U.S.S. California (1919)

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U.S.S. California (1919)
Hull Number: BB-44
Builder: Mare Island[1]
Laid down: 25 Oct, 1916[2]
Launched: 20 Nov, 1919[3]
Commissioned: 10 Aug, 1921[4]
Decommissioned: 14 Feb, 1947[5]
Sold: 10 Jul, 1959[6]

The fifth U.S.S. California (BB-44) was launched 20 November 1919 by Mare Island Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. R. T. Zane; and commissioned 10 August 1921, Captain H. J. Ziegemeier in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet as flagship.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Service

For 20 years from 1921 until 1941, California served first as flagship of the Pacific Fleet, then as flagship of the Battle Fleet (Battle Force), U.S. Fleet. Her annual activities included joint Army-Navy exercises, tactical and organizational development problems, and fleet concentrations for various purposes. Intensive training and superior performance won her the Battle Efficiency Pennant for 1921-22, and the Gunnery "E" for 1925-26.

In the summer of 1925 California led the Battle Fleet and a division of cruisers from the Scouting Fleet on a very successful good-will cruise to Australia and New Zealand. She took part in the Presidential reviews of 1927, 1930, and 1934. She was modernized in late 1929 and early 1930 and equipped with an improved anti-aircraft battery.

California received seven battle stars for World War II service.

Captains

Dates of appointment are provided when known.[7]

See Also

Footnotes

  1. Friedman. U.S. Battleships. p. 420.
  2. Friedman. U.S. Battleships. p. 420.
  3. Friedman. U.S. Battleships. p. 420.
  4. Friedman. U.S. Battleships. p. 420.
  5. Friedman. U.S. Battleships. p. 420.
  6. Friedman. U.S. Battleships. p. 420.
  7. DANFS
  8. Register of Officers, 1922. pp. 12-13.
  9. Honolulu Star Bulletin 3 August 1922 p. 1.

Bibliography


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