Battleship Massachusetts: Naval History Special Edition

The Naval History Special Editions are designed to offer in-depth studies of key vessels, battles, and events of armed conflict, using an image-heavy magazine-style format. USS Massachusetts (BB-59) is the third ship of the South Dakota-class and played a significant role in World War II, including firing the first 16-inch/45 caliber Mark 6 guns and engaging an enemy battleship. This Naval History Special Edition provides a detailed account of her construction, manning, and equipment, and is richly illustrated with photographs and war diaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2021
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

The Naval History Special Editions, crafted with the expertise of authors and historians from the Naval Institute Press, are a captivating series dedicated to exploring the pivotal vessels, battles, and events of armed conflict. These editions adopt a visually engaging magazine-style format, appealing to scholars, enthusiasts, and general readers alike.

USS Massachusetts (BB-59), the third ship of the South Dakota-class, holds a remarkable place in the history of the U.S. Navy during World War II. Laid down in July 1939, just three months before Pearl Harbor, Massachusetts embarked on a short but intense career that encapsulates the essence of the U.S. Navy's wartime endeavors. Her construction commenced just before the outbreak of war, and her launch occurred three months ahead of schedule. Notably, her massive 16-inch/45 caliber Mark 6 guns were the first of their kind to engage in combat during World War II, firing the first 16-inch salvos of the war. These guns struck targets ranging from Casablanca to the suburbs of Tokyo, showcasing the reach and power of the U.S. Navy.

Massachusetts' remarkable journey included engaging an enemy battleship, protecting one of the most significant American amphibious operations of the war, and achieving several of the longest-range gunfire hits against a moving target in naval warfare history. This remarkable feat was accomplished during her shakedown cruise, with an 80 percent crew consisting of recruits fresh from the recruiting center.

Following her initial triumphs, Massachusetts served in the Pacific, participating in the Gilberts, Marshalls, Philippines, and Okinawa and Japanese campaigns. This Naval History Special Edition delves into the construction, crewing, and equipment of the ship, drawing upon her war diaries, action reports, and the oral histories of the men who served aboard her. The content is richly illustrated with an outstanding collection of photographs that span her entire career.

This book unfolds the story of each of Massachusetts' eleven battle starts, providing a detailed account of the U.S. Navy's unprecedented triple triumph in the Pacific theater. It sheds light on the ship's contributions to the war effort and showcases the bravery and skill of the sailors who manned her.

In conclusion, the Naval History Special Editions, including USS Massachusetts (BB-59), offer a captivating glimpse into the key vessels, battles, and events of armed conflict. Through an image-heavy, magazine-style format, these editions appeal to scholars, enthusiasts, and general readers alike, providing a deeper understanding of the naval history of World War II and beyond.

Dimension: 273 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682476352