Colorado

Colorado-Class Battleships were built for the United States Navy during the years of 1917 to 1923. Apart from an upgrade in striking power to eight 16-inch guns, the ships were essentially repeats of the earlier Tennessee class. Of the 4 planned in this class, 3 were completed.

Colorado-Class Battleships  served between the years of 1921 to 1947.

Preceded by: Tennessee-class battleship

Succeeded by: South Dakota-class & North Carolina-class battleships

Colorado-Class Battleships had extensive careers during World War II. USS Maryland & West Virginia were both present during the attack on Pearl Harbor. West Virginia was sunk in the shallow waters of the harbor, but raised and repaired. All three ships served as artillery support ships during amphibious operations. Maryland and West Virginia were present at the last surface action between battleships, the Battle of Surigao Strait during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944.