| Click On Image For Full Size Image |
Size | Image Description | Contributed By And/Or Copyright |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
 0400200 |
NR | SCOUT CRUISER BIRMINGHAM (CS-2) The magnificent new scout cruiser which is to be built for the American navy shown above will be called the Birmingham (CS-2), and the christening of the vessel for Alabama's metropolis is a distinct honor for this city. The scout cruiser is a new type of vessel designed for the navy and in this type the armaent is less important than the capacity for speed and endurance. They are so designed that they can take long voyages at a high speed and can go long distances without recoaling. They are known as the greyhounds of the navy. Much of the credit for having the vessel named Birmingham is due to Congressman Underwood, who represents the Ninth district. The cost of the new vessel will be $1,800,000. |
Image and text provided by University of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo from The Birmingham Age-Herald.[volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 21 February 1905, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400232 |
NR | Cruiser Birmingham (CS-2), the Fastest Ship in the Navy, is Launched at Quincy, Mass., With Birmingham Party Aboard MISS MARY CAMPBELL OF BIRMINGHAM, WHO WAS SPONSOR AT THE LAUNCHING. |
Image and text provided by University of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo from The Birmingham Age-Herald.[volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 30 May 1907, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400231 |
NR | SCENES AT LAUNCHING OF THE CRUISER BIRMINGHAM (CS-2) | Image and text provided by University of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo from The Birmingham Age-Herald.[volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 02 June 1907, Editorial Section, Image 32, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400235 |
NR | Cruiser Birmingham (CS-2) Ready For Test of Ability Rockland, Me.,The new scout cruiser Birmingham, which arrived yesterday from Boston for her official acceptance trials this week, was given a number of unofficial spins over the Rockland course today in preparation for the screw standardization test. (From a Photograph taken as she steamed down Fore River, Quincy, Mass., on the way to the trial course off Rockland, Me.) |
Image and text provided by University of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo from The Birmingham Age-Herald.[volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 10 March 1908, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400320 |
777k | Birmingham (CS-2) and Salem (CS-3) completing, at the Fore River Shipbuilding Co., Quincy, Massachusetts, circa early 1908. Original is a color tinted postcard, mailed at Quincy on 9 September 1909. Courtesy of Captain Don Fink, 1983 | Photo NH 94937 courtesy of history.navy.mil | |
 0400227 |
250k | Stern view while in drydock on 5 March 1908. Historic New England Nathaniel L. Stebbins Collection, Photo No. PC047.02.4500.18498 |
Mike Green | |
 0400205 |
132k |
Birmingham (CS-2) Running sea trials in March 1908. She is flying the flag of her builder, the Fore River Shipbuilding Company of Quincy, Massachusetts, from her mainmast. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 56390. |
USNHC | |
 0400206 |
98k |
Birmingham (CS-2) underway in 11 March 1908, possibly during trials. Historic New England Nathaniel L. Stebbins Collection, Photo No. PC047.02.5940.18505 |
USNHC | |
 0400234 |
NR | OBSERVE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTENING CRUISER BIRMINGHAM | Image and text provided by University of Alabama Libraries, Tuscaloosa, AL. Photo from The Birmingham Age-Herald.[volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 8 May 1908, Image 5, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400312 |
NR | Uncle Sam to Race Three Ocean Greyhounds Across Ocean At Top: Cruiser Chester (CS 1) in Center: Cruiser Birmingham, and at Bottom Cruiser Salem, three Scout Boats from the Navy Department Which Are to Negotiate a 5,000-Mile Race. The navy department is about to institute a naval race unprecedented in naval history. To the Azores and back, a distance of some 5,000 miles, three scout cruisers are to be sent away on a record defying trip for the purpose of settling the much mooted question of superiority of different types of engines used in American naval construction. |
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, 17 March 1909, Image 7, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400122 |
NR | SCOUT SHIP CHESTER (CS-1) EASILY SHOWS HEELS Two Sister Ships Birmingham (CS-2) and Salem (CS-3) May Use More Coal But Bath, Me., Craft Can Produce Speed. |
Image and text provided by Maine State Library Photo from Daily Kennebec Journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 13 April 1909, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400319 |
NR | TWO SEASICK OPERATORS Reason the Wireless Equipment on Scout Cruisers Salem and Birmingham Failed to Work | Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library. Photo from The Salt Lake Herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 30 December 1909, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400230 |
72k |
Eugene B. Ely setting his Curtiss Pusher Plane on skids in preparation for hoisting it aboard Birmingham (CS-2) at Hampton Roads VA Navy Yard. November 1910 Photograph. This was not a Navy plane and Eli never was in the Navy, but his importance to Naval aviation is recognized by the USN in many ways, including awarding him the Distinguished Flying Cross many years after his premature death in 1911. Photo from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks, Vol. II. Page 80. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph |
USNHC | |
 0400212 |
72k |
A floating crane lifts Eugene B. Ely's Curtiss pusher airplane onto Birmingham (CS-2), at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, shortly before the flight. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 77549. |
USNHC | |
 0400213 |
69k |
A floating crane places Eugene B. Ely's Curtiss pusher airplane on board Birmingham (CS-2). Photographed at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, shortly before the flight. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 77550. |
USNHC | |
 0400214 |
85k |
Sailors and civilians crowd around Eugene B. Ely's Curtiss pusher airplane as a floating crane places it on board Birmingham (CS-2). Photographed at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, shortly before the flight. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 77562. |
USNHC | |
 0400215 |
109k |
Eugene B. Ely's Curtiss pusher airplane on the takeoff platform of Birmingham (CS-2), just after it was hoisted aboard by a floating crane. Photograph taken at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, shortly before the flight. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the Collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 98131. |
USNHC | |
 0400216 |
83k |
Eugene B. Ely's Curtiss pusher airplane rests on the flying-off platform built over the foredeck of Birmingham (CS-2). Photograph taken at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, shortly before the flight. The floating crane that had lifted the airplane onto the ship is visible at the extreme left. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 77551. |
USNHC | |
 0400217 |
72k |
Birmingham (CS-2) steams downriver from the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, with Eugene B. Ely's Curtiss pusher airplane on board, at about midday on 14 November 1910. Ely and his plane made their historic flight later that afternoon. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 77554. |
USNHC | |
 0400219 |
48k |
Eugene B. Ely flies his Curtiss pusher airplane off the deck of Birmingham (CS-2), in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the afternoon of 14 November 1910. USS Roe (DD 24) is visible beyond Birmingham's bow, acting as plane guard. Note that Birmingham's anchor is in the process of being hoisted. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 77563. |
USNHC | |
 0400220 |
59k |
Eugene B. Ely takes his Curtiss pusher airplane off from the deck of Birmingham (CS-2), in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the afternoon of 14 November 1910. USS Roe (DD 24), serving as plane guard, is visible in the background. Photograph from the Eugene B. Ely scrapbooks. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 76511. |
USNHC | |
 0400233 |
NR | BODIES OF MAINE VICTIMS ARE HERE Brought From Norfolk on Board Cruiser Birmingham (CS-2) and Burial in Arlington Will Be Made Saturday, Following Services at State, War, Navy Building |
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC. Photo from The Washington Times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 20 March 1912, LAST EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400221 |
NR | CRUISER CONVEYS BONES OF BATTLESHIP MAINE VICTIMS TO LAST RESTING PLACE. Coffins Aboard the Birmingham (CS-2) and Rv. Father Chidwick The cruiser Birmingham convoyed bones of the battleship Maine (ACR-2) victims to Washington for burial Saturday in the Arlington national cemetery. The picture shows the flower-strewn coffins aboard the Birmingham and Rev. Father Chidwick, who conducted the religious ceremony at the Maine's final resting place over the remains of sailors at Washington. |
Image and text provided by Indiana State Library. Photo from The Lake County Times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 23 March 1912, SATURDAY AND WEEKLY EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov. |
|
 0400225 |
2.02k |
The flag-draped caskets of the victims of the USS Maine explosion are brought ashore at the Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia, from Birmingham (CS-2), 23 March 1912. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 1690. |
USNHC | |
 0400218 |
1.12k | Birmingham (CS-2) appears in New York during a fleet review on 12 October 1912. | Local Identifier: 165-WW-335D-1 National Archives photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov |
|
 0400201 |
963k |
Birmingham (CS-2) during the 1912 Naval Review. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 61899. |
Mike Green/USNHC | |
 0400223 |
941k |
Naval recruits at the Newport Naval Training Station lined up for inspection. The scout cruiser Birmingham (CS-2) can be seen in the background. Photo by Underwood and Underwood. |
Robert Hurst | |
 0400226 |
130k | Port side view while underway 25 August 1915, location unknown. Historic New England Nathaniel L. Stebbins Collection, Photo No. PC047.02.5560.23366 |
Mike Green | |
 0400203 |
74k |
Birmingham (CS-2) In Brest harbor, France, on 15 October 1918. During 1917-1918 she was flagship of U.S. Forces at Gibraltar and escorted convoys in the eastern Atlantic. Note her "dazzle" camouflage. Courtesy of John G. Krieger, 1966-1967. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 56393. |
Fred Weiss/USNHC | |
 0400229 |
169k | Similar to previous photo, probably the same location and date. | David Wright | |
 0400207 |
145k |
Birmingham (CS-2) Moored in Gibraltar harbor, British Territory of Gibraltar, circa 1918. Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969. (Caption updated by Andrew Schembri) U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 68227. |
USNHC | |
 0400224 |
139k | Birmingham (CL 2) in dry dock at the Boston Navy Yard sometime between 17 January?€“18 February 1919 Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collections |
Mike Green | |
 0400228 |
311k | Here's a nice crew shot of ship's signal gang. Judging by uniforms, would say post-World War One. Looks like she has the flush-decker style wind deflectors on her bridge, too. The 4 men holding semaphore flags are spelling out "B" "H" "A" "M". | David Wright | |
 0400222 |
280k | Starboard side view while underway, location unknown but possibly with the Pacific Fleet in 1919. | Robert M. Cieri | |
 0400208 |
54k |
Birmingham (CS-2) At Boston, Massachusetts, 20 February 1919. Photographed by J. Crosby, Naval Photographer, 11 Portland St., Boston, Mass. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation. Crosby Collection. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 98132. |
USNHC | |
 0400204 |
132k |
Birmingham (CS-2) In the Middle West Chamber, Gatun Locks, during the passage of the Pacific Fleet through the Panama Canal, 24 July 1919. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Admiral William V. Pratt. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 75717. |
Fred Weiss/USNHC | |
 0400209 |
76k |
Birmingham (CS-2) At Seattle, Washington, in September 1919. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 56394. |
USNHC | |
 0400210 |
76k |
Birmingham (CS-2) At anchor in San Diego Harbor, California, circa late 1919 or early 1920, when she was flagship of Destroyer Squadron Four. Note the pair of World War I "Overseas Service" chevrons painted on her forward smokestack. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 102784-B. |
USNHC | |
 0512701 |
102k |
Birmingham (CL 2) Leading destroyers out of a West Coast harbor (probably San Diego), circa 1919-1922. The ships directly behind her are USS Twiggs (DD 127) and USS Chauncey (DD 296). Courtesy of ESKC Joseph L. Aguillard, USNR, 1979. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 69510. |
USNHC | |
 0400202 |
1.20k | Birmingham (CS-2) & the destroyer Stoddert (DD-302), circa early 20's. | Local ID: 185-G-966 National Archives photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov |
|
|
Commanding
Officers
|
|||
| Name/Rank | Class | Final Rank | Dates |
| Walling, Burns Tracy, CDR | 1876 | COMO | 04/11/1908 - 02/24/1909 |
| Howard, William Lauriston, CDR | 1882 | RADM | 02/24/1909 - 10/28/1909 |
| Fletcher Sr., William Bartlett, CDR | 1877 | RADM | 10/28/1909 - 05/10/1911 |
| Jones Jr., Hilary Pollard CDR | 1884 | ADM | 05/10/1911 - 06/30/1911 |
| Decommissioned | 06/30/1911 - 09/08/1911 | ||
| Whitlock, Guy, LT (First Tour) | 09/08/1911 - 12/18/1911 | ||
| Hughes, Charles Frederick, CDR | 1888 | RADM | 12/18/1911 - 08/15/1912 |
| Decommissioned | 04/20/1912 - 05/19/1912 | ||
| Decommissioned | 07/11/1912 - 10/01/1913 | ||
| Whitlock, Guy, LT (2nd Tour) | 08/15/1912 - 03/04/1913 | ||
| Joyce, Myles, LT | 03/04/1913 - 01/08/1914 | ||
| Pratt, William Veazie, CAPT | 1889 | ADM | 01/08/1914 - 11/05/1914 |
| Hussey, Charles Lincoln, CAPT | 1892 | RADM | 11/05/1914 - 01/01/1915 |
| Sellers, David Foote, CDR | 1894 | ADM | 01/01/1915 - 06/09/1916 |
| Blamer, DeWitt, CAPT | 1891 | 06/09/1916 - 04/28/1919 | |
| Evans, Franck Taylor, CDR | 1898 | 04/28/1919 - 11/22/1920 | |
| Landenberger, George Bertram, CAPT | 1900 | 11/22/1920 - 11/22/1921 | |
| Castleman, Kenneth Grayson., CDR | 11/22/1921 - 12/01/1923 | ||
(Courtesy of Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves - Photos courtesy of Bill Gonyo)
USS BIRMINGHAM Scout Cruiser 2/(CL 2) History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry on the U.S. Navy Historical Center website.
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
Not Applicable To This Ship
Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway Cruiser Pages By Andrew Toppan.
| Back To The Main Photo Index | Back To The Cruiser Photo Index Page |
Comments, Suggestions, E-mail Webmaster
This Page Was Created By Paul R. Yarnall And Maintained By Tom Bateman & Michael Mohl
