0403333

Photo by Cross & Dimmitt.

Boston Navy Yard, December 1932, prior to commissioning (note the snow on the ground).

From the Leslie Jones Collection at the Boston Public Library.

Boston Navy Yard, December 1932, prior to commissioning (note the snow on the ground).

From the Leslie Jones Collection at the Boston Public Library.

At the Puget Sound Navy Yard during refit, circa September-October 1933. Note: directors, bridge, and pole topmast.

HNNC Photo # NH93510.

Starboard bow, underway, May 31 1934. Note range clock on forward mast.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives #80-G-466488

USS Portland, docked at the South Brisbane wharves, while on a goodwill visit to Brisbane by the U.S. Navy, 25 March 1941. This was the first visit of an American Naval Squadron to Brisbane during World War II . This was prior to the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

Queensland Newspapers Collection, John Oxley Library Queensland, from Kookaburra2011's photostream on Flickr

The squadron was made up of the cruisers USS Chicago (CA 29), flying the flag of Rear Admiral John H. Newton, and USS Portland, escorted by destroyers Clark, Conyngham, Reid, Cassin and Downes. The ships had arrived from Sydney, having also visited New Zealand.

Queensland Newspapers Collection, John Oxley Library Queensland, from Kookaburra2011's photostream on Flickr

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Bow view of Portland looking down from her forward superstructure.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. This is a bow view looking forward of the Portland while underway, as seen from the starboard bridge wing.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Mike Green

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941.

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941.

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Port side #1 stack view of catapult and aircraft handling crane and area, bordered by #2 stack and the searchlight platform.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Close up view of the crew maneuvering an SOC Curtiss Seagull observation plane, either preparing to store in the hanger aft, or preparing the plane for flight operations.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. This is a close up of an SOC Curtiss Seagull being hoisted onto the port side catapult. The catapult cradle is visible at the bottom of the photo. Note that the Military Censor has hidden the bomb mounting points under the wings on the SOC.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. This is a port side view of the aircraft handling area, catapult and equipment with an SOC Curtiss Seagull observation plane being hoisted to or from the catapult. Note that the Military Censor has hidden the bomb mounting points under the wings on the SOC.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941.

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941.

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Note the fuze setter on the right side of each MK 19 5"/25 gun mount (with 3 rounds standing nose down in them)

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Note the SOC-1 Seagull of Cruiser Scouting Squadron 4 on the catapult.

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941.

Photographer Robert Landry, Life Magazine, used for educational and non-commercial purpose.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Port side stern area showing ship's boat, boat crane and aft port side 5”/25 secondary gun.

Photo taken from #2 stack searchlight platform area..

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Two days before the Pearl Harbor attack, a carrier-cruiser group built around USS Lexington (CV 2) departed Pearl Harbor to deliver reinforcement aircraft to Midway. This is a scene aboard USS Portland (CA 33) while underway in cruising formation with USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Astoria (CA 34), and USS Indianapolis (CA 35). They operated with TF12 from 5 to 13 Dec 1941. Portland's stern looking forward towards #3 turret. Also visible is the aft superstructure, with the boat crane assembly just forward.

Life Magazine Archives, Bob Landry photographer as shared by Peter DeForest.

Crewmen on USS Portland (CA 33) paint the aircraft hanger doors a darker color after news was received of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor - 7 December 1941. Portland was with Task Force 12 (TF12) which was sent to Midway from Pearl Harbor on 5 December 1941. TF12 consisted of; USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Portland (CA 33), USS Astoria (CA 34), USS Indianapolis (CA 35), (joined later) USS Porter (DD 356), USS Mahan (DD 364), USS Drayton (DD 366), USS Lamson (DD 367), USS Flusser (DD 368). The wartime censor has blotted out whatever was hanging from the plane wing.

LIFE Magazine Archives - Bob Landry Photographer

Crewmen on USS Portland (CA 33) paint the aircraft hanger doors a darker color after news was received of the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor - 7 December 1941. Portland was with Task Force 12 (TF12) which was sent to Midway from Pearl Harbor on 5 December 1941. TF12 consisted of; USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Chicago (CA 29), USS Portland (CA 33), USS Astoria (CA 34), USS Indianapolis (CA 35), (joined later) USS Porter (DD 356), USS Mahan (DD 364), USS Drayton (DD 366), USS Lamson (DD 367), USS Flusser (DD 368). The wartime censor has blotted out whatever was hanging from the plane wing.

LIFE Magazine Archives - Bob Landry Photographer

Plan view forward while at Mare Island Navy Yard, 7 February 1942. Note the MK33 Gun Directors Port & Starboard (covered with canvas).

Mare Island Navy Yard photo #707-42

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center #NH 97833.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives #80-G-312028.

Torpedo and gunfire damage diagram of USS Portland (CA-33) from torpedo hit off Savo Island on 13 November, 1942.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

Detail diagram of torpedo damage from hit off Savo Island on 13 November, 1942.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

Flooding diagram of USS Portland (CA-33) from torpedo hit off Savo Island on 13 November, 1942.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

View of main deck damage, looking forward from the stern, on the USS Portland (CA 33). Note the 60# STS first platform deck armor plate, which caused shock damage to No. 3 turret.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

Starboard side view while anchored at Tulagi. The damage visible was sustained on 13 November 1942. To quote DANFS - " ... Portland took a torpedo hit at 0158 on the starboard quarter, which blew off both inboard propellers, jammed the rudder five degrees right, and jammed number three turret in train and elevation..."

National Archives, San Francisco Branch, Mare Island Naval Shipyard General Correspondence files, 1941-47

View of temporary repairs to starboard quarter.

National Archives, San Francisco Branch, Mare Island Naval Shipyard General Correspondence files, 1941-47

USS Portland (CA 33) in the Cockatoo Drydock, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, circa late 1942, while under repair for torpedo damage received in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on 13 November 1942. Note the missing inboard propellers.

National Archives, San Francisco Branch, Mare Island Naval Shipyard General Correspondence files, 1941-47

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 81992.

Australian War Memorial, Photo No.305771

Mike Green

Starboard side view of the hole in the stern of the USS Portland (CA 33). The ship is receiving temporary repairs and dry docked at Cockatoo Island Dockyard Sydney, NSW, Australia in December 1942.

Australian War Memorial, Photo #306425

Hit No. 2 on USS Portland (CA 33) as seen at Mare Island Navy Yard. Shown here is damage to the starboard side of the hanger at Frame 85.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

Hit No.2 inboard view of damage too the starboard side of the hanger side plating. The mezzanine deck prevented shell fragments from spreading downward.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

View of torpedo damage as it appeared upon USS Portland's arrival at Mare Island for repairs on 2 March 1943.

National Archives, San Francisco Branch, Mare Island Naval Shipyard General Correspondence files, 1941-47

View of torpedo damage as it appeared upon USS Portland's arrival at Mare Island for repairs on 2 March 1943.

National Archives, San Francisco Branch, Mare Island Naval Shipyard General Correspondence files, 1941-47

View of repaired starboard quarter hull before replacement of struts and propellers.

National Archives, San Francisco Branch, Mare Island Naval Shipyard General Correspondence files, 1941-47

Aft plan view of the USS Portland (CA 33) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 16 May 43. Circled areas were modify during the overhaul period.

U.S. Navy Photo #3598-43.

Midships plan view of the USS Portland (CA 33) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 16 May 43. Circled areas were modify during the overhaul period.

U.S. Navy Photo #3594-43.

Midships plan view of the USS Portland (CA 33) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 16 May 43. Circled areas were modify during the overhaul period. Note: 5"/25 guns. After main battery director, with Mk.3 radar.

U.S. Navy Photo #3594-43.

Port bow view while underway off Mare Island Navy Yard, 17 May 1943.

NARA San Francisco, Mare Island Navy Yard, Ship Files

Undated photo of the USS Portland (CA 33) underway after the completion of all battle damage repairs and refit at Mare Island Navy Yard.

Source: Navy Department Library, War Damage Report No. 35; USS Portland (CA33) Gunfire and Torpedo Damage, Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November, 1942

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 82031.

Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for a camouflage scheme intended for heavy cruisers of the CA-33 (Portland) class. USS Portland (CA-33) and USS Indianapolis (CA-35) both wore this pattern. This plan, showing the ship's starboard side, superstructure ends, and exposed decks, is dated 21 March 1944 and was approved by Captain Torvald A. Solberg, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (#80-G-109726).

Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for a camouflage scheme intended for heavy cruisers of the CA-33 (Portland) class. USS Portland (CA-33) and USS Indianapolis (CA-35) both wore this pattern. This plan, showing the ship's starboard side, superstructure ends, and exposed decks, is dated 21 March 1944 and was approved by Captain Torvald A. Solberg, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (#80-G-109725).

Amidships looking aft plan view of USS Portland (CA 33) in Mare Island's dry dock #3 on 16 July 1944. She was in dock from 29 May until 16 July 1944. She was in overhaul at the shipyard from 25 May until 7 August 1944.

U.S. Navy Photo #4547-44

Amidships plan view of USS Portland (CA 33) in Mare Island's dry dock #3 on 16 July 1944. She was in dock from 29 May until 16 July 1944. She was in overhaul at the shipyard from 25 May until 7 August 1944.

U.S. Navy Photo #4550-44

At the Mare Island Navy Yard, 16 May 1943. Circles mark recent alterations. Note: foghorn, gun directors and radars (Mk 3 and 4), signal flags.

National Archives photo #19-N-47590

At the Mare Island Navy Yard, 16 May 1943. Circles mark recent alterations. Note: 8" gun turrets and 20mm gun tubs added on the Forecastle.

National Archives photo #19-N-47588

USS Portland (CA 33) shown here At Mare Island on July 29, 1944 after a refit. She is shown fitted with new, lighter radars and gun directors along with additional 40mm A.A. guns.

U.S. Navy Photo #4951-44

USS Portland (CA 33) shown here At Mare Island on July 29, 1944 after a refit. She is shown fitted with new, lighter radars and gun directors along with additional 40mm A.A. guns.

U.S. Navy Photo #4948-44

Plan view amidships looking Aft at Mare Island, 29 Jul 1944.

At the Mare Island Navy Yard, 29 July 1944. Circles mark recent alterations. Note: catapult YF-389 in background.

National Archives photo #19-N-70351

At the Mare Island Navy Yard, 29 July 1944. Circles mark recent alterations. Note: Mk 34 director with Mk 8 radar 5"/25 loading practice machine PFs in background. Harbor craft: YTL-94, YHB-21, YF-506.

National Archives Photo #19-N-70353

At the Mare Island Navy Yard, 29 July 1944. Circles mark recent alterations. Note: YTL-94, PF and YHB in background.

National Archives photo #19-N-70350

Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives #19-N-70345.

Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives #19-N-70346.

USS Portland (CA 33) off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 30 July 1944. Her camouflage is Measure 32, Design 7d.

U.S. Navy Photo #4938-44

USS Portland (CA 33) off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 30 July 1944. Her camouflage is Measure 32, Design 7d.

U.S. Navy Photo #4937-44

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph #NH 82003.

Anchored, probably at either Buckner Bay, Okinawa, or Truk, 29 August 1945.

BuAer photo #323866

USS Portland (CA 33) at sea in the Panama area, while en route with Task Force 11 from the Pacific combat area to the U.S. east coast, 12 October 1945. Note men crowded on her decks, and the long "homeward bound" pennant flying from her mainmast peak.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives #80-G-360561.