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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-6 USS KENTUCKY

Radio Call Sign: November - India - Quebec

Kearsarge Class Battleship: Displacement 11,525 Tons, Dimensions, 375' 4" (oa) x 72' 3" x 25' 10" (Max), Armament 4 x 13"/35 4 x 8"/35, 14 x 5"/40 4 x 18" tt, Armor, 16 1/2" Belt, 17" Turrets, 5" Decks, 10" Conning Tower, Machinery, 10,000 IHP; 2 vertical triple expansion engines, 2 screws, Speed, 16 Knots, Crew 553.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA, on 30 June 1896, Launched 24 March 1898, Commissioned 15 May 1900, Decommissioned 28 August 1909, Recommissioned 4 June 1912. Decommissioned 29 March 1920. Stricken 27 May 1922.
Fate: Sold 24 March 1923 and broken up for scrap.
Click On Image
For Full Size Image		SizeImage DescriptionContributed
By And/Or Copyright
Keel Laying / Commissioning
1896 - 1900
BB-5 Kearsarge 45k Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6). General arrangement plan for the main deck, as designed. Copied from Transactions Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Volume 3, 1895. Photo # NH 76631, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
BB-5 Kearsarge 123k Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6). Midship section plan, through the conning tower at Frame 33, showing the ships as designed. The arrangement of armor is depicted, along with one 5"/40 broadside gun, an 18-inch above-water torpedo tube, and the steering wheels in both the armored conning tower and the pilothouse. Copied from R. Robinson, Naval Construction, 4th Edition, 1917, page 160-61. Photo # NH 76632, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
BB-6987kKENTUCKY (BB-6), MOST POWERFUL BATTLESHIP IN THE WORLD
The new United States battleship Kentucky now fast nearing completion in the ship yards at Newport News, will be the most powerful warship in the navy. The date of its launching has not been decided upon, but when Miss Christine Braille, of Kentucky breaks the bottle of champagne on the Kentucky's forehead there will he no more destructive piece of machinery afloat than the new American ship. The Kentucky is one of four sister ships, all of which will soon be finished. The Kentucky bears on her forward and after deck a double turret. Each of these turrets carries two thirteen inch guns. No European power has placed on the deck of a warship any gun more than twelve inches. Thus can the Kentucky strike a blow with which the power of no other warship can compare. A single blow of this kind would disable if not sink the strongest ship of battle afloat. From bow and stern the Kentucky can fire simultaneously a thirteen inch gun.
The Kentucky will draw only twenty-five feet of water, three feet less than the lightest boats now on the sea. She will be able to sail into all the harbors and be docked with less difficulty than the three other boats now building..... 		Image and text provided by State Historical Society of Missouri; Columbia, MO.
Photo & text by Kansas City Journal. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 12 December 1897, Image 18, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Turret Plans480kThis is an original 1898 2-page article from the Scientific American Journal from January 29th entitled "The Latest Battleships For The United States Navy". This article details turret plans for the Kearsarge & Illinois classes. Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
BB-5 & 6842kTHE KENTUCKY (BB-6) AND KEARSARGE (BB-5)
From the Only Photograph Made of the Twin Battleships to be Launched Next Thursday, Showing the Advanced Stage of the Work Upon Them.		Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo & text by The Times. (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 20 March 1898, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5 & 6370kLINES OF THE TWIN UNITED STATES MEN-OF-WAR, THE KEARSARGE (BB-5) AND THE KENTUCKY (BB-6), TO BE LAUNCHED MARCH 24.Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo from Daily Public Ledger. (Maysville, Ky.) 1892-191?, 22 March 1898, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6840kKENTUCKY (BB-6) IS LAUNCHED
Big Battleship Named After the Bourbon State
WAS CHRISTENED WITH PURE WATER
......There was not a hitch in the program, and the cheers from the 30000 throats greeted the latest additions to the United States navy as they slid from the ways, the prow of one sprinkled with foaming champagne, the other christened with pure water from the home of Abraham Lincoln. 		Image and text provided by University of North Texas; Denton, TX.
Photo & text by The Houston Daily Post. (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 25 March 1898, MAILABLE EDITION, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-61.19kFLOATED LIKE DUCKS
Battleships Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6) on the ways as they appeared ten days ago. 		Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo & text by Daily Press. (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 25 March 1898, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-61.07kHOW THE KEARSARGE (BB-5) AND KENTUCKY (BB-6) WILL APPEAR WHEN READY FOR SERVICE.Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo & text by Richmond Dispatch.(Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 25 March 1898, Image 9, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5
010509		244kAn invitation to the event.Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
BB-5
010510		1.34kThe two ships awaiting launching as the crowd gathers. Kearsarge (BB-5) is on the left & Kentucky (BB-6) on the other side.Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
Kearsarge & Kentucky 970k Very strong wooden launching struts hold up over 11,500 tons of Kearsarge (BB-5) on 24 March 1898, Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA. The mast of the Kentucky (BB-6) appears on the other side of the launching platform on this very busy day at Newport News Shipbuilding which saw both battleships slide into the waters of the James River. Both battleships had their keels laid and were launched on the same day. USN / USNI photo.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 25 March 1898, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky60kKentucky (BB-6) ready for launching at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company shipyard, Newport News, Virginia, 24 March 1898. Note chalk marks on her hull plating, indicating the planned location of fittings and gun ports.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 92506, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky473kKearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6) ready for launching at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company shipyard, Newport News, Virginia, 24 March 1898.Photo courtesy of The Daily Press via Dale Hargrave.
BB-5 Kearsarge 419k Enter Kentucky (BB-6)! Photograph PR-3-Box 83-8 by William H. Rau, courtesy of the Library of Congress & National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-5 Kearsarge 483k Launching of Kentucky (BB-6). Photo courtesy of Dave Way, Curator, Battleship Iowa BB 61, Pacific Battleship Center.
BB-6 KentuckyNRFILM, VIDEO Launch, U.S. battleship Kentucky (BB-6)
View from the James River of the launching of the battleship Kentucky at Newport News, Va. Built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, the Kentucky is launched shortly after the U.S. battleship Kearsarge (BB-5) on 24 March 1898. Long shot of ship on launching skids, sliding into river, and moving past stationary camera. Contributor: American Mutoscope Company - American Mutoscope and Biograph Company - Theodore Roosevelt Association Collection (Library of Congress) - Paper Print Collection (Library of Congress) - Niver (Kemp) Collection (Library of Congress) Date: 1898		Courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-5 & 6NRBIG TWIN WARSHIPS LAUNCHED.
Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6) Glide Into the Waters of James River. Purity and Patriotism Blended in the Ceremonies Attend the Christening of the New Champions.
Two New Battle-Ships and the Women Who Christened Them		Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 25 March 1898, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5 & 6581kTHE BATTLE-SHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6)
The Namesake of the Grand Old Commonwealth Launched Yesterday, With Governer Bradley's Handsome Daughter as Her Sponsor.		Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo & text by Daily Public Ledger. (Maysville, Ky.) 1892-191?, 25 March 1898, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-61.82kKentucky (BB-6) officer stateroom. Detroit Publishing Company. USN photo # Lot 3000-C-21, courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
BB-61.50kKentucky (BB-6) superstructure deck. Detroit Publishing Company. USN photo # Lot 3000-C-16, courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Monitors677kOUR NAVY AS IT IS TODAY
1. Monadnock (BM-3) . 2. Petrel. 3. Puritan (BM-1) . 4. Concord. 5. Wilmington. 6. Amphitrite (BM-2) . 7. Ajax. 8. Machias. 9. Cincinnati. 10. Marblehead. 1 1. Montgomery. 12. Minneapolis. 13. Kearsarge (BB-5). 14. Kentucky (BB-6). 15. Bancroft. 16. Dolphin. 17. Vesuvius. 18. Raleigh. 19. Indiana (BB-1). 20. Iowa (BB-4). 21. Olympia. 22. Terror (M-4). 23. Catskill . 24. Miantonomah (BM-5). 25. Gustine. 26. Yorktown. 27. Texas. 28. Helena. 29. Massachusetts (BB-2). 30. Columbia. 31. New Orleans, 32. San Francisco. 33. Canonicus . 34. Camanche . 35. Monterey (BM-6). 36. Brooklyn. 37. Detroit 38. Atlanta. 39. Alabama (BB-8). 40. Albany. 41. Baltimore. 42. Chicago. 43. Newark, 44. Boston. 45. Charleston. 46. Oregon (BB-3). 47. New York. 48. Manhattan. 49. Philadelphia. 50. Lehigh. And Torpedo Boats. Drawn by "W. A. Verhas.		Image and text provided by University of Tennessee.
Photo by The Maryville Times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 28 May 1898, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5NROUR NEW BATTLESHIPS.
KEARSARGE (BB-5), KENTUCKY (BB-6), ILLINOIS (BB-7), ALABAMA (BB-8) & WISCONSIN (BB-9)		Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from Richmond Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 26 June 1898, Image 11, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5 Kearsarge 36k Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6). Armor plan, 1899, showing the distribution of side and turret armor. The original plan # 143-10-31 in Record Group 19, U.S. National Archives. Photo # NH 76630, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky373kKentucky (BB-6) during her sea trials, September 1899.Photo courtesy of The Daily Press via Dale Hargrave.
1900's
BB-6 Kentucky505k3 photo PDF of Kentucky (BB-6) silver service presented by citizens of Kentucky.Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart. LC-DIG-det-4a14328 courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky595kJanuary, 1900. A view from the bridge of the Kentucky (BB-6) at the outfitting pier. Kearsarge (BB-5) is on the right. Photo courtesy of The Daily Press via Dale Hargrave.
BB-6767kTHE NEW AMERICAN NAVY
Sixty One More War Vessels in Process of Construction
THE BATTLESHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6).		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The Times.(Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 18 February 1900, Second Part, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6980k THE BATTLESHIPS KENTUCKY (BB-6) AND KEARSARGE (BB-5), WHICH MAY MENACE TURKEY.
It is said that if the sultan of Turkey continues postponing the payment of damages for American missionary property destroyed in Turkey, a formidable fleet of American warships, including the Kentucky and Kearsarge, the mammoth new battleships, will make a demonstration in the Mediterranean.		Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA. & University of California, Riverside.
Photo courtesy of Virginian-Pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 03 May 1900, Image 11, &
Insert photo & text by The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 14 September 1900, Image 9 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky105kCapt. Colby Mitchell Chester was the Commanding Officer of Kentucky (BB-6) upon her Commissioning on 15 May 1900 until 1901. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress via Bill Gonyo.
BB-6 Kentucky941kKentucky (BB-6), circa 1900.Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart. LC-DIG-det-4a14305 courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky1.09kKentucky (BB-6) from aloft.Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart. LC-DIG-det-4a14315 courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-61.02kGREAT SHOW OF NAVAL FORCE.
ADMIRAL REMEY'S FLEET ON THE ASIATIC STATION TO BE LARGELY INCREASED. AMERICAN POLICY IN CHINA OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED
THE UNITED STATES BATTLESHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6)		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 23 September 1900, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky1.21k OUR FLEET IN THE ORIENT
THE BATTLESHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6). 		Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from Deseret Evening News.(Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 13 October 1900, Part 3, Image 19, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky88kShip's officers on deck at the New York Navy Yard, prior to Kentucky's (BB-6) 25 October 1900 departure for the Far East.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 46715
BB-6 Kentucky51kA watercolor by the artist Richard C. Moore entitled "USS Kentucky.
The Kentucky (BB-6) is pictured in her original configuration as she steams through moderate seas.		Photo courtesy of ship-paintings.com. Courtesy of the artist Richard C. Moore.
BB-6 Kentucky180kOfficer at stern in front of Kentucky's (BB-6) after turret.Photo courtesy of Jim Geldert.
BB-6 Kentucky87k1900 image (bow on) showing Kentucky's (BB-6) secondary battery atop her main battery. Courtesy of the Library of Congress (LOC) / USN photo.
BB-6 Kentucky80kStern view taken at the same time as above.Courtesy of the Library of Congress (LOC) / USN.
BB-6 Kentucky95kHalftone photograph of 13-inch armor piercing shells on deck, circa 1900. Published on a stereographic card.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 82666, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky87kLoading ammunition on Kentucky (BB-6), circa 1900.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 82668, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky318kPhotograph taken circa 1900. It has been color-tinted and published on a post card.Partial Text courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 52047-KN, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Eno from the Raymond Strout collection.
BB-6 Kentucky320kKentucky (BB-6), circa 1900.Photo courtesy of The Daily Press via Dale Hargrave.
BB-6 Kentucky1.44k KENTUCKY (BB-6) NOW TRAINS BIG GUNS ON MOROCCO. Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from Deseret Evening News.(Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 24 November 1900, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-63.30kTURKEY SHOWS ADDITIONAL UNFRIENDLINESS TO AMERICA AND VIOLATES ALL TREATIES. THE PORT OF SMYRNA. TO WHICH PLACE THE BATTLESHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6) IS BOUND. TO REMIND THE SULTAN THAT HE OWES UNCLE SAM INDEMNITY. THE SULTAN IS ALSO PICTURED IN THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATIONImage and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 24 November 1900, Image 1 & Virginian-Pilot.(Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 29 November 1900, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6NRCaptain of Battleship Kentucky (BB-6) Said to Be Acting Under His Own Discretion.Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 04 December 1900, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky120kOfficers of Kentucky (BB-6) at Algiers, circa January 1901.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 46714, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6338k Kentucky (BB-6) taking on ammunition, circa 1901.
The crew is seemingly engaged watching a shell being tied down to hoist. 		Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart, # 4a14334v from lcweb2.loc.gov
Brooklyn
010626		1.49k Battleship on the lawn: View of the Kentucky (BB-6) at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Lawn and offices circa 1901. Photo from the Detriot Publishing Co. via LOC
BB-6 Kentucky812kKentucky (BB-6) and Auxiliary Cruiser Prairie at Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1901. The Vermont, which was receiving ship for New York Navy Yard, is behind the Kentucky. And a chain of scenery:
Note the flags at half mast, probably during the mourning period after President McKinley's assassination and death on 14 September 1901.		Photo i.d. courtesy of John Spivey.
Detroit Publishing Company Photos by Edward H. Hart. LC-DIG-det-4a14307 by loc.gov
Insert photo: Detroit Publishing Company. LC-DIG-det-4a14304 courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky88kRADM. Robley Dunglison "Fighting Bob" Evans, Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet, chose the battleship Kentucky (BB-6) as his flagship at Yokohama on 4 November 1902; and he continued to direct American naval operations in the Far East from her until she sailed from Manila for home on 13 March 1904.Photo courtesy of the Naval History & Heritage Command Center via Bill Gonyo.
BB-6 Kentucky NR Kentucky (BB-6) all dressed up at Kobe for the Japanese Emperor's birthday in October, 1903. Scanned from "Proceedings", June, 1960, p.26. Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-6 Kentucky570kTHE BATTLE SHIP AND CRUISER FLEET ARRIVES
Seven Powerful Warships, With Two Admirals and Over 3000 Men on Board, Enter the Harbor to Take on Supplies.		Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Text by The Hawaiian Gazette.(Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 18 December 1903, Image 1.
Photo courtesy of The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 22 July 1908, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-3 OregonNRTHE SPLENDID FLAGSHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6), HER RECORD AND HER EXPECTATIONS.Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo from The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 18 December 1903, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-3 Oregon997kTHE KENTUCKY'S BEAR.Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo from The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 18 December 1903, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Kentucky
010604f		 NR PACIFIC SQUADRON OFF HONOLULU, DEC., 1903.
Kentucky (BB-6) (Flagship),Wisconsin (BB-9) & New Orleans
Cincinnati (C-7) & Oregon (BB-3)
& Raleigh (C-8) and Albany. 		Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo by The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 01 January 1904, PART 1, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky636kAMID STRAINS OF "THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME" FLEET SAILS FOR CAVITE
Kentucky (BB-6), Cincinnati (C-7), Albany & Raleigh (C-8) AT ANCHOR OUTSIDE THE HARBOR.		Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo & text by The Hawaiian Gazette. (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 01 January 1904, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-9 Wisconsin NR ASIATIC FLEET OF THE UNITED STATES WHICH WILL SAFEGUARD AMERICAN INTERESTS IF WAR OPENS IN THE FAR EAST
Cruisers Raleigh (C-8) and Albany. Battleships Oregon (BB-3) and Cruisers Cincinnati (C-7) & New Orleans. Battleships Kentucky (BB-6) & Wisconsin (BB-9).		 Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo & text by The Salt Lake Tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 11 January 1904, Image 8, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6
010659		1.78k A HOMEWARD-BOUND PENNANT. When ordered home from a foreign station, the crew buy a "homeward bounder". Photo by Enrique Mueller Jr., 1904, from loc.gov courtesy of Joe Reese.
BB-6 Kentucky519kKENTUCKY (BB-6) BREAKS RECORD OF WORLD!
The United States battleship Kentucky anchored in New York Bay Saturday, having made the world's record for a warship from Hong Kong and Madeira to New York. The total distance steamed was 12,699 miles from Hong Kong, at an average speed of 12.7 knts. The last run of 2,900 miles, from Madeira to New York, was made at an average speed of 13.8 knots. The whole distance was made under natural draught.		Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo & text by Daily Public Ledger.(Maysville, Ky.) 1892-191?, 26 May 1904, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 482k Kentucky (BB-6) arrived in New York 23 May. She finished her overhaul in New York Navy Yard 26 October.
This is most likely the Kentucky at New York Navy Yard on 1 July 1904.		 Photo i.d. courtesy of Richrd Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 6881509
Agency-Assigned Identifier: F585 N1
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Connecticut408kConnecticut (BB-18) after the launching.
Note the Kentucky (BB-6) full of sailor spectators on the left.		National Archives Identifier: 6880372
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-6 Kentucky857kEarly 1900's stern view of the Kentucky's (BB-6) aft dual 13"/8"turret. Large gun ports were necessary due to the guns being mounted toward the back of the turret. Small caliber rapid fire guns are mounted in the main mast fighting tops. 8x10 inch glass negative by Edward Hart, Detroit Publishing Company, courtesy of Library of Congress photo via shorpy.com
BB-6 Kentucky935kWater flows from the Kentucky's (BB-6) bow, circa 1900-04.US National Archives photo # 80G-1035078-2 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-6 Kentucky93kCrew members and Marines photographed on the forecastle, during the early 1900s. Color-tinted photograph, published on a postcard by Raphael Tuck & Sons under the title "Guns and Gunners of the Kentucky (BB-6)". Note the superimposed 13-inch/8-inch gun turret behind the men, with a decorative eagle mounted on its face.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 94278-KN, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky683kKentucky (BB-6) entering Havana Harbor, Cuba, circa 1905. Note photographer on rocks in the center foreground.Photo # NH 83709, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky114kPlaying Checkers on board a U.S. Man O'War. Photograph by Enrique Muller, circa 1905. Color-tinted and published on a post card by the American News Company, New York. Ship is probably Kentucky (BB-6), which had a turret decoration like that seen in upper right.Photo # NH 101259-KN, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Bar Harbor 195k The First Squadron of the North Atlantic Fleet during a visit, 3-10 August 1905, to Bar Harbor, Maine. The visit consisted of eight BB's commanded by RA R.D. Evans. Maine (BB-10), Missouri (BB-11), Kearsarge (BB-5), Kentucky (BB-6), Alabama (BB-8), Illinois (BB-7), Iowa (BB-4), and Massachusetts (BB-2).
From right to left are the Kearsarge, Kentucky, Maine & Missouri.		 Photo from the collection of Raymond Strout via Jonathan Eno.
BB-6 KentuckyNRJACKIE THINKS ITS A JOKE
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Evening World. ((New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 13 November 1905, 11 O'Clock Night Extra, Image 10, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-8 Alabama NR BATTLESHIPS IN CRASH
TWO RUN AGROUND
Alabama (BB-8) Rams Kentucky (BB-6) in Avoiding Stranded Kearsarge (BB-5) — All Off.
While five of the big battleships of the North Atlantic squadron, under Rear Admiral Evans,were steaming out to sea yesterday, bound for Hampton Roads, the Kearsarge and the Kentucky went aground, about noon, off the northwest point of the East Bank, about a mile and a half south of Norton's Island and two miles east of West Bank Light. The Alabama, fourth in line, tore through the channel and struck the Kentucky on the starboard quarter with terrific force, tearing a hole in her own port bow and seriously damaging the Kentucky. The fleet was proceeding under reduced speed, probably not more than seven or eight knots, when the high wind and strong tide eddies played havoc with the Kentucky, forcing her to swing almost half a mile off the main channel.		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.& University of California, Riverside.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 08 January 1906, Image 1, & The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, Image 3 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky NR THE DAMAGED BATTLESHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6).
 GUNHOLE IN THE KENTUCKY SHOWING DOORS SMASHED IN COLLISION. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 09 January 1906, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-8 Alabama 640k Battleships in Danger.
 These three battleships figured in a remarkable naval accident in New York bay 7 January. The Kentucky (BB-6) which ran aground and was rammed by the Alabama (BB-8) is in the picture at the upper left. The Alabama is in the upper right. At the lower left is the Kearsarge (BB-5) which also ran aground. The diagram in the lower right shows how the accidents occurred. It is drawn from a description furnished by Rear Admiral Davis.		Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Spanish Fork Press. (Spanish Fork, Utah) 1902-current, 18 January 1906, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Maine273kMaine as it is now, with Kentucky (BB-6) in the background, Havana, 3 September 1906. Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart, # 3a23342r from lcweb2.loc.gov
Oyster Bay1.20kAN IMPOSING SPECTACLE
Birds-eye View Showing Position of Fleet in Naval Review at Oyster Bay.		Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo & text by The Salt Lake Herald. (Salt Lake City [Utah) 1870-1909, 04 September 1906, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Indiana1.71kTHREE BIG FIGHTERS NOW ON THE WAY TO JOIN AMERICAN FLEET AT HAVANA Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by Enrique Muller Jr., from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 26 September 1906, Last Edition, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 VirginiaNRGREATEST AMERICAN FLEET
EVER ASSEMBLED IN TIME OFPEACE OR WAR UNDER ONE COMMANDER
Great Fighting Sea Monsters At Anchor in Hampton Roads for Spectacular Contrast of U S Engines of War With Foreign Countries Death - Dealing Machines and for Most Powerful and Terrible Peace Plea. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 21 April 1907, Magazine Section, Image 47, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Hampton Roads
011557		1.45k U. S. Naval display, Hampton Roads, Jamestown, Virginia.
Postcard shows battleships in the Great White Fleet surrounded by smaller craft at Hampton, Virginia. Ships include the Georgia (BB-15), Maine (BB-10), Indiana (BB-1), Rhode Island (BB-17), New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), Ohio (BB-12), Minnesota (BB-22), Alabama (BB-8), Louisiana (BB-19), Iowa (BB-4), Tennessee (ACR-10), Connecticut (BB-18), Kearsarge (BB-5), Illinois (BB-7) and Kentucky (BB-6). 		Photo & Copyright 1907 by W. N. Jennings, Phila., via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ds-02684 (digital file from left half of original item) LC-DIG-ds-02744 (digital file from right half of original item)
BB-6 Kentucky100kDressed with flags, at a naval review in about 1907. Indiana (BB-1) is in the background.Photo # NH 93054, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky99k"And still the band played on".Caption from a postcard photo of the Kentucky (BB-6), circa 1905-08. Photo # NH 52046-KN, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky2.33kTHE BATTLESHIP KENTUCKY (BB-6)
Which went aground near Norfolk yesterday. Battleship Rescued from Mud Flats Near Norfolk, Vn. 		Photo by Enrique Muller.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 09 October 1907, Image 3 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-22 Minnesota 230k Steroscopic color print of the view from the bridge of the Minnesota (BB-22) during the Jamestown Exhibition. The Kentucky (BB-6) is closest to the ship. Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
Great White Fleet Cruise
Great White Fleet 15.4k The "Great White Fleet" steaming in column, probably while departing Hampton Roads, Virginia, at the start of their cruise around the World, December 1907. Kansas (BB-21) is at left, followed by Vermont (BB-20). USN photo # N-0000X-001 courtesy of navy.mil. Photographed by C.E. Waterman, Hampton, Va. via Bob Canchola
BB-6
010625		1.06kPhotographed 25 January 1908 while painted with buff colored superstructure down to the main deck. Photographed by Enrique Muller.
Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ggbain-24486.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov.
Straits of Magellan290k The "Great White Fleet" in the Straits of Magellan, 1908, from a painting by Henry Reuterdahl.Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
BB-18 Connecticut185kMAGDELENA BAY, WHERE THE FLEET ASSEMBLES FOR TARGET PRACTICE.
INTENSE RIVALRY OF CREWS IN MAKING NEW RECORDS WITH THE BIG GUNS
Seven inch gun drill aboard the Connecticut (BB-18) in Magdalena Bay, Mexico on 12 March 1908.		PDF Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside;
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 29 March 1908, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-18 Connecticut3.71kUnited States fleet, San Francisco Bay. Photo pan 6a33217 courtesy of loc.gov via Detroit Photographic Company.
BB-5 Kearsarge 573k Atlantic Fleet entering Golden Gate 6th May 1908. Library of Congress photo # pan 6a33669, from the Panoramic View Co., Chas. Z. Bailey, Mgr., Los Angeles, Cal. submitted by Tom Kermen.
Fleet at Long Beach 507k The fleet at San Diego, Calif., 5, May 1908.
What looks like two Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships to the left; a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship in the center with what might be three other Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships in the immediate distance; two Illinois class (BB-7 / 9) battleships are on the right corner, behind them are the two Kearsarge class (BB-5 / 6) battleships and a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) or Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleship in the right corner of the photo. 		Library of Congress photo # pan 6a33626, by W. D. Lambert; submitted by Tom Kermen.
Fleet entering Golden Gate 646k Panoramic photograph by the Pillsbury Picture Company showing the review of the "Great White Fleet" on 17 May 1908 by Secretary of the Navy Victor A. Metcalf, embarked in Yorktown (PG-1), which is steaming toward the left in the right center of the image. Three destroyers are in the line nearest to the camera (from left to center), with either Hopkins (DD-6) or Hull (DD-7) in the center and Lawrence (DD-8) next astern. Eleven battleships are present, in the rows on the opposite side of Yorktown's course, and seven Pacific Fleet armored cruisers are in the most distant row. Photo # NH 105310, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
GWF493kBATTLESHIP FLEET ARRIVED HERE IN FINE TRIM
BATTLESHIP PASSING DIAMOND HEAD.
What looks to be the Kearsarge (BB-5) or her sister Kentucky (BB-6) is in the foreground. 		Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo & text by The Hawaiian Gazette. (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 17 July 1908, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5 Kearsarge 102k World Cruise of the "Great White Fleet", 1907-09. Battleships of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Sydney Harbor, Australia, in late August 1908. Kearsarge (BB-5) is in the center, with Kentucky (BB-6) beyond. The original photograph was published on a stereographic card by the Rose stereographic Company, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington & London. Photo # NH 100337, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky70kWorld Cruise of the "Great White Fleet", 1907-09. Stern view of the Kentucky (BB-6) in Sydney Harbor, Australia, in late August 1908. Kearsarge (BB-5) is probably ahead of her. Photo printed on a stereographic card, copyrighted by Underwood & Underwood, and submitted by Warren McLean.
BB-6 Kentucky365k Kentucky (BB-6) in a California port, 1908. The photo is from a collection called "California Reception to the Fleet 1908. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB-6 Kentucky
010623		1.37kU.S. fleet at Sydney, N.S.W. - Ball by Kentucky (BB-6), circa August-September 1908. Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ggbain-02902.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov.
GWF901kTHE ATLANTIC FLEET OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
From Official Bulletin of Bureau of Navigation showing the Vessels off the Port of Callao practicing the Gridiron maneuver. This is considered by Naval authorities to be the most dangerous evolution in steam tactics and its improper execution caused the loss of HMS Victoria with 798 men in 1893.
Picture faithfully represents the entire Fleet in official formation and vessels can be identified by numbers corresponding to table appended:
First Division
1. Connecticut (BB-18), Flagship, 2. Kansas (BB-21), 3. Vermont (BB-20), 4. Louisiana (BB-19),
Second Division
5. Georgia (BB-15), Flagship, 6. New Jersey (BB-16), 7. Rhode Island (BB-17), 8. Virginia (BB-13),
18 Torpedo Flotilla
Whipple (DD-15), Truxtun (DD-14), Lawrence (DD-8), Stewart (DD-13), Hopkins (DD-6) & Hull (DD-7)
Third Division
9. Minnesota (BB-22), Flagship, 10. Ohio (BB-12), 11. Missouri (BB-11), 12. Maine (BB-10)
17. Yankton {Special Dispatch Tender}
Fourth Division
13. Alabama (BB-8), Flagship 14. Illinois (BB-7), 15. Kearsarge (BB-5), 16. Kentucky (BB-6)
19. Auxiliaries
Glacier, [refrigerating ship], Panther,[repair ship], Culgoa, [storeship] & Arethusa,[torpedo flotilla tender]. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The National Tribune. (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 24 September 1908, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet 100k Postcard published in Japan to commemorate the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's visit there in October 1908. This card features pictures of the Fleet's sixteen battleships, plus images of three Japanese ladies, plus flags and symbols of the United States and Japan. Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 106114-KN. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Amoy, China114kBattleships of the Second Squadron, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, saluting during their visit to Amoy, China, circa 30 October - 5 November 1908.
The U.S. Ships are anchored in line of Divisions, with the Third Division closest to the camera. Louisiana (BB-19), flagship of the Second Squadron and Third Division, is partially visible at the far right. Astern of her in the same line are Virginia (BB-13) (right center) and Missouri (BB-11) (left center).
The Fourth Division is anchored just beyond the Third Division's line. Wisconsin (BB-9), Fourth Division flagship, is toward the right [between Virginia and Louisiana]. Astern of her (in no particular order) are Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6).
The four grey ships, in the most distant line, all appear to be Chinese cruisers. 		Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 106148. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C.
BB-18 Connecticut99kCommanding officers of most of the fleet's ships, photographed in 1908. Those present include (Seated, left to right): Captain Hugo Osterhaus, of Connecticut (BB-18); Captain Kossuth Niles, of Louisiana (BB-19); Captain William P. Potter, of Vermont (BB-20); Captain John Hubbard, of Minnesota (BB-22); Captain Joseph B. Murdock, of Rhode Island (BB-17); Captain Charles E. Vreeland, of Kansas (BB-21).
Standing, left to right): Captain Hamilton Hutchins, of Kearsarge (BB-5); Captain Frank E. Beatty, of Wisconsin (BB-9); Captain Reginald F. Nicholson, of Nebraska (BB-14); Captain Thomas B. Howard, of Ohio (BB-12); Captain William H.H. Southerland, of New Jersey (BB-16); Captain Walter C. Cowles, of Kentucky (BB-6); Captain John M. Bowyer, of Illinois (BB-7); Captain Alexander Sharp, of Virginia (BB-13); Lieutenant Commander Charles B. McVay, of Yankton.		Photo # NH 59552, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Society of Sponsors of the U.S. Navy96kSociety of Sponsors of the U.S. Navy. Attendees at the Society's organizational meeting, in Washington, D.C., February 1908. The photograph was given to the Society by Mrs. Annie Keith Frazier Somerville, one of its founders. Her mother had sent a photographer to Washington's Willard Hotel to take this view. The fourteen sponsors present to organize the Society were (Those identified on the photograph are marked "**"): Mrs. G.F. Toland; ** Mrs. John P. Pels (Miss R.W. Wright), Sponsor of Denver (C-14); ** Mrs. Earl Morgan (Miss Elizabeth Stephenson), Sponsor of Wisconsin (BB-9); Miss Helen Duchler, Sponsor of Ohio (BB-12); Mrs. George Sturdevant (Miss M.L. Drake), Sponsor of Iowa (BB-4); ** Miss Lorna Pinnock, Sponsor of Salem (CS-3); Miss Harriet Rankin; Miss Dorothy Sproul, Sponsor of Chester (CS-1); Miss Ida May Shearer; ** Miss Mary Campbell, Sponsor of Birmingham (CS-2); ** Miss Keith Frazier, Sponsor of Tennessee (ACR-10); ** Mrs. John South (Miss Christine Bradley), Sponsor of Kentucky (BB-6); ** Miss Minnie Conrad, Sponsor of Montana (ACR-13). The little girl is Miss Eleanor Gow. Collection of the Society of Sponsors of the U.S. Navy. Photo # NH 95456, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Idaho
010525		 NR COMMANDER OF FORCES AGAINST NICARAGUA: MARINE OFFICER AND CRACK BLUEJACKETS FROM IDAHO (BB-24). Marine Major Smedley Butler appears here, with sailors from the battleship Idaho with either the Kearsarge (BB-5) or Kentucky (BB-6) in the background.
Butler was, at the time of his death (1940), the most decorated Marine in U.S. history. He is quoted as saying War is just a racket.		 Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo from The Daytona Daily News.(Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 17 December 1909, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Source: Digital ID: ggbain 09798 # 2163746136. LC-B2-2299-7, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
Photo procured by Buyenlarge/Getty Images courtesy of gettyimages.com.
Insert link courtesy of f.a.s.org (Federation of American Scientists).
1910's
BB-6 Kentucky1.06kAfter local operations and repairs at Philadelphia Navy Yard, Kentucky (BB-6) decommissioned at Norfolk 28 August 1909. She recommissioned in the 2d Reserve 4 June 1912 but, save for a run to New York, did not operate at sea before being placed in ordinary in Philadelphia Navy Yard 31 May 1913.
She appears here at extension Dry Dock No. 3, looking Southeast; U.S. Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., 12 September 1910.		Text courtesy of DANFS.
National Archives Identifier: 52556297
Agency-Assigned Identifier: 181-V-0683.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Various Views of the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson
Review
012173m		4.51k Mobilization of Atlantic Fleet at New York, 12 - 15 October 1912. Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Review
012173		1.36k U.S. Battleship Fleet during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson.
The nearest ship half visible on the right is the New Hampshire (BB-25) based on the distinctive half-cased stacks. The two sister ships behind her are not clear enough to specifically ID. The fourth ship is one of the Mississippi class, but again, not clear enough to ID.		 Photo i.d. via Richard M. Jensen.
Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Review
012173d		1.38k Small boats join during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson. Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
BB-6 Kentucky69kOff New York City during a Naval Review, circa 1912. Photo # NH 52045, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
Almost UnknownNRSCENE OF UNUSUAL BEAUTY WHEN FLEET AND SHORE WERE ILLUMINATED BY MANY THOUSANDS OF FLAMING ELECTRIC BULBS
NEW YORK, Oct. 16—Pen cannot describe and even photography is inadequate in depicting the splendor of the scene at night during the visit of the fleet to this city. Thousands and thousands of electric lights were hung along Riverside drive, which parallels the Hudson river for miles, and all of the vessels in the fleet were outlined by lines of gleaming lamps. In the accompanying picture the soldiers’ and sailors’ monument appears in the foreground with the curved line of Riverside drive at the left. Several battleships are shown in the river, with the lights on the New Jersey shore in the distance. 		Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo by The Democratic Banner.(Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 18 October 1912, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky79kPhotograph taken circa 1912-1916, after modernization with "basket" masts. It has been color-tinted and published on a post card.Photo # NH 52048-KN, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky145kShip's officers, crew and Marines, circa 1914. Most of the Marines are wearing khaki field uniforms.Photo # NH 52044, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6 Kentucky 694k Naval militia sails on battleships for practice cruise. 1st and 3rd Battalions of Naval Militia leaving the Granite State to board the Kentucky (BB-6), for training on board a war vessel.Photographer: Underwood & Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45510294
Local Identifier: 165-WW-322D-17
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Smile
010616v		 NR CREW OF KENTUCKY (BB-6) NOW IN MEXICAN WATERS
This is only one of a number of first-class fighting vessels which the Navy Department has ready to pour hot shell into the shore cities of Carranza's domain in the event that war is declared. Commander D. E. Dismukes is seated in the center of the group in the foreground, with hands clasped, and next to him is Executive Officer Keyes. 		Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 22 June 1916, Night Extra, Image 18 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky652kNO MENIAL DUTIES AWAIT ROOKIES ON SUMMER SEA CRUISE Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo & text by Bisbee Daily Review. (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 09 July 1916, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky 326k Civillian naval training cruise on the Kentucky (BB-6) accompanied by other battleships, two of which most likely are Maine (BB-10) & New Jersey (BB-16).Photographer: West. Newspaper. Union.
National Archives Identifier: 45512748
Local Identifier: 165-WW-333C-025.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-6 Kentucky62k"Naval militiamen lined up for roll call on the deck of the Kentucky (BB-6), on which they are taking a practice cruise." USN photo by Underwood & Underwood, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, 23 July 1916, page 14.
BB-6 Kentucky771kMANY STATES SEND NAVAL MILITIAMEN FOR PRACTICE CRUISE ON BATTLESHIPS
Naval militiamen lined up on battleship Kentucky's (BB-6) deck.
Forty-five hundred naval militiamen from eighteen states are now participating in naval maneuvers near the Block Island mobilization base. During the cruise the militiamen are paired with bluejackets of the regular service of corresponding grades and it is the duty of each bluejacket to his comrade in the duties that the militiamen would have to perform in the event the naval militia were called into active service in time of war.		Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Ogden Standard.(Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 25 July 1916, 4 P.M. CITY EDITION, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky639kUnited States battleship Kentucky (BB-6) leaving Brooklyn, N. Y., with a large number of men from business life to learn the art of naval warfare. J. P. Morgan's son and other well known families are represented. Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo & text by Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 02 September 1916, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6178kFighting top of the battleship Kentucky (BB-6), showing the intricate lattice work that typified the masts of American battleships. It was designed to minimise the damage that might result from a hit by enemy shells. Image probably taken in 1917.USN photo scanned from The First World War at Sea: 1917 by Phil Carradice, courtesy Robert Hurst.
BB-6 Kentucky2.27kMay 1918 photo by Robert Enrique Muller of the Kentucky (BB-6) on duty as a training ship off Yorktown, Va. She trained recruits on cruises in Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast as far north as Long Island Sound. A BB 13 class battleship (either Virginia (BB-13), Nebraska (BB-14) or Georgia (BB-15)) appears on the right side of the photo.National Archives Identifier: 45512738
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-021
Photographer: E. Muller.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-6 Kentucky1.09kPhotographed circa 1918, while serving as a training ship. Most of her main deck 5-inch guns have been removed, leaving only those in the corners.Text courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 60354.
National Archives Identifier: 45512741
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-022
Photographer: E. Muller.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-6 Kentucky887kRETURNING FLEET ACCLAIMED BY AMERICA IN HUDSON RIVER REVIEW
The first official welcome to be tendered America's returning heroes was extended to the fleet which steamed into the Hudson River today fresh from triumphs in foreign waters. New York extended the welcome in behalf of a grateful nation.... The Kentucky (BB-6) appears in the right foreground. 		Photographer: Underwood & Underwood
National Archives Identifier: 45513392
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-44.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-6 Kentucky704kGov. Coolidge and Mayor Peters inspecting famous anti aircraft gun on the Kentucky (BB-6), May 1919.Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via flickr.com.
Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania, 138k Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania.
Ships in the Navy Yard's Reserve Basin, circa spring 1919. Panoramic photograph taken by Keystone Photo Studios, 817 So. Broad St., Philadelphia. The following ships can be identified from among those present:
Rowan (DD-64)); Preston (DD-19); Macdonough (DD-09); Patterson (DD-36); St. Louis (C-20); Ohio (BB-12); SC-342 ; SC-344 ; Alabama (BB-8); Kearsarge (BB-5); Illinois (BB-7); Ozark (M-7); Kentucky (BB-6); and Hancock (AP-3). 		Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 98604, from the collection of Eugene Bennett, donated by his daughter, Jene B. Hart, September 1988.
Atlantic Fleet3.46kPhiladelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania. Older warships in the Reserve Basin, circa 1919.
Very congestioned basin and the lack of a clearer view makes identifying vessels a challenge.
In the distance, beyond Kearsarge's (BB-5) mainmast, is the Alabama (BB-8). Also, the BB hidden behind Kentucky (BB-6) is likely the Maine (BB-10), based on the two circular control tops on her masts, but I can't see enough other details to confirm it.
At the left side of the photo, on the near side of the basin, Ohio (BB-12) is next to the pier with St Louis (C-20) outboard of her. To the right we have Kearsarge closer to the camera with Illinois (BB-7) beyond. Immediately aft of these two is Wisconsin (BB-9). Behind Wisconsin are Connecticut (BB-18) on the right and Louisiana (BB-19) as the next ship to the left.		Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo courtesy of Ric Hedman.
BB-6
010600		991kKentucky (BB-6) in Middle East Chamber Gatun Locks, Going South 7 July 1919. National Archives Identifier: 100996394.
Local Identifier: 185-G-907
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-6 Kentucky717kThis petty officer of the Kentucky (BB-6) is putting the finishing touches on a perfect scale model of that famous battleship, which is now considered obsolete and is soon to be delegated to the junk heap by the Navy Department. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 31 August 1919, Image 47, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
crab fleet
010619s		 NR Last review of the "crab fleet," from deck of Kentucky (BB-6). The Alabama (BB-8), Kenshaw and Illinois (BB-7) in the background. The sailors named the fleet after the crab. It is made up of fighting ships that were the pride of the Navy during the Spanish-American war. The vessels are to be given a military funeral, dismantled and used as targets. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 21 September 1919, Image 88, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois NR THE WARSHIPS Illinois (BB-7) & Kentucky (BB-6), anchored in the Delaware river off South street. The battleships and four others arrived here to be dismantled; all of are an obsolete type. The ships were used for naval recruits during the war. Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 02 September 1919, Night Extra Financial, Image 24 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Almost UnknownNRSTRANGE MASCOTS OF THE FLEET
Coxswain Caulkett and his goat mascot Shooter, on board the Kentucky (BB-6). Redhead and 14 Bore, parrot mascots belonging to C. B. M. Rolenhagen and Coxswain Curtis of the New Jersey (BB-16). Goat mascots Caliber and Anchor of the Wyoming (BB-32). Boatswain's Mate B. P. Holloway and a close-up of Frisky, the Panama sugar bear mascot of the battleship Alabama (BB-8). Seaman Du Bois and his Panama squirrel Creeper aboard the Maryland (BB-46). 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star.(Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 07 September 1919, Image 80, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-11 Missouri1.03kPhiladelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania. Older warships in the Reserve Basin, 18 November 1919, as seen by a Philadelphia Evening Ledger photographer. Ships are (front row, left to right): Missouri (BB-11); one Connecticut class battleship; Michigan (BB-27); and Saint Louis (C-20). Those in the back row are (left to right): Maine (BB-10); Kentucky (BB-6); Kearsarge (BB-5); Indiana (BB-1); Massachusetts (BB-2); Iowa (BB-4); Wisconsin (BB-9); and Illinois (BB-7). Photo # NH 42525, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-6
010778		864k Battleships photographed in December 1919 by the Evening Public Ledger Co. From left to right: Illinois (BB-7),Wisconsin (BB-9), Iowa (BB-4), Massachusetts (BB-2), Indiana (BB-1), Kearsarge (BB-5), Kentucky (BB-6) and Maine (BB-10). Photo NH-42523 from history.navy.mil
MASCOTSNRU. S. WARSHIPS CARRY QUEER MASCOTS TO KEEP UP THE "LUCK OF THE NAVY"
Every one of Uncle Sam's fighting ships has its mascot, and some of them are very queer indeed. Note the Panama sugar bear on the shoulder of the Jackie in the center. He is the mascot on the battleship Alabama (BB-8). The Michigan (BB-27) has - a bird mascot, a parakeet shown at the right. Goats are probably the commonest mascots. The one at the left is on the Kentucky (BB-6), and the one below entertains the sailors on the big battleship Wyoming (BB-32). 		Image and text provided by University of Tennessee.The News Scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 25 September 1920, 4TH EDITION, AUTO NUMBER, Image 26, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-4 Iowa NR Plan Sinking of Old Battleship.
Below is the Kentucky (BB-6), which may be chosen for the honor. Above are the Iowa (BB-4) (left), which may be retained for experimental purposes, and the Oregon (BB-3), which may be kept an a relic.		 Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The Washington Herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 20 January 1922, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Plowshares NR Turning Uncle Sam's Sea Fighters into Plowshares.
Scene at Philadelphia where Henry A. Hitner's sons are scrapping the one-time prides of the United States Navy - a task made necessary by the Limitation of Armament Treaty. The battleships are: left to right - Missouri (BB-11), Maine (BB-10), Wisconsin (BB-9) and Kentucky (BB-6). 		Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 29 July 1922, Image 16.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC., courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky264k Bell of the Kentucky (BB-6) at the Kentucky Military History Museum, Frankfort, Kentucky, 5 December 2004. Photo, copyright courtesy of Hugh Hudson.
BB-6 Kentucky181kKentucky's (BB-6) silver set donated to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The set, except for two cups, is located in the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort, Kentucky. The value at the date of donation was $30,000. The excluded cups reside in the Lt. Governor's Mansion and the submarine Kentucky (SSBN-737). Photo, copyright courtesy of Hugh Hudson.
BB-6 Kentucky203kKentucky's (BB-6) silver set donated to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Made by J. E. Caldwell & Co., this elaborate presentation silver represents the opulence of the late Victorian era. Engraved on the bowl are the words "Presented to the Battleship Kentucky (BB-6)".Photo, copyright courtesy of Hugh Hudson.
(NISMF)376kA guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991. USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Commanding Officers
01CAPT. Chester, Colby Mitchell, USN (USNA 1864) :RADM15.05.1900 - 03.03.1901 
02CAPT. Stockton, Charles Hubert, USN (USNA 1865)03.03.1901 - 29.12.1902 
03CAPT. Berry, Robert Mallory, USN (USNA 1866)29.12.1902 - 14.06.1904 
04CAPT. Barnette, William Jay, USN (USNA 1868) :RADM14.06.1904 - 30.12.1905 
05CAPT. Barry, Edward Buttevant, USN (USNA 1869) :RADM30.12.1905 - 01.11.1907 
06CAPT. Cowles, Walter Cleveland, USN (USNA 1873)01.11.1907 - 28.08.1909 
 Decommissioned28.08.1909 - 08.09.1913 
07CDR. Price, Claude Bernard, USN (USNA 1890)03.07.1912 - 03.05.1913 
08LT. Brainerd, Roland Munroe, USN (USNA 1906)03.05.1913 - 31.05.1913in Ordinary
09LT. Johnstone, Gaston DePaz, USN08.09.1913 - 05.11.1913 
10CDR. Latimer, Julian Lang, USN (USNA 1895)05.11.1913 - 14.05.1914 
 Decommissioned31.05.1913 - 23.06.1914 
11LCDR. Roper, Walter Gordon, USN (USNA 1898)14.05.1914 - 30.09.1914 
12LCDR. Washington, Pope, USN (USNA 1896) :RADM30.09.1914 - 02.12.1914 
13LCDR. Wickersham, Darrell Palmer, USN (USNA 1904)02.12.1914 - 04.03.1915 
 Decommissioned04.03.1915 - 23.06.1915 
14CDR. Morton, James Proctor, USN (USNA 1895)04.03.1915 - 03.04.1915in Ordinary
15CAPT. Twining, Nathan Crook, USN (USNA 1889) :RADM23.06.1915 - 22.07.1915 
16CDR. Dismukes, Douglas Eugene, USN (USNA 1890) :RADM22.07.1915 - 14.02.1918 
17LCDR. Taylor, Bert Blaine, USN (USNA 1907)14.02.1918 - 01.07.1918 
18CDR. Comfort, James Hall, USN (USNA 1900) 01.07.1918 - 10.09.1918 
19CAPT. Morton, James Proctor, USN (USNA 1895)10.09.1918 - 01.02.1919 
20CAPT. Wells, William Benefiel, USN (USNA 1898)01.02.1919 - 29.05.1919 
21CAPT. Royall, Hilary Herbert, USN (USNA 1899)29.05.1919 - 27.05.1922 
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler
Additional Kentucky Images
15 General Views Of Kentucky From The Library Of Congress Server.
12 Crew Images Of Kentucky From The Library Of Congress Server.
9 Interior Views Of Kentucky From The Library Of Congress Server.
USS KENTUCKY BB-6 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The Hazegray & Underway Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
Not Applicable To This Ship
Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway Battleship Pages By Andrew Toppan.
Links To Various Related Kentucky Web Resources.
Back To The Main Photo IndexBack To The Battleship Photo Index Page

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