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| Country:
USA |
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Type: Cruiser |
| Service:
1930 - 1942 |
| Laid down: 12 April 1928 |
| Launched: 5 September 1929 |
| Commissioned: 17 May 1930 |
| Fate: Sunk 30 November 1942 |
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The Northampton class of United States Navy cruisers was a reaction to the weight and cost of the Pensacola class, with 3 triple mounted 8 inch gun turrets and slightly heavier armor. Although armor was increased, the Northamptons turned out being even lighter; nearly 1,000 tons below the treaty limitations. Freeboard was increased by adopting a high forecastle, which was extended aft in the last three for use as flagships. These ships were also the first U.S. ships to adopt a hangar for aircraft, and bunks instead of hammocks. Their lighter than expected weight also caused them to roll excessively which necessitated the fitting of deep bilge keels. The Navy built six cruisers of this class.
USS Northampton (CL/CA-26) was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers. She was laid down 12 April 1928 by Bethlehem Steel Corp. at the Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, Mass. She was launched 5 September 1929 and commissioned 17 May 1930. USS Northampton was operation during the interwar period. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the American entry into World War II, USS Northampton was deployed in the Pacific. She was sunk Battle of Tassafaronga after being struck by torpedoes.
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