Готовый перевод Navygaming / Translation Service: Боевое применение "Пенсаколы"

It is believed that during 1941 – 1945, military operations in the Pacific were dominated by aircraft carriers. Carriers determined the outcome of Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, and other fleet actions, but cruisers are unfairly forgotten. Who remembers the Battle of Savo Island or naval artillery duels in the Java Sea or near Cape Esperance?

Actually, in the Pacific cruisers were a key component of both the US Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy. Cruisers accounted for a great many sinkings. They provided a short range air defense for carrier forces and squadrons, escorted convoys and performed patrol tasks on the sea lanes. Cruisers also towed damaged warships from the war zone, but the main value of cruisers became evident in the second half of the war: the six- and eight-inch cruiser guns continuously, bombarded the Japanese defensive perimeter of the Pacific islands. Cruisers possessed an immense destructive power – 203-mm. shells from 8"/55 guns had a 150 kg mass. The projectiles left the muzzle with a velocity greater than the speed of sound, with a firing rate up to 4 rounds per minute.

In addition to their impressive offensive capabilities, the cruisers had good armor, great durability, and a high speed -- up to 33 knots. All of these factors were highly valued by sailors. Admirals kept their Flag on cruisers: their spacious rooms and a wide array of electronics allowed them to readily set up a fully functioning command post. At any time, in any weather, cruisers were performing their duties, Far cheaper than battleships, nearly 80 American cruisers were deployed, and that is with completion of only 27 of the 53 planned Cleveland-class cruisers.

One representative of the cruiser class in the U.S. Navy was the heavy cruiser «Pensacola». Like all «Washingtonians», «Pensacola» had a distorted ratio of combat characteristics: low protection (armor thickness of main battery turrets barely exceeded 60 mm.), in exchange for high firepower and extended cruising range. In addition, «Pensacola» was underused when compared to treaty limits – the designers are so enthusiastic about offensive power they failed to effectively use all permitted tonnage. US Navy ships built in the 1920’s and first half of the 1930s received the unfortunate nickname «cans». In the later 30’s such imbalances were corrected. Improved cruisers continued to be launched.

On March 24, 1930 heavy cruiser USS «Pensacola» left New York harbor, traversed the Panama Canal and made an unofficial visit to the Peruvian port of Callao and Valparaiso in Chile. After returning from the shakedown cruise to New York, she was assigned to the 4th Division of the Atlantic Fleet, where she remained for several years.
«Pensacola» took an active part In consistently passing fleet maneuvers, regularly transiting the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back. During these exercise, the Allies worked out various scenarios of military conflicts against Japan and the European powers. American admirals redrafted the role of the new heavy cruiser, no longer to be just distant scouts and raiders.

In addition to exercises and parades, in August 1934 the cruiser «Pensacola» brought the body of the Belgian ambassador, who died in the United States, home to Antwerp. On the way back, she visited the city of London as part of a tour.
After 1935, the fleet exercises were carried out only in the Pacific. The «Pensacola» was based in San Diego, California, and in 1939 was moved to Pearl Harbor. In August 1941, together with sistership «Salt Lake City», she assigned to the 5th Division cruisers, where she was listed before the war.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, «Pensacola» (under the command of the Captain Norman Scott), joined a convoy consisting of seven transports carrying reinforcements to Manila to for the garrison of General MacArthur. After hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor, «Pensacola» declared a combat alert and began to prepare for fighting – all wooden furniture was thrown overboard, and the convoy moved began to zig zag. The escort for the convoy was considered inadequate for wartime. Only the heavy cruiser «Pensacola» accompanied the convoy, plus a converted yacht gunboat «Niagara». The command was at a loss and did not know how to proceed. The cruiser received conflicting instructions: return to Honolulu, then to Samoa, and only on 11th of December did common sense prevail, with the decision to send a convoy to the Brisbane in Australian. There the convoy escorts were reinforced and again sent to Manila.

The convoy arrived in Brisbane on Dec. 22. Along the way, they lost a seaplane, which failed to return from patrol. On December 28, CA «Pensacola», again went to sea, escorting two high-speed transports, joined by another along the way. On January 3, 1942, the cruiser transferred the escorted ships to another convoy, headed by USS «Houston», and went back to Brisbane for refueling. Restocked, the cruiser sailed to Pearl Harbor, where she arrived on January 19, 1942.

On february 17, 1942 USS "Pensacola", under the command of the Captain Lowe, joined TF.11 headed by the USS "Lexington". The compound was sent to is. Rabaul, and on february 20 it was attacked by Japanese bombers. After the visual detection of eight G3M («Nell") bombers, the cruiser started firing 5" guns under the guidance of the rear post. The adjustment however was hampered by smoke and hot gases from the rear pipes, being icreased as the speed growed. 5 inch guns #1 and number #3 gave two volleys at one of the bombers. There was no direct hits, however some shells explode close to the craft, and as soon as the plane crashed into the sea, it goes in favour of "Pensacola".

A second group of Japanese bombers was soon discovered and 28 mm. AA guns and 12.7 mm. machine guns joined the defense, but scored no resoults. The ship itself is not damaged exept four men who injured eardrums during the canonade . According the report of the reflection of air attacks no craft was uniquely downed by "Pensacola", but it is possible that it managed to destroy 1-2 crafts. With the loss of surprise, the Americans abandoned the attack and in the evening February 20, TF.11 headed to Santa Cruz for refueling.

TF.17 headed by AB "Yorktown" joined TF.11 on March 6. On march 10, 1942 with Combined forces of deck-based aircraft squadrons they struck the ports of Lae and Salamaua on the north of New Guinea. After the operation as though TF.11 returned to Pearl Harbor,"Pensacola" had been a part of TF.17 until April 8, and 13 days later the cruiser arrived at Pearl Harbor.

In the spring of 1942 on the ship was equipped with twelve 20 mm anti-aircraft guns. Sea trials have shown that the 20-mm. guns, placed on a platform of aft Director were heavily exposed by muzzle gases of third turret, so they were dismantled "to be installed elsewhere". In May, "Pensacola" participated in the landing operation of 212th Fighter Squadron Marines on New Hebrides. After landing the cruiser joined TF.16 which included "Enterprise" and "Hornet" CVs. After two-weeks patrol mission, on May 26 the compound returned back to the base.

TF.16 including CA "Pensacola" joined TF.17 headed by CV "Yorktown"northwest of Midway at June 2, 1942. Together they took part in famous battle for this atoll. Japanese planes attacked TF.17, scoring three hits on the "Yorktown" therefore CA"Pensacola" and CA "Visennes" accompanied by two DD directed to aid the burning aircraft carrier. Upon arrival, the cruisers were tasked to carry radar patrol. Damaged, lost speed aircraft carrier was guarded by four cruisers and six destroyers. After a while, "Yorktown" was able to run turbines, and gradually the ship's speed reached 17 knots, and escort ships took up positions in the order around him.

At 16.27 «Pensacola's» radar discovered unidentified aircrafts at a distance of 45 miles, visually they appeared at a distance of 29 000 m. At 16.41 5". guns started to fire from a distance of 11 000 m.Turrets number 3 and number 4 gave one volley, trying to create a veil of bursts before the upcoming "Keits." With decreasing distance 28mm. and 20 mm. automatic guns engaged in shooting. At a distance of 3600 m enemy aircraft fell to 30 - 60 m and held at a distance of 300 - 400 meters from the bow and stern of "Pensacola" to attack "Yorktown." Despite the heavy flak fire, at least three "Keith" dropped torpedoes at "Yorktown" from a distance of 300 - 500 meters. At 16.45, two torpedoes hit "Yorktown." within 30 seconds interval.

As in the previous fight, there was no crafts surely downed by tthe cruiser artillery, but the report noted possible participation in the destruction of 2 - 4 "Keits". That was, However, dew to the difficulties in accounting downed crafts in conditions of simultaneous fire of several ships and fighters, especially small-caliber artillery.

Observation method for 20-mm. tracers proved to be useless in such conditions, and 28-mm. mounts appeared to be highly unreliable and often jammed due to the skewed cartridges in the clip caused by excessive vibration during sharp course change at high speeds. A 127-mm gun shoot at their own fighter once before the craft was identified.USS «Pensacola»was Hit with five bullets and a few fragments of flak from other american ships.However it coused no crew losses.

June 13, 1942 USS «Pensacola» returned to Pearl Harbor. June 22, it transported 1157 Marines moved on Midway island and returned back. At the start of the company on Guadalcanal in August 1942 «Pensacola» was sent to the Solomon Islands, where he participated in carrier battle groups escorting. October 26, 1942 as part of TF.17 (USS "Hornet") cruiser was covering the carrier in the battle of Santa Cruz. Shortly after 10.00 the compound was attacked by 20 B5N torpedo bombers, which came in small groups from different sides, a little later, another 16 dive bombers D3A ("Vel") attacked CV "Hornet" and achieved three hits. Later he was hit by two more torpedoes and lost speed. One B5N tried to attack «Pensacola», but was downed by 20-mm autocanons and fell 30 meters from the cruiser. The second torpedo bomber was shot down while leaving after attacking the aircraft carrier.

A damaged "Hornet" was approached by two destroyers at 10.30 They assisted carrier in fire fighting and took wounded, the other ships carried a cover. At 11.08 USS "Pensacola" took command over the carrier guard while CA "Northempton" took "Hornet" in tow. At 15.55 «Pensacola's» radar found a new group of Japanese planes. As the enemy entered into range, cruiser guns opened fire. Upon reflection of this attack «Pensacola» gunners claimed two downed aircrafts, but one of the Japanese torpedoes struck "Hornet" on the starboard side,and his situation has become critical. And the crew was ordered to abandon ship.

At 18.00 "Hornet" was striked by another attack, Japanese planes made another one hit without suffering losses, but carrier just stubbornly refused to sink. Americans repeatedly watched Japanese spotters, which indicated that enemy ships were in proximity. In these circumstances, it was decided to finish the carrier with torpedoes. The order was carried out, and the other ships of TF.17 left the battlefield. During the battle USS «Pensacola» was struck by bullets and shrapnel. Three men died and 16 people were wounded.

Yet November 2, 1942 «Pensacola» escorted a convoy with reinforcements and supplies for the Marines on Guadalcanal, and at 12 - 13 of November was part of USS "Enterprise's"escort, during the first battle in the island area." On November 29 TF.67 consisting of heavy cruisers "Minneapolis" (flagship of Rear Admiral Wright), "New Orleans", "Pensacola", "Northempton" and light cruiser "Honolulu", accompanied by four destroyers, left to intercept "Tokyo Express" discovered by aerial reconnaissance to prevent them from delivering food and ammunition to Guadalcanal. During the night on November 30th TF.67 was joined by another two destroyers. After exiting the Strait Leng column moved parallel to the coast of Guadalcanal. The destroyers sailed closer to the island in wakefiled column at a distance of about 6 miles. At 23.11 the destroyers, going ahead reported a radar contact. A few minutes later radar contact reports began to come from other ships. Pensacola, however, could not detect an enemy, despite the working ne RCA SXAM radar.

23.20 Wright ordered cruisers to open fire, and destroyers to attack the enemy with torpedoes. A minute later, the flagship's "Minneapolis" main guns array started to fire and shortly after other cruisers joined the canonade. USS «Pensacola», however, remained silient, cause it could not find the targets.Nasal firing station independently discovered an aim at distances of about 11 000 m, but it has been fixed, and most likely to be shore-based. Soon another target was found moving at a speed of 17 knots. After 5 minutes Pensacola fired a volley on it which landed with overshoot. The following two volleys ended with undershooys with covering. Perhaps they even managed to hit, but i was not for sure, as all American ships fired in unison to "Japanese". Since lighting shells hung by other ships, burned out, «Pensacola» gave a few shots with 5" star-shells. Fourth and fifth salvo as spotters claimed, hit an enemy ship, ended with an explosion, and the enemy disappeared from the radar screen. Since the target was observed no more, "Pensacola's" crew decided that it sank. In fact, the "Japanese" had been afloat a long time after it.

At 23.17 two Japanese torpedoes "found" "Minneapolis", and one hit the "New Orleans." Cruiser "Pensacola" bypassed damaged ships from the left side and opened fire on the newly detected target. It was probably the "Naganami" destroyer. According to the commanders report, "Pensacola's" second volley managed to hit the target, followed by explosion. Then the target disappeared from the radar screen and visually observers. The cruiser crew found it sunk, but this was completely untrue

At 23.30 «Pensacola's» radar rediscovered a new target at a distance of about 5500 m. Assuming there were no lighting projectiles in fenders, and new, rose up from the cellars of slowly(due to the presence of only one supply line from the nasal cellars) cruiser gave up seven volleys (all at the same "Naganami"), according solely to nasal artillery radar. And after all - finally the target disappeared from radar screen! Yankees joyfully celebrating another victory, although "Japanese" has not even been seriously damaged.

The cruiser Continued to move in the same direction in search of another victim and soon after found itself between the enemy and allied burning cruisers. Japanese clearly saw the silhouette of the ship on the background glow of fire, (although they mistook him for USS "Texas" battleship), and immediately launch a massive torpedo attack. Allegedly destroyed "Naganami" accompanied with three other destroyers fired 26 torpedoes fired at the target. At this time, the «Pensacola's», radar discovered a new target at a distance of about 11 000 m. At this distance, despite the usage star-shells, the target was not visually observed. Giving a few bursts, they stopped firing and the target disappeared from the radar screen.

At 23.39 one of the Japanese torpedoes hit the "Pensacola" in the left side in the area of 103th frame , near the turret #3. The hit goes about 2 m below the waterline, and provides cruiser with hole of 13.4 m long and 9.8 m in height! Cruiser lost control and rolled to the left. In addition to rear guns turret #2 also went out of order. The torpedo hit the area completely filled fuel tanks.Oil Fountain covered the mainmast, and the turret number 3, fuel spilled through the upper deck and main deck and entered the turbine hall, which begun to draw water. Cruiser banked 13 º to the left side, and the draft aft exceeded 8.8 m. The explosion destroyed the home fire main, as well as part of the fire hoses in the area, this prevented the immidiate fire elimination. Flames engulfed the mainmast and the whole area around it. The fire spread around the barbette of turret #3. Aft was cut off, however telephone with steering compartment remained intact, allowing to maintain control of the ship, and because nasal boiler and turbine department were not affected the cruiser kept running.Turning with a great difficulty in the opposite direction, the cruiser began to move away from the island.

The Japaneese were encouraged bu hitting the cruser and decided to finish it. However four torpedoes fired by "Kagero" from the close ranged missed. Damged cruiser was miving away to Tulaga at 8 kn speed. To align the roll, the oil from the damaged side was pumped to the see but the fire could not be handled for about 12 hours. Flame height sometimes reached 30 meters. At 0145 the first 8" explodes under the third main battery, having made a large hole in barbet. In a few hours about 150 shells had exploded. Scattering splinters hampered fighting the fire, but the sailors did not give up. When the cruiser anchored in theTulagi Bay, USS "Perkins" came to help fight the fire and filed for "Pensacola" several of his own fire hoses. By noon, the fire was eliminated.

Damage was very serious. Between rigs # 97 and 109 body from the left side was destroyed over the entire height, resulting in a significant weakening of the longitudinal strength and some bending and twisting of the aft end. Explosion cut short both propeller shaft left side and damaged gear of the inner shaft from the opposing side. Stern turbine hall had been flooded completely. Cruiser took on about 2900 tons of water. Cable lines, AA guns, stern directors with the fire control radar and some other equipment were completely destroyed. The third maшт calibre turret was heavily damaged. Crew lost 8 officers (one of them wounded) and 185 sailors (67 wounded).

After extinguishing the fire, "Pensacola" was slightly patched.The stern was maximally facilitated and the mainmast was cut off. Cruiser arrived at Pearl Harbor On January 27, where he docked for overhaul combined with modernization. Renovated in October 1943 USS "Pensacola" (under the command of capt Dis), joined the TG.50.3 task force (USS "Essex", USS "Bunker Hill" and USS "Independence"). Their task was to ensure landing in Tarawa. On November 19 airgroup from aircraft carriers struck a powerful blow on the islands of Makin and Betio. The next day heavy cruiser "Pensacola" shelled the Betio island. Initially, the fire from the cruiser was very inaccurate, shells do not even got to the island. The situation changed with the appeareance of the spotter and according to his reports cruiser managed to destroy a few batteries, including one anti-aircraft, spending about 600 8" shells.

After finishing bombardment the ships joined TG.50.3 which was supporting troopers landing onto Tarawa. At 6 pm the unit was attacked by 14 G4M. At 6.03 pm "Pensacola" opened fire at 3 approaching planes, from all weapons. The first one was shot by simultaneous fire from 3 ships, the second one was damaged by "Pensacola" and it was finished by "Hellcat". The third one tried to slip through in front of the ship but, damaged by AA-guns fire, bumped into water.

Suchlike bombing of islands continued until the end of February. April 6 USS "Pensacola" returned to Majuro, and by 25 of april arrived at Pearl Harbor for repairs and upgrades. At May 27 1944, "Pensacola" arrived to the Aleutian Islands, and was enrolled in TF.94. whose tasks includes actions on the northern flank of the Pacific theater. The compound, which includes "Pensacola", June 13, shelled island Matua (Kuril Islands). On June 26 they bombarded enemy targets at Cape Kurabu (Paramushir, Kuril Islands). 2 and 3 of august the bombardments were foliled due to detection of Japanese planes. August 13 USS "Pensacola" arrived at Pearl Harbor.

At the end of August 1944, "Pensacola" being already in the TG.12.5 (escot carrier "Montarei") participated in the bombardment of Wake Island. September 25 cruiser was moved to Saipan. October 6 TG.30.2 comprising heavy cruisers "Chester", "Salt Lake City", "Pensacola" and six destroyers left for shore bombardment of objects on Marcus island . This diversionary operation was carried out in anticipation of the carrier raid on Formosa. 9 October at 04.20 U.S. ships began shelling the island, but the Japanese shore batteries responded with intense gunfire. Attempts to rootstock coastal batteries were unsuccessful, while the Japanese shells continued to fall dangerously close to the ships. Americans were forced to continue firing from bigger distances. "Pensacola" fired more than 300 8" shells. After completing the operation, the compaund returned to Saipan.

11 - 12 November TG.30.2, consisting of all the three heavy cruisers, was bombing Iwo Jima island.Unfortunately due to lack of sustained communication with the aircraft spotters, fire were held mainly on the areas. "Pensacola" shot all 495 8" shells from the magazines, as well as 473 5" ones. At Night cruisers off to the base. December 6 USS "Pensacola" once again participated in the bombardment of Iwo Jima. Again, in the absence of a stable connection, the fire was held mostly on the areas. From 11 to 17 December "Chester", "Salt Lake City", "Pensacola" heavy cruisers were on patrol to intercept the Japanese ships. December 22 they were joined by five destroyers and the proceded for another gunning of Iwo Jima.

For the next month and a half USS "Pensacola" for regularly went to the bombing of Japanese objects on Iwo Jima as a floating battery. Thousands of shells were fired. It Participated in patrols to intercept Japanese ships attempting to deliver reinforcements sieged island. February 1 "Pensacola" was included in the TF.54 under the command of Rear Admiral Rogers, holding a flag on the BB-36 "Nevada." His task was to support troops landed on Iwo Jima with fire.

February 16 spotter from "Pensacola", reported that he had shot down a A6M "Zero" fighter. February 17 cruiser bombarded enemy positions as usual, following with 5 knot speed at a constant course. At 09.34 it came under back fire of shore batteries, although the first volleys went away,the Japanese zeroed in soon and "Pensacola" was strucked with six shells. In addition, as a result of close blasts the carapace in some underwater places was dent, and some small shrapnel holes appeared. Total losses of ship amounted to 17 dead and 120 wounded. During Night the crew managed to close up all the holes and pump out water from flooded compartments. Subsequently they repaired all damaged guns.

Operation against Iwo Jima ended for "Pensacola" on March 1 when she, BB-48 "West Virginia" and three destroyers headed for Ulithi. March 21 USS "Pensacola" within TG.54.2 went for fire support of landing troops on Okinawa. The group came to the island before dawn on March 26 and immediately began to shell enemy positions. March 27 cruiser was attacked by a submarine, but managed to evade all two lounched torpedoes. In the following days, Japanese aircrafts repeatedly attacked U.S. ships and aircraft gunners of "Pensacola" chalked up four more planes.

March 14 cruiser was ordered to proceed to Guam as part of escort convoy consisting of 15 transports. From Guam "Pensacola" went to Pearl Harbor, and from there, in San Francisco, for the purpose of repairing and modernization. Upon completion of all works, the cruiser was sent to Port Adak, Alaska, where he arrived on August 9. September and October 1945 "Pensacola" spent in the waters of the island of Honshu, supporting the occupation forces. In early 1946, the heavy cruiser ended his active service. Part of equipment was removed and ship was sent to Pearl Harbor, where he was prepared for use as target for nuclear weapons testing.

The cruiser survived air explosion of the 1 of July, and underwater one - of the 25 of July. Then the ship was towed to the attol Kwajalein where it was finally unequiped and it was given for research of the aftermath of explosions. By the ending of the researches, it was decided to use radioactive hull as a target. On the 10-th of November 1948 "Pensacola" was sank, remaining on the water for 6 and a half hours, under fire of the battlecruisers, destroyers and carrier-based aviation

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Переводчики: mazzeltof, Zamuchryshkin, GenrichGoldring