View source for Portland-class cruiser

{{Short description|Class of ships designed and constructed by the United States Navy in 1930}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin
}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = USS Indianapolis (CA-35) off the Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 10 July 1945 (19-N-86911).jpg
| Ship caption = USS ''Indianapolis'' (CA-35) off the [[Mare Island Naval Shipyard]] on 10 July 1945
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = ''Portland'' class
| Builders = *[[Fore River Shipyard|Bethlehem Fore River]], MA
*[[New York Shipbuilding Corporation|New York Shipbuilding]], NJ
| Operators = [[File:US flag 48 stars.svg|20px]] United States Navy
| Class before = {{sclass|Northampton|cruiser|4}}
| Class after = {{sclass|New Orleans|cruiser|4}}
| Subclasses = 
| Built range = 
| In commission range = 1932-1946
| Total ships building = 
| Total ships planned = 5
| Total ships completed = 2
| Total ships cancelled = 
| Total ships active = 
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 1
| Total ships retired = 1
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Ship type = [[Heavy cruiser]]
| Ship displacement = {{convert|9950|-|9800|LT|abbr=on}}
| Ship length = *{{convert|592|ft|abbr=on}} [[Waterline|wl]]
*{{convert|610|ft|3|in|m|abbr=on}} [[Length overall|oa]]
| Ship beam = {{convert|66|ft|3|in|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship draft = {{convert|21|ft|m|abbr=on}} (mean); {{convert|23|ft|m|abbr=on}} (maximum)
| Ship propulsion = *4 × Parsons geared turbines,
*8 × White-Forster boilers,
*4 × shafts,
*{{convert|107000|ihp|kW|abbr=on|-2}}
| Ship speed = {{convert|32.7|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}}
| Ship range = {{convert|13000|nmi|mi km|abbr=on|-1}} at {{convert|15|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}}
| Ship capacity = Fuel oil: 1,500 tons
| Ship complement = 807 (peacetime)
| Ship sensors = 
| Ship armament = *(1945)
*9 × [[8"/55 caliber gun|{{convert|8|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}/55 cal guns]] (3x3)
*8 × [[5"/25 caliber gun|{{convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}/25 cal]] [[Anti-aircraft warfare|AA]] guns
*24 × [[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60|40 mm AA gun]]s (4x4 + 4x2 Portland, 6x4 Indianapolis)
*12 × [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|20 mm AA cannon]]s
| Ship armor = *[[Belt armor|Belt]] {{convert|3.25|-|5|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}
*[[Deck (ship)|Deck]] {{convert|2.5|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}
*[[Barbette]]s {{convert|1.5|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}
*[[Gunhouse]]s {{convert|1.5|-|2.5|in|mm|abbr=on|0}}
*[[Conning tower]]: {{convert|1+1/4|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| Ship aircraft = 3 × [[Curtiss SOC Seagull|SOC Seagull]] scout-observation [[seaplane]]s
| Ship aircraft facilities = 2 × [[Aircraft catapult|catapult]]s
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''''Portland'' class''' of [[heavy cruiser]]s was a [[ship class|class]] of ships designed and constructed by the [[United States Navy]] in 1930. The two ships of the class, {{USS|Portland|CA-33|2}} and {{USS|Indianapolis|CA-35|2}}, saw extensive service during the [[Pacific War]] in [[World War II]].

Designed as a modification over the previous {{sclass|Northampton|cruiser|1}}, the ''Portland'' class [[Displacement (ship)|displaced]] just under {{convert|10,000|LT}} and featured heavier armor and armament than previous cruisers. Featuring [[8"/55 caliber gun]]s and designed to function as fleet flagships, the ''Portland'' class were intended to fix problems with armament and armor that had been a weakness of preceding U.S. cruisers. These designs were carried over to the following {{sclass|New Orleans|cruiser|4}}, to which six intended ''Portland'' cruisers were converted, three of which were already mid-construction.

''Portland'' served in many engagements including the [[Battle of Coral Sea]], the [[Battle of Midway]] and the [[Guadalcanal Campaign]], where she was severely damaged but nonetheless able to return to service. She later fought in the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] and the [[Battle of Okinawa]]. ''Indianapolis'' served as a fleet flagship for much of the war and fought in the [[Battle of Philippine Sea]] and the [[Battle of Iwo Jima]]. On 30 July 1945, after transporting components for the [[nuclear weapon]]s [[Little Boy]] and [[Fat Man]] from the United States, she was torpedoed by the {{Jsub|I-58|1943|6}}. Due to a series of errors and miscommunications her loss was not discovered for several days, and only 316 of her 1,195 crew survived &ndash; the greatest single loss of life at sea, from a single ship, in the history of the U.S. Navy.

== Background ==
The ''Portland'' class was the third class of heavy cruiser to be constructed by the United States Navy following the [[Washington Naval Treaty]] of 1922. The first "treaty cruisers" were the two of the {{sclass|Pensacola|cruiser|4}} ordered in 1926, which emphasized armament and speed at the expense of protection. These ships were followed by the six vessels of the ''Northampton'' class ordered in 1927 with slightly better armor, and introduced the configuration of three triple turrets which would become standard on U.S. Navy heavy cruisers. The ''Portland'' class was a modification of both the ''Pensacola'' and ''Northampton'' designs.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=136}}

''Portland'' was the first ship constructed under the provision of the 13 February 1929 "Cruiser Act"<ref>{{cite web | url=https://uslaw.link/citation/us-law/public/70/726 | title=Uslaw.link }}</ref> of the [[United States Congress]], which authorized [[USS Ranger (CV-4)|one aircraft carrier]] and 15 "light cruisers" to be built. {{USS|New Orleans|CA-32|3}} had been assigned the first hull number in this group, but was eventually laid down later.{{fact|date=October 2024}}

Ordered for the U.S. Navy in fiscal year 1930, the ''Portland'' class was originally designated as a [[light cruiser]], and given the [[hull classification symbol]] CL, being re-designated a [[heavy cruiser]] with the symbol CA on 1 July 1931,{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}} due to their armament, in accordance with the [[London Naval Treaty]]. Originally, eight cruisers were envisioned as modified ''Northampton''-class vessels, but eventually two of these became the ''Portland'' class, with the remaining six eventually being further modified into the succeeding {{sclass|New Orleans|cruiser|4}}.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=29}} The first three ''New Orleans''-class cruisers, ''New Orleans'', ''Astoria'', and ''Minneapolis'', were initially ordered as ''Portland''-class vessels, but were reordered to the design of {{USS|Tuscaloosa|CA-37}}.{{fact|date=October 2024}}

== Design ==
As built, the ''Portland''-class cruisers were to be {{convert|610|ft|3|in|m}} in [[length overall]], {{convert|592|ft|0|in|m}} long [[Waterline length|at the waterline]],{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}} {{convert|64|ft|6|in|m}} [[abeam]],{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=136}} and with a [[Draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|21|ft|0|in|m}}, and {{convert|24|ft|0|in|m}} maximum. They were designed for a [[standard displacement]] of {{convert|10,258|t|LT|disp=flip}}, and a [[full-load displacement]] of {{convert|12,755|t|LT|disp=flip}}.{{sfn|Miller|2001|p=292}} However, neither completed ship reached this weight, displacing {{convert|9,800|lt}} and {{convert|9,950|lt}}, respectively.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}} The ships featured two distinctive raked funnels, a tripod [[foremast]], and a small tower and pole mast aft. In 1943, light tripods were added forward of the second funnel on each ship, and a prominent [[Naval director]] was installed aft.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}}

[[File:USS Portland (CA-33) in a drydock at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard, circa in late 1942 (NH 81992).jpg|thumb|left|''Portland'' in drydock in [[Sydney, Australia]], in 1942|alt=A raised warship in a drained dock surrounded by construction equipment]]
The ships were equipped with four [[propeller shaft (ship)|propeller shaft]]s and four Parsons GT [[geared turbine]]s and eight [[Yarrow boiler]]s. The power plant of the ships generated {{convert|107,000|shp|lk=in}} and the ships had a design speed of {{convert|32|knots|km/h|lk=in}} The ships were designed for a range of {{convert|10,000|nmi|lk=in}} at {{convert|15|knots|km/h}}.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}} Both completed ships rolled badly until fitted with [[bilge keel]]s.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}}

The cruisers were armed with a [[Artillery battery|main battery]] of nine Mark 9 [[8"/55 caliber gun]]s arrayed in three triple mounts, a [[superfiring]] pair fore and one aft. For [[anti-aircraft]] defense, they were armed with eight [[5"/25 caliber gun (United States)|5"/25 caliber gun]]s as well as two [[QF 3 pounder Hotchkiss]] guns. By 1945, the anti-aircraft defenses of both ships had repeatedly been upgraded, with each eventually receiving twenty four [[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60|Bofors 40 mm]] guns. On {{USS|Portland|CA-33|2}} these were arranged in four quad mounts and four twin mounts, and on {{USS|Indianapolis|CA-35|2}} they were arrayed in six quad mounts. Both ships were also upgraded with twelve [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon]]s.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}} No torpedo tubes were fitted on either ship of the class.{{sfn|Stille|2009|p=30}} The ships were outfitted with Mk. 8 [[rangekeeper]]s and Mk. 27 directors which also housed auxiliary Mk. VII rangekeepers.{{sfn|Baker|2008|p=200}}

The ''Portland'' class was originally designed with {{convert|1|in|mm}} of deck protection and {{convert|1|in|mm}} of side protection, but during construction they were substantially up-armored.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}} The ships were completed with [[belt armor]] {{convert|5|in}} thick over the magazines and {{convert|3.25|in}} elsewhere.{{sfn|Stille|2009|p=30}} Armored [[Bulkhead (partition)|bulkheads]] were between {{convert|2|in}} and {{convert|5.75|in}}, deck armor was {{convert|2.5|in}}, the [[barbette]]s were {{convert|1.5|in}}, the [[gunhouse]]s were {{convert|2.5|in}}, and the [[conning tower]] was {{convert|1.25|in}}.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}}

Additionally, the ''Portland''-class cruisers were designed with space to be outfitted as [[fleet flagship]]s, with space for a [[flag officer]] and his staff to operate. The class also featured an [[aircraft catapult]] amidships.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}} They could carry four aircraft. The total crew complement varied, with a regular designed crew complement of 807,{{sfn|Miller|2001|p=292}} a wartime complement of 952, which could increase to 1,229 when the cruiser was operating as a fleet flagship.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}}

=== Comparison with previous cruiser designs ===
The ''Portland'' class was generally longer than the ''Northampton'' class by about {{convert|10|ft|m}} and featured a revised [[Bow (ship)|bow]] shape. They were otherwise generally similar to the ''Northampton'' class, with an extended [[forecastle]] to improve sea-keeping abilities.{{sfn|Miller|2001|p=292}} Their masts were reduced as compared to the ''Northampton'' class in order to reduce top weight.{{sfn|Stille|2009|p=29}}

When completed, the ''Pensacola'' class displaced less than expected, at {{convert|9,100|t|LT|disp=flip}},{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=136}} which was {{convert|1,000|t|LT|disp=flip}} less than expected, and were found to be greatly deficient in their protection.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}} For the following ''Northampton'' class, the armor protection was increased to {{convert|1,057|t|LT|disp=flip}} with {{convert|3|in|mm}} of armor along the [[main belt]].{{sfn|Stille|2009|p=28}} Still, these ships only displaced between {{convert|9,050|t|LT|disp=flip}} and {{convert|9,300|t|LT|disp=flip}}{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=136}} While the ''Portland''-class cruisers were more heavily armored than the preceding classes, this problem was found to be so significant that in fiscal year 1929, an entirely different design was formulated for a new class of cruisers, the ''New Orleans'' class. Several of the ''Portland'' hulls were then converted to ''New Orleans'' hulls during construction.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}}

The ''Portland'' class were also designed with more advanced armament in mind. Their main guns were the first to be specially designed to fire long-point projectiles with a streamlined shape, which increased the guns' range when compared with older cruiser guns. Such projectiles were in use by ships of the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]], which until that point out-ranged U.S. cruisers with their firepower.{{sfn|Hixon|2003|p=24}} The ''New Orleans'' class was designed with these lessons in mind, intended to create a better balance between protection, armament and speed.{{sfn|Stille|2009|p=32}}

== Construction ==
Five ships were ordered in fiscal year 1930, to be constructed by three builders. In 1931, [[USS New Orleans (CA-32)|CA-32]], [[USS Astoria (CA-34)|CA-34]], and [[USS Minneapolis (CA-36)|CA-36]], all ordered with Westinghouse machinery, were converted to the ''New Orleans'' class.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}}{{sfn|Stille|2009|p=12}} ''Portland'' was laid down by [[Bethlehem Steel]] at [[Quincy Shipyard]] on 17 February 1930, and ''Indianapolis'' was laid down by [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation]] on 31 March 1930.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}}{{sfn|Morrison|2001|p=35}} The hull and machinery of both ships was provided by their respective builders.{{sfn|Bauer|Roberts|1991|p=138}} ''Indianapolis'' was launched first, on 7 November 1931 and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 15 November 1932. ''Portland'' was launched on 21 May 1932 and commissioned on 23 February 1933.{{sfn|Silverstone|2007|p=32}}

== Ships in class ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Construction data
|-
! scope="col" | Ship name
! scope="col" | {{abbr|Hull no.|Hull number}}
! scope="col" style="max-width: 15em;" | Builder
! scope="col" | Laid down
! scope="col" | Launched
! scope="col" | {{abbr|Comm.|Commissioned}}
! scope="col" | {{abbr|Decomm.|Decommissioned}}
! scope="col" | Fate
|-
! scope="row" | {{USS|Portland|CA-33|2}}
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | CA-33
| [[Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation]], [[Fore River Shipyard]], [[Quincy, Massachusetts]]
| style="text-align: right;" | 17 Feb 1930
| style="text-align: right;" | 21 May 1932
| style="text-align: right;" | 23 Feb 1933
| style="text-align: right;" | 12 Jul 1946
| Struck 1 Mar 1959; Sold for scrap 6 Oct 1959
|-
! scope="row" | {{USS|Indianapolis|CA-35|2}}
| CA-35
| [[New York Shipbuilding Corporation]], [[Camden, New Jersey]]
| style="text-align: right;" | 31 Mar 1930
| style="text-align: right;" | 7 Nov 1931
| style="text-align: right;" | 15 Nov 1932
| {{n/a}}
| Torpedoed and sunk by {{Jsub|I-58|1943|6}}, 30 Jul 1945
|}

=== USS ''Portland'' (CA-33) ===
[[File:USS Portland (CA-33) off the Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 30 July 1944 (19-N-70346).jpg|thumb|''Portland'' off California in 1944|alt=A large ship painted in multicolor camouflage in a harbor]]
{{main|USS Portland (CA-33)}}

''Portland'' was the first ship on the scene when the [[airship]] {{USS|Akron|ZRS-4|2}} went down in 1933, and coordinated efforts to retrieve survivors. She conducted a number of fleet maneuvers and goodwill missions throughout the [[Pacific Ocean]]. After the start of World War II, ''Portland'' took part in the [[Battle of Coral Sea]], there rescuing 722 survivors from the sunk [[aircraft carrier]] {{USS|Lexington|CV-2|2}}. She then fought at the [[Battle of Midway]], the [[Battle of the Eastern Solomons]],{{sfn|Kearns|Morris|1998|p=334}} and in the [[Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands]], where she was hit by three dud air-launched [[torpedoes]].{{sfn|Miller|2001|p=292}} She then supported [[U.S. Marine]] landings during the [[Battle of Guadalcanal]].{{sfn|Kearns|Morris|1998|p=334}} During the [[Naval Battle of Guadalcanal|naval battle]] there in late 1942, she was struck and severely damaged by a torpedo from the Japanese destroyer ''Inazuma'',{{sfn|Baker|2008|p=306}} a hit which required interim repairs in Australia followed by extensive repairs at [[Mare Island Navy Yard]].{{sfn|Miller|2001|p=292}} In spite of this damage, she was still able to inflict damage on the {{ship|Japanese battleship|Hiei}}, and helped to sink the destroyers ''[[Japanese destroyer Akatsuki (1932)|Akatsuki]]'' and ''[[Japanese destroyer Yūdachi (1936)|Yūdachi]]''.<ref>Hornfischer (2012) Chapters 28-32</ref>{{sfn|Baker|2008|p=216}}

Returning to the war, she bombarded [[Kiska]] as part of the [[Aleutian Islands campaign]], played a supporting role in the [[Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign]], covered landings during the [[New Guinea campaign]], and [[Pelelieu]]. She then participated in the [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] - where she helped to sink the Japanese destroyer ''[[Japanese destroyer Asagumo (1937)|Asagumo]]'' - covered landings in the [[Philippines]], and supported the [[Battle of Okinawa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battleships at Surigao Strait; by Anthony Tully and Robert Lundgren |url=http://www.combinedfleet.com/Maryland-Fuso-Battleships-at-Surigao-Tully-and-Lundgen-100324.pdf}}</ref>{{sfn|Kearns|Morris|1998|p=334}} At the end of the war she was decommissioned and remained in the [[United States Reserve Fleet]] until 1959, when she was broken up for scrap.{{sfn|Kearns|Morris|1998|p=335}}

=== USS ''Indianapolis'' (CA-35) ===
[[File:USS Indianapolis CA-35.jpg|thumb|''Indianapolis'' off [[Pearl Harbor]] in 1937|alt=A large, gray warship at sea]]
{{main|USS Indianapolis (CA-35)}}
''Indianapolis'' served as flagship of [[Scouting Force 1]] during World War II, and saw action in a number of campaigns in the Pacific theater. She supported the Gilbert and Marshall island campaigns as well as operations off the [[Caroline Islands]]. Later in the war she fought in the [[Battle of Philippine Sea]] and later the [[Battle of Iwo Jima]] and participating in the Battle of Okinawa.{{sfn|Kearns|Morris|1998|p=188}}

In mid-1945, she sailed from the United States to [[Tinian Island]] carrying components of [[Little Boy]] and [[Fat Man]], the two [[nuclear weapons]] which would later be used to [[Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki]]. Sailing for [[Leyte]] unescorted under [[Captain (naval rank)|Captain]] [[Charles B. McVay III]], she was sunk by {{Jsub|I-58|1943|6}} on 30 July 1945, sinking in just 12 minutes. Many sailors were killed by [[shark]]s after the wreck. An estimated 900 of her 1,197 crew survived the initial sinking, but her [[SOS signal]] was not heard, and due to a series of errors and misunderstandings, her loss was not discovered until 2 August when her crew was spotted by reconnaissance plane. Only 320 men were recovered following the sinking, of whom 316 survived. McVay survived and faced a [[court martial]] and reprimand but retired in 1949 as rear-admiral, committing suicide in 1968.{{sfn|Kearns|Morris|1998|p=188}}{{sfn|Miller|2001|p=293}} Following years of efforts by some survivors and others to clear his name, McVay was posthumously exonerated by the 106th United States Congress and President Bill Clinton on 30 October 2000.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stout|first1=David|title=Captain, Once a Scapegoat, Is Absolved|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/14/us/captain-once-a-scapegoat-is-absolved.html|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 July 2001 |access-date=20 August 2017}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of cruisers of the United States Navy]]

== References ==

=== Notes ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
*{{citation|last=Baker |first=A. D. |title=Naval Firepower: Battleship Guns and Gunnery in the Dreadnought Era |publisher=[[Naval Institute Press]] |year=2008  |location=[[Annapolis, Maryland]] |isbn=978-1591145554}}
*{{citation|last1=Bauer |first1=Karl Jack |last2=Roberts |first2=Stephen S. |title=Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775-1990: Major Combatants |publisher=[[Greenwood Press]] |year=1991 |isbn=978-0313262029 |location=[[Westport, Connecticut]]}}
*{{citation|last=Hixon |first=Walter L. |title=The United States and the Road to War in the Pacific: The American Experience in World War II, Volume Three |location=[[New York City, New York]] |year=2003 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0415940313}}
*{{citation|last1=Kearns |first1=Patricia M. |last2=Morris |first2=James M. |title=Historical Dictionary of the United States Navy |location=[[Lanham, Maryland]] |year=1998 |publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]] |isbn=978-0810834064}}
*{{citation|last=Miller |first=David M. O. |title=Illustrated Directory of Warships of the World |publisher=[[Zenith Press]] |year=2001 |location=[[New York City, New York]] |isbn=978-0760311271}}
*{{citation|last=Morrison |first=Samuel E. |title= History of United States Naval Operations in World War II (Volume 15) Supplement and General Index |location=[[Edison, New Jersey]] |publisher=Castle Books |year=2001 |isbn=978-0785813163}}
*{{citation|last=Silverstone |first=Paul |title=The Navy of World War II, 1922-1947 |location=[[New York City, New York]] |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0415978989 |year=2007}}
*{{citation|last=Stille |first=Mark |title=USN Cruiser vs IJN Cruiser: Guadalcanal 1942 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |year=2009 |location=[[Oxford, United Kingdom]] |isbn=978-1846034664}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Portland class cruiser}}
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/ca-33.htm Global Security.org - ''Portland''-class cruiser]
*[http://www.hazegray.org/danfs Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)]

{{Portland class cruiser}}
{{WWII US ships}}
{{Treaty Cruisers}}
{{Good article}}
[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:Portland-class cruisers| ]]
[[Category:World War II cruisers of the United States| ]]