USS ASTORIA CA-34
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USS ASTORIA CA-34
Technical Specifications
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USS ASTORIA in San Diego harbor on 10 April 1935. Vought O3U-3 seaplanes are on her catapults.
-U.S. Navy photo from NARA collection 80-G-456410
USS ASTORIA CA-34 Specifications:
Classification: Heavy cruiser, NEW ORLEANS-class***
| Displacement: xxx |
9353 tons (as built) 10047 tons (standard) 12411 tons (full load) xxx |
| Length: xxx |
588 ft 3 in (overall) 578 ft (waterline) xxx |
| Beam: xxx |
61 ft 9 in xxx |
| Draft: xxx |
21 ft 9 in min (as built) 22 ft 9 in max (as built) xxx |
| Speed: xxx |
32.75 knots at 107,000shp xxx |
| Complement: xxx |
51 officers, 700 men (peacetime) 77 officers, 965 men (wartime) xxx |
| Armament: xxx |
9 x 8 in/55 cal (main battery) 8 x 5 in/25 cal (secondary battery) xxx |
***ASTORIA-class versus NEW ORLEANS-class Naming Convention
What is now referred to as the NEW ORLEANS-class was originally listed by the U.S. Navy as the ASTORIA-class heavy cruiser. Although NEW ORLEANS CA-32 had a lower pennant number, ASTORIA CA-34 was first to be laid down during construction in 1930. This was the convention utilized for identifying lead ship in a class.
Following the losses of ASTORIA, QUINCY and VINCENNES at Savo Island, NEW ORLEANS and the remaining ships of the class underwent significant refit beginning in early 1943. The class was subsequently redesignated for USS NEW ORLEANS CA-32.
While referring to ASTORIA, QUINCY and VINCENNES as NEW ORLEANS-class has become common practice, it is not technically accurate. These ships were never classified as such during their operational histories before their loss in 1942. They are therefore referred to by this website as ASTORIA-class for proper historical context.
This class of heavy cruiser was categorized as "ASTORIA-class" from 1934-1942.
-reprinted from the 1942 publication "A Guide Book to the U.S. Navy" in Brent Jones collection
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An ONI Surface Recognition Manual supplement dated 1 April 1943 introduced the NEW ORLEANS-class, listing the four surviving ships.
-U.S. Navy document from Brent Jones collection
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USS ASTORIA CA-34 in her 1930s configuration. In this 1936 photograph, she has Curtiss SOC floatplanes on her catapults. Her profile did not change significantly from 1935-1941.
-U.S. Navy photo from Brent Jones collection
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USS ASTORIA CA-34 following her 1941 refit. Her foremast has been cut down to accommodate air search radar. Lifeboat stowage has been added to her turrets fore and aft. 1.1" antiaircraft mounts are visible on her fantail. The ship is painted in camouflage measure 1C.
-U.S. Navy photo from Brent Jones collection
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Sources
Jones, Brent. Private photo and documents collection.
Mooney, James L., ed. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, 8 Vols.
