USS Dayton (CL-105) in 1945
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USS Dayton (CL-105) was a Cleveland class light cruiser that entered just in time to take part in the final fighting in the Pacific in 1945, and that served in the Mediterranean after the war before going into the reserve in 1949. She was awarded one battle star for her Second World War service.
The Dayton was launched on 19 March 1944 and commissioned on 7 January 1945. The first half of 1945 was spent on shakedown, and she didn't reach the Pacific theatre until the summer. She arrived at San Pedro Bay, Leyte, on 16 June, just in time to accompany the fleet when it sailed for Japan on 1 July. During her brief combat career the Dayton served in the anti-aircraft shield protecting the carriers and also took part in a number of shore bombardments of the Home Islands.
After the fighting ended the Dayton entered Tokyo Bay on 10 September. She formed part of the occupation force until 7 November when she set sail for California. She arrived at San Pedro on 19 November, but didn't need much time in the states, and left for the Pacific on 24 January 1946. She got as far as Hawaii before on 7 February she was ordered to join the Atlantic Fleet instead. She returned to the US and moved to the east coast, via Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
On 3 February 1947, after a year on the east coast, the Dayton departed to join the Mediterranean Fleet. She remained in the Mediterranean until 30 November, serving as flagship, Commander, Naval Forces, Mediterranean for part of the time. She returned to the Mediterranean for another cruise from 9 February to 26 June 1948, before be placed into the reserve on 1 March 1949. She was broken up in 1962.
Displacement (standard) |
11,744t |
Displacement (loaded) |
14,131t |
Top Speed |
32.5kts |
Range |
11,000nm at 15kts |
Armour – belt |
3-5in |
- armour deck |
2in |
- bulkheads |
5in |
- barbettes |
6in |
- turrets |
6.5in face |
- conning tower |
5in |
Length |
610ft 1in oa |
Armaments |
Twelve 6in/47 guns (four triple turrets) |
Crew complement |
1,285 |
Builder |
New York SB |
Laid down |
8 March 1943 |
Launched |
19 March 1944 |
Commissioned |
7 January 1945 |
Broken up |
1962 |
US Navy Light Cruisers 1941-45, Mark Stille.
Covers the five classes of US Navy light cruisers that saw service during the Second World War, with sections on their design, weaponry, radar, combat experience. Nicely organised, with the wartime service records separated out from the main text, so that the design history of the light cruisers flows nicely. Interesting to see how new roles had to be found for them, after other technology replaced them as reconnaissance aircraft [read full review]
