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USS Alaska (CB 1)

History coming soon....

Ship's Data
Where applicable, data is that of the modernized/reconstructed version and not that of the original as-built configuration.
Class:
Authorized:
Keel Laid:
Launched:
Commissioned:
Main Battery:
Secondary Battery:
Design Displacement:
Full Load Displacement:
Overall Length:
Waterline Length:
Draft:
Beam:
Design Speed:
Decommissioned:
WWII Battle Stars:
Final Fate:
 Alaska (battlecruiser)
?
16 December 1941
15 August 1943
17 June 1944
Nine 12in/50cal Mk.8 (3 x 3)
Twelve 5in/38cal (6 x 2)
31,500 tons
? tons
808 ft
790 ft
? ft
90 ft - 9 in
33.4 knots
17 February 1947
Three
Sold for scrap (July 1961)

Camouflage
All the dates given may not be exact as to the month of repainting.
For more information about the different camouflage measures refer to the Camouflage page.
June 1944 - Jan? 1945
1945 - ? 		Measure 32/1D
Measure 22

Photos
These photos are arranged in chronological order and are believed to be all declassified official USN photos (unless otherwise noted.)
[Thumbnails are 15% of full image size.]
CB1
Near Philadelphia Navy Yard shortly after commissioning.
30 July 1944
CB1
As above. NEW
30 July 1944
CB1
An aerial view. NEW
8 August 1944
BB63/CB1
Seen docked on the same pier as the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63). Alaska is at the top and Missouri is at the bottom. Both ships are wearing measure 32 camouflage, note the camo pattern visible on the decks. At the upper right is the ligher carrier USS Cowpens (CVL 25)
August 1944
BB63/CB1
Turning to starboard while on her shakedown cruise ahead of USS Missouri (BB 63) (where photo was taken from.)
August 1944
CB1
On her shakedown cruise, as seen from looking over one of USS Missouri's (BB 63) 5in/38cal mounts.
August 1944
CB1
On shakedown cruise as seen from USS Missouri (BB 63). NEW
August 1944
CB1
Overhead view. Note the centerline mounted 5in/38cal mount. (Provided by Mike Green)
1944
CB1
Moored near Hampton Roads, Virginia. NEW
1944
CB1
Underway. NEW
11 September 1944.
CB1
Near Philadelphia Navy Yard after post-shakedown modifications. NEW
12 November 1944
CB1
Anchored after post-shakedown modifications. NEW
13 November 1944
CB1
Underway after post-shakedown modifications. NEW
13 November 1944
CB1
Entering Ulithi Atoll as seen from the carrier USS Enterprise (CV 6). (Provided by Mike Green)
1945
CB1
5in/38cal mounts practice firing on the way to Ulithi. Note the flak bursts in the distance. NEW
5 February 1945
CB1
A quad 40mm mount while near Iwo Jima, two crewmen can be seen loading the clips while the gun captain is in the middle (note his enlarged phone talker's helmet.) NEW
6 March 1945
CB1
The interior of a 40mm handling room, here a crewman passes a clip to the above deck. NEW
6 March 1945
CB1/CB2
A post-war view with sistership USS Guam (CB 2) off the Chinese coast. Note both ships wear measure 22, which replaced their measure 32 dazzle schemes before entering the warzone. NEW
September 1945