Please Report Any Broken Links Or Trouble You Might Come Across To The Webmaster.
Please Take A Moment To Let Us Know So That We Can Correct Any Problems And Make Your Visit As Enjoyable And As Informative As Possible.


NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-15 USS GEORGIA

Radio Call Sign: November - Golf - Foxtrot


Virginia Class Battleship: Displacement 14,948 Tons, Dimensions, 441' 3" (oa) x 76' 3" x 26' (Max). Armament 4 x 12"/40 8 x 8"/40, 12 x 6"/50 12 x 3"/50, 4 21" tt. Armor, 11" Belt, 12" Turrets, 3" Decks, 9" Conning Tower. Machinery, 19,000 IHP; 2 vertical, inverted, triple expansion engines, 2 screws. Speed, 19 Knots, Crew 812.

The following analysis is by historian Chuck Haberlein, formerly of the Naval Historical Center:
According to "Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775-1990" (by Stephen S. Roberts & K. Jack Bauer), three of the BB-13 class had their names changed on 7 March 1901 (before any of them were laid down).Battleship # 13 was originally named New Jersey. Battleship # 14 was originally to be Pennsylvania, and Battleship # 16 was to be Virginia. After the renamings, Virginia and New Jersey had swapped places, Nebraska (originally intended for Armored Cruiser # 4) swapped ships with Pennsylvania. Again, according to that book: "The construction of the first two ships (ie BBs 13 & 14) was delayed because of Congressional limitations on the price that could be paid for armor plate and because of lengthy debates within the navy on the arrangement of the guns" (presumably the superposed 8"/12" turrets). (my comments are in parentheses). Same book's Armored Cruiser # 4 class entry states: "The refusal of manufacturers to sell armor within the price limits set by Congress delayed the ships' construction." Both classes (BB-13 & ACR-4) were originally authorized in Fiscal Year 1900, but the first of them were not laid down until 7 August 1901 (Pennsylvania, as Armored Cruiser # 4) and 31 August 1901 (Georgia, as Battleship # 15). It looks to me like there may have been some political log rolling involved in the renamings. PERHAPS (this is purely a guess) some Pennsylvania politicos wanted "their" name on a ship ASAP, so it was given to the first available keel. Then again, maybe builder location had something to do with it. Cramp built Armored Cruiser # 4, while none of the Virginia class battleships were built in Pennsylvania.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Bath Iron Works, Bath Maine, 31 August 1901. Launched 11 October 1904. Commissioned 24 September 1906. Decommissioned 15 July 1920. Stricken 12 July 1922.
Fate: Sold 1 November 1923 and broken up for scrap.
Click On Image
For Full Size
Size Image Description Source
Keel Laying / Commissioning
1901 - 1906

BB-13 VirginiaNRBIGGEST OF ALL BATTLESHIPS: The Pennsylvania.
When Completed Will Be by Far the Most Dangerous War Vessel in the World.
DECK PLAN OF THE BATTLESHIP PENNSYLVANIA, SHOWING THE HEAVY AND LIGHT BATTERIES.
Two 12 and Two 8-Inch Guns in Each Turret. With One Coaling Could Steam to London and Return.
....Of the new battleships there will be three. The Georgia (BB-15) and the New Jersey (BB-16) will be the other two ships built upon the same model.
Image and text provided by Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul, MN.
Photo from The Saint Paul Globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 14 January 1900, Image 19, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia577kTHE NEW BATTLESHIP PENNSYLVANIA.
ONE OF FIVE TO BE BUILT FROM IDENTICAL PLANS AND FOR WHICH BIDS HAVE BEEN ASKED.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from The Star.(Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 19 December 1900, Image 7, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia666kDEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN NAVY.
The final and up to date picture of the series shows the first class battleship Pennsylvania of the Virginia class, the designs for which are being completed by the Bureau of Construction and Repair.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times.(Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 09 March 1902, Magazine Features, Image 36, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-10 Maine
011060
5.62k A modern battleship, with every part numbered and named, circa 1904.Photo from the Library of Congress. Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ppmsca-58681.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-18 Connecticut NR SAFEGUARDING A BATTLESHIP
Since the Mysterious Attempt to Destroy the Connecticut (BB-18) the Ship Has Been Guarded Night and Day. The Picture Shows the Extreme Care Now Taken of the Ship Afloat.
ARMED MEN GUARD NEW WARSHIPS, Owing to the three determined efforts to destroy the new battleship Connecticut at the Brooklyn navy yard, other constructors of war vessels throughout the country have become nervous over the safety of the great vessels now building, and two yards, that of the Bath Iron Works and the Fall River Shipbuilding Company, have taken measures to protect, the battleships Georgia (BB-15) and New Jersey (BB-16), nearly finished, at these respective plants.
Insert Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside; Riverside, CA.
Link by The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 11 October 1904, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Image and text provided by Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul, MN.
Photo from The Saint Paul Globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 08 October 1904, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR New battleship Georgia (BB-15) is launched, designed to be the fastest of her class afloat, was successfully launched this afternoon. Miss Stella Tate, of Tate, Ga. sister of Congressman Tate, from that state, christened the vessel. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC & Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by New-York Tribune (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 11 October 1904, Image 1 & The Washington Times(Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 3.94k Waiting to launch of battleship Georgia (BB-15), Bath, Me. 1904. Photo by Edward H. Hart, Detroit Publishing Company # via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a17499.
BB-15 Georgia 3.30kThe Start of the launch of the Georgia (BB-15) at Bath, Me.
Note the man with the flag at the masthead.
Photo by Edward H. Hart, Detroit Publishing Company # via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a15467.
BB-15 Georgia 2.98kIn the stream, launch of the Georgia (BB-15) at Bath, Me.Photo by Edward H. Hart, Detroit Publishing Company # via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a15468.
BB-15 Georgia 2.86k Georgia (BB-15) after launching, broadside.Photo by Edward H. Hart, Detroit Publishing Company # via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a15469.
BB-15 Georgia 3.05kAfter the launch, the tug Adelia gives a helping nudge to the Georgia (BB-15).Photo by Edward H. Hart, Detroit Publishing Company # via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a15469.
BB-15 Georgia 1.87kBATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15) ESTABLISHES A NEW RECORD
NOW PRIDE OF THE NAVY
Uncle Sam's Latest Sea Fighter That Has Gratified Officials and Builders.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 15 June 1906, Last Edition, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 1.11k Making 17.707 knots on Run # 9 of her trials, 13 June 1906. Note that her six-inch broadside guns have not yet been installed. National Archives # NH 53720 courtesy of Robert Hurst.
BB-15 Georgia 1.51k UNITED STATES BATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15) REELING OFF NINETEEN KNOTS AN HOUR.
Recently turned over to the navy by the Bath Iron Works, of Bath, Me.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 21 October 1906, Image 24, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 59k Rear Admiral William Hensley Emory, USN, Commander, Second Division, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, flew his flag on the Georgia (BB-15) in 1907. Photo # NH 74071-A, courtesy of the Naval History & Heritage Command & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-15 Georgia 348k Broadside view of the Georgia (BB-15) in her original configuration as drawn in this postcard by Edward H. Mitchell Publishers of San Francisco, CA. Photo from the collection of Raymond Strout, courtesy of Jonathan Eno.
BB-15 Georgia 1.84k MISS STELLA TATE
Sponsor for the Battleship Georgia (BB-15)
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times(Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 10 June 1907, Last Edition, Image 1 courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 71k Georgia as completed, line drawing by A.D. Baker III. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-15 Georgia 493k Broadside photo of Georgia (BB-15). Photo # 80G-433640 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
BB-15 Georgia 87k Ship's officers and crewmen posed on her forecastle, forward gun turret and superstructure, during the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 95663.
BB-15 Georgia 276k Man-of-war anchored in Boston Harbor.
Georgia (BB-15) departed Hampton Road's 26 March 1907 for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she participated in gunnery practice with the fleet. After returning briefly to Boston Navy Yard for repairs, Georgia joined with other ships of the Atlantic Fleet in ceremonies opening the Jamestown Exposition.
Georgia wearing the White & Buff paint scheme makes it 1909 or earlier. She is easy to distinguish from her sisters by the scroll work on the bow. Virginia (BB-13) and Nebraska (BB-14) carry a medallion on the bow depicting and eagle with the scroll work extending back, the top horizontal and the bottom angling up to meet it in an almost point. New Jersey (BB-16) and Rhode Island (BB-17) carry a shield (stars across the top and vertical red/white stripes below) with the scroll work extending back, the top horizontal and the bottom angling up to meet more rounded and shorter than the that on the Virginia's and Nebraska's. The Georgia's scroll work is unique in the class in that it is inverted from all the others, being horizontal on the bottom and curving downward on the top and about the same length as the New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Chris Hoen.
Photo 08_06_004889 courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via digitalcommonwealth.org
Almost Unknown592kCirca 1907 photograph of US Navy battleships of the Maine, Virginia & Connecticut -classes & other units of the Atlantic fleet at a Naval Review off Old Point Comfort.
Photographed by William H. Rau, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, courtesy of the Library of Congress & National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
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)
Turret Explosion
BB-15 Georgia 2.77k Battleship Georgia (BB-15) Damaged by Explosion in Which Seventeen of the Crew Were Injured. (Arrow indicates where explosion took place) 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, 15 July 1907, Final Results Edition, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 2.03k Dozens of Battleship Georgia's (BB-15) Wounded Are Hovering Between Life & Death. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 16 July 1907, Last Edition, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
IndianaNRCARING FOR THE SAILORS INJURED ON BOARD THE BATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15).Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from The Times Dispatch.(Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 20 July 1907, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR DEATH STALKS WITH PEACE AMONG THE GUNS ON UNCLE SAM'S GREAT BATTLESHIPS
Striking photograph taken at Charleston Navy Yard, showing the removal of injured from the Battleship Georgia (BB-15), in the turret of which the latest fatal explosion of smokeless powder occurred. Despite fearful burns, many of the injured sailors refused to be taken out on stretchers.
LOVE TRAGEDY CLIMAX TO BATTLESHIP HORROR
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA & University of New Mexico.
Photo by The Seattle Star. (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 22 July 1907, Insert Image 4 & Albuquerque Evening Citizen, (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1905-1907, 25 July 1907, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Indiana2.74kBATTLESHIP INDIANA'S (BB-1) PRIZE TURRET CREW AND TARGET
The Georgia's (BB-15) accident was due to an attempt to beat this record.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by Enrique Muller Jr., from New-York Tribune.(New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 08 August 1907, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR Good detail of the secondary battery on top of the main battery. Ship's after "superposed" 12"/40 and 8"/45 gun turret, where an explosion in the 8" (upper) level on 15 July 1907 took the lives of ten crewmen. The photograph was probably taken during the months following the accident. USN photo via Robert Hurst.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from The Evening World. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, July 15, 1907, Final Results Edition, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia789kCOMMANDER HENRY McCREAImage and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo from Daily Arizona Silver Belt. (Globe, Gila County, Ariz.) 1906-1929, 14 August 1907, Image 4 courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
WARSHIP ACCIDENTS NR BRAVE AMERICAN JACKIE IN WARSHIP ACCIDENTS PROVES AS MUCH A HERO IN PEACE AS IN WARImage and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by Evening Star.(Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 19 October 1907, Image 29, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 450k WON BATTLESHIP'S RACE
PHILADELPHIA, September 24. Victorious in two races, the battleship Georgia (BB-15) arrived at League Island yesterday one hour and seven minutes after the battleship Kansas (BB-21), which started from Cape Cod four hours before its rival. In making this gain of 2 hours and 53 minutes on the Kansas, the Georgia humbled the battleship Rhode Island (BB-17) even more decisively by "sailing it below the horizon" in two hours.
Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo by The Hawaiian Star. (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 11 October 1907, SECOND EDITION, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB 15 Georgia 395kView looking forward from the stern, showing the ship's after 12"/40 and 8"/45 "superposed" gun turret and her mainmast, circa 1907-08. Note heavy coal smoke issuing from her stacks. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 101472.
Great White Fleet Cruise
Georgia
011526
2.84k Georgia (BB-15) in the Great White Fleet, which sailed from Hampton Roads on 16 December 1907.
This battleship is so big that she cracks the lens (literally).
Photo i.d. via Charley Seavey.
Photo published by the Detroit Publishing Co., via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a31469.
Great White Fleet112kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the route to be taken by the Atlantic Fleet's battleships and their associated Torpedo Flotilla, from their December 1907 departure from Hampton Roads, Virginia, until their planned arrival at San Francisco, California, in the spring of 1908. Text below the chart indicates that it was published in mid-December 1907.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106219. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
Indiana1.27kADMIRAL EVANS' FLEET IN HAMPTON ROADS
From left to right: Kansas (BB-21), Georgia (BB-15) & Maine (BB-10).
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from The Times Dispatch.(Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 07 December 1907, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 3.96k U.S. battleships saluting the Mayflower, Hampton Roads, Va.
Photo shows the "Great White Fleet", which sailed from Hampton Roads on 16 December 1907, after being reviewed by President Theodore Roosevelt on board the presidential yacht Mayflower.
Appropriately, all the battleships in the immeadiate view are of the Virginia class. The Georgia (BB-15) is off to the left. The one in the middle is either New Jersey (BB-16), or Rhode Island (BB-17). At this stage of their careers, they were hard to tell apart and smoke is obscuring much of the bridge. The one at right is even more difficult to ID. A clearer photo is necessary to pinpoint which one this was.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
Photo LC-DIG-det-4a15932 courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-13 Virginia class236kStarboard side view of a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship and other ships all decked out with flags flying, possibly in Hampton Roads, Virginia, at the start of the "Great White Fleet" cruise around the world in December 1907. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri. Photo i.d. courtesy of Erich Coiner.
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
Hard-Hat Diver 72k "Hard-Hat" Diver descending from the stern of a launch alongside a battleship, circa 1907-1908. Note the 6"/50 broadside gun mounted in the battleship's hull side.
This ship is either Indiana class (BB-1 / 3) or Maine class (BB-10 / 12) or Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship.
This view may have been taken during the "Great White Fleet" World cruise.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106072. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
BB 15 Georgia 395k Recreation Hour on the Georgia (BB-15), during the "Great White Fleet's" voyage around the World. Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.
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.
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 59552.
Great White Fleet112kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the route of the Atlantic Fleet's battleships from their 29 January 1907 departure from Trinidad until their arrival at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 12 January 1908. It emphasizes the offshore course taken to avoid strong westerly currents off the northeastern coast of South America.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106221. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
G. Dall'aros1.39kU.S. Atlantic Fleet Battleships at Anchor. Painting by G. Dall'aros, 1908, depicting three battleships of the "Great White Fleet" in a Brazilian anchorage, January 1908. One of the battleships has a collier alongside. The Brazilian cruiser Almirante Tamandare is in the left foreground. Courtesy of Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf, 1977.
USN photo # NH 85503-KN courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
John Charles Roach2.12k"Great White Fleet" Painting by John Charles Roach, 1984, depicting U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships steaming at sea during their 1907-1909 World cruise.USN photo # NH 95513-KN courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph via the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
BB-15 Georgia 539k BETTER CLIMB MAST WHEN A BATTLESHIP TAKES BATH
HOLYSTONING THE DECK AND CLEANING UP ON THE GEORGIA (BB-15)
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Seattle Star. (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 15 January 1908, Last Edition, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR STEP-PARENTS AND FAITHLESS WIVES FILL UNCLE SAM'S NAVY.
SAILORS TELLING THEIR TROUBLES TO CHAPLAIN CHAS. W. CHARLTON ON THE BATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15).
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Spokane Press. (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 16 January 1908, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR BREAD FOUNDRY A BUSY PLACE ON UNCLE SAM'S BATTLESHIPS
AT WORK IN THE BAKERY ON THE GEORGIA (BB-15).
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Seattle Star.(Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 22 January 1908, Last Edition, Image 8, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.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-15 Georgia 95k Rear Admiral Richard Wainwright, second in Command of the "Great White Fleet", made the Georgia (BB-15) his flagship. Digital ID: ggbain 00897.Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-15 Georgia 95k Straits of Magellan, Chile. U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships entering the straits en route to the Pacific, circa 7-8 February 1908, during the World cruise of the "Great White Fleet". Photographed from the after-deck of Georgia (BB-15). Note her quarterdeck whaleboat, on davits in left center, and "dotter" gunnery practice aiming device at right. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 101483.
BB-15 Georgia 1.26kDIRTY DUDS GO OVERBOARD
MORNING QUARTERS ON THE GEORGIA (BB-15). PHOTOGRAPH BY STAFF CORRESPONDENT ROSE
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Spokane Press. (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 18 February 1908, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet129kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the movements of the Atlantic Fleet's battleships from their 8 February 1908 passage of the western part of the Straits of Magellan until their arrival at Callao, Peru, on 20 February 1908.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106227b. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
BB-15 Georgia NR HOW UNITED PRESS WIRELESS TOLD FIRST NEWS OF FLEET
BROKEN LINE SHOWS ROUTE TAKEN BY CORRESPONDENT ROSE'S WIRELESS MESSAGE FROM THE FLEET
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Spokane Press. (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 16 March 1908, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-18 Connecticut185kThe Connecticut (BB-18) leading the other fifteen warships of the "Great White Fleet" into Magdalena Bay, Mexico on 12 March 1908 to take on coal and hold long-delayed target practice.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH-59537, courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
PDF Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside; Riverside, CA
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 29 March 1908, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 535kVICTORIOUS TARGET CREW PERCHED ON GUNS (after eight-inch / twelve inch turret,)
Polishing the Georgia (BB-15) for triumphal entry into San Diego harbor.
Insert photo from U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106064. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold. Photographed by Brown & Shaffer.
Image and text provided by University of New Mexico.
Photo by Albuquerque Citizen. (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1907-1909, 15 April 1908, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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.
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.
BB-18 Connecticut139kThe Connecticut (BB-18) leading the "Great White Fleet" into San Francisco Bay on 6 May 1908. The original photo was taken by C.E. Waterman. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH-59537, courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Naval Review in San Francisco Bay, 17 May 1908 155k 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.
BB 15 Georgia138kPost card published by H.H. Stratton, Chattanooga, Tennessee, depicting the Fleet's Sailors parading in Honolulu, Hawaii Territory, circa 17 July 1908. The Men in this group are from Georgia (BB-15). U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106173-KN. Donation of Mrs. Ruth Mayfield, 1973. Photographed by Brown & Shaffer.
BB-15 Georgia84kAtlantic Fleet battleships steaming in parallel columns during their cruise around the World. Photographed from on board Georgia (BB-15) looking forward from her midships port side. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 105990. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Great White Fleet 104k Post card welcoming the "Great White Fleet" to Australia, circa August-September 1908. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106181-KN. Courtesy of Mrs. Ruth Mayfield, 1973.
BB-15 Georgia 56k Georgia (BB-15) in Australia during the world cruise of the "Great White Fleet", 1908. Photo courtesy of Warren McLean.
BB-15 Georgia 86k Georgia (BB-15) underway & making a lot of smoke during the world cruise of the "Great White Fleet", 1908. USN / USNI photo.
BB-15 Georgia 213k Georgia's (BB-15) marines in formation during the cruise of the "Great White Fleet", 1908. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB 15 Georgia79k Georgia (BB-15) takes water over the bow while steaming through a Pacific Ocean storm in mid-1908, during the "Great White Fleet's" voyage around the World.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106059. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold. Photographed by Brown & Shaffer.
BB 15 Georgia89k Georgia's (BB-15) officers and men of the ship's after turret crew pose with their target, circa 1907-1908. The original picture inscription reads "Cause and Effect". This photo may have been taken during the "Great White Fleet's" cruise around the World. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106063. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold. Photographed by Brown & Shaffer.
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,[store-ship] & 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. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106114-KN. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
BB-15 GeorgiaNRBREMERTON NAVAL PROP OF THE PACIFIC COAST. BATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15) IN DRYDOCK AT BREMERTON Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo from The Spokane Press. (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 18 July 1908, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia468kENLISTED MEN OH THE MINNESOTA (BB-22) FIXING UP PREPARATORY TO GOING ASHORE AND MEN OF BATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15) IN THE DAILY GRIND OF WASHING DOWN DECKSImage and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo from Evening Bulletin. (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii) 1895-1912, 18 July 1908, 3:30 EDITION, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Pacific Fleet
011509p
1.20k The Pacific Fleet on its visit to Portland, Oregon showing the Georgia (BB-15), New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), and Rhode Island (BB-17) battleships underway, circa 30 December 1908. Photo contributed by the Keystone View Company via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-stereo-1s14833.
Atlantic Fleet Commanders 92k Halftone reproduction of a photograph by H.R. Jackson, showing the Fleet's senior commanders on board ship, circa late 1908 or early 1909, during or shortly after the "Great White Fleet's" World cruise. Those present are, from left to right:
Rear Admiral William P. Potter, Commander, Fourth Division;
Rear Admiral Seaton Schroeder, Commander, Third Division;
Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and First Division;
Rear Admiral Richard Wainwright, Commander, Second Division.
Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 106140. Copied from "Pictorial Log of the Battle Fleet Cruise Around the World", by Chief Turret Captain Roman J. Miller (A.C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1909). Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
BB-16 New Jersey 1.44kCUTTING THE SEAS LIKE KNIVES IN HOT BUTTER.
Remarkable new snapshot photograph of three of the giant ships which are approaching Hampton Roads, after 42,227 mile trip round the world. In the picture the New Jersey (BB-16) is leading the Rhode Island (BB-17) and Georgia (BB-15). The estimated speed of the ships, at the time the camera shutter snapped, was 19 knots an hour, or about 22 miles.
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Spokane Press. (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 20 February 1909, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR CAPTAIN QUALTROUGH OF THE BATTLESHIP GEORGIA (BB-15) WHO WAS TRIED BY COURT MARTIAL AT GIBRALTAR.
Captain Edward F. Qualtrough of the United States battleship Georgia who was tried by court martial at Gibraltar on a charge of intoxication preferred by Rear Admiral Wainwright has been in the navy thirty-eight years and for twenty years has been considered one of the most efficient officers in the service. He is a native of Rochester N. Y. The specific charge made against him was that he was under the influence of liquor while attending a reception at Tangier. Captain Qualtrough entered a general denial. The court was composed of Rear Admiral Schroeder, Rear Admiral Potter, Captain Kossuth Niles of the Louisiana (BB-19), Captain John Hubbard of the Minnesota (BB-22), Captain Joseph B. Murdock of the Rhode Island (BB-17), Captain Hugo Osterhaus of the Connecticut (BB-18), and Captain Charles E Vreeland of the Kansas (BB-21). Major Dion Willlams acted as judge advocate.
Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo by The Winchester News. (Winchester, Ky.) 1908-19??, 13 March 1909, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR An Example of the Wonderful Aquatic Convulsion That the Battleship Georgia (BB-15) Heaves Up "For'ard When She Is Sent Along at Top Speed. Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo by Los Angeles Herald. (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 28 March 1909, Image 46, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 112k Off Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19 June 1909, after modernization with "cage" masts. Photographed by William H. Rau. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 53722.
BB-15 Georgia
011513
813k Georgia (BB-15) underway, circa 1909. Photo by Enrique Muller via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-USZ62-30922.
BB-15 Georgia 194k Georgia (BB-15) with the 3d & 4th Division, Battleship Force, in fleet tactical exercises and merchant crew gunnery training, circa 1909. Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.
BB-15 Georgia 559k Port side underway, 19 June 1909. Photo by William H. Rau, National Archives # 19-N-14292, courtesy of Robert Hurst.
BB-15 Georgia 1.37k Georgia's (BB-15) musicians appear among the crew in white under the tarp in this 19 June 1909 photo.Photo by William H. Rau, National Archives # 19-N-3-12-24.
National Archives Identifier: 45512709
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-9.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-15 Georgia 414k Georgia (BB-15) on 1 July 1909. Photograph # PR-03-Box-75-6 by William H. Rau, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, courtesy of the Library of Congress & National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-15 Georgia 840k Circa post 1909 photo of the Georgia (BB-15) with her guns swung out to starboard.
As to what is happening in this photo: I couldn't say, with any authority. The rig is too light to be lifting or adjusting the 8" guns from the upper turret. It could be a painting scaffold. The lower section that surrounds, but doesn't touch, the guns appears to be suspended between the high cross bar and the brackets at the front of the barrels. Perhaps it could be traversed between the two ends, which would allow everything but the bit under the brackets at the front end to be painted. But that is just speculation on my part. Those high guns had to be an interesting maintenance challenge.
Text I.d. via Richard M. Jensen.
Photo by Enrique Muller, Jr.
National Archives Identifier: 4551271
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-10.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-15 Georgia 980kTHE GEORGIA (BB-15) AS SHE APPEARED AT THE HEAD OF THE SQUADRON.Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 23 September 1909, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
1910's
Atlantic Fleet 465k Georgia (BB-15) appears here as part of the Atlantic Fleet in the above photo. National Archives Identifier: 45512835
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-63
Photographer: E. Muller.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-15 Georgia 905k Georgia (BB-15) also appears here as part of the Atlantic Fleet in the above photo.
Photographer: E. Muller.
National Archives Identifier: 45512705
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-7.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-15 Georgia NRGreat Gun on Battleship Georgia (BB-15) Muzzle of Which Was Blown OffImage and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by The Times Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 25 September 1910, Image 21, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 1.20k Georgia (BB-15) continued to serve with the Atlantic Fleet in exercises and battle maneuvers, with periods of overhaul interspersed, until 2 November 1910 when President Taft reviewed the fleet prior to its departure for France.
She appears here during an at extension Dry Dock No. 3, looking East, at U.S. Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., 29 September 1910.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
National Archives Identifier: 52556299
Agency-Assigned Identifier: 181-V-0684.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Holland 830k Holland (SS-01) high and dry at Norfolk Navy Yard, circa late 1910 through June 1913.
She was decommissioned and simultaneously struck from the Naval Register, 21 November 1910, at Norfolk, VA; Final Disposition, sold, 18 June, 1913, to Henry A. Hitner & Sons, Philadelphia, PA.
The battleship in the background is the Virginia class Georgia (BB-15).(Based on her mainmast's square top). The battleship on the right is the Delaware (BB-28).
Photo from the private collection of Ric Hedman.
Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein, Ric Hedman & Chris Hoehn.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba62kPanoramic image (made from two individual views), showing U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships and auxiliaries in Guantanamo Bay, circa the early or middle 1910s.
Ships present include (in left half of image): four Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleships, one South Carolina class (BB-26 / 27) battleship, one Delaware class (BB-28 / 29) battleship, two unidentified auxiliaries and a collier; (in right half of image): all six Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships, both Mississippi class (BB-23 / 24) battleships, two unidentified auxiliaries, hospital ship Solace (AH-2) and a gunboat.
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104537. Photo from the 1909-1924 album of Vice Admiral Olaf M. Hustvedt, USN (Retired). Courtesy of Rick Hauck, 2006.
BB-15 Georgia 2.53k Coast Awaits Warships - Pacific Fleet Assured
Four of the big battleships that probably will be seen in the Pacific before the close of the year.
Georgia (BB-15), Louisiana (BB-19), Delaware (BB-28) & North Dakota (BB-29) will probably comprise one squadron of the battleship fleet which the navy department will order to the Pacific coast during the coming summer or fall.
Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo by The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 09 April 1911, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 713k Man And Woman Charged With Robbing Of Warship
Mrs. Edward Valentine Lee and her husband, the former United States navy paymaster's clerk, who will face trial at Jamestown on 11 July on charges of taking $46,000 from the treasury of the battleship Georgia (BB-15) while at Guantanamo. His bride of a few days has declared that she will remain loyal to him, no matter how long he may be sentenced to prison. They were married in Buffalo, N. Y., after he had been arrested there following a chase by federal officers that extended all over the eastern part of the country.
Image and text provided by University of North Texas; Denton, TX.
Photo by El Paso Herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 05 July 1911, Image 12, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia374kRecruits from the Georgia (BB-15) & Virginia (BB-13) going through their morning exercises, circa 1910's.Photo by International Film Service
National Archives Identifier: 45510388
Local Identifier: 165-WW-323B-006.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-15 Georgia 485k Kansas (BB-21) is written on the caption, but I have Georgia (BB-15) on my mind (No offense to Ray Charles).
At anchor, circa 1912.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Ron Balko.
USN photo.
BB 15705kTHE GEORGIA (BB-15) ON THE BATTLE RANGE
Painted by Henry Reuterdahl during the September battle practice of the Atlantic Fleet.
Painting by Henry Reuterdahl.
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
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-15 Georgia 72k Dressed with flags and with crew members manning the rails, during the Naval Review in New York Harbor, October 1912. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 53723.
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.
Atlantic Fleet1.10kSailors from the battleships mob mixed in New York harbor for review by President Taft and Secretary of the Navy Meyer in a boat race. The crew from the Georgia (BB-15) is leading, the Virginia (BB-13) second and the Missouri (BB-11) third.
A launch from the North Dakota (BB-29) is in the foreground.
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by The Mathews Journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 09 November 1911, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 477kPost card photo of the Georgia (BB-15) anchored with other battleships in the background. Photo from the collection of Raymond Strout, courtesy of Jonathan Eno.
BB-16-17-1862kAtlantic Fleet Battleships steaming down Chesapeake Bay after visiting Annapolis, Maryland, circa 1913. Photographed by Sargent, probably from on board Rhode Island (BB-17). Next ship ahead is New Jersey (BB-16), with Georgia (BB-15) ahead of her. Six "Dreadnought" type battleships are leading the column.From the album of Francis Sargent; Courtesy of Commander John Condon, 1986 / Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 101064.
BB 14NRMap Showing Where Warships Are Going
The battleship Virginia (BB-13) is hurrying to Tampico and the battleships Vermont (BB-20), Nebraska (BB-14) and Georgia (BB-15) to Veracruz.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 13 February 1913, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 GeorgiaNRVeracruz harbor and piers where the United States battleship Georgia (BB-15) has landed. Below is shown the Georgia which is the first of the American warships to arrive in the theater of war.Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 16 February 1913, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 GeorgiaNRUNCLE SAM'S NAVY IN MEXICO
First picture showing American battleship Georgia (BB-15) in harbor of Veracruz, Mexico. The Georgia has nearly 1,000 Jack Tars who will be used to protect Americans.
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo from The Seattle Star. (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 25 February 1913, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 77k Captain Coontz served as Commanding Officer of the battleship Georgia (BB-15), followed by duty as Commandant of the Puget Sound Navy Yard and the 13th Naval District between 1914 to 1918.
Portrait photograph taken circa 1919 as Admiral Robert E. Coontz, USN, Chief of Naval Operations.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #: NH 364. Photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
Veracruz Incident
U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships1.15k U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships steaming toward Mexican waters in 1914. Photograph copyrighted in 1914 by E. Muller, Jr., and Pach.
OUR POWERFUL NORTH ATLANTIC FLEET
This is to considered be the most powerful battle fleet in the world. Recently it returned from the Mediterranean and left Hampton Roads for the south. During the last battle practice each of the vessels made a record for herself while the flagship Wyoming (BB-32) broke the world's record at target practice. The photograph shows the nine ships in the order in which they usually sail. The Wyoming is in the lead at the right, and is followed by the Florida (BB-30), Utah (BB-31), Delaware (BB-28), North Dakota (BB-29), South Carolina (BB-26), Rhode Island (BB-17), Georgia (BB-15),and New Jersey (BB-16).
The following battleships that were dispatched to Mexican waters included the:
Ohio (BB-12), Virginia (BB-13), Nebraska (BB-14), Connecticut (BB-18), Louisiana (BB-19), Vermont (BB-20), Kansas (BB-21), Minnesota (BB-22), Mississippi (BB-23), Idaho (BB-24), New Hampshire (BB-25), Michigan (BB-27), Arkansas (BB-33), New York (BB-34) & Texas (BB-35).
In insets are (left to right):
Rear Admiral Henry T. Mayo,
Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher,
Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger.
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 60322.
Insert PDF image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo by The Madison Journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 07 February 1914, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-17 Rhode Island729kPREPARATIONS ON BATTLESHIPS THAT STAYED AT HOME
Great activity is notieable on some of the big battleships that did not go to Mexico last week with the North Atlantic fleet. The vessels are being rapidly made ready for active service, and the battleships Rhode Island (BB-17), Nebraska (BB-14), Georgia (BB-15) and Virginia (BB-13) may leave at any moment. The accompanying picture shows a boatload of potatoes being taken to one of the battleships in New York harbor.
Image and text provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, Urbana, IL.
Photo & text by Rock Island Argus.(Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 21 April 1914, HOME EDITION, Image 12, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia322kSouthern belle steels into a Northern harbor.
Either the Virginia (BB-13) or Georgia (BB-15).
Photo #08_06_022767 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-13 Virginia926kVirginia (BB-13) - foreground, and Georgia (BB-15) - center background. Leaving the Boston Navy Yard for Veracruz, 23 April 1914. Constitution is at left. Photographed by F.A. George. The inset in top center is a photo of Captain Robert E. Coontz, Georgia's Commanding Officer.Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo & text by The Evening World. (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 15 February 1913, Night Edition, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
USN photo NH 61557 courtesy of history.navy.mil.
BB-15 Georgia 777k Remarkable crowd photo cheering the jackies goodbye as they leave for Mexican waters.
Georgia (BB-15) stands alone.
Photo #08_06_008343 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-15 Georgia 520k Striking photo of a bunch of jackies covering the guns before departing for Mexican waters. Photo #08_06_008313 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-3 Oregon594kCHAMPION GUNNERS OF UNITED STATES NAVY
Gunners of the Georgia (BB-15) on top of their eight-inch gun turret after winning the championship at the annual target practice off the Virginia capes. They are entitled to keep the letter E on the turret until surpassed by another gun crew. At the right is Capt R. E. Coontz of the Georgia.
BEST SHOT IN THE NAVY
E. A. Derowsky of the battleship Georgia won the title of best shot in the navy by making three hits out of three shots in one minute and forty-six at 2,000 yards with the 12 inch gun on which he is sitting. He is a gun pointer and is only eighteen years old.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from The Fulton County News. (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 04 March 1915, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia518kMORE AMERICAN WARSHIPS SAILED TO VERACRUZ RECENTLY FOLLOWING TRANSMISSION OF SHARP NOTE TO GENERAL CARRANZA
United States was again called upon to take stern steps in Mexico, threatening Provisional President Carranza by sending two warships, Georgia (BB-15) & Washington (ACR-11), demanding that he respect foreigners.
Image and text provided by University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Photo from Daily Capital Journal.(Salem, Or.) 1903-1919, 25 March 1915, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Virginia class 387k Big guns on Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship, Navy Yard. Photo #08_06_022796 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
Georgia 387kEntitled Flagship Virginia (BB-13), Charlestown Navy Yard.Count the rings on the smokestacks and it appears the photo is the Georgia (BB-15). Photo # 08_06_004584 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
Georgia 572kGeorgia (BB-15) leaving Navy Yard for Mexico. Photos # (insert) 08_06_004647 & 08_06_005032 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-15 Georgia NR How Japan Will Defeat the United States, From "The War Between Japan and the United States".
Our great vessel, the Fuji, will engage the Georgia (BB-15) with right-hand batteries, and all of the Fuji's thunder whistling projectiles will be seen to have been superbly aimed, as they will fall with fearful detonation on the Georgia.
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by Richmond Times-Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 03 October 1915, Image 50, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Mid - Late 19 Teens / Early 20's
BB-15 Georgia
011517
1.55k Georgia (BB-15) moving along on a full head of steam, probably in NYC circa mid teens. Photo by Detroit Publishing Co., publisher, via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a25049.
Atlantic Fleet250k OUTLINED AGAINST A CURTAIN OF DARKNESS
A fleet of destroyers and torpedo-boats has now arrived at New York to join the heavy ships of the line. Altogether, about 50 vessels will be assembled when the ceremonies began next Monday. It is promised that the strained international relations will have no effect on the parade.
Photo by International News Service.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 May 1915, Night Extra, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-32 Wyoming539k"Ships of the Atlantic Fleet playing their searchlights at night along the Hudson River."USN photo by Underwood & Underwood, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times,, 16 May 1915, Page 1.
Atlantic Fleet4.42k"The Atlantic Fleet saluting the President as it passed out to sea last Tuesday mid-day, with the New York skyline in the background."
The battleship Virginia (BB-13) is leading the ships shown in the photograph to the left, and is followed by the Rhode Island (BB-17), Nebraska (BB-14), Georgia (BB-15), New Hampshire (BB-25) and Louisiana (BB-19) in the order named.
Photo by International News Service, courtesy of memory.loc.gov. Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, 23 May 1915, Page 3.
PDF image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 19 May 1915, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-34 New York2.03k Watching U.S. Navy Atlantic fleet warships depart during the Naval Review at New York City, New York, 18 May 1915. Photo # Lot-11276-4 Collection of George Bain, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
 Norfolk Navy Yard1.81kNorfolk, VA. Navy Yard. View of the yard in wartime showing several battleships.
First ship on the right (partial view) is a battleship of either the Virginia (BB-13 / 17) or the Connecticut (BB-18 / 22 & 25) class.
Wearing 4 stripes on her center smokestack, the New Hampshire (BB-25) lies broadside; beyond her with 3 stripes on her left stack, is the Georgia (BB-15), (stern facing right); the Louisiana (BB-19) wearing 2 stripes on her 1st stack is behind her. Docked is the Delaware (BB-28), bow on.
Partial photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein.
Photo by Brown & Dawson.
National Archives Identifier: 45511816
Local Identifier: 165-WW-330D-1
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Atlantic Fleet535kCaptain Sumner K. W. Kittele of the Georgia (BB-15), and his son, Sumner Sigsby Kittele. Of the nine generations of the Kittele family born in Peekskill on the Hudson, eight have been officers in the United States navy. If Captain Kittele has his way and the young man sticks to his naval program, there is no doubt but what some day young Sigsby Kittele will be the ninth one of the family in the Navy.Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo & text by Tombstone Epitaph. (Tombstone, Ariz.) 1887-current, 06 May 1917, WEEKLY EDITION, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia NR View looking down (or read all about it) here from the foremast during coaling, at the Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina, circa 1919. Note: Georgia's (BB-15) port 8"/45 gun turret and coal barges alongside the battleship with crewmen bagging coal to be hoisted on board. Photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 60219 via Robert Hurst.
Image and text provided by University of Tennessee.
Photo by The Morgan County Press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 20 July 1917, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 401k JUST BEFORE THEY PULLED IN THE GANGPLANK.
Secretary Daniels has announced that all of Uncle Sam's battleships, including those held in reserve, are now in commission. There is ample work for all of them, although their present whereabouts are guarded as naval secrets. Here is shown the Georgia (BB-15), fully manned and provisioned, leaving her dock at the Charlestown (Mass.) Navy Yard for "somewhere".
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 23 July 1917, NIGHT FINAL, Image 9, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 401k GETTING THEIR LAST GLIMPSE OF THE SHORE.
Officers and men spend long hours at the guns each day and their proficiency at the big guns is being almost hourly perfected. Only a few thousand more men are needed now to bring the navy up to its full war strength of 150,000. Many former warrant officers have been promoted to the Junior grades of commissioned officers.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 23 July 1917, NIGHT FINAL, Image 9, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-15 Georgia 176k The Georgia (BB-15) operated with the 3d Division, Battleship Force, in fleet tactical exercises and merchant crew gunnery training, based in the York River, Va. from April 1917 - September 1918. Note that all her secondary guns have been removed. Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-15 Georgia 731k Georgia (BB-15) after a winter storm somewhere on the Atlantic on 1 January 1918. Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Photo No. 2014.29.01 from the Jane Bachman Collection via Mike Green
BB-15 Georgia 85k View looking forward from the ship's mainmast, showing coal smoke coming from all three funnels, while she was en route to France, 21 January 1919. The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock. A hand-written note on its reverse states: "The day after arrived aboard the Georgia (BB-15)." U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106280. Donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2008.
BB-15 Georgia 122k Five crew members pose in front of the ship's forward superposed gun turret, showing her twelve-inch (lower) and eight-inch (upper) guns, 1919. The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock. A hand-written note on its reverse states: "The Georgia (BB-15) is a little different than the Louisiana (BB-19) and has double turrets." U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106281. Donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2008.
BB-15 Georgia 90k Ferry Lighter Nenette alongside Georgia (BB-15) in Brest harbor, France, March 1919. She is transferring troops to the battleship for passage home to the United States. The original image is printed on post card ("AZO") stock. A hand-written note on its reverse states: "Soldiers coming on the Georgia, going back home! March 1919." Note Nenette's bridge and covered pilothouse at left. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106283. Donation of Charles R. Haberlein Jr., 2008.
BB-15 Georgia 520k War activities around Boston during the big World War.From left to right, stern view of the Brooklyn (ACR-3), Georgia (BB-15) and what looks like a Arkansas class monitor, summer 1919. Photo i.d. courtesy of Darryl L. Baker & Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Photo #08_06_032613 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-15 Georgia 3.35k Wide angle crew photo of the Georgia (BB-15) by J.C. Crosby, circa 1919. Photo courtesy of Guimaraens - Grau.
BB-15 Georgia 89k Photographed circa 1919. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB-15 Georgia 126k Port Side View, 1919. Larry Bonn
USN photo.
BB-44 California141kAerial view of the California (BB-44) in mid stream after her launching at Mare Island on 20 November 1919. Other ships on the yard's waterfront on that date include from the top to bottom are: Tacoma (C-18) & Denver (C-14); below the cruisers are the battleships Nebraska (BB-14) & Georgia (BB-15); below the battleships and partially hidden by smoke are the destroyers Hamilton (DD-141), Litchfield (DD-336), Zane (DD-337) & Kennison (DD-138); below the destroyers is the outfitting berth for California; in dry dock #1 are H-7 (SS-150) & Lamberton (DD-119); and finally the bottom ship is the USAT Madawaska. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Mare Island65k"The Vallejo Bus Co. offered bus tours of Mare Island. While the passengers did not alight from the busses, they had time to admire the Hospital and other buildings as well as ships on the waterfront. In the backround are some old battleships that moored here following the end of WWI including the Vermont (BB-20), Nebraska, (BB-14), Georgia (BB-15) and the Rhode Island (BB-17).National Archives Identifier: 296839
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-15 Georgia 109k Pacific Fleet Battleships tied up at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, in the Spring of 1920. Ships are (from left-center foreground to right-center distance): Georgia (BB-15); Rhode Island (BB-17); Vermont (BB-20) and Nebraska (BB-14). Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 45052.
Mare Marines564kPhoto of the Mare Island Marine football team in the fall of 1920 with the Georgia (BB-15), Nebraska (BB-14) and Rhode Island (BB-17) in the background. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB 14
011457v
NRCalifornians Inspect Great Battleship Named For State
Battleships of the Pacific fleet at anchor in the Mare Island, San Francisco, Navy Yard, photographed from the deck of the destroyer which carried a party of distinguished Califorians on a sightseeing trip of the yard and an inspection of the new super dreadnaught California (BB-44), nearing completion there.
Image and text provided by Oklahoma Historical Society.
Photo courtesy of The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 08 November 1920, FINAL EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.  
Mare Island 108k Mare Island Navy Yard, California. Six destroyers docked at one time in the Yard's concrete Dry Dock # 2, during the 1920s. These ships are all members of Destroyer Division 36. The three in front are (from left to right): Farenholt (DD-332), Sumner (DD-333) and Hull (DD-330). The drydock's dimensions, as given on the photograph, are 740 feet in length and 120 feet in width, with 30 feet of water over the sill.
The destroyers in the back row are Macdonough (DD-331), Corry (DD-334) and Melvin (DD-335). All six ships were dock from 15 Jun 22 until 14 July 22. Masts of the decommissioned battleships Rhode Island (BB-17), Vermont (BB-20), Nebraska, (BB-14) and Georgia (BB-15) are just visible to the left of the dock destroyers.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 70684, courtesy of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, 1970.
Partial text & photo i.d. courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Mare Island 18k Mare Island Navy Yard in late 1923. Ships included the battleships Georgia (BB-15), Nebraska, (BB-14), Vermont (BB-20), and Rhode Island (BB-17), (right center). Also shown is the Tippecanoe (AO-21) and two older cruisers. Vallejo Naval Museum photo courtesy of Warship Boneyards, by Kit and Carolyn Bonner & submitted by Robert Hurst.
(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. Davenport, Richard Graham, USN (USNA 1869)24.061906 - 10.07.1907
02CAPT. McCrea, Henry, USN (USNA 1871)10.07.1907 - 08.05.1908 died of exhaustion
03CAPT. Qualtrough, Edward Frank, USN (USNA 1871)08.05.1908 - 05.02.1909
04LCDR. Kline, George Washington, USN (USNA 1885) :RADM (temporary)5.02.1909 - 01.03.1909
05CAPT. Qualtrough, Edward Frank, USN (USNA 1871)01.03.1909 - 21.12.1909
06CAPT. Rodgers, William Ledyard, USN (USNA 1878) :ADM21.12.1909 - 23.11.1911
07CAPT. Johnston, Marbury, USN (USNA 1882) :RADM23.11.1911 - 05.12.1913
08CAPT. Coontz, Robert Edward, USN (USNA 1885) :ADM05.12.1913 - 09.07.1915
09CAPT. Oman, Joseph Wallace, USN (USNA 1886) :RADM09.07.1915 - 27.01.1916
 Decommissioned 27.01.1916 - 13.06.1916
10CDR. Stone, George Loring Porter, CDR (O-in-Ch) USN (USNA 1894) :VADM13.06.1916 - 06.04.1917
11CAPT. Kittelle, Sumner Ely Wetmore, USN (USNA 1889) :RADM06.04.1917 - 18.06.1917
12CDR. Raby, James Joseph, USN (USNA 1895) :RADM18.06.1917 - 05.04.1919
13CAPT. Palmer, Leigh Carlyle, USN (USNA 1896) :RADM05.04.1919 - 15.07.1920
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler

Additional Georgia Images
9 General Views Of Georgia From The Library Of Congress Server.

USS GEORGIA BB-15 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.
Back To The Main Photo Index Back To The Battleship Photo Index Page

This page is created and maintained by Michael Mohl
All Pages © 1996 - 2024, by Paul R. Yarnall NavSource Naval History. All Rights Reserved.