HISTORY PAGES
For USS TUSCALOOSA (CA-37)
and USS WICHITA (CA-45)

USS TUSCALOOSA

The USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37) was a heavy cruiser built in 1931-33 and commissioned in 1934.  Before the entry of the U.S. into World War II, Tuscaloosa boarded President Franklin Delano Roosevelt three times.  She also performed numerous neutrality patrols. 

From the beginning of U.S. involvement in the war through 1944 Tuscaloosa operated in the European Theater and participated in convoy protection, the invasion of North Africa, the first carrier strikes against European targets in Norway, and the invasions of Normandy and of Southern France.  In 1945, she operated in the Pacific Theater and participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima and of Okinawa.

I provide several sources below to briefly illustrate some of the history of USS Tuscaloosa.  Additional resources are also listed in the Links section.

Here is a short history of USS Tuscaloosa from its construction in 1931, to its involvement both before and during World War II, to its decommissioning in 1946, and to its scrapping in 1959.  It is condensed and adapted from its entry in the "Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships."   Click here to view the short history.

Here is a press release from the Navy Department which describes the war record of USS Tuscaloosa from Pearl Harbor through the invasion of Southern France in August 1944.  There is wonderful detail on the invasions of North Africa, Normandy and Southern France.  Click here to view the 1944 press release.

Here is a summary of FDR's cruises aboard Tuscaloosa.  FDR boarded Tuscaloosa on three occasions.  In August of 1939, FDR traveled aboard Tuscaloosa to Campobello Island and other parts of Canada, viewing salvage operations for USS Squalus (SS-192) near Portsmouth New Hampshire en route.  In February of 1940, FDR cruised to Central America.  In December of 1940, FDR visited the Caribbean inspecting bases obtained from Great Britain in the "destroyers for bases" deal.  Click here to view a summary of FDR's trips and related images.

Click here for a list of Tuscaloosa's Commanding Officers and awards.


USS WICHITA

The USS Wichita (CA-45) was a heavy cruiser built in 1935-37 and commissioned in 1939.  Before the entry of the U.S. into World War II, Wichita performed a "show the flag" mission to South America and performed numerous neutrality patrols.

From the beginning of U.S. involvement in the war through 1942 Wichita operated in the European Theater and participated in convoy protection and the invasion of North Africa.  From 1943, she operated in the Pacific Theater and participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea (the Marianas "Turkey Shoot") and in numerous invasions including the invasions of the Marshall Islands and of Okinawa.  In addition to the link below, you can find additional resources listed in the Links section.

Here is a short history of USS Wichita from its construction in 1935, to its involvement both before and during World War II, to its decommissioning in 1947, and to its scrapping in 1959.  It is condensed and adapted from its entry in the "Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships."  Click here to view the short history.


Other items of historical interest may be found at the Crew Page.


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