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USS ATLANTA (CL 104/IX 304)


       

Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Bravo - Delta - Zulu

CLASS - CLEVELAND
Displacement 10,000 Tons, Dimensions, 610' 1" (oa) x 66' 4" x 25' (Max)
Armament 12 x 6"/47, 12 x 5"/38AA, 28 x 40mm, 10 x 20mm, 4 Aircraft
Armor, 5" Belt, 6" Turrets, 2" Deck, 5" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 100,000 SHP; Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 32.5 Knots, Crew 1255.
Operational and Building Data
Ordered 7 AUG 1942
Keel laid on 25 JAN 1943 by the New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ
Launched 06 FEB 1944
Commissioned 03 DEC 1944
Decommissioned 01 JUL 1949
Stricken 01 OCT 1962
Reinstated as IX 304 on 15 MAY 1964
Stricken 01 APR 1970
Fate: Sunk during explosive test on 01 OCT 1970 off San Clemente Island, CA

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons



Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Combat Action Ribbon - China Service Medal - American Campaign Medal
Second Row - Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (2) - World War II Victory Medal - World War II Occupation Medal w/Asia Clasp

Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Atlanta
0405129
655k

Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox (second from left) receives a check from John L. Connor, Chairman of the City of Atlanta, Georgia, War Bond selling campaign, March 1943. The check, for $63,000,000, represents the amount raised in a bond selling drive to cover the cost of replacing the cruiser Atlanta (CL-51), sunk on 13 November 1942 off Guadalcanal. The money raised was more than enough to pay for a new ship, which became Atlanta (CL 104). Looking on are Rear Admiral George D. Murray (left), Chief of the Naval Air Intermediate Training Command at Pensacola, Florida, and Captain Samuel P. Jenkins (right), who commanded Atlanta when she was lost.

Image NH 70035 courtesy of history.navy.mil

Naval History and Heritage Command
Atlanta
0405130
478k

Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox (seated, second from right) meets with reporters from the two Atlanta, Georgia, newspapers, the Journal and the Constitution, in March 1943, on the occasion of his visit to the city to climax a successful War Bond selling campaign to cover the cost of replacing the cruiser Atlanta (CL-51), sunk on 13 November 1942 off Guadalcanal. The money raised was more than enough to pay for a new ship, which became Atlanta (CL 104).

Image NH 70013 courtesy of history.navy.mil

Naval History and Heritage Command
Atlanta
0410432
103k Christening of Atlanta (CL 104) - Sponsor: Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind. Dale Hargrove
Atlanta
0410434
71k

Atlanta (CL 104) Resting on the shipway the day before her launching at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard, Camden, New Jersey

Dale Hargrave
Atlanta 71k

Atlanta (CL 104) Slides down the shipways during her launching, at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard, Camden, New Jersey, on 6 February 1944. Courtesy of James Russell, 1972.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 75599.

Mike Green/USNHC
Atlanta
0410425
175k Starboard side view, date and location unknown. David Buell
Atlanta
0410426
21k Port side forward view, New York Shipbuilding, 22 November 1944. Pieter Bakels
Atlanta
0410427
44k Starboard side view while undergoing Inclining at New York Shipbuilding, Camden, NJ, 23 November 1944. Pieter Bakels
Boston
0410428
28k Port side forward view while undergoing Inclining at New York Shipbuilding, Camden, NJ, 23 November 1944. Pieter Bakels
Atlanta
0410429
46k Starboard side midships view while undergoing Inclining at New York Shipbuilding, Camden, NJ, 23 November 1944. Pieter Bakels
Atlanta
0410430
29k Port side midships forward view while undergoing Inclining at New York Shipbuilding, Camden, NJ, 23 November 1944. Pieter Bakels
Atlanta
0410431
81k Port bow image while underway in 1947, location unknown. David Buell
Atlanta 147k

USS Atlanta (CL 104) Underway at sea, en route to Sydney, Australia, on 13 May 1947.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98877.

Mike Green/USNHC
Atlanta
0410436
160k

USS Atlanta (CL 104) being assisted to her berth at Melbourne, Australia on 17 May 1947.

State Library Victoria, Photo #H91.108/2424

Mike Green
Atlanta
0410433
48k

USS Atlanta (CL 104) moored at Port Melbourne, VC, Australia on 20 May 1947. As with many ships after WW2, her close in 40mm and 20mm close-in armament has been landed, both due to reduced manpower availability and the rapid obsolescence of these light weight guns. The stern of the USS Duluth (CL 87) is visible forward of the Atlanta. Both ships have been equipped with a SC1 Seahawk observation plane, introduced into the fleet at the end of WW2..

Source: Australian War Memorial, Photo No. 302544

Mike Green
Atlanta 82k

USS Atlanta (CL 104) Leaves Seattle, Washington, for a Naval Reserve training cruise to Alaska, 27 June 1948.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98879.

Mike Green/USNHC
Atlanta 83k

USS Atlanta (CL 104) Leaves Seattle, Washington, for a Naval Reserve training cruise to Alaska, 27 June 1948. The original picture caption, released by 13th Naval District Public Information Office, Seattle 99, Washington, on 29 June 1948, reads: "Fleet, hard hitting, modern light cruiser, USS Atlanta (CL 104) got underway from Navy Pier 91 at Seattle, June 27th, for a 14 day training cruise to Juneau Alaska, and return. Carrying over 300 Naval Reservists from all sections of the 13th Naval District on a training cruise designed to give new Reservists their 'sea legs' and veteran Reservists up-to-date practical instruction in the various phases of improved techniques and naval developments." "Highlight of the training cruise will be the gunnery drills and exercises in all phases of life aboard a modern man-o-war. While in Juneau, the Reservists will be granted two days of 'liberty' and the Yankee souvenir instinct should be well sated by the variety of souvenirs available in the Alaskan northwest."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98878.

Mike Green/USNHC
Atlanta 58k Portside photo as IX 304, date and location unknown. Gunter Krebs
Tucson
0409807
508k Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA, 31 March 1963. From Left to Right: USS Atlanta (CL 104), USS Vicksburg (CL 86), USS Bremerton (CA 130), USS Worcester (CL 144), USS Roanoke (CL 145), USS Tucson (CLAA 98). Photo I.d. courtesy of Dan Decosta.
Photo via Dennis Tyra
Atlanta 100k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) At the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California, 2 October 1964, while completing conversion to a weapons effects test ship.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1112707.

Gary Priolo/National Archives
Atlanta 90k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) At the Hunters' Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California, circa October 1964, while completing conversion to a weapons effects test ship. The original picture caption, released by 12th Naval District Office of Public Information, reads: "A unique silhouette prevails on the old cruiser USS Atlanta (CL 104). Now designated IX 304 (miscellaneous unclassified) she boasts two guided missile frigate deck houses, a variety of missile launchers, radar masts and antennas, all equipped with shock measurement devices."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98881.

Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 127k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) At the Hunters' Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California, circa October 1964, while completing conversion to a weapons effects test ship. The original picture caption, released by 12th Naval District Office of Public Information, reads: "The various masts and antennas that will be subjected to the blast tests cover the forecastle of the Atlanta. This equipment is primarily the type used in the fleet today."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98882.

Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 103k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) Seen from astern, at the Hunters' Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California, circa October 1964, while completing conversion to a weapons effects test ship. The original picture caption, released by 12th Naval District Office of Public Information, reads: "Either way you look at it you face the front of the Atlanta, or so it seems. One of the experimental ship's two DLG (guided missile frigate) deck houses faces forward while the other points aft over the fantail."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98883.

Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 96k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) At the Hunters' Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California, circa October 1964, while completing conversion to a weapons effects test ship. The original picture caption, released by 12th Naval District Office of Public Information, reads: "The two DLG (guided missile frigate) deck houses and masts on the cruiser hull are the most unique feature about Atlanta. Although both deck units are of the type in use today, and are of aluminum construction, the forward one is specifically designed for blast resistance."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98884.

Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 93k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) The ship's two "macks", seen from forward while she was completing conversion to a weapons effects test ship at the Hunters' Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California, circa October 1964. The original picture caption, released by 12th Naval District Office of Public Information, reads: "The two masts atop the DLG (guided missile frigate) deck houses are identical in appearance, but, like the deck houses themselves, the forward one is designed specifically for blast resistance."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98885.

Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 59k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) In San Francisco Bay, California, following her conversion to a weapons effects test ship, 13 November 1964.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1106648.

Gary Priolo/National Archives
Atlanta 79k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) In San Francisco Bay, California, following her conversion to a weapons effects test ship, 13 November 1964. The Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard is in the left background.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1106649.

Gary Priolo/National Archives
Atlanta 93k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) In San Francisco Bay, California, following her conversion to a weapons effects test ship, 13 November 1964.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1106652.

Gary Priolo/National Archives
Atlanta 72k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) Underway in San Francisco Bay, California, 13 November 1964, following her conversion to a weapons effects test ship. The Bay Bridge and Goat Island are visible in the distance.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1106654.

Gary Priolo/National Archives
Atlanta 93k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) Off the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California, following conversion to a weapons effects test ship, circa late 1964.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 96655.

Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 93k

USS Atlanta (IX 304) Enters Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 10 January 1965, while en route to serve as a target in Operation "Sailor Hat" explosion effects tests.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1110495.

Gary Priolo/National Archives
Atlanta 103k

Operation "Sailor Hat", 1965 - The 500-ton TNT explosive charge for Shot "Bravo", first of a series of three test explosions, is ready for detonation on the southwestern tip of Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii, circa early February 1965. It is 17 feet high and 34 feet in diameter. Weapons effects test ship USS Atlanta (IX 304) is moored in the background. Note that her bow is facing right and that a large SPS-37/SPS-43A type radar antenna is mounted on a pedestal amidships.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-10831.

Gary Priolo/USN
Atlanta 86k

Operation "Sailor Hat", 1965 - Detonation of the 500-ton TNT explosive charge for Shot "Bravo", first of a series of three test explosions on the southwestern tip of Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii, 6 February 1965. Weapons effects test ship USS Atlanta (IX 304) is moored in the left center. Note the shock wave spreading over the water just beyond the ship, and the shock condensation cloud lifting overhead.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph #KN-11352.

Gary Priolo/USN
Atlanta 97k Operation "Sailor Hat", 1965 - "Sailor Hat" Shot "Bravo"'s 500 tons of high explosive are detonated on Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii, 6 February 1965, with the test ship USS Atlanta (IX 304) moored nearby. Note smoke or dust around the ship's foremast, and the shock wave perimeter expanding on the water beyond the ship. See the block below for text that accompanied this image #NH 98886.

"Master Caption" for Photo # NH 98886

Released by the Department of Defense, 9 March 1965

"First phase of Operation Sailor Hat, a series of three large scale TNT explosions to test the blast resistance of Navy ships, was completed February 6 near Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii."

"Three manned ships were anchored near the site of a 500-ton TNT blast to measure the effects of the explosion. The ex-light cruiser USS Atlanta, taken out of moth balls and refitted with an array of radar antennae plus special blast recording and measuring devices, served as primary test ship, accompanied by the guided missile destroyer USS Cochrane and the Canadian destroyer escort Frazer."

"The Atlanta's crew of 169 Navy men and 60 scientists will remain onboard for the second test explosion, scheduled for April, but will be removed prior to the third detonation, sometime in June. For each successive blast, the test ship will be closer to the charge."

"Data from the tests will be used by the Navy to evaluate present and planned 'blast hardened' structure aboard ship."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98886.
Gary Priolo/USNHC
Atlanta 67k

Operation "Sailor Hat", 1965 - The 500-ton TNT explosive charge for Shot "Charlie", second of a series of three test explosions, ready for detonation on the southwestern tip of Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii, April 1965. USS Atlanta (IX 304) is moored in the background, with her bow facing left. A large SPS-37/SPS-43A type radar antenna is mounted on a pedestal on her foredeck, immediately in front of an ASROC launcher. An SPS-30 type radar antenna is on the pedestal at her extreme bow. Both of these antennas were relocated after the February 1965 Shot "Bravo".

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1110434.

Gary Priolo/USN
Atlanta 48k

Operation "Sailor Hat", 1965 - 500-ton TNT explosive charge is detonated in Shot "Charlie", April 1965. This was the second of three Operation "Sailor Hat" test explosions conducted on Kahoolawe Island, Hawaii, in February-June 1965 USS Atlanta (IX 304) is moored to the left of the blast, with her bow pointing to the left.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #USN 1110440.

Gary Priolo/USN
Atlanta
0410435
146k

USS Atlanta (IX 304, ex-CL 104) sinking off San Clemente Island, California, on 1 October 1970, after being scuttled in explosive tests. Note that she had been blown in half. Also note A-4 aircraft on forecastle, large patch of oil spreading from amidships.

Naval History and Heritage Command, Photo #NH 81520-KN

Mike Green

Commanding Officers
Name/Rank Class Final Rank Dates
Colyear, Bayard Henry, CAPT 1919   12/03/1944 - 09/22/1945
Nyquist, Walfrid, CAPT 1921B RADM 09/22/1945 - 08/04/1946
Moncy, Peter Michael, CAPT 1921B RADM 08/04/1946 - 06/22/1947
Riddle, Frederick Leavenworth, CAPT 1922   06/22/1947 - 05/12/1948
Simpson, Rodger Whitten, CAPT   RADM 05/12/1948 - 5/12/1948
Blakely Jr., Charles Adams, CDR     05/12/1948 - 05/23/1949
Williamson, Francis Thomas, CDR 1931 RADM 05/23/1949 - 07/23/1949

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


USS ATLANTA (CL 104/IX 304) History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry on the U.S. Navy Historical Center website.

Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name: Mr. Mr. Pres T Jenkins
Address: 734 Waimea Dr., El Cajon, CA, 92019-1114
Phone: 619-447-0226
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 Cruiser Pages By Andrew Toppan.
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