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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 |
| Click On Image For Full Size Image |
Size | Image Description | Contributed By And/Or Copyright |
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| BOSTON As Heavy Gun Cruiser CA-69 (1943 - 1952) |
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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 | |
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77k |
In Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, 30 JUN 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98279. |
USNHC | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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58k | Undated, Good overhead image showing class details. | USN | |
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61k | October, 1944 picture showing the Boston on a full power run. | USN | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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) |
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348k | Port bow view while underway, date and location unknown. | David Buell | |
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192k | Port quarter view while underway, date and location unknown. | David Buell | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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101k |
Underway at sea, March 1956. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98280. |
USNHC | |
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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 | |
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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.) | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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86k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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107k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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102k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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112k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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147k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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113k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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131k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, May 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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54k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, July 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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71k | Boston, July 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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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 | |
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86k | Boston, 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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104k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, September 1960. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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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 | |
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43k | Boston Naval Ship Yard, August 1961. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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82k | South Boston, November 1961. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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57k | South Boston Naval Annex, November 1961. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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91k | South Boston, July 1962. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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107k | South Boston, July 1962. | © Richard Leonhardt | |
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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 | |
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78k |
At anchor in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 SEP 1963. Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-5765. |
National Archives | |
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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 | |
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220k | Port side view while at anchor in Naples, 1965. Taken from the USS Providence (CLG-6). | William Swisher | |
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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 | |
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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.) | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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83k |
Underway in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 JAN 1967. Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-14224. |
National Archives | |
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83k |
Underway in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 10 JAN 1967. Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-14225. |
National Archives | |
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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 | |
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58k | Under fire off the coast of North Vietnam in 1967. | Alan A. Archambault | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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133k | In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. | John Jazdzewski | |
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99k | In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. | John Jazdzewski | |
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105k | In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. | John Jazdzewski | |
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101k | In the South China Sea during Typhoon Elaine, September 1968. | John Jazdzewski | |
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64k | The bow, showing a perspective of the 8" turrets as compared to crew. September 1968. | John Jazdzewski | |
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52k | 5" shells hitting the coastline of Vietnam during gunfire support operations in September 1968. | John Jazdzewski | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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132k | Looking aft from the Foc'sle while enroute to Vietnam, 1969. | John Jazdzewski | |
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130k | Looking aft from the Foc'sle while enroute to Vietnam, 1969. | John Jazdzewski | |
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134k | Replenishment detail with the Fast Combat Stores Ship, USS Sacramento (AOE-1), on station Vietnam, 1969. | John Jazdzewski | |
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134k | Replenishment detail with the Fast Combat Stores Ship, USS Sacramento (AOE-1), on station Vietnam, 1969. | John Jazdzewski | |
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55k | USS Boston (CAG-1) and USS Canberra (CAG-2) steaming side-by-side, date unknown. | USN | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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93k | The business end of an 8"/55 barrel. | John Jazdzewski | |
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.
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