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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-31 USS UTAH

Radio Call Sign: November - India - Quebec - Juliet


Florida Class Battleship: Displacement 21,825 Tons, Dimensions, 521' 6" (oa) x 88' 3" x 30' 1" (Max). Armament 10 x 12"/45 16 x 5"/51, 2 x 21" tt. Armor, 11" Belt, 12" Turrets, 3" Decks, 11 1/2" Conning Tower. Machinery, 28,000 SHP; Direct Drive Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 20.75 Knots, Crew 1001.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York Shipbuilding, Camden NJ., 15 March 1909. Launched 23 December 1909. Commissioned 31 August 1911. Converted and reclassified Target Ship AG-16, 1 April 1932. Decommissioned (War Loss). Stricken 13 November 1944.
Fate: Sunk by Japanese aircraft during attack on Pearl Harbor Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Her hulk still rests rolled over in her berth, serving as a memorial to this day. 6 Officers and 58 Men were lost with the ship and remain on duty.

In Memoriam:

In the Second Book of Shmuel (Samuel), 22nd chapter, 5th through the 19th verses, translated from the original in Hebrew and published by the Koren Publishers of Jerusalem, Israel, can perhaps aptly describe the fate of the crew and all other U.S.sailors who died defending their county:

"When the waves of death compassed me / the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; / the bonds of She'ol encircled me; / the snares of death took me by surprise; / in my distress I called upon the Lord, / and cried to my G-D: / and he heard my voice out of his temple, / and my cry entered into his ears. / Then the earth shook and trembled; /the foundations of heaven moved / and shook because of his anger /...the heavy mass of waters, and thick clouds of the skies /... And the channels of the sea appeared, / the foundations of the world were laid bare, / at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast at the breath of his nostrils. / He sent from above, he took me; / he drew me out of many waters; / he delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me; for they were too strong for me. / They surprised me in the day of my calamity: / but the Lord was my stay..."
Penelope's Song courtesy of Loreena McKennitt via quinlanroad.com.
Click On Image
For Full Size
Size Image Description Source
Keel Laying / Commissioning
1908 - 1911

BB-31 Utah 2.80k The battleship Utah (BB-31) as she will look when completed.Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Herald. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1870-1909, 15 November 1908, News Section, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah733kBATTLESHIP UTAH (BB-31) MANEUVERS....Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Herald-Republican. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 01 July 1909, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 2.13k AMERICA'S DREADNOUGHT COSTS $8,000,000.
Battleship Utah (BB-31) Rides the Stream
Biggest Fighting Machine in the United States Navy is Named as She Slides Down the Ways
Miss Mary Alice Spry Breaks Bottle of Wine in Customary Fashion
Crowds Cheer and Whistles Blow as Huge Vessel Touches the Water
Fifth of All Big Gun Type of Battleships for Uncle Sam
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from Deseret Evening News. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 24 December 1909, Image 1 (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 23 December 1909, Last Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 534k Launching of the Battleship Utah (BB-31); Latest Dreadnought Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo from Bisbee Daily Review. (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 15 January 1910, Image 8, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 665k BATTLESHIP UTAH (BB-31) LAUNCHED TODAYImage and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 24 December 1909, Image 1 (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 23 December 1909, Last Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 830k The Battleship Utah (BB-31) launched today.
This picture shows her just after leaving the ways and floating majestically on the placid waters of the Delaware river at Camden, N.J. where the boat was constructed.
Image and text provided by University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Image and text provided by Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka, KS
Photos from The Topeka State Journal. (Topeka, Kan.) 1892-1980, 23 December 1909, LAST EDITION, Image 1, & 31 December 1909, LAST EDITION, Image 5 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 1.64k Terror of the seas slides from the ways.
I christen thee Utah (BB-31).

In a clear and musical voice spoke out Miss Mary Alice Spry as the worlds greatest death dealing monster slid from its ways and grace fully glided into its watery home. I christen thee Utah echoed the vast concourse of assembled guests and as the reverberations died away the workmen who for months had toiled to build the mighty vessel bowed their heads in awed silence and suddenly as would a victorious army their husky voices shouted back I christen thee Utah.
Scene at launching recently of the battleship North Dakota (BB-29), a terror of the deep built much along the lines of the Utah.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Herald-Republican. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 24 December 1909, Images 1 & 6, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 2.29k Scenes at launching of battleship Utah (BB-31).Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library
Photo from The Desert Evening News, 27 December 1909, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 1.80k The battleship as she left the ways in Camden in the presence of a distinguished party. Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Herald-Republican. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 28 December 1909, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah52kUtah (BB-31) launching at New York Shipbuilding Corp. Plant. The ship is not identifiable, but, the bow curve suggests an early American dreadnought such as Utah, launched in 1909.Photo & text courtesy of New York Shipbuilding., yorkship.home.comcast.net.
BB-31 Utah 1.92k Boy First Contributor to Battleship Utah (BB-31)
JOHNNIE HUNT
Boy 10 years old of Wells Nev who is first contributor to battleship Silver Service.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Herald-Republican. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 24 April 1910, Section One, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 635k Officers of Battleship Utah (BB-31) Will Dine With Glorious Silver Service Depicting State's Beauty and ResourcesImage and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 18 June 1910, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah NR Navy Department Can't Keep Brigham Young And Mormon Temple Off Utah's (BB-31) Silver Service
After all, the magnificent silver service which the state of Utah is to present to the Dreadnought battleship Utah, now nearly completed is to have engraved upon as emblems a likeness of Brigham Young and a picture of the Mormon temple at Salt Lake City. This information is contained in a letter written to Hugh Gordon Miller of New York by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Beekman Winthrop. Mr. Miller recently filed a protest against the Mormon engravings on the Utah's sliver service at the request of the women's Republican clubs of New York City. Mr. Winthrop's letter follows:
Sir—The department to in receipt, by reference from the president, of your letter of a recent date protesting against the acceptance of the silver service presented to the United States steamship Utah by the state of Utah which, it is alleged, to engraved with a picture of Brigham Young - and the Mormon temple and in reply begs to inform you that it does not feel that it can prescribe the pattern or design of- any service; This, it would seem it has no concern in, and in the past such details have always been considered as pertaining to the individual' state. If it be true that the silver service for the Utah has been patterned as your report the department to inclined to the opinion that it would be injudicious and inadvisable to raise any question of issues in which it can be in no wise concerned.
Very respectfully, BEEKMAN WINTHROP. Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
The Utah controversy recalls that which followed the publication - of the action of the state of Mississippi in engraving the picture of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate states, on the silver service presented to the battleship Mississippi (BB-23). All sorts of resolutions and objections were raised to this action on the part of Mississippi, but they had no effect, and the picture of the president of the southern Confederacy is on the plate.
Image and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Photo from The Evening Times. (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 07 January 1911, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah
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1.76kThe early years at New York Shipbuilding were busy ones. Here the nearly completed battleships Arkansas (BB-33) and Utah (BB-31) are seen after launching alongside the destroyer Ammen (DD-35) and the large civilian coastal liner Suwantee. Utah would later be sunk by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, along with the battleship Oklahoma (BB-37), also built at New York Ship in 1912. Photo & text courtesy of newyorkship.org.
BB-31 Utah 533k The battleship Utah (BB-31) is nearly ready to make her trial speed trips.
A swarm of workmen are adding the finishing touches to the battleship Utah, Uncle Sam's latest giant of the sea and within the next two weeks her speed trials will be under way. The torpedo destroyer Ammen (DD-35) will be completed about the same time. Both ships are being built at the yards of the New York Shipbuilding company, Camden, N. J.. Before the Utah gets started on her trial trip the launching of the battleship Arkansas(BB-33), a sister ship, will keep the Navy officials busy for a time.
Photo from The Logan Republican, (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 21 January 1911.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB 31437kOUR NEW DREADNAUGHT, THE UTAH (BB-31)
This is an original 1911 halftone print of featuring the dreadnought battleship Utah brought from the yards at Camden, New Jersey and dry-docked for the finishing touches at the League Island Navy Yard.
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
BB-31 Utah NR Birdseye view of the battleship Utah (BB-31), the largest warship so far completed for the United States Navy, which has left the yard of the New York Shipbuilding company at Camden, N. J., for her official trial off the New England coast. The new ship must develop a speed of 20.5 knots an hour to comply with the government's requirements. The speed test will take place probably today over the measured course off Rockland, Maine. The Utah has a displacement of 21,875 tons, while the battleship Delaware (BB-28), the biggest Dreadnought in the fleet now assembled off Portsmouth, England, for the coronation review of King George, has a displacement of 20,000 tons.Image and text provided by University of North Texas; Denton, TX.
Photo from El Paso Herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 26 June 1911, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 719k Society Stars Appear in Pinafore Tomorrow.
Opera Will Be Produced on Battleship Utah.
Image and text provided by University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Photo by Paul Thompson.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Salt Lake Tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 16 July 1911, Image 33, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah617k The Utah (BB-31) during her trials, 16th run at 21 knots. Photographed by N.L. Stebbins, Boston, Massachusetts.
National Archives Identifier: 45512665
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-93.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-30 Florida561kUtah (BB-31) at Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Photo dated circa 12 September 1911
Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via flickr.com.
BB-31 Utah 2.13k New U. S. Battleship Utah (BB-31), the Navy's Greatest Sea Fighter, Now Receiving Finishing Touches, and 12 Inch GunImage and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Photo by Bismarck Daily Tribune. (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 14 September 1911, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 683k $28,000,000 TO PUT BIGGEST Dreadnought UTAH (BB-31) INTO ACTION.
$250,000 an Hour Is the Expense of Fighting Newest Warship
While Her Maintenance Costs $832,000 a Year, or More.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from The Evening World. (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 16 September 1911, Final Edition, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah224kStarboard broadside of the Utah (BB-31) underway with the crew lining the rails between 1911 and 1915. The location is upper New York Harbor just south of the battery. You can see lower Manhattan off of her stern and Brooklyn heights just forward of the bow. Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Larry Malloy, CDR, USN Ret.
Photo from Library of Congress; # Library of Congress, LC-D4-22783 via Mike Green.
BB-31 Utah491kNaval Review: Utah (BB-31) at the NYNY. Anchored, bow view group, 3 October 1911.National Archives Identifier: 45513403
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-49.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah224kHawse pipe casting for Utah (BB-31), October 1911.Photo No. f1041n1, Brooklyn Navy Yard Archive - courtesy National Archive and Records Administration, Northeast Region - NYC, Record Group 181 via flickr.com.
BB-31 Utah 317k Utah Model, Photo No. 11, 11/11/1911.National Archives Identifier: 6126662
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah70kIn 1911, Captain William S. Benson became the first Commanding Officer of the battleship Utah (BB-31). Digital ID: # ggbain 25778. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-31 Utah NR Unveiling the Silver Service Given to the Battleship Utah (BB-31).
There are 129 pieces in the original set.
LIKENESS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG APPEARS ON SILVER SERVICE IN SPITE OF ANTI MORMON PROTEST.
Image and text provided by University of North Texas; Denton, TX., University of Utah, Marriott Library & University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Photo from El Paso Herald (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 14 December 1910, Image 16 & The Evening Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1910-1913, 11 November 1911, Image 8, & Polk County Observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 24 November 1911, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah NR SNUB BY CAPTAIN OF WARSHIP UTAH (BB-31) IS CHARGE OF D.A.R.
Women Warned Against Assailing Mormons, in Presenting, Silver, IT IS Said.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 12 November 1911, Sunday Evening Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-30 Florida316kUtah (BB-31) showing propellers.
Photo dated 27 November 1911.
Photo 08_06_004821 courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via flickr.com.
BB-31 Utah 1.20k BATTLESHIP UTAH (BB-31) GETS SILVER SERVICE
THE silver service purchased by 30,000 school children of Utah for the new battleship Utah was presented by Governor Spry to Capt William S. Benson, commander of the vessel, in the New York navy yard the other day. The gift, displayed on a long table between two immense guns, was unveiled by Miss Hazel Tout.
Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo from Tensas Gazette. (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 22 December 1911, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah406kForward turrets of the Utah (BB-31), possibly at Philadelphia, PA. Digital ID: # 2163693498_47d91aa26d_o. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
BB-31 Utah187kForward turrets of the Utah (BB-31). Digital ID: Call # LC-B2-2267-11. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
BB-31 Utah280kStern view of the Utah (BB-31) at the New York Naval Review. Note her rear secondary gun ports are open. Digital ID: # 2422670411_e9d19cf7b3_o., LOC # LC-B2-2455-2. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
BB-31 Utah114kSemaphore signaling on Utah (BB-31). Digital ID: ggbain.09584 # 2162892615_7a7f48e09c_o. Call # LC-B2- 2267-15. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
BB-31 Utah NR UNCLE SAM'S BIGGEST DRYDOCK TAKES IN UTAH (BB-31), BIGGEST BATTLESHIP, WHICH WILL HAVE DENTS IN ARMOR STRAIGHTENED OUT
The Utah is in the navy hospital because of a British tramp steamship trying to get to sea in a fog dented a few of her bow plates as she lay off Tompkinsville, Staten Island, on the same day that the Titanic foundered.....
5 photo PDF of the event, 9 May 1912.
National Archives Identifiers:6880630, 6880714, 6038596, 6038593 & Library of Congress photo # LC-H261-1188.
Photos courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
PDF image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Evening Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1910-1913, 15 May 1912, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah1.00k Officers and crew of the Utah (BB-31) on 10 May 1912.
The day before, the Utah succeeded in becoming the first ship to use the new Drydock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard which had a reputation as a man killer.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints & Photos Division, LC-USZ62-137330, Photo # 6a33021 by H.H. Howard. Photo courtesy of Tom Kermen.
PDF image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from The Evening World. (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 09 May 1912, Final Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-26 South CarolinaNRHOW AMERICA'S GUNNERS HOLD THE SUPREMACY OF THE SEA
THE EYES OF THE GUNS
Above is the ordnance Officer who sits in the Foretop and Directs by Telephone the Marksmanship of the Gunners Below.
At the Bottom of the page is the Crew of a Seven inch Gun on the Utah (BB-31)
Lowering a Pontoon Raft with Contact Mines from Battleship South Carolina (BB-26) to the Ship's Cutter
Placing the Mines from the Bow to the Cutter
Photos by Enrique Mueller
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
The Salt Lake Tribune. (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 12 May 1912, Magazine Section, Image 38, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Idaho 538k YANKEE NAVY AT TARGET PRACTICE
The Michigan (BB-27) firing broadside. 2. Same, nearer view. 3. Going to look at target. 4. Big gun at moment of firing. 5. Battleships in line. 6. Ready to lay mines. 7. Setting up target. 8.Utah (BB-31) firing broadsides. 9. Target in position.
Photos by Enrique Muller.
Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo from The Hawaiian Star (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 31 May 1912, SECOND EDITION, SECOND SECTION, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.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-28 Delaware319k Delaware (BB-28) with what probably are Utah (BB-31) & Arkansas (BB-33) in 1913.Photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein & Ronald J. Nash.
Library of Congress Reference number # LC-H261-3207, courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-30 Florida525k Vessels Alongside Pier F Looking Northwest, 18 December 1913.
Based on minor differences in the after mast tops, I believe that the Florida (BB-30) is on the left and the Utah (BB-31) on the right.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 6038109
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-30 Florida403k Water from Southwest Side of ordnance Dock Looking North from West Side Entrance Dry Dock No. 4
From Left to right: Wyoming (BB-32) or Arkansas (BB-33) with Florida (BB-30) and the Utah (BB-31).
National Archives Identifier: 6038112
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Veracruz Incident
BB-31 Utah64k The Utah (BB-31) Number One Turret's crew posing under their turret's 12"/45 guns in 1913. Chief Turret Captain Abraham DeSomer seated at right in the center of the front row. To his right is the Turret Officer, Ensign Arthur S. Carpender. DeSomer received the Medal of Honor for his "extraordinary heroism" during the seizure of Veracruz, Mexico, 21-22 April 1914. Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 103835, from the collection of Lieutenant Commander Abraham DeSomer, USN. Donated by Lieutenant Colonel Russell DeSomer, U.S. Air Force (Retired), 1975.
BB-28 Delaware
012813$
NR American Sailors Bunkoed in Rome Out of $12,000 Cash
One thousand bluejackets of the American battleships Utah (BB-31), Delaware (BB-28), Ohio (BB-12) and Vermont (BB-20) today found themselves poorer by $12,000. The money was turned over to a musician named Camorazzo, who formerly belonged to the band on the Utah, who guaranteed to get them a special train for an excursion to Rome and an audience with the pope. When the men obtained shore leave here to take advantage of the excursion which they had paid for they could not find the former bandsman or their $12,000 cash.
Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside; Riverside, CA.
Photo from The San Francisco Call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 11 November 1913, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31
013130a
545k Either the Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31) rides the waves off the Hatteras coast in December 1913. Photo by by E. Muller, Jr.
National Archives Identifier: 55242048
Local Identifier: 111-SC-41461
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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-31 Utah 966k TO COMMAND UTAH (BB-31)
CAPT. J. H. GIBBONS, Of the Battleship Louisiana (BB-19), Who Will Be Placed in Command of the Utah on the Voluntary Retirement, After Thirty Years of Active Service, of Present Commander, Capt Louis S. Van Duser.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 12 April 1914, Sunday Evening EDITION, Image 5, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah980kIF THE VERACRUZ GIVES THE SALUTE, WHY NOT LET THE UTAH (BB-31) RETURN IT? Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 17 April 1914, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah86k Abraham DeSomer was born on 29 December 1884 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the early 1900s, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from that state. Following his initial sea duty on board the gunboat Yorktown, DeSomer transferred to the monitor Monadnock (M-3), which served on the Asiatic Station, and became a Gunner's Mate.
During 1907-1911, he was assigned to the battleship Nebraska (BB-14). DeSomer was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 1910. A year later, he reported to the battleship Utah (BB-31). While serving in that ship on 21-22 April 1914, during the intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, his "extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Veracruz, Mexico" was recognized by the award of the Medal of Honor.
Utah consequently landed her "battalion"-17 officers and 367 sailors under the command of Lt. Guy W. S. Castle-as well as her Marine detachment, which formed part of the improvised "First Marine Brigade," made up of detachments of marines from the other ships that had arrived to show American determination. In the ensuing fighting, in which the men of Utah's bluejacket battalion distinguished themselves, seven won Medals of Honor. Those seven included Lt. Castle, the battalion commander; company commanders Ens. Oscar C. Badger and Ens. Paul F. Foster; section leaders, Chief Turret Captains Niels Drustrup and Abraham Desomer; Chief Gunner George Bradley; and Boatswain's Mate Henry N. Nickerson.
Chief Turret Captain Abraham DeSomer, USN photograph ed in 1910, just after reenlisting for his third enlistment. DeSomer received the Medal of Honor for his "extraordinary heroism" during the intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, 21-22 April 1914.
Text courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 103834. Collection of Lieutenant Commander Abraham DeSomer, USN. Donated by Lieutenant Colonel Russell DeSomer, U.S. Air Force (Retired), 1975 & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-31 Utah65kMedal of Honor Citation: "For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Veracruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. In both days' fighting at the head of his company, Ensign Paul Frederick Foster was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage". Ensign Paul Frederick Foster was part of the landing force of 800 Marines and Seamen at Veracruz on 22 April 1914 to protect U.S. citizens and rights during a period of political unrest in Mexico. 17 Marines and Sailors were killed during the battles over the two day period within the city of Veracruz during the incident. He was assigned to the Battleship Utah (BB-31) after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command via Bill Gonyo.
BB-31 Utah79kVeracruz Incident, 1914. The Utah (BB-31) battalion marches along the Veracruz waterfront while returning to their ship, circa April-June 1914. Battleship in the center distance is Minnesota (BB-22). Ship in the left distance is either Dixie (1898- 1922) or Prairie (1898-1923). Photographed by Hadsell.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 100622.
BB-31 Utah80kChief Gunner George Bradley, USN (center) with Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby (left) and Admiral Edward W. Eberle, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, at the White House, Washington, D.C., 4 October 1923, after he had been presented with the Medal of Honor by President Calvin Coolidge.
The Medal was awarded "for meritorious service under fire" during the landings at Veracruz, Mexico, in 1914. At that time Bradley was a Chief Gunner's Mate, serving in Utah (BB-31).
Citation: For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of the landing of the American naval forces at Veracruz in 1914. C.G. Bradley was then attached to the Utah, as a chief gunner's mate, and was in charge of the ammunition party and special details at Veracruz.
Photo # npcc 09603. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection. Submitted courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-12 Ohio507kVERACRUZ TAKEN AFTER BOMBARDMENT
PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE STURDY FIGHTERS OF THE ATLANTIC FLEET STEAMING OUT OF HAMPTON ROADS FOR MEXICAN WATERS
LEFT TO RIGHT: THE OHIO (BB-12), THE VERMONT (BB-20), THE CONNECTICUT (BB-18), THE NORTH DAKOTA (BB-29), THE DELAWARE (BB-28), THE FLORIDA (BB-30), THE UTAH (BB-31), AND THE ARKANSAS (BB-33).
Image and text provided by University of Oregon, Knight Library; Eugene,OR.
Photo from Medford Mail Tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989, 22 April 1914, SECOND EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah NR Guns of Battleship Utah (BB-31) Trained Upon Sand Hills Sheltering Maas' Troops
A group of marines on board the battleship here shown are drawn up with their arms and receiving instructions preparatory to landing. The other picture shows the great guns of the battleship Utah.
Image and text provided by University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Photo from Daily Capital Journal. (Salem, Or.) 1903-1919, 04 May 1914, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-30 Florida
013130f
2.27k Either the Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31) with other elements of the US Navy off Veracruz. Photo courtesy of huntington.org. courtesy of Daniel Hacker.
Wilson
01wilsonveracruz
3.97k Record Group 181: Records of Navy Installations Command, Navy Regions, Naval Districts, and Shore Establishments
Series: Glass Plate Negatives of the Construction and Repair of Buildings, Facilities, and Vessels at the New York Navy Yard
The President Speaking Before Caskets of Veracruz Heroes in Brooklyn Navy Yard.
This is a photograph of the ceremonies for the 22 US service men killed during the United States occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, 11 May 1914.
PDF image and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota
Photo from The Fargo Forum and Daily Republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 15 May 1914, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Agency-Assigned Identifier: F644 N166
National Archives Identifier: 6038090
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov, via Daniel Hacker.
BB-30 Florida114kSignalmen of the Florida's (BB-30) Landing Force, before going ashore at Veracruz, Mexico, in April 1914.
These men are identified as: Windrell, Repp, C.M.M., Green and Bishop (only five listed). Note their military pistol belts with suspenders, canteens and other field gear. Several men are wearing their "flat hats" beret-style, without grommets. Photograph and caption were provided by Chaplain C.H. Dickins, USN, 1926.
USN photo # NH 63286 added courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-31 Utah 1.43k HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR NATION'S HONOR
William H. Pulliam

William H. Pulliam of Pulaski, Va, son of a blacksmith, was shot at the taking of Veracruz. He died there on 5 May. He was attached to the battleship Utah (BB-31). The body is now on the way to Pulaski for interment. When Pulliam's father, George Pulliam, heard of his son's death he said: "He gave his life for his country; he was my boy."
Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo from Arizona Republican. (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 24 May 1914, SECTION TWO, Image 15, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 1.20k UTAH (BB-31) BRINGS LAURELS SHE WON AT VERACRUZ
Grim Old Battleship That Left Here with Snow Clad Decks Back with Warm but Happy Officers and Crew.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune.(New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 23 June 1914, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 725k GLAD TO BE BACK FROM VERACRUZ
These sailors of the battleship Utah (BB-31), the first landing party that went ashore for the taking of Veracruz, have come back with their ship from Mexican waters and are glad to leave the tropical heat. They were given a month's shore leave at New York.
Image and text provided by Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka, KS.
Photo from The Hays Free Press.(Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 11 July 1914, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 658k Orion (AC-11) Coaling Utah (BB-31) by Conveyors, General View from Deck of Utah on 16 July 1914.National Archives Identifier: 6126667
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Insert photo National Archives Identifier: 6126668.
BB-31 Utah227kPostcard photo by Enrique Muller Jr. of the Utah (BB-31) underway sometime after 1914. Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.
Mid 19 Teens
Atlantic Fleet615kUNCLE SAM'S FIGHTER BATTLING OLD NEPTUNE'S WRATH
UTAH (BB-31) IN A STORM OFF CAPE HATTERAS WHILE ON HER WAY TO GUANTANAMO
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 14 February 1915, FOURTH SECTION PICTORIAL MAGAZINE, Image 40, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
War Game 744k PRESIDENT WILL SEND UNITED STATES FLEET ON BIG WAR GAME
1. General view of warships in Hudson river.
2. Utah (BB-31).
3. Virginia (BB-13).
4. United States torpedo boat destroyer going at full speed.
5. Florida (BB-30), with sky line of New York city in the background.
6. Sailors aboard United States battleship.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The Washington Herald. (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 02 May 1915, PICTORIAL SECTION, Image 31, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-28 Delaware
012815h
NR ATLANTIC FLEET IN THE HUDSON
The picture shows, reading from left to right, the battleships Delaware (BB-28), North Dakota (BB-29), Michigan (BB-27), South Carolina (BB-26), Kansas (BB-21), Florida (BB-30) and Utah (BB-31).
Image and text provided by Rutgers University Libraries.
Photo from Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 11 May 1915, HOME EDITION, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic Fleet250kOUTLINED 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.
Atlantic Fleet2.05kSAILORS OF THE FLEET PASS THE PRESIDENT IN PARADE
Above in the reviewing stand at Forty Second Street showing Acting Mayor McAneny, President Wilson, Secretary Daniels & Admiral Fletcher in the centre of the reviewing party. The sailors of the Utah (BB-31) with the flags they carried at Veracruz are passing the stand. Below are the sailors from the flagship Wyoming (BB-32) marching up the avenue.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 18 May 1915, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah
013117a
1.42k View looking west of General Grant National Memorial (commonly known as Grant's Tomb) in Riverside Park, near the intersection of Riverside Drive and 122nd Street. New York, New York, mid to late 1910s. Alongside the tomb is the Utah (BB-31) and below her is a Maine/Virginia or Connecticut class battleship heading north on the Hudson River, passing the New Jersey Palisades. The mausoleum, designed by architect John H. Duncan and completed in 1897, contains the body of American Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), the 18th President of the United States, and his wife, former First Lady Julia Dent Grant (1826-1902). Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard L. Jensen.
Photo by Frederic Lewis/Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.
BB-32 Wyoming570kView of Waterfront, Looking East, from Cantilever Crane Track, 16 June 1915.
The ship in the foreground is Wyoming (BB-32) based on the conning tower. Note the ammunition lighter amidships.
To the left, above her stern, is the New York (BB-34), based on the searchlight config. Above Wyoming's #3 turret is the stern of the Florida (BB-30), while the Utah (BB-31) is seen between the Wyoming's stacks.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 6038107
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-30 Florida1.81k Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31), waterfront view of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, circa 1915. National Archives Identifier: 6281320
Local Identifier: F644 N254.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Atlantic Fleet1.17k Dreadnoughts Texas (BB-35) and Utah (BB-31) First of Fletcher's Fleet To Leave Navy Yard for Southern Cruise, Dodge Big Bulkhead
BATTLESHIP UTAH PASSING UNDER BROOKLYN BRIDGE ON HER WAY TO NEWPORT WITH THE TEXAS.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 22 June 1915, Image 6, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-29 North Dakota1.22kADMIRAL FLETCHER AND FLEET CAPTAINS
Admiral Fletcher, commander of the Atlantic fleet conferring with other officers on the flagship Wyoming (BB-32). Standing with his back turned, is Capt. Albert Gleaves of the Utah (BB-31); seated, left to right, are Capt. W. L. Rogers of the Delaware (BB-28), Admiral Fletcher and Captain Huse, chief of staff.
Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo from The Madison Journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 3 July 1915, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah3.69k"The Utah (BB-31) with crew lining the rail, passing in review before the Secretary of War on the battleship Wyoming (BB-32) in Massachusetts Bay."Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, 5 September 1915, Page 7, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Photo copyright 1917 C.E. Waterman with another copyright O.W. Waterman, Hampton VA., courtesy of David A. Jones MMCM(SW) USN Retired.
BB-30 Florida397kN.Y.N.Y.; 1 November 1915, waterfront looking east.
Florida (BB-30) is the ship between Arizona (BB-39) and the camera. Utah (BB-31) is beyond their sterns. Arkansas (BB-33) is the ship on the left.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 6281319
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah89kUtah (BB-31) looking forward from atop # 4 12" gun turret while coaling simultaneously from two colliers at the rate of 841 tons per hour prior to World War I. The ship's band is stationed on top of # 3 turret. The two colliers are Cyclops (Fuel Ship-4) on the left and either Orion (Collier-11) or Jason (Fuel Ship-12) on the right. Cyclops had Mead-Morrison coal handling gear while the other collier had Lidgerwood gear.Text i.d. courtesy of John Spivey (of course)!
Photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 61262.
BB-30 FloridaNRA Florida class (BB-30/31) Battleship and Her Brood
Fleet sailing races are fall and winter diversions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where our fighting ships play at war.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 12 November 1916, Image 47, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah382kIn Hampton Roads, 10 December 1916.National Archives Identifier: 45512663
Local Identifier: [165-WW-334A-92.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah124kCloseup view of the main masthead, prior to World War I, with sailors in gunfire spotting positions and the U.S. flag flying from the gaff. Halftone reproduction, copied from United States Navy Illustrated, published in New York in 1917. Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 79494.
Over There
1917 - 1919

BB-31 Utah2.29kU.S. Navy yard, Norfolk, Va., Berths 1-7 and A to D, 5 January 1917.
From Left to right: Florida (BB-30) adorned with 2 E's on her rear turrets. Other vessels are Navy coal barges & tugs. On the right, outboard is Utah (BB-31) & inboard Louisiana (BB-19).
Note the construction of what might be a crane on the stern of the Utah, which did not appear here 3 days prior on 2 January.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Insert: National Archives Identifier: 52557395
Local Identifier: 181-V-1310
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov.
National Archives Identifier: 52557149
Local Identifier: 181-V-1187
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Almost Unknown1.01kOriginal Caption: One of the U.S. battleships going at full speed, not a man allowed on deck when going at this rate.
A Florida class (BB-30 / 31) battleship underway.
Photographer: Kedal & Herbert.
National Archives Identifier: 45512843
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-67
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Almost Unknown447kSUPPLIES FOR A BATTLESHIP'S CUPBOARD
The most powerful naval force ever assembled under the Stars and Stripes is now fully supplied and ready for battle.
A Florida class (BB-30 / 31) battleship is in the background.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger.(Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 July 1917, Night Extra, Pictorial Section, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-33 Arkansas5.80kArkansas (BB-33) with seven other Battleships of the Atlantic Fleet at Hampton Roads, 1917.
The ship in the foreground (first from the right) is the Arkansas. The photo shows a total of 8 battleships sailing in 2 columns. The cage masts of a battleship is showing above the Arkansas' forward turrets and the ship on the far left is actually 2 ships (3 masts) [the right hand of these 2 appears to be bow on to the camera sailing on a different bearing thus only one mast is showing].
Given the probable date of the photo, the flag on the foremast of Arkansas is probably that of R. Adm. Winslow, which would suggest that the right hand column is probably Battleship Division 1. The New York (BB-34) does appear in the photo as the second ship in the right hand column (second closest in the photo). Note the 2 forward casemate guns (verses 1 on 12" gunned BB's) and the 2 gun main turrets.
Assuming the the right hand column is division 1, the next 2 ships in that column would be Utah (BB-31) and the Florida (BB-30) (both funnels are between the masts) and the last ship in line (the bow on ship) may be Delaware (BB-28).
Photographer Harris & Ewing courtesy of loc.gov.
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-hec-08104.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
Inspection810kJune 1918 photo - Inspection on board one of the battleships. The men are required to lay out their hammocks and bedding.
Stern view of a Delaware (BB-28 / 29) or Florida (BB-30 / 31) class battleship.
Photo by Kadel & Herbert.
National Archives Identifier: 45510907
Local Identifier: 165-WW-325B-8
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah927kThe Utah (BB-31) arrives at Hampton Roads, Virginia before going over to Europe during WW I.
She operated in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay as an engineering and gunnery training ship and continued that duty until 30 August 1918, when she sailed for the British Isles with Vice Admiral Henry T. Mayo, Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, embarked.
Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Atlantic Fleet58k"Armor piercing shells weighing half a ton or more apiece being loaded on an American Dreadnought that is preparing to sail for European waters."Photo by Central News Photo Service.
Partial text from The War of the Nations (New York) N.Y. Times, 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah229kUtah's (BB-31) crew lines the deck at attention during a funeral ceremony when the ship was at Berehaven, Bantry Bay, Ireland, sometime on or after 10 September 1918. There, she became the flagship of Rear Admiral Thomas S. Rodgers, Commander, Battleship Division 6. Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-31 Utah358kPhotographed during World War I, with camouflage patterns painted on her hull and triangular baffles attached to her masts. Both were intended to confuse enemy range finders.Text courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 63579.
National Archives Identifier: 45512667
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-94.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Over There
013018b
565kPhoto caption reads Section of U.S. Navy, cooperating with British Navy, at anchor in Firth of Forth, Scotland. There are six cruisers in all, among which are New York (BB-34); Kansas (BB-21); Kentucky (BB-6), and Texas (BB-35), 20 September 1918.
There are 6 ships in the photo which are mostly identifiable, but none of the names in the caption match. The ship nearest the camera is HMS Princess Royal. Behind her to the left are HMS Renown, nearer to the camera, with HMS Repulse behind. At the far right is Florida (BB-30), which makes the ship above Repulse's stern the Utah (BB-31). The ship between them is of the Wyoming class, but the image is not clear enough to determine which.
Photo & text i.d. via Richard M. Jensen
National Archives Identifier: 86697735.
Local Identifier: 111-SC-45781
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Atlantic  Fleet2.27kSUNSET OVER THE VICTORY FLEET
The battleships of the U.S. Atlantic Squadron just back from its vigilant watch in the North Sea is here shown at rest in the Hudson River as the sun slowly sinks in the West. In the distance is the Oklahoma (BB-37), Nevada (BB-36), Utah (BB-31) & Pennsylvania (BB-38).
Photographer: Underwood & Underwood.
National Archives Identifier: 45513328
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-012.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah3.75k27 December 1918 in New York Harbor, after her return from European waters. Note that two 5" guns have been removed from her starboard amidships battery, probably for wartime use on merchant ships.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 44256.
Atlantic Fleet624kTHE U. S. FLEET AT ANCHOR in the lower expanse of the Hudson River shortly after the review by Secretary Daniels. The Utah (BB-31) in the foreground. A vast throng watched in silence, awed by the spectacle, as the ten fighting units from overseas steamed slowly to their anchorage. Photo by Underwoodx2
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 27 December 1918, Final, Image 22, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-40
013062
2.00kThe sun sets on Atlantic fleet battleships of the Nevada class (BB-36/37), a Florida class (BB-30/31) followed by a Wyoming (BB-32/33) class battleship surrounded by lots of small boats in New York Harbor during the Naval Review of the Victory Fleet, December 1918.National Archives Identifier:45513394
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-45.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah784kAirplane flying past battleship Utah (BB-31) as she rides at anchor in the North River, New York....31 December 1918.Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 45512475
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-005A.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
1920 - 1930's
BB-31 Utah735kUtah (BB-31) as flagship of the 5th Division, Atlantic Fleet. Photographed by A.E. Wells, Washington D.C.
US National Archives photo # 80G-1035106 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert, Webmaster & Editor.
BB-31 Utah874kPhotograph of her pilothouse and bridges, taken at the New York Navy Yard, 21 January 1919. View looks aft from atop her forward 12" gun turret, with turret # 2 in the foreground. Note searchlights and concentration dial mounted on Utah's (BB-31) "cage" foremast, and bearing markings painted on the turret base.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 76569 via Mike Green.
New York Harbor1.78k"American dreadnoughts & super-dreadnoughts steaming into New York harbor 14 April 1919."
The Texas (BB-35) leads the procession with a airplane on her turret catapult. Note the escorting biplane.
The "escorting" aircraft is either a Curtiss HS-1 or HS-2 (note the single engine) can't tell which from the photo. The aircraft on a fly-off platform atop the No. 2 turret of the Texas is 1 of 6 Sopwith Camels purchased from Britain at the end of the war.
The platforms were a British concept designed to provide the fleet with an aircraft capable of reaching the high flying Zeppelins which the German Navy occasionally used as scouts. The Texas was the only US Battleship to be fitted with turret fly-off platforms while in Europe and was the test bed for this program in the US Navy. Not visible in this view is a stripped down (No fabric and no wings) Sopwith 1-1/2 Strutter lashed atop the No. 3 Turret. The platforms were eventually mounted on all 14" gun BB's through the New Mexico (BB-40 / 42) class (with mixed reviews from their commanders) and carried either a Hanriot HD-1 or a Nieuport' 28. Though equipped inflatable floats for water landings, this tended to do a lot of damage not the least of which was dowsing a hot engine in cold salt water. By 1920 a successful compressed air catapult was developed and were being mounted on the aft deck of all 4 turreted battleships and fly-off platforms were removed. The Texas and New York (BB-34), because of their 5 Turrets, lacked the deck space for the catapult and had to make do with a float plane (Vought VE-7) sitting on the aft deck which would be launched by lowering it over the side for a surface take-off.
If you look carefully at the photo you see the VE-7 on the deck and the A-frame hoist used for handling it.
Photo by Paul Thompson.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, page 481, from The War of the Nations (New York), 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Text i.d. courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
Atlantic  FleetNRHow the Atlantic Fleet looked to the camera man in a seaplane flying over lower Manhattan a week ago yesterday morning as the mighty armada came up the bay to anchorage in the Hudson off Riverside Drive for a two weeks' vacation after months of strenuous maneuvers in Southern waters. The destroyers Dale (DD-290) and Flusser (DD-289) are shown leading the column of eight dreadnoughts: Oklahoma (BB-37), Nevada (BB-36), Arizona (BB-39), flagship Pennsylvania (BB-38), Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30), North Dakota (BB-29) and Delaware (BB-28) past the Statue of Liberty at a fifteen-knot clip. In addition to the big battleships, the fleet includes thirty-two destroyers, numerous supply ships and several submarines.
The Atlantic battleship fleet is home again. Here are the twelve great first line fighting ships that are paying Father Knickerbocker a two weeks' visit. Over a hundred of Uncle Sam's grim sea warriors gray the North River, while their 30,000 sailor-men are given the freedom of the city in a royal welcome home.
The Battleship Mississippi (BB-41) leading the fleet into the harbor, as photographed from an airplane. Note the airplanes atop the forward and aft turrets.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 20 April 1919, Image 48, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah69k Halftone reproduction of a photograph showing showing junior officers reading in the ship's ward room, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31). Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104753. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah91kHalftone reproduction of a photograph showing showing enlisted men on the ship's gun deck, circa 1919. Several of the figures in this view have been heavily retouched. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104754. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah82kHalftone reproduction of a photograph showing men at work in the crew's galley on board the ship, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104756. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah83kHalftone reproduction of a photograph showing men working in the ship's General Mess pantry, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104757. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah74kHalftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking forward on the port side from alongside her after twelve-inch gun turret, circa 1919. Note the life rafts mounted on the turret's side. Halftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking toward the bow from her bridge, circa 1919. Note her forward twelve-inch twin gun turrets. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104758. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah51kHalftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking forward on the port side from alongside her after twelve-inch gun turret, circa 1919.
Note the life rafts mounted on the turret's side. Halftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking toward the bow from her bridge, circa 1919. Note her forward twelve-inch twin gun turrets.This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104759. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah80kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of men working in the ship's machine shop, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104760. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah90kHalftone reproduction of a photograph showing enlisted men lined up for mess, circa 1919. Note the mess pails carried by several of these Sailors. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104755. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah62kHalftone reproduction of a photograph of men working in the ship's carpenter shop, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104761. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.
BB-31 Utah276kPart of 2,000 tons of coal begin to pile on Utah's (BB-31) deck from the adjoining collier when the ship was docked at Hampton Roads, Virginia on 26 May 1919. The coal made it way below decks after a record 5 hour transfer. Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-38 Pennsylvania
013834n
1.10kPhoto caption reads Hampton Roads, showing U.S. battleships at anchor. Taken from General Hospital #43, Hampton, Va, between 20 May through 7 June 1919.
Left to right we have Pennsylvania (BB-38), New York (BB-34), an unidentified Florida class BB obscured by the collier, Arizona (BB-39), and then North Dakota (BB-29). The shot was taken in a very narrow window between the time that the Pennsylvania and Arizona were fitted with their pilot houses and the time that the lookout stations were added to the cage masts.
Photo & text i.d. via Richard M. Jensen
Photo by Sgt. P.R. Newberg
National Archives Identifier: 86719165.
Local Identifier: 111-SC-56991
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah147kRear turrets of the Utah (BB-31) while in Cuba, circa 1919.Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-31 Utah141kPart of the Utah's (BB-31) Marine compliment poses for a group shot at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1919. Corporal George Henry Wilson is in the upper right corner.Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-31 Utah59kUtah's (BB-31) Marines Present Arms while in Cuba, 1919. Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-31 Utah135kUtah's (BB-31) kitchen crew prepared at least 365,000 meals for the crew of 1001 men over a year. Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-31 Utah179kUtah's (BB-31) crew of 1001 men line the forward turrets and superstructure at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1919. Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-31 Utah179kUtah's (BB-31) rowing team in 1919. Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.
BB-31 Utah196kLate teens - 20's circa photo showing the bearing markings painted on the turret base of the top two forward and aft turrets of the Utah (BB-31), while she was in a warm climate, as is evidenced by the awning covering her fantail.USN photo by O.W. Waterman, courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-31 Utah59kFiring her fifth salvo, 26 June 1920, during exercises with her main battery 12"/45 guns. Photographed by A.E. Wells.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 63651
Utah20kCaptain Frederick A. Traut, USN. Recently on duty at Philadelphia.
He has been assigned to command the battleship Utah (BB-31).
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger.(Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 30 December 1920, NIGHT EXTRA, Image 24, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic and Pacific Fleets49"Combined Atlantic and Pacific Fleets in Panama Bay, January 21st 1921". Right section (of three) of a panoramic photograph taken by M.C. Mayberry, of Mayberry and Smith, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Among the ships present in this image are (from left to right): Sicard (DD-346), Hatfield (DD-231), North Dakota (BB-29), Delaware (BB-28), Brazos (AO-4), Prometheus (AR-3), Utah (BB-31), Oklahoma (BB-37), Bridge (AF-1), Nevada (BB-36), Schenck (DD-159), Arizona (BB-39), Black Hawk (AD-9), Dickerson (DD-157), Dahlgren (DD-187), Herbert (DD-160), Columbia (CA-16), Cleveland (PG-33), Tacoma (PG-32), Semmes (DD-189) and one other destroyer.
Photo # NH 86082-C, courtesy of Naval Historical Center. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, D.H. Criswell Collection.
BB-31 Utah507kUtah (BB-31) in March, 1921.US National Archives photo # 80G-1035103 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Ostfriesland 1.14k U.S. Navy ships prepare to watch the Billy Mitchell bombing experiments, 20 July 1921.
The ship at the far left is Ohio (BB-12). Moving to the right, the next two are the Delaware (BB-28) and North Dakota (BB-29), but the photo is not clear enough to tell which is which. The next BB (closest to the camera) is the Utah (BB-31), and the ship at the far right side of the photo is the Florida (BB-30).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Image courtesy of National Archives, Washington, DC. via oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.
Florida Class538kJackies From Utah (BB-31) Have Great Time in London. Image and text provided by Oklahoma Historical Society.
Photo from The Morning Tulsa Daily World. (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 31 August 1921, FINAL EDITION, Image 33, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah229kDress ship for Prince of Wales.
Though no date is given in 1922 the Utah (BB-31) was in the Mediterranean on tour. Note the Royal Navy battlecruiser in the background. It is either the HMS Hood, Repulse or Renown.
Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.
BB-31 Utah 656k The annual flower battle afloat at Villefranche-sur-Mer, the great French Mediterranean winter resort, was more gorgeous this year than ever. Sailors from our battleship Utah (BB-31) played a 1arge part.Image and text provided by University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR.
Photo by Paul Thompson.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The New York Herald. (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 19 March 1922, SECTION 5-PART 2 ROTOGRAPHIC SECTION, Image 65, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 590k This photo of Utah (BB-31) was taken at Algiers on 5 April 1922.
The admiral in center is VADM A. P. Niblack; the skipper is CAPT F. A. Traut; the Commander is CDR R. Henderson; the Marines are: CAPT J. M. Arthur & 2nd LT A. Stahlberger.
James T. Nix collection via Don Kehn, Jr.
 BB-31 Utah45kUtah (BB-31) being overhauled at Portsmouth. England. Photo shows the big fighting ship in dry dock. The ship will return to American waters after repair work. Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 06 June 1922, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-30 FloridaNRAdmiral Niblack, an interested spectator at base ball game at Stamford Bridge, England, whetre a team from the United States battleship Utah (BB-31) played the London Americans.Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 23 June 1922, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah83kCrew of a 5"/51 secondary battery gun in action during early 1920s exercises. Note gas masks in use, and breeches of two 3-pdr saluting guns at the bottom of the picture.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 89730.
BB-30/31 578k Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1923.
From left to right: Utah (BB-31), battleship of the Virginia class {either the Virginia (BB-13) or the New Jersey (BB-16)}, and what might be the Birmingham (CL-2).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Aryeh Weterhorn. (USN & Israeli Navy, Retired).
Photo # 08_06_016895 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum
BB-31 Utah 618k Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1923. Utah (BB-31) with scow laden with artillery projectiles. Photo #08_06_016844 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum
BB-31 Utah104kThe Utah (BB-31) in the Gailard Cut, 15 February 1923.Library of Congress, LC-B2-6347-9, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-31 Utah103kThe Atlantic fleet, steaming at full speed, en route to the winter maneuvering waters.Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 11 March 1923, Image 92, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31NRBATTLE FORMATION IN SOUTHERN WATERS
The combined Atlantic & Pacific fleets in manueuvers somewhere down along the line of the equator. Photograph taken from the deck of the battleship Utah (BB-31).
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star.([volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 17 March 1923, Image 12, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-28 Delaware819kPanoramic photo of the U.S. fleet in Panama Bay (Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal) on 1 March 1923. 70 vessels are viewed; the Battle Fleet consists of all U.S. battleships from the Delaware (BB-28) through the Idaho (BB-42). Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
Copyright R.G. Lewis, Y Photo Shop, Balboa, C.Z."
BB-32 Wyoming108kThree USN Battleships anchored at Target Bay, Culebra, West Indies, circa January-February 1924. The closest of the three is a Wyoming class (BB-32 / 33) battleship.
The two ships in the background are the Florida (BB-30) and the Utah (BB-31), but again which is which is any body's guess.
USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Photo I.d. and partial text courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
BB-31 Utah52k Utah (BB-31) in 1923, line drawing by A.L. Raven. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-31 Utah50k Utah (BB-31) inboard profile 1923. The engines, boilers and coal-passing scuttles in the bulkhead behind the boilers have been drawn in. The location of the scuttles makes it clear that no coal-burning battleship could really be safe from underwater hits, as the scuttle doors, however secured, could spring open. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-31
013148d
NR FOUR BATTLESHIPS DECLARED UNFIT
Four of the first line battleships of the U. S. Navy have been declared by expert engineers to have unfit boilers and have been ordered not to steam at more than twelve knots. This forces the ships to leave the winter maneuvers and make for their home ports, where it will require several months to repair them. Congress in the past has refused to make appropriations for the boilers. The ships are the Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30) and Wyoming (BB-32), and the Arkansas (BB-33), all coal burners.
Image and text provided by Alaska State Library Historical Collections.
Photo & text by The Alaska Daily Empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1912-1926, 20 March 1924, Image 6 courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah132kBATTLESHIP UTAH (BB-31) RESCUING CREW OK WRECKED SCHOONER.
En route to Baltimore with a cargo of lumber, the schooner Margaret M. Wemyso was run down by an unknown steamer. In a sinking condition 40 hours later, the schooner was found by the battleship Utah and the crew was taken off. The battleship was en route to Lima, Peru, carrying Gen. Pershing and a United States mission, but the crew of the wrecked schooner will be put off at Colon.
The rescued with the rescuers; crew of the schooner Margaret M. Wemyso, & Capt. Johnston in the middle; rescued at sea by the Utah, 8 p.m. on 23 November 1924.
Insert photo courtesy of Jon Burdett.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 13 December 1924, Image 16, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 354k Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1925. Jackie of U.S. Navy climbs up chain instead of going ashore to reach his ship, Utah (BB-31).
Note the U on the bows of the boats.
Photo # 08_06_008453 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah 589k Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1925. Utah (BB-31) seems to be the battleship here judging by her rangefinder details.
Alongside, the Floating Workshop YR-15 tends to one of her charges.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Ron Balko & Richard Jensen.
Photo #08_06_005252 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah 576k Utah (BB-31) with shipyard anchors amidst a forest of masts. Photo i.d. courtesy of Ron Balko & Richard Jensen.
Photo # 08_06_005172 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah236kOn maneuvers off the coast of Maine, 1926.Courtesy of Jon Burdett.
BB-31 Utah 634k One masted Utah (BB-31) undergoing her modernization. Photo # 08_06_004871 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah395kBridgeport (AD-10) and Utah (BB-31) having blisters put on.Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via flickr.com.
BB-30 Florida282kUtah (BB-31) in South Boston drydock.Photo courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via flickr.com.
BB-31 Utah 586k Utah (BB-31) in drydock while Florida (BB-30) steams by. Photo # 08_06_004653 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah758kUtah (BB-31) in the world's biggest drydock being modernized at Boston Navy Yard. Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory)
BB-31 Utah454kUtah (BB-31) at the Boston Navy Yard, 7 July 1927. View looking at the blister, starboard side looking forward.USN photo # 10480. Photo Source: NARA College Park, Maryland, Record group 19.
Photo courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-31 Utah480kUtah (BB-31) at the Boston Navy Yard, 7 July 1927. View looking at the blister, starboard side looking aft.USN photo # 10481. Photo Source: NARA College Park, Maryland, Record group 19.
Photo courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-31 Utah188k Detail shot of the Utah (BB-31) showing 5"/51s, 3" A.A. guns, range clocks search light location and other bridge detail after her rebuild in 1927. She was converted to oil burning at this time as well as being strengthened and blistered for better protection. Oil fired boilers, increased protection, and cage main mast elimination were the major items completed.USN photo.
BB-31 Utah177kUtah (BB-31) was placed back in commission on 1 December 1925 and, after local operations with the Scouting Fleet, departed Hampton Roads on 21 November 1928, bound for South America. Reaching Montevideo on 18 December, she there embarked President-elect and Mrs. Herbert C. Hoover; the Honorable Henry T. Fletcher, Ambassador to Italy; and members of the press. Utah transported the President-elect's party to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 21 and 23 December, and then continued her homeward voyage with Mr. Hoover embarked. En route, the President-elect inspected the battleship's crew while at sea, before the ship reached Hampton Roads on 6 January 1929.
Utah appears here in Guantanamo Bay.
Text via DANFS.
USN photo # 80-G-1025113 courtesy of interwarnavy.org via Bill Gonyo.
Battlefleet122kWatercolor of a Presidential review during President Hoover's term of office, 1928-32.
Crews line the rails of a Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) battleship as the ships pass in line astern of the reviewing stand with the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3) piercing the clouds accompanied by 9 biplanes.
Courtesy of Michael Schwarz.
Battlefleet56kView of the U.S. Battlefleet from above, possibly from the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3). Photo courtesy of periscopefilm.com.
BB-31 Utah 785k Bow view of the Utah (BB-31) with ill-fated sub S-4 (SS-109) in background, Charlestown Navy Yard, 29 April 1928. Photo # 08_06_005204 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, via digitalcommonwealth.org
BB-31 UtahNRPresident-elect and Mrs. Hoover in Montevideo on their good-will circuit of South America. They are shown arriving at the water front in the Uruguayan capital to board a Uruguayan warship, which conveyed them to the battleship Utah (BB-31) for their voyage up the coast to Rio de Janeiro and thence home. Copyright by P. & A. Photos.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 08 January 1929, Image 13, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah
013129h
NRFarewell to Rio de Janeiro, the last port of call on President-elect Hoover's good-will tour. As the battleship Utah (BB-31) steams out of the harbor for the homeward voyage, Mrs. Hoover enjoys a view from the deck of the towering oval of Sugar Loaf Mountain. © Associated Press Photo
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 07 January 1929, Image 17, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 UtahNRPresident-elect Hoover inspecting the bluejackets of the battleship Utah (BB-31) with Capt. Train and his staff shortly before reaching home from his good will tour. Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 13 January 1929, Image 98, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah234kEvery tar on the Utah (BB-31) gets into a picture with the President-elect and Mrs. Hoover and members of their party.Photo courtesy of Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum.
Note; High-resolution scans can be ordered from the site.
Insert image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 13 January 1929, Image 99, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah239kPresident-Elect Herbert Hoover on board Utah (BB-31) in late December 1928, while returning to the United States from his South American tour. To Mr. Hoover's right is George Akerson, his personal secretary. Note 3"/50 gun barrel at right. Courtesy of Commander Harold C. Train, USN, 1930.
Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 49056 courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Insert image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 09 December 1928, Image 112, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 UtahNRA Navy fighting plane being catapulted from the battleship Utah (BB-31) in maneuvers off San Pedro, CA.Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star.[volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 28 April 1929, Image 98 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 470k Painting Utah (BB-31) in South Boston drydock, 4 May 1929. Photo # 08_06_004706 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah 371k Southern part of the Utah (BB-31). Photo # 08_06_005038 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-31 Utah132kA big chance for the Navy's amateur photographers. President and Mrs. Hoover pose for their picture as tars of the battleship Utah (BB-31) call to renew acquaintances formed when the battleship brought the Chief Executive back from his South American tour.Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star.[volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 09 June 1929, Image 113, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah125kDetailed view of the Utah (BB-31), circa late 1929. Note the Vickers-type 5-inch director just inboard of the 5in/51 gun on her 01 level. A chart house, which is barely visible, occupied the base of the cage foremast.
The navigating bridge above carried a 3-inch range-finder/altimeter at its after end; it had not yet been mounted at this time. The level above carried 3-inch fire controls and lookouts. The empty sponson was reserved for a main battery director (scope), with spotters in the mainmast. Note the pair of 3-pounder saluting guns at the forward end of the 01 level and the range clocks at both masts.
Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-31 Utah1.12kUnder the terms of the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty, Utah (BB-31) was selected for conversion to a mobile target, in place of the former battleship North Dakota (BB-29); and, on 1 July 1931, Utah classification was changed to AG-16. Her conversion-carried out at the Norfolk Navy Yard-included the installation of a radio-control apparatus. After having been decommissioned for the duration of the conversion, Utah was recommissioned at Norfolk on 1 April 1932.
Utah in seen here in port in Norfolk, Virginia, circa 1930.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo from The Virginian-Pilot Photograph Collection / SMC Photograph Collection from the Norfolk Public Library (Va.) via Andrew Payne.
BB-32 WyomingNRNAVY PLANS TO RETIRE THESE BATTLESHIPS OCTOBER 1
The battleships Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30) and Wyoming (BB-32), reading from top to bottom, which the Navy Department has decided tentatively to retire about October 1 as a gesture of international confidence.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star.([volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 03 August 1930, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Gunnery Training Ship (AG-16)
BB-31 Utah765kTwo view after April fools day of Utah (BB-31) in dry dock at the Norfolk Navy Yard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Bow on view.
Photos from The Virginian-Pilot Photograph Collection / SMC Photograph Collection from the Norfolk Public Library (Va.) via Andrew Payne.
BB-31 Utah201kPhotographed by George Winstead, probably immediately after her recommissioning on 1 April 1932, when Utah (AG-16) departed Norfolk on to train her engineers in using the new installations and for trials of her radio gear by which the ship could be controlled at varying rates of speed and changes of course maneuvers that a ship would conduct in battle. Her electric motors, operated by signals from the controlling ship, opened and closed throttle valves, moved her steering gear, and regulated the supply of oil to her boilers. In addition, a Sperry gyro pilot kept the ship on course. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-31 Utah104kA pup's farewell to his master's ship. Dodo seems a bit downcast as a bluejacket "hands" him over the rail of the old battleship Utah (BB-31), slated to be scrapped under the naval treaty. As the captain's pet. Dodo has known many happy days aboard the ship. Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 14 August 1932, Image 85, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah417kThe original Naked Gun:Utah (AG-16).USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-31 Utah142kAnchored off Long Beach, California, 18 April 1935, while serving as a target ship. Three heavy cruisers are in the background, with the city of Long Beach beyond them.Official USN photo # 80-G-416384, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-31 Utah59kRecovering a torpedo after practice. Circa mid 1930's.USN courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
BB-31 Utah856kSeen after dis-armament under the terms of the London Naval treaty of 1930 while serving as a target ship in 1935.US National Archives photo # 80-G-1035107 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert,
BB-31 Utah116kUtah (AG-16) underway at sea, 10 December 1936, while serving as a target ship. Note timbers arranged on her weather decks to cushion the impact of water-filled practice bombs.Official USN photo from the collections of the National Archives. # 80-G-463398.
BB-31 Utah175kSecretary of the Navy Charles Edison wearing communications headphones, on board Utah (AG-16) , 23 April 1940, during an inspection tour of the U.S. Fleet.Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 54736 courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
BB-31 Utah58kCDR. William Henry Purnell Blandy was the commanding officer of the target ship Utah (AG-16) between 1939 to 1940 assigned to the task of training the Navy's bomber pilots in offensive work and in developing the fleet's anti-aircraft defenses. He was promoted to Captain in September of 1939. Official USN photograph ic Portrait of RADM William H. P. "Spike" Blandy, USN, taken in February of 1941, when he was serving as the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance.
File number USN OOR-2044 about 1939, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-31 Utah65kUtah (AG-16) photographed circa 1940, after being fitted with 5"/25 guns forward and amidships for gunnery training service.Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. / Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 80-G-457671.
BB-31 Utah49k Utah (BB-31) as a target/training ship (AG-16), 1941, inboard profile. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-31 Utah61k Utah (BB-31) as a target/training ship (AG-16), 1941, outboard profile. Note the protective covers over her 5-inch guns and her directors, each with a small crane to uncover it. Because the booklet of plans on which this drawing is based does not perfectly match the 1941 photos of the ship, it is not certain that all of the planned directors were fitted. They would have composed 1.1-inch directors on the lookout level, and, below them, a 5in/38 director to port & a 5in/25 director to starboard. The object atop her pilot house in the photo is presumably an antiaircraft range-finder. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-45 Colorado127k Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, View from the west on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. Among the ships present are: Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3), at right, and Prometheus (AR-3), center, alongside the near side of the long pier closest to the camera; Utah (AG-16), in drydock at left; Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers; Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the far side of the most distant long pier; Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock in the upper left. Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 84927.
BB-45 Colorado138k Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, View from the south on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. Among the ships present are: Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3) and Prometheus (AR-3), alongside the left side of the long pier in left center; Utah (AG-16), in drydock in the center of the photo; Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers; Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the right side of the long pier in right center; Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock at right. Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 84926.
BB-45 Colorado159k Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, View from the north on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. Among the ships present are: Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the left side of the long pier in left center; Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock at left; Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers; Utah (AG-16), in drydock in the center of the photo; Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3) and Prometheus (AR-3), alongside the right side of the long pier in right center. Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 84925.
BB-45 Colorado125k Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, View from the east on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. Among the ships present are: Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the near side of the long pier nearest the camera; Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock nearest the camera; Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers; Utah (AG-16), in drydock in the right center of the photo; Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3) and Prometheus (AR-3), alongside the far side of the most distant long pier. Aroostook, at left. is being disassembled. Prometheus (AR-3) is being prepared for recommissioning. Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 84924.
BB-31 Utah989kAugust, 1941 photo of the ship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard being repainted at what was her final refit. Clearly seen is the asymmetrical array of 5"/38 and 5"/25 guns mounted in the old barbettes and along the sides of the ship. At this time, the ship had a dual purpose; as a gunnery training vessel and as a target vessel. In the target vessel role, all of the guns and gun directors were cover with protective wooden sheds which were put in place by the cranes the ship carried. She has been rearmed and partially repainted into "Measure 1" camouflage. Navy lighter YF-233 is alongside, and Aroostook (AK-44) is being disassembled in the background.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 71234 via Robert Hurst.
Florida class227kBusy harbor scene featuring an assembly of ships with flags flying from stem to stern.
Flat armor on the turret roof makes this a 12" gunned battleship. Torpedo Bilges and single cage mast make this a post 1921 Treaty update leaving us with only the Florida class and Wyoming class ships.
The pole supports for the bridge & and other mast platforms, the size and shape of mid-ship expansion of the main deck to relocate 5"/51 Battery higher and further outboard and the "step-down" where the plating covering the former forward 5" gun casemate (partially obscured by the mooring lines) makes this a Florida class.
I say it is the Utah (BB-31) because the Florida (BB-30) appears to have retained the blast deflector plating around the fighting top while the Utah did not.
USN photograph courtesy of Ric Hedman.
Photo i.d. contributed by Chris Hoehn.
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
014325
NR The Assault On Pearl Harbor—An Artist's Conception
HANK BARROW, AP artist, reconstructs the battle at Pearl Harbor from information provided by Secretary Knox. One battleship, the  Arizona (BB-39), (right center), was sunk by a bomb that "literally passed through the smokestack." Another battleship, the Oklahoma (BB-37), (left center,capsized. It can be repaired. Three destroyers (one in right foreground), an old target ship, and a mine layer also went down. Other ships were damaged, many U. S. planes were destroyed on the ground. Almost 2,900 servicemen died The attackers lost three subs (one midget sub is at extreme right) & 41 aircraft. Knox said that after the initial surprise, American men fought with "magnificent courage and resourcefulness. The men's will to resist was tremendous...
Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo from The Key West Citizen.  [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 22 December  1941, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-31 Utah 245k A painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci showing the Utah (AG-16) being torpedoed.
The attack on the fleet at Pearl Harbor lasted a little under two hours, but for Utah, it was over in a few minutes. At 0801, soon after sailors had begun raising the colors at the ship's fantail, the erstwhile battleship took a torpedo hit forward, and immediately started to list to port.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
Painting courtesy of artbywayne.com via Wayne VanDerVoort.
BB-31 Utah62kUtah (AG-16) capsizing off Ford Island, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, after being torpedoed by Japanese aircraft. Photographed from Tangier (AV-8), which was moored astern of Utah. Note colors half-raised over fantail, boats nearby, and sheds covering Utah's after guns. USN photo.
BB-31 Utah65kUtah (AG-16) lies with her bottom up at Berth F-11, after she was torpedoed by Japanese planes and capsized on 7 December 1941. In the right background is Raleigh (CL-7), also hit by a Japanese torpedo, which is being assisted in staying afloat by a barge and a tug tied up along her port side.Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 97401, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-31 Utah 843k The capsized Utah (AG-16) and Raleigh (CL-7) are shown after the attack.National Archives Identifier: 12009017
Local Identifier: 80-G-32545
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-31 Utah494k Rescue parties are working on openings in the hull of Utah (AG-16), sent to the bottom during the Japanese attacks.USN photo # 80-G-19950, courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
BB-31 Utah70kCapsized hull of Utah (AG-16) off the western side of Ford Island on 12 December 1941, five days after she was sunk by Japanese aerial torpedoes during the Pearl Harbor Attack. View looks toward Ford Island, with Utah's bow at left. Tangier (AV-8) is in the right background.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 50857.
BB-31 Utah93kBow view of the capsized Utah (AG-16), as seen from the stern of Raleigh (CL-7), on 12 December 1941. Utah had been torpedoed and sunk during the Japanese attack five days earlier.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 64498.
BB-31 Utah55kView of Utah (AG-16) lying on her port side on Pearl Harbor floor.Courtesy of Submerged Cultural Resources Unit/Jerry Livingston. Historic Naval Ships Association.
BB-31 Utah 117k Utah (AG-16) Righting, 8 February 1944. Photo Source: NARA San Francisco, Pearl Harbor Navy Yard General Correspondence files 1941-45.
Photo courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-31 Utah 78k Utah (AG-16) Righting, 10 February 1944. Photo Source: NARA San Francisco, Pearl Harbor Navy Yard General Correspondence files 1941-45.
Photo courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
BB-31 Utah76kSalvage of Utah (AG-16), 1943-44. View from offshore, looking toward Ford Island, showing the sunken ship's starboard deck edge area during righting operations, 10 February 1944. Visible on her superstructure deck, in center, are an open 5"/38 single gun mount and a 1.1" quad machine gun mount.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 83059.
BB-31 Utah124kUnder salvage at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 13 February 1944. The ship, which capsized to port after being torpedoed in the Japanese attack of 7 December 1941, is seen at about the 68 degree position at the completion of the first pulling period. Her blister plating has been cut away around the turn of the bilge to provide fair lead to hitch pads. Salvage efforts rolled her back toward Ford Island, but she was not re floated.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 64301.
BB-31 Utah111kWreck of the Utah (AG-16) after righting, 13 March 1944.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 64302.
BB-31 Utah112kUtah (AG-16) memorial plaque mounted on the ship's wreck, off the west side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Photographed on 9 December 1950. The plaque's inscription reads: "In Memory - Officers and Men - Utah - Lost in Action - 7 December 1941".Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 80-G-484354, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-31 Utah88kUtah (AG-16) plaque erected near the ship's wreck, off the west side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 80-G-484355, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-31 Utah80kThe Utah's (AG-16) wreck, off the western side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, on 7 December 1951, the tenth anniversary of the Japanese attack that sank her. At right is a memorial plaque giving historical information on her loss.Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 80-G-436639, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
BB-31 Utah
013171v
756kArizona (BB-39) on bottom left and Utah (AG-16) on upper right. View of Ford Island in 1952.Photo courtesy of Ray D. Bean Collection via Yu Chu.
BB-31 Utah77kThe Utah's (AG-16) hulk is seen from the flight deck of the Lexington (CV-16) in May, 1959. NA photo # USN 1056771. from the WARSHIP SERIES #7--"PARALLEL FATES--The Utah (BB-31/AG-16) and the Oklahoma (BB-37)in Peace and in War", by Harvey M. Beigel, courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-31 Utah67kLooking at the Utah Memorial from Ford Island at Pearl Harbor.Daniel W. Gless.
BB-31 Utah189kUtah Memorial as seen on August 1987 against the backdrop of Ford Island. Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-31 Utah323k Utah Memorial Plaque at Pearl Harbor. Daniel W. Gless.
World War II Memorial267kAn overhead view of the Radio Control - Bombing & Submarine Target and Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Training Ship Utah (AG-16), under the water in the East Loch at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 10 March 1989. The Utah Memorial is one of two National Memorials at Pearl Harbor.USN photo # DN-SC-04-14300, by PH3 Bos, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-31 Utah135k Bows on view of the ship showing the final resting place of the ship. The ship was pulled back towards shore in 1944 and now rests at a 38 degree angle. The ship would have been salvaged if it had not been for the fact the ship slid towards Ford Island instead of rolling over like the Oklahoma (BB-37). Courtesy of Larry Lee.
BB-31 Utah109kView of the side of the ship and 01 level superstructure as seen from Ford Island. Interesting detail view of the overhang area showing portholes, WTD door, and rusted area of the ship. Courtesy of Larry Lee.
BB-31 Utah138k Close up of the forward starboard quarter of the ship with one of cables used in righting operations in '43/44. Again more port holes can be seen - all battened up, as well as the barbette of the original 12 inch gun of turret no. 2. This turret was removed in the 30's and the barbette covered over and a non-shielded 5"/38 gun was put in its place. Courtesy of Larry Lee.
BB-31 Utah262k Sailors assigned to ships based at Pearl Harbor bring the flag to half-mast over the Utah Memorial on Ford Island in honor of Memorial Day 31 May 2004. USN photo # N-9643K-008, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
World War II Memorial371kA quote made by Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz is inscribed on a granite wall at the National World War II Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Fleet Adm. Nimitz was the United States signatory to the surrender terms aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay, Japan on 2 September 1945, thus ending World War II. Established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the memorial honors all military veterans of World War II, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. On 29 May 2004, the memorial was formally dedicated with an estimated 200,000 people expected to attend, and includes 100,000 visiting veterans of all wars.USN photo # N-0295M-011 by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
World War II Memorial342kNina and Mary Kreigh prepare to raise the American flag at sunset at the Utah Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 6 December 2005. Mary's father Albert T.D. Wagner, was the chief yeoman aboard the Utah (AG-16) when it was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
She was supposed to be scattered at sea, her ashes thrown to the waves in a ceremonial burial in the old Navy tradition.
Instead, the urn containing Nancy Lynne Wagner went down with the ship off Ford Island, where it remains today.
Every December, Mary Wagner Kreigh, the twin sister of "Baby Nancy," visits Pearl Harbor, gazing out at the rusted hull of the Utah, and she plucks a flower from a wreath.
"I throw it over into the water and thank the sailors for watching over her. She couldn't have better guardians."
Born premature in the Philippines, the two girls weighed three pounds a piece. One had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and died two days later.
Her father, Navy Chief Yeoman Albert T.D. Wagner, took the ashes aboard the Utah, so when the ship went out for maneuvers they could be scattered at sea.
"The chaplain was supposed to come aboard and go out to sea and they would have the ceremony," Kreigh said.
The somber plans were interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor, and while Wagner was able to escape with his life, his daughter's ashes were left behind.
Years later, the surviving twin would accompany her father to see what remained of the Utah, and watch as the tears streamed down his face.
"There was nothing there, no memorial, nothing but this old ship, and we had to wander down through the mud. He looked at me and asked, 'Don't they care?'"
Within a few years, her father was dead. From then on, Kreigh has made it her life's work to spread the story of the Utah, Baby Nancy, and the men who went down and the men who survived.
She soon found herself appointed as the public relations director of the Utah Association and as the go-to girl for organizing the reunions.
"The Utah survivors are my family. They are my survivors, and I know them all quite intimately. They are not just people to me, they are total family."
For years now, Kreigh has traveled to Hawaii to visit the Utah, participating in a December 6 ceremony held one day prior to the attack so it doesn't conflict with the events on the actual anniversary.
More than a few times, she's stood at the shore and watched as the ashes of yet another fallen survivor are placed on the ship to join his shipmates.
"It's a breathtaking ceremony, one of the most wonderfully beautiful things you'll ever see," she said.
Even though the Utah is long gone and Baby Nancy with her, Kreigh says she never feels very far away from her twin.
"Nancy has always been with me. Baby Nancy was my playmate always."
Kreigh likes to stand at the edge of the water, look to the Utah and picture the sailors singing lullabies to her twin.
"It is so peaceful and quiet. I wouldn't want her any place else."
U.S. Navy photos # N-6507M-033 by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class TeResa R. Martinez, courtesy of news.navy.mil. & USS Utah Public Relations
Text by Amy Joi O'Donoghue, courtesy of deseretnews.com. via Robert Hall.
BB-31 Utah86kChief Water tender Peter Tomich, USN, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on board Utah (AG-16) during the 7 December 1941 Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor. Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 270.Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 79593.
World War II Memorial214kCommander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Adm. Harry Ulrich will present a posthumously awarded Medal of Honor to the family of Chief Water tender Peter Tomich at a ceremony on 18 May 2006. Retired Croatian Army Lt. Col. Srecko Herceg Tonic will receive the U.S. military highest award on behalf of the Tomich family. Tomich was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions aboard the battleship Utah (AG-16) on 7 December 1941, during the surprise Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor.USN photo # N-0000C-001 by Cmdr. Jane Campbell, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
BB-31 Utah
013116b
762kUtah's (AG-16) bell on display at Veteran’s Exhibit inside Fort Douglas Military Museum. Photo courtesy of Yu Chu.

Commanding Officers
01CAPT. Benson, William Shepherd, USN (USNA 1877) :ADM31.08.1911 - 26.05.1913BB-31
02CAPT. Van Duser, Louis Sayre, USN (USNA 1880)25.06.1913 - 12.05.1914BB-31
03CAPT. Gibbons, John Henry, USN (USNA 1879)12.05.1914 - 28.09.1914BB-31
04CAPT. Gleaves, Albert, USN (USNA 1877) :ADM28.09.1914 - 28.07.1915BB-31
05CAPT. Halstead, Alexander Seaman, USN (USNA 1883) :RADM28.07.1915 - 20.07.1916BB-31
06CAPT. Bassett Jr., Frederic Brewster, CAPT 1888) :RADM20.07.1916 - 13.07.1917BB-31
07CAPT. Eberle, Edward Walter, USN (USNA 1885_ :ADM13.07.1917 - 22.02.1919BB-31
08CAPT. Hough, Henry Hughes, USN (USNA 1891) :RADM22.02.1919 - 01.10.1920BB-31
09CAPT. McLean, Ridley, CAPT USN (USNA 1894) :RADM01.10.1920 - 01.10.1921BB-31
10CAPT. Traut, Frederick Augustus, USN (USNA 1892)01.10.1921 - 12.12.1922BB-31
11CAPT. Johnston, Rufus Zenas, USN (USNA 1898) :RADM12.12.1922 - 15.04.1925BB-31
12CAPT. Sexton, Walton Roswell, USN (USNA 1897) :RADM15.04.1925 - 31.10.1925BB-31
 Decommissioned 31.10.1925 - 01.12.1925 
13CAPT. Littlefield, William Lord, USN (USNA 1896)23.01.1927 - 29.08.1928BB-31
14CAPT. Train, Charles Russell, USN (USNA 1900) :RADM29.08.1928 - 14.05.1929BB-31
15CAPT. Landenberger, George Bertram, USN (USNA 1900)15.05.1929 - 10.05.1931BB-31
16CDR. Ravenscroft, George Mastick, USN (USNA 1907)10.05.1931 - 01.07.1931BB-31
 Decommissioned01.07.1931 - 01.04.1932 
17CDR. Jacobs, Randall, USN (USNA 1907) :RADM01.04.1932 - 03.05.1934BB-31
18CAPT. Friedrick, Ernest, USN (USNA 1903)03.05.1934 - 04.06.1934BB-31
19CAPT. Patterson, Donald Flanner, USN (USNA 1912)04.06.1934 - 23.10.1935BB-31
20CAPT. Cummings, Damon Earhart, USN (USNA 1907)23.10.1935 - 15.06.1937BB-31
21CAPT. Brown, Walter Elliott, USN (USNA 1910)15.06.1937 - 16.01.1939AG-16
22CAPT. Blandy, William Henry Purnell (Spike), USN (USNA 1913) :ADM16.01.1939 - 15.06.1940AG-16
23CAPT. Palmer, John Roy, USN (USNA 1913)15.06.1940 - 01.07.1941AG-16
24CAPT. Steele, James Mortimer, USN (USNA 1916)01.07.1941 - 17.01.1942AG-16
25CAPT. Warris, John Ford, USN17.01.1942 - 06.04.1942AG-16
26LCDR. McKay, Hugh Trent, USN (USNA 1929)06.04.1942 - 04.05.1942AG-16
27CDR. Isquith, Solomon Silas, USN (USNA 1919) :RADM04.05.1942 - 01.09.1944AG-16
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler
Utah (BB-31) History
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Crew Contact And Reunion Information

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