Baltimore
| Country | United States |
| Ship Class | Baltimore-class Heavy Cruiser |
| Hull Number | CA-68 |
| Builder | Bethlehem Fore River Shipyard |
| Laid Down | 26 May 1941 |
| Launched | 28 Jul 1942 |
| Commissioned | 15 Apr 1943 |
| Decommissioned | 8 Jul 1946 |
| Displacement | 13,600 tons standard |
| Length | 673 feet |
| Beam | 71 feet |
| Draft | 27 feet |
| Machinery | General Electric geared turbines with 4 screws |
| Power Output | 120,000 shaft horsepower |
| Speed | 33 knots |
| Crew | 1,142 |
| Armament | 9x8-in, 12x5-in anti aircraft, 48x40mm, 24x20mm |
| Armor | 6-in belt, 8-in turrets, 2.5-in deck, 6.5-in conning tower |
| Aircraft | 4 |
Contributor: C. Peter Chen
ww2dbaseThe lead ship of a class of fourteen heavy cruisers was sent to the Gilbert Islands in Nov 1943 as her first mission, providing naval gun support during the landing operations at Makin Atoll. Assuming similar roles, Baltimore subsequent support operations at Kwajalein and Eniwetok, the Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands, Palau, New Guinea, and Marcus Island. She briefly became President Franklin Roosevelt's personal ship in Jul and Aug 1944 when she ferried the American leader from continental United States to Hawaii for a meeting with Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. Late in 1944, she participated in bombardments in the Philippine Islands, Taiwan, and China, while directly supporting the landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
ww2dbaseAfter WW2, Baltimore was briefly mothballed, but was recommissioned for the Korean War. She was decommissioned in 1956, and sold for scrapping in May 1972. Two hundred tons of armor plate removed from her was given to the Fermi National Accelerator Labratory.
ww2dbaseSource: Naval Historical Center.
Last Major Revision: Dec 2005
Heavy Cruiser Baltimore (CA-68) Interactive Map
Photographs
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Baltimore Operational Timeline
| 15 Apr 1943 | Baltimore was commissioned into service. |
| 21 Jul 1944 | USS Baltimore depart San Diego, California, United States, with destroyers USS Fanning and USS Cummings in escort and US President Franklin Roosevelt aboard, for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. |
| 9 Aug 1944 | Franklin Roosevelt disembarked the cruiser USS Baltimore and embarked the destroyer USS Cummings at Auke Bay, Alaska near Juneau. |
| 18 Dec 1944 | Many ships from the United States Third Fleet, Task Force 38 sailed into Typhoon Cobra in the Philippine Sea. Three destroyers and 790 men were lost. |
| 8 Jul 1946 | Baltimore was decommissioned from service. |
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Visitor Submitted Comments
2. Julian lorefice says:
5 May 2013 08:20:19 PM
My grandfather Roger Deuel was aboard the Baltimore in WWII and was a great man . I want anyone who may remember him from those time to know that he came back from the war like anyone else , rattled but strong . He made a good life for my mother and his wife and I miss him bery much !
5 May 2013 08:20:19 PM
My grandfather Roger Deuel was aboard the Baltimore in WWII and was a great man . I want anyone who may remember him from those time to know that he came back from the war like anyone else , rattled but strong . He made a good life for my mother and his wife and I miss him bery much !
3. jeffrey Malacane says:
7 Aug 2015 03:01:09 PM
My step father served on the Baltimore from 43-45 and he still tells me many stories about his time on the Baltimore. I
Thank Goodness he is till around! Is there anyone still out there who served during this time ? Or if you have any questions i could ask him for you.
7 Aug 2015 03:01:09 PM
My step father served on the Baltimore from 43-45 and he still tells me many stories about his time on the Baltimore. I
Thank Goodness he is till around! Is there anyone still out there who served during this time ? Or if you have any questions i could ask him for you.
4. Brad says:
14 Aug 2015 02:00:23 PM
Jeffery Malacane:
My father, Carl Sprauer, was a gunner's mate on the Baltimore during WWII. I would love to know if your stepfather had any recollection at all of him. I was told his nickname was "squirrely" due to his slight build.
My father died when I was 18 (I'm now 44) and I'm trying to piece together memories of him to pass on to my son, who is shipping out in December as a Navy Special Ops Diver.
Thank you so much for you offer, and your time.
Sincerely,
Brad
14 Aug 2015 02:00:23 PM
Jeffery Malacane:
My father, Carl Sprauer, was a gunner's mate on the Baltimore during WWII. I would love to know if your stepfather had any recollection at all of him. I was told his nickname was "squirrely" due to his slight build.
My father died when I was 18 (I'm now 44) and I'm trying to piece together memories of him to pass on to my son, who is shipping out in December as a Navy Special Ops Diver.
Thank you so much for you offer, and your time.
Sincerely,
Brad
5. sue says:
18 Aug 2015 08:42:12 PM
I was wondering how I can find out any information about my father, Robert W Groat. I know only that he served on the Baltimore in some sort of clerical role. I believe he was on the ship between 1943-1945.
18 Aug 2015 08:42:12 PM
I was wondering how I can find out any information about my father, Robert W Groat. I know only that he served on the Baltimore in some sort of clerical role. I believe he was on the ship between 1943-1945.
6. Andrew Sturtevant says:
9 Apr 2016 02:32:55 PM
My father Clark B Sturtevant served on the Baltimore I believe as a bosoms mate and was told was not even old enough to enlist. I think the last name was spelled wrong like Sturtyvant. Like to know any information at all concerning his time aboard ship. Can call 907-347-4123 . God bless you all and Thank You for your service.
9 Apr 2016 02:32:55 PM
My father Clark B Sturtevant served on the Baltimore I believe as a bosoms mate and was told was not even old enough to enlist. I think the last name was spelled wrong like Sturtyvant. Like to know any information at all concerning his time aboard ship. Can call 907-347-4123 . God bless you all and Thank You for your service.
7. Ken Bonnell says:
30 Aug 2016 10:38:26 AM
Am looking for a Baltimore ship's patch.
RMCS(SS) USN (Ret.)
30 Aug 2016 10:38:26 AM
Am looking for a Baltimore ship's patch.
RMCS(SS) USN (Ret.)
8. SAM pulsinelli says:
8 May 2017 03:42:33 AM
My grandfather served on the Baltimore , we have the same name
I was born a month before he died.any information could be helpful, feel free to reach out 774 386 1059 Sam
8 May 2017 03:42:33 AM
My grandfather served on the Baltimore , we have the same name
I was born a month before he died.any information could be helpful, feel free to reach out 774 386 1059 Sam
9. TOM POWERS says:
14 Sep 2017 03:48:40 AM
My dad Tom Powers served aboard the Baltimore during ww2. 20MM gunner.
14 Sep 2017 03:48:40 AM
My dad Tom Powers served aboard the Baltimore during ww2. 20MM gunner.
10. Tom Powers says:
19 Sep 2017 09:02:00 AM
603 254 3623
19 Sep 2017 09:02:00 AM
603 254 3623
11. John Butler says:
25 Mar 2018 02:02:27 PM
My father inlaw served on the Baltimore and was there when the president was there, can you verify with a crew member list, Paul S Battista
25 Mar 2018 02:02:27 PM
My father inlaw served on the Baltimore and was there when the president was there, can you verify with a crew member list, Paul S Battista
12. Yvonne Walker says:
28 Apr 2018 09:56:16 AM
My Dad served as well on the Baltimore. I cannot find his name on the roster and seen only one picture with African American soldiers and that was the Crossing the Equator initiation, which my dad had the certificate from. He was a boxer but the only pictures i had seen were of white men boxing. My dad was managed by Jack Dempsy which i had the picture of the two of them together, but my mother who suffers from dementia cut ole Jack out of the picture so that leaves me with nothing :( I do have an old navy newspaper with a black and white action shot of my dad fighting. His fight name was Dittybag Walker) if anyone recollects would love to hear from you. He was a Gunners mate, Jesse Walker from Trafford Pennsylvania
28 Apr 2018 09:56:16 AM
My Dad served as well on the Baltimore. I cannot find his name on the roster and seen only one picture with African American soldiers and that was the Crossing the Equator initiation, which my dad had the certificate from. He was a boxer but the only pictures i had seen were of white men boxing. My dad was managed by Jack Dempsy which i had the picture of the two of them together, but my mother who suffers from dementia cut ole Jack out of the picture so that leaves me with nothing :( I do have an old navy newspaper with a black and white action shot of my dad fighting. His fight name was Dittybag Walker) if anyone recollects would love to hear from you. He was a Gunners mate, Jesse Walker from Trafford Pennsylvania
13. Miss Daisy says:
19 Jun 2018 06:59:31 AM
Yvonne Walker, is this your dad?
http://griotmag.com/en/the-duces-boxer-the-unsung-story-of-leone-jacovacci-and-his-struggle-against-fascism-and-racism/
19 Jun 2018 06:59:31 AM
Yvonne Walker, is this your dad?
http://griotmag.com/en/the-duces-boxer-the-unsung-story-of-leone-jacovacci-and-his-struggle-against-fascism-and-racism/
14. James Belt says:
16 Oct 2018 07:56:29 PM
My dad was on the USS Baltimore he passed away when I was 2 I didn't get to know him very well was trying to find pictures of him when he served on the USS Baltimore he was on there when the president was on there his name was James Edward belt if anybody reads this and has any pictures of the crew with maybe him on it please contact me on my email thank you very much or if they have any pictures of the whole crew would be very appreciated
16 Oct 2018 07:56:29 PM
My dad was on the USS Baltimore he passed away when I was 2 I didn't get to know him very well was trying to find pictures of him when he served on the USS Baltimore he was on there when the president was on there his name was James Edward belt if anybody reads this and has any pictures of the crew with maybe him on it please contact me on my email thank you very much or if they have any pictures of the whole crew would be very appreciated
15. Daneil Baseheart says:
4 Feb 2019 03:06:12 PM
My father Joe Baseheart had servered on the same ship. there wa ship sunk out from under him and I,m not sure what ship it was. email back if you wish.
Daneil Baseheart
4 Feb 2019 03:06:12 PM
My father Joe Baseheart had servered on the same ship. there wa ship sunk out from under him and I,m not sure what ship it was. email back if you wish.
Daneil Baseheart
16. James Belt says:
17 Feb 2019 06:53:58 PM
Daniel Baseheart. Did you father have pictures when he was on the USS.Baltimore My email address is jamesbelt2014@gmail.Com please contact me I'm looking for pictures of him and the guys he work with at that time thank you very much
17 Feb 2019 06:53:58 PM
Daniel Baseheart. Did you father have pictures when he was on the USS.Baltimore My email address is jamesbelt2014@gmail.Com please contact me I'm looking for pictures of him and the guys he work with at that time thank you very much
17. Michelle says:
27 Jun 2019 08:09:34 AM
My 95 year old uncle was on this ship, he was in Regiment 8...he is interested in finding other guys who may still be with us...or family members of those who are not..His memory of WWII is still sharp, and he loves to remember the old days....
27 Jun 2019 08:09:34 AM
My 95 year old uncle was on this ship, he was in Regiment 8...he is interested in finding other guys who may still be with us...or family members of those who are not..His memory of WWII is still sharp, and he loves to remember the old days....
18. Michelle says:
27 Jun 2019 02:19:02 PM
Sorry, forgot to include my Uncle's name.
It's Thomas Santiano
From Boston, Ma.
27 Jun 2019 02:19:02 PM
Sorry, forgot to include my Uncle's name.
It's Thomas Santiano
From Boston, Ma.
19. Brittany says:
23 Oct 2019 05:50:52 PM
My grandfather, Thomas Harrington was on this ship. He often spoke about weathering a typhoon while on board. He said the waves were so big, that when the ship would rise on the wave swells, you could look around and see nothing but sky. Then when the ship would come down off the wave, into the ditch, you could see nothing but water all around you, with a small hole of sky above.
23 Oct 2019 05:50:52 PM
My grandfather, Thomas Harrington was on this ship. He often spoke about weathering a typhoon while on board. He said the waves were so big, that when the ship would rise on the wave swells, you could look around and see nothing but sky. Then when the ship would come down off the wave, into the ditch, you could see nothing but water all around you, with a small hole of sky above.
20. Randy McArthur says:
27 Mar 2020 10:50:38 AM
My dad served on the Baltimore form day 1 until decommision in 1946. Name was Philip O McArthur.
27 Mar 2020 10:50:38 AM
My dad served on the Baltimore form day 1 until decommision in 1946. Name was Philip O McArthur.
21. John Makulowich says:
18 Apr 2020 01:57:17 PM
My dad was fire control on 40 mm guns his name same as mine John A Makulowich inPacific Theater. I think 1 cashulty in Typhoon. Ship lucky never got hit in WW2.
18 Apr 2020 01:57:17 PM
My dad was fire control on 40 mm guns his name same as mine John A Makulowich inPacific Theater. I think 1 cashulty in Typhoon. Ship lucky never got hit in WW2.
22. Charlie says:
2 Jan 2023 08:39:41 AM
My dad was a supply officer on the Balt in 43-44 and served with Capts Calhoun and Fink. Went through that scary typhoon and never liked stormy weather after that. Said it was a well-provisioned and happy ship and that with its speed and heavy guns the crew felt the Balt was the 'tough guy on the block'.
2 Jan 2023 08:39:41 AM
My dad was a supply officer on the Balt in 43-44 and served with Capts Calhoun and Fink. Went through that scary typhoon and never liked stormy weather after that. Said it was a well-provisioned and happy ship and that with its speed and heavy guns the crew felt the Balt was the 'tough guy on the block'.
23. Diane Doherty says:
26 Feb 2023 05:50:43 PM
My father served on the Baltimore in 44. He never discussed the war or his service. I only know he served on Baltimore because I have a whimsical document showing he crossed the equator on the ship. Is there any way I could get a list of names of men who was on board? His name was Arthur Leo Doherty
26 Feb 2023 05:50:43 PM
My father served on the Baltimore in 44. He never discussed the war or his service. I only know he served on Baltimore because I have a whimsical document showing he crossed the equator on the ship. Is there any way I could get a list of names of men who was on board? His name was Arthur Leo Doherty
24. John Bozarth says:
8 Jul 2024 03:36:09 PM
My Father, Charley H. Bozarth served as a Gunners Mate on The Baltimore
8 Jul 2024 03:36:09 PM
My Father, Charley H. Bozarth served as a Gunners Mate on The Baltimore
25. Anonymous says:
17 Jul 2024 10:01:41 PM
Does anyone have any accounts of USS Baltimore going through Typhoon Cobra? online data seems impossible to come about.
17 Jul 2024 10:01:41 PM
Does anyone have any accounts of USS Baltimore going through Typhoon Cobra? online data seems impossible to come about.
26. 
David Stubblebine says:
18 Jul 2024 11:44:54 AM
Anonymous (above):
USS Baltimore did go through Typhoon Cobra. Her war diaries indicate she was part of Task Unit 38.1.2 with Massachusetts, Alabama, Boston, San Francisco, New Orleans, & San Diego. Baltimore sustained minor storm damage including to her scout planes, whaleboats, one gun director, and some deck buckling. The damage was not severe enough for Baltimore to drop out of formation and return to Ulithi.
David Stubblebine says:18 Jul 2024 11:44:54 AM
Anonymous (above):
USS Baltimore did go through Typhoon Cobra. Her war diaries indicate she was part of Task Unit 38.1.2 with Massachusetts, Alabama, Boston, San Francisco, New Orleans, & San Diego. Baltimore sustained minor storm damage including to her scout planes, whaleboats, one gun director, and some deck buckling. The damage was not severe enough for Baltimore to drop out of formation and return to Ulithi.
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More on Baltimore
Event(s) Participated:» New Guinea-Papua Campaign, Phase 3
» Gilbert Islands Campaign
» Attack on Truk
» Mariana Islands Campaign and the Great Turkey Shoot
» Pacific Strategy Conference
» Philippines Campaign, Phase 2
» Typhoon Cobra
» Raid into the South China Sea
» Battle of Iwo Jima
» Okinawa Campaign
» Typhoon Connie
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17 Oct 2010 05:51:15 PM
Not a comment on the article but would like to seek a person. My grandfather with Lopez as his surname was in the USA army and came to Kiribati during WWII. I have a photo of him. I would be grateful if I can get some help from someone.
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from someone