Скачать или смотреть USS Newport News - CA-148 (Cruiser)

Explore the storied history of the USS Newport News (CA-148), the final Des Moines-class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1949 and distinguished as the last all-gun heavy cruiser and the pioneer of full air-conditioning in the US Navy. From 1950 to 1961, she embarked on illustrious Mediterranean deployments, participated in extensive fleet exercises, and undertook pivotal training cruises across the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. Notable among her accomplishments was her role as Vice Admiral Ralph A. Ofstie's flagship in the Mediterranean in 1956 and her humanitarian assistance during the Moroccan earthquake in 1960. During the tense Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, Newport News played a crucial role as the Atlantic Fleet's flagship and engaged in vital actions near Cuba. From 1963 to 1974, her service expanded to include significant contributions to NATO exercises, amphibious drills, and substantial involvement in the Vietnam War. Nicknamed ""The Gray Ghost from the East Coast,"" Newport News executed numerous naval gunfire support missions, notably Operation Sea Dragon, conducting a staggering 156 strikes against North Vietnamese coastal sites, firing an impressive 59,241 rounds, and enduring enemy fire. Despite adversity, including a turret explosion causing casualties in 1972, she valiantly served until her decommissioning in 1975, eventually meeting her end when sold for scrap in 1993. The USS Newport News legacy is honored and preserved by the USS Salem Museum and Memorial Foundation, devoted to safeguarding artifacts and memories of her illustrious service. Her rich history is adorned with a multitude of awards and commendations, a testament to her bravery and significant contributions to the annals of US naval operations.