The battleship that survived kamikazes, shore batteries, and accidental friendly fire during World War II
In short: Commissioned in 1923, the USS Colorado was a formidable standard-type battleship that served through the Pacific theater. Despite enduring direct hits from Japanese shore batteries and kamikaze bombers, she remained operational, eventually participating in the occupation of Japan before her final decommissioning and scrapping in the late 1950s.
The USS Colorado (BB-45) was the lead ship of her class, designed in 1916 as a near-copy of the preceding Tennessee-class battleships. Her defining feature was a main battery of eight 16-inch guns, a significant upgrade from the 14-inch guns used on earlier vessels. Measuring 624 feet in length, the ship was powered by four turbo-electric drives, allowing for a top speed of 21 knots. Her armor was substantial, featuring a main belt up to 13.5 inches thick and turret faces reinforced with 18 inches of steel.
During World War II, the Colorado proved remarkably resilient under fire. While shelling Tinian on 24 July 1944, she sustained 22 hits from Japanese shore batteries, resulting in 43 deaths and 198 injuries. Later that year, on 27 November, she was struck by two kamikaze aircraft in Leyte Gulf, which killed 19 crewmembers and caused moderate damage. In early 1945, she suffered further casualties from accidental friendly gunfire, yet she continued to support major operations, including the invasions of Okinawa and the occupation of Atsugi Airfield.
Beyond her combat record, the Colorado had a diverse service history. In 1937, she was diverted from training NROTC students to assist in the search for Amelia Earhart near the Phoenix Islands. After the war, she participated in Operation Magic Carpet, transporting 6,357 soldiers home to the United States. Following her decommissioning in 1947 and subsequent sale for scrap in 1959, parts of the ship were preserved across the country. Her teak decking, bell, and various guns can still be found in museums and public spaces, including the Seattle-Tacoma airport and the museum ship USS Olympia.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: USS Colorado (BB-45)
- Also: Wikidata — USS Colorado · CC0
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