Apparently it hadn't yet been scrapped, but the accident happened in 1956.
Wikipedia:USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Wisconsin_%28BB-64%29
Posted on 06/09/2015 9:14:51 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
BERLIN (AP) — Germany plans to acquire a new air defense system and four new battleships over the coming years for a total of nearly 8 billion euros ($8.9 billion).
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
The Zumwalts were classified as “destroyers” because they were supposed to be the replacements for the Spruance-class VLS land-attack DD.
There was supposed to be a cruiser variant using the Zumwalt hull. Like the Ticonderogas used the Spruance hull. But that was dropped due to cost and need.
Theoretically the Zumwalts could be reclassed as Cruisers, just like the Leahy and Belknap “Destroyer Leaders/Frigates” (and their nuclear powered cousins of the Bainbridge, Truxton, South Carolina and Virginia classes) were. Actually as the Ticonderogas were too (they were originally designated DDGs). Which may very well happen, if only to preserve some SWO O6 sea command billets as the Ticos retire.
Personally, I think “Panzerschiff” would work well for the Zumwalts, given their capabilities. But, somehow, I don’t think it would fly.
IIRC the Montanas were supposed to have the Mk.II 16” 50cal guns, while the Iowas had the Mk.7 lightweight ones.
The Montanas were also supposed to be more heavily armored than the Iowas, reverting to a 27kt top speed.
I agree with you Sherman. The Germans aren’t seeking to acquire battleships, they’re seeking to acquire warships or combat ships. Judging from the price (4 million euros for four), my guess would something like Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Everything you listed stirs many fond childhood memories.
The Montana class was designed to go toe-to-toe against the Yamato class. So, speed was sacrificed for guns and armor. But, the battleship had become obsolete. Aircraft carriers and submarines ruled. So, the Navy cancelled the Montana class, and kept producing fast Iowa class battleships, capable of escorting carrier strike fleets, for a while.
I think somebody mis-translated the German word for “warship” as “battleship”.
Probably an uneducated translator.
The Montanas, like the Midways, were too big to fit through the Panama Canal locks. An additional set of locks, big enough for them, was planned and started. But the steel for the locks, and the Montanas, was redirected to other programs.
Incidentally, those third set of locks were revisited due to the increasing numbers of Post-Panamax ships and are almost finished. Panama (and their ChiCom backers) got a really nice jump on the effort thanks to all the excavation work done in 1943 or so still being there.
Apparently it hadn't yet been scrapped, but the accident happened in 1956.
Wikipedia:USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Wisconsin_%28BB-64%29
Thousands of fewer lives were put at risk sinking the Yamato class battleships by attacking them with carrier based aircraft than if Montana class battleships had gotten within range with their 16 inch guns.
Oh, makes sense.
Thanks.
Montana
Indeed.
The “Iowa vs Yamato”, or “Montana vs Yamato” theoretical faceoffs are neat to discuss, but only the most ardent Battleship sentimentalists actually yearn for them to have occurred. That might include Bill Halsey, who supposedly was yearning to get the Japanese fast-BBs in range of his fast-BBs guns at Leyte Gulf.
I will add the caveat that the Pearl Harbor battleships’ “payback is a b*tch, MFer” moment at Suragio Strait warms the heart with a sense of poetic justice.
Probably quite a few, because the last of the Iowa class battleships was decommissioned in 1991.
The HP/LP turbines and reduction gears from the Kentucky were used to power AOE-1 USS Sacramento, and AOE-2 USS Camden.
Way back in 1942 or maybe '43
I sailed with Captain Tuna, the Chicken of the Sea.
We didn't sink the Bismarck, no matter what they say,
'Cause when we saw the German ship,
We sailed the other way.
Ouch looks like a great white now
You are correct.
May, 1956.
Yeah, they might. I think they might even through in a Schranhorst while they’re at it.
Name the only US battleship not named for a state.
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