay, Sicily. The Boston has joined the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean as Flagship of a fast carrier strike group." (quoted from the original photo caption). USS Albany (CG-10) is tied up to Boston's starboard side. The photograph was received by "All Hands" magazine on 8 OCT 1965.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98294.

USNHC
Boston 80k

Underway, circa 1965. This photograph was received from Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet, in June 1965. Note that the large antenna for a SPS-37A (or SPS-43A) air search radar is now located atop Boston's mainmast, replaced on the pedestal aft of that mast by a SPS-30 height finding radar. Her TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) "pot" has been moved from the mainmast to the foremast.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98285.

USNHC/CDR Jack Down, USN (Ret.)
Boston 125k

"Terrier" guided missiles on one of the cruiser's two missile launchers, while she was moored in the harbor of Beirut, Lebanon. The photograph was released on 3 JAN 1966.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98295.

USNHC
Boston 123k

CH-46A helicopter from USS Sylvania (AFS-2) lifts a new Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) radome into position atop Boston's foremast, during replacement of the cruiser's lightning-damaged TACAN transmitter and radome in the Mediterranean Sea. The photograph accompanies a USS Boston press release dated 26 FEB 1966. The damage was received in the northern Aegean Sea in January 1966. Due to non-availability of suitable cranes in the area, and the ship's operating schedule, the helicopter was used to remove the original transmitter and install its replacements. Pilots were Lieutenant Commander R.W. Russell and Lieutenant (Junior Grade) T.H. Hoivik. Controller was Lieutenant B.E. Allen, working on the mast platform assisted by Electronics Technicians 3rd Class Ken Lohrey and Jim Ramey.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98296.

USNHC
Boston 83k

Underway in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 JAN 1967.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-14224.

National Archives
Boston 83k

Underway in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 JAN 1967.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-14225.

National Archives
Boston 161k

"Providing ammunition to keep the big guns of the heavy cruiser USS Boston (CAG-1) on the line is almost a daily task for the fast combat support ships like USS Sacramento (AOE-1). The Seventh Fleet cruiser keeps a vigil close offshore, to provide heavy gunfire in support of Marine operations inland. When not assisting the Marines with her eight and five-inch guns, Boston patrols on Sea Dragon destroying military targets along the coast of North Vietnam." (quoted from the original photo caption). Photographed by Chief Journalist Robert D. Moeser, USN. Photo is dated 25 June 1967. This image, taken from above Boston's port bow, shows her forward triple 8"/55 gun turrets, with eight-inch powder tanks and projectiles on deck nearby. USS Sacramento (AOE-1) is steaming alongside.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98298.

USNHC
Boston 58k Under fire off the coast of North Vietnam in 1967. Alan A. Archambault
Boston 161k

Line handlers on board the cruiser bring across a fuel hose from USS Camden (AOE-2), during underway replenishment operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, July 1968. Photographed by PH2 Gardner.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #USN 1134232.

National Archives
Boston 90k

The right and left guns of the cruiser's forward 8"/55 triple gun turret fire on North Vietnamese targets, during an Operation "Sea Dragon" bombardment in September 1968. Photographed by PHC Al Smith.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #USN 1135456.

National Archives
Boston 133k In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. John Jazdzewski
Boston 99k In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. John Jazdzewski
Boston 105k In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. John Jazdzewski
Boston 101k In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. John Jazdzewski
Boston 64k The bow, showing a perspective of the 8" turrets as compared to crew. September 1968. John Jazdzewski
Boston 52k 5" shells hitting the coastline of Vietnam during gunfire support operations in September 1968. John Jazdzewski
Boston 80k USS St. Paul (CA-73) approaching USS Boston while on the Gun Line in Vietnam, September 1968. Note that one of the Terrier missile launchers can be seen on the right side of the picture. John Jazdzewski
Boston 79k While conducting a Gunfire Support Mission off the coast of Vietnam on 9 JUL1969, the left gun of MT #53 ( Starboard Forward) had a round cook off in the barrel. The explosion from the round caused part of the barrel to hit the ship's superstructure and exit through the top of the bridge. One officer on the bridge and ten men from the mount crew were injured. John Jazdzewski
Boston 99k While conducting a Gunfire Support Mission off the coast of Vietnam on 9 JUL1969, the left gun of MT #53 ( Starboard Forward) had a round cook off in the barrel. The explosion from the round caused part of the barrel to hit the ship's superstructure and exit through the top of the bridge. One officer on the bridge and ten men from the mount crew were injured. John Jazdzewski
Boston 105k While conducting a Gunfire Support Mission off the coast of Vietnam on 9 JUL 1969, the left gun of MT #53 ( Starboard Forward) had a round cook off in the barrel. The explosion from the round caused part of the barrel to hit the ship's superstructure and exit through the top of the bridge. One officer on the bridge and ten men from the mount crew were injured. John Jazdzewski
Boston 78k While conducting a Gunfire Support Mission off the coast of Vietnam on 9 JUL1969, the left gun of MT #53 ( Starboard Forward) had a round cook off in the barrel. The explosion from the round caused part of the barrel to hit the ship's superstructure and exit through the top of the bridge. One officer on the bridge and ten men from the mount crew were injured. John Jazdzewski
Boston 132k Looking aft from the Foc'sle while enroute to Vietnam, 1969. John Jazdzewski
Boston 130k Looking aft from the Foc'sle while enroute to Vietnam, 1969. John Jazdzewski
Boston 134k Replenishment detail with the Fast Combat Stores Ship, USS Sacramento (AOE-1), on station Vietnam, 1969. John Jazdzewski
Boston 134k Replenishment detail with the Fast Combat Stores Ship, USS Sacramento (AOE-1), on station Vietnam, 1969. John Jazdzewski
Boston 55k USS Boston (CAG-1) and USS Canberra (CAG-2) steaming side-by-side, date unknown. USN
Boston 86k

USS Boston (CA-69) - "The heavy cruiser Boston steaming home after spending six months deployed to Southeast Asia", 1969. (Quoted information is from the original caption, received with this photograph on 12 NOV 1969.)

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98286.

USNHC
Boston 129k

Underway, circa 1969. This photograph was received with a Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet, press release dated 23 OCT 1969, concerning the impending completion of the cruiser's final Vietnam War deployment.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98287.

USNHC
Boston 59k

"'Friendship Lights' aboard Boston cast a glow on the waters of the Bay of Naples during CAG-1's October 3-10 visit to 'Bella Napoli'. A tradition among the ships of the Sixth Fleet, the lights symbolize the peaceful intent of the Fleet's mission in the Mediterranean Sea." (quoted from the original photo caption). The original print is undated, but was taken during the mid-1960s.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98293.

USNHC
Boston 80k

The heavy cruiser's forward 8"/55 triple turrets fire a six-gun salvo at enemy positions below the Demilitarized Zone in the Republic of Vietnam, during her 1969 deployment to the Western Pacific. This photograph was received by "All Hands" magazine on 12 NOV 1969.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98299.

USNHC
Boston 65k

Fires a salvo of eight-inch shells at enemy positions, while operating off the coast of the Republic of Vietnam during her 1969 deployment to the Western Pacific. Photographed from a helicopter flying nearby. This photograph was received by "All Hands" magazine on 12 NOV 1969.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98300.

USNHC
Boston 60k

Crewmen lower the colors for the last time, during the cruiser's decommissioning ceremony at the South Boston Annex, Boston Naval Shipyard, Massachusetts, 5 MAY 1970. Photographed by PH3 George D. Lloyd, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. #NH 98301

USNHC
Boston 93k The business end of an 8"/55 barrel. John Jazdzewski

Commanding Officers
Name/Rank Final Rank Dates
Carson, John Hazard., CAPT VADM 06/30/1943 - 06/05/1944
Herrmann, Ernest Edward., CAPT RADM 06/05/1944 - 06/29/1945
Kelley, Marion Russell, CAPT RADM 06/29/1945 - 02/14/1946
Hansen, Henry Otto, CAPT   02/14/1946 - 03/12/1946
Connolly, Joseph Anthony, CAPT   03/12/1946 - 07/27/1946
Ingels, Albert Clayton, CAPT   07/27/1946 - 10/29/1946
Decommissioned   10/29/1946 - 11/01/1955
Martell, Charles Bowling, CAPT RADM 11/01/1955 - 07/1956
Masterson, Kleber Sandlin, CAPT VADM 07/1956 - 08/1957
Taylor, Robert Lee, CAPT   08/1957 - 07/1958
Heinz, Luther Carl, CAPT   07/1958 - 07/1959
Enright Sr., Joseph Francis, CAPT   07/1959 - 07/1960
Ferguson, Glover Trenholm, CAPT   07/1960 - 10/1961
Colbert, Richard Gary, CAPT ADM 10/1961 - 02/1963
Andrews, James Gold, CAPT   02/1963 - 01/1964
Kalen, Robert Lawrence, CAPT   01/1964 - 01/1965
Chase, John Dawson, CAPT RADM 01/1965 - 03/1966
Gordon, Archer Robert, CAPT   03/1966 - 07/1967
Smith Jr., Leon Ivan, CAPT   07/1967 - 01/1969
Komorowski, Raymond A., CAPT   01/1969 - 05/0519/70

(Courtesy of Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves - Photos courtesy of Bill Gonyo)


USS BOSTON (CA-69/CAG-1) History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry on the U.S. Navy Historical Center website.

Crew Contact And Reunion Information
CA-69 CAG-1 SSN-703

Contact Name: Arthur L. Hebert
Address: P.O. Box 816, Amherst, NH 03031
Phone: (603) 672-8772
E-mail: Secretary@ussboston.org


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 Cruiser Pages By Andrew Toppan.
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Last updated on 05/31/2009