USS Massachussets

USS Massachusetts is a South Dakota-class battleship that served in the United States Navy during World War II. It was initially based in the Atlantic and took part in the Allied landings in North Africa, confronting the battleship Jean Bart. Transferred to the Pacific in 1943, he took part in major campaigns such as the Solomon Islands and the Philippines, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 1945 he was involved in the bombing of the Japanese island Honshu.

During the war, the USS Massachusetts participated in major battles, including bombarding enemy positions and providing crucial support to Allied operations. Despite sustaining damage in battles and attacks, she continued to play a vital role in naval operations in the Pacific.

After the Japanese surrender on August 15, USS Massachusetts departed the area on September 1 for an overhaul in Puget Sound. Work went on until January 28, 1946. Then the ship sailed to San Francisco, then Hampton Roads, reaching the latter on April 22. Lay-up took place on March 27, 1947 in Norfolk, and the ship was placed in the United States Navy fleet reserve.

During this period, modernization plans were drawn up for USS Massachusetts and other ships of her class should they be required for future active service. Various conversion projects have been proposed, such as equipping secondary batteries with twin 3-inch guns or transforming them into a guided missile battleship. However, these projects did not come to fruition due to the high costs and the complexity of the necessary modifications.

USS Massachusetts remained inactive until June 1, 1962, when it was removed from the Naval Vessel Register. During this period, some pieces of equipment were retired for reuse on other ships.

In 1965, thanks to the effort of citizens of Massachusetts, the US Navy turned her over to the Massachusetts Memorial Committee, which turned her into a museum ship in Fall River, at Battleship Cove.