Battleship Photo Index BB-30 USS FLORIDA (original) (raw)
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Keel Laying / Commissioning 1909 - 1911
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Florida (BB-30) under construction May 1910 at the New York Naval Ship Yard, Camden, New Jersey.
Digital ID # ggbain 07964v, LC-B2-2009-14. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
190k
Florida (BB-30) under construction in May 1910 at the New York Naval Ship Yard, Camden, New Jersey.
Digital ID # ggbain 07963v, LC-B2-2009-13B. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
135k
The Florida (BB-30) under construction, 1910.
Digital ID # ggbain 09669, LC-B2-2279-13. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
817k
Uncle Sam's newest dreadnought, the Florida (BB-30), which will be launched next month.
Photo courtesy of New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 24 April 1910, Image 17, via flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress.
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Battleship Florida (BB-30) in Brooklyn Navy Yard And Miss Elizabeth L. Fleming
The ship is about 60% completed at this stage.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library
Photo from Deseret Evening News.(Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 06 May 1910, Last Edition, Image 10, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Uncle Sam's newest dreadnought, The Florida (BB-30), as she will look when cleared for action.
Photo courtesy of New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 8 May 1910, Image 17, via flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress.
1.73k
Florida (BB-30) immediately prior to being launched on 12 May 1910.
Note: What appears to be a telephone attached to a wooden booth near the edge of the bunting.
Photo by Bain News Service, courtesy of loc.gov..
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ggbain-07993
129k
The Florida (BB-30) slides down the launching ways 12 May 1910 at the New York Naval Ship Yard, Camden, New Jersey.
Digital ID # ggbain 07987v, LC-B2-2012-11. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
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The southern part of Florida (BB-30) before her launch.
Photo by Bain News Service, courtesy of loc.gov..
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ggbain-07995
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Florida (BB-30) is tugged after her launch.
Photo by Bain News Service, courtesy of loc.gov..
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ggbain-07994
763k
SCENES AT RECENT LAUNCHING OF MONSTER BATTLESHIP FLORIDA (BB-30)
Image and text provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, Urbana, IL. & Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Insert photo from Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 17 May 1910, Image 8 & Bisbee Daily Review.(Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 25 May 1910, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
734k
Citadel of the Sea & its Sponsor.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 12 May 1910, Last Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
1.49k
Florida (BB-30) on 12 May 1910 immediately after launching. The ship is being maneuvered by tugs to the dock and will begin the 16 month fitting out, finally being commissioned on 15 September 1911.
Photo by Bain News Service, courtesy of loc.gov..
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ggbain-07998.
4.06k
"Go. Brave Ship." Says Pretty Sponsor as Giant Vessel Makes Stately Start. Like Swan in the Water Cheers and Whistles Drown Bands at Brilliant Launching of Nation's Biggest Sea Fighter.
The hull of the United States battleship Florida (BB-30), representing the highest type of American naval construction, was started on its slippery path to the East River from the Navy Yard in Brooklyn at exactly 11:21 o'clock yesterday morning. The rain stayed away, but thirty thousand persons did not.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 13 May 1910, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
678k
TWO VIEWS OF THE BATTLESHIP FLORIDA (BB-30) IN THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD AND SECRETARY MEYER
Monster Launched Yesterday Exceeds Any Other in Massy Weight
Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ.
Photo from Daily Arizona Silver Belt. (Globe, Gila County, Ariz.) 1906-1929, 13 May 1910, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
678k
Scene at Launching of Dreadnought Florida (BB-30).
There will be many improvements in this battleship, of which few of the large sea fighters can boast. She will be fitted with automatic electric elevators, for instance, and all furniture will be metal. The elevator cars will be installed in the fire room ventilator trunks. Each elevator will be operated from the cars by means of push buttons and will be utilized by officers who would otherwise have a great deal of climbing to do. The ship is 520 feet long and 70 feet beam. She will cost something like $6,000,000 when completed.
The main battery of the ship will consist of ten twelve-inch rifles arranged in pairs in turrets. Looking at her bow on one would think that the Florida had what is called superposed or double decked turrets, like the Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6); but, as a matter of fact, there are only two guns in each of the five turrets, and the second turret in the fore part of the ship is necessarily elevated on the superstructure so as to be able to fire freely over the top of the forward turret. There is a formidable secondary battery, composed of sixteen five-inch rapid firers, four three-pounders, two one-pounders and a number of machine guns. There are also two twenty-one-inch submerged tubes for torpedoes.
The battleship Iowa (BB-4), one of the most powerful vessels under the American flag during the Spanish-American war, is not in the same class with the Florida, which is approximately 10,000 tons heavier and 100 feet longer than Admiral Evans' old fighter. Besides, the Florida's engines are two and a half times more powerful than the Iowa's, her speed three knots greater. She carries almost a thousand tons more coal. At a distance of four and a half or five miles, the Florida could hurl a broadside of steel missiles weighing 8,500 pounds. At this distance the Iowa could reply with a broadside weighing but 3.500 pounds. The Florida will carry a crew of 1,002 men; the Iowa's crew was about 600.
Image and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Photo from Devils Lake Inter-Ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1909-1915, 15 July 1910, Image 6, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) under construction in late Spring 1910.
Photo from "Popular Mechanics" Magazine, January 1914 via Robert Hurst.
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Pier D, Monthly Progress Photo, Pile Caps, North End, Looking West, E. DeV. Tompkins, Contactor, 5 January 1911.
National Archives Identifier: 6880108
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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MAKING OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR OUR SEA FIGHTERS AN INTRICATE TASK
INSTALLING A TURRET ON A MODERN BATTLESHIP
A UNITED STATES BATTLESHIP UNDER CONSTRUCTION
THE HULL COMPLETED, THE BATTLESHIP IS LAUNCHED
The battleship might be the Florida (BB-30) under construction, 1910.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text courtesy of Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 31 January 1915, Image 49, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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10 January 1911 photo of "Work on the Florida (BB-30)" looking forward from the stern.
Source: Library of Congress, # LC-B2-2135-10A.
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Not necessarily young work men on the Florida's (BB-30) mast, 11 January 1911.
Photo by Bain News Service, courtesy of loc.gov..
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ggbain-08947.
875k
Florida (BB-30) under construction on 18 January 1911 at the New York Naval Ship Yard, Camden, New Jersey.
Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart, # 08949v from lcweb2.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) under construction on 18 January 1911 at the New York Naval Ship Yard, Camden, New Jersey.
Photo # 08945u courtesy of the Library of Congress via Bill Gonyo.
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Working on the Florida's (BB-30) mast near her boat deck, 18 January 1911 at the New York Naval Ship Yard, Camden, New Jersey.
Digital ID # ggbain 08948v, LC-B2-2135-9. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
296k
Pier D, Monthly Progress Photo, Pile Caps, North End, Looking West, E. DeV. Tompkins, Contactor, 1 February 1911.
National Archives Identifier: 6880112
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
739k
Florida (BB-30) on 1 March 1911 in Brooklyn, New York.
Photo by Paul Thompson/FPG courtesy of gettyimages.com.
602k
Crane Hercules, Placing Turret Number 3, Weight 114 Tons, on Florida (BB-30), 27 March 1911.
National Archives Identifier: 6038485
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Crane Hercules, Placing Turret Number 3, Weight 114 Tons, on Florida (BB-30), 27 March 1911.
National Archives Identifier: 6038486
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Monthly progress photo of the Florida (BB-30), 31 July 1911.
National Archives Identifier: 6126573
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Turret Foundation, Looking North, Monthly Progress Photo, Yard Labor on Florida (BB-30), 30 September 1911.
National Archives Identifier: 6880311
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Port broadside view of the Florida (BB-30) dressed with flags during the Naval Review off New York City, 3 October 1911.
Digital ID # ggbain 09947v, LC-B2-2330-5. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection.
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BATTLESHIP FLORIDA (BB-30) NEARLY COMPLETED
Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo from The Colfax Chronicle. (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 07 October 1911, Image 6, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
126k
1911 photo shows the Florida (BB-30) passing under the Brooklyn Bridge. A good detail shot of the ship, showing the virtually nonexistent protection to the navigating and conning areas of the ship. The bridge wings were erected only when the ship entered or left port. The topmasts have been lowered to permit passage under the bridge. The height of the Brooklyn Bridge and the width of the Panama Canal were the two most significant design limitations to United States battleship construction. This carried up through all classes of ships, with the proposed, but never built, Montana class (BB-67-71), the first class to deviate from these limitations.
USN photo. Text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
938k
Replica of the Florida (BB-30), Largest Dreadnought in Uncle Sam's Navy
MODEL OF FLORIDA SHOWS ALL DETAILS OF BIG BATTLESHIP
Secretary Meyer Takes Great Pride in Replica Now on Exhibition.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 27 October 1911, Last Edition, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Battleship Florida (BB-30) on Her Way Up North River
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from The Evening World. (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 28 October 1911, Final Edition, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
915k
Starboard quarter view of the Florida (BB-30), 1911.
Detroit Publishing Company Photo LC-DIG-det-4a16173 courtesy of loc.gov.
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President Taft at Pittsburgh and Some of the Warships Which He Reviewed at New York.
Two of the most interesting days of President Taft's trip were those spent at Pittsburgh and at New York. At Pittsburgh he witnessed a "mine explosion." The picture shows him riding with Senator Oliver. At New York he reviewed the battleship fleet. The picture of the Florida (BB-30) shows her forward decks and four of her ten 12 inch guns. The gunboat Petrel was the smallest of the warships in line, and the president's attention was called to the fact that she was one of the ships that participated in the memorable battle of Manila Bay.
Image and text provided by Central Michigan University, Clark Historical Library.
Photo from the The Calumet News. (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 06 November 1911, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) under tow and assisted by tugs possibly before passing under the Brooklyn Bridge in 1911.
Florida, Our Newest and Biggest Warship, Seen From 150 Feet Above
SOMETHING like $190,000,000 worth of warships was exhibited to a few hundred thousands of the millions of people who paid for them while the 100 vessels of the largest fleet America who saw lay at anchor in New York harbor. It may interest the statistically inclined, by the way to know that the sum just mentioned is approximately the same as New York city's budget estimate for the year 1912. All the types of modern naval construction were to be seen in the line which stretched seven miles up the Hudson, from the little submarines, like the Plunger (SS-02), to the giant Dreadnoughts, the sister battleships Florida and Utah (BB-31), with their displacement of 21,825 tons. The Florida is the newest ship in the navy and with the Utah, the largest. She made her first public appearance at the time of the New York muster of sea fighters, having been towed by a fleet of tugs from the Brooklyn navy yard to her station in the North river. The photograph shows her on her way down the East river to the rendezvous.
Photo courtesy of Conway Maritime Press via Robert Hurst.
Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo from The Democratic Banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 10 November 1911, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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From April 1911 until August 1912 Rear Admiral Aaron Ward commanded divisions of the Atlantic Fleet, flying his flag in the battleships Minnesota (BB-22) and Florida (BB-30).
Digital ID: # ggbain 16873. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
NR
****FLORIDA (BB-30) AT ANCHOR IN PENSACOLA HARBOR**
GREAT SHIP IS HERE FOR SILVER SERVICE.
Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo & text by The Pensacola Journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 16 December 1911, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Artist's conception of proposed improvements for Hunter's Point when acquired by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp. LTD, ca. 1910's showing a Florida class battleship in drydock.
National Archives Identifier: 296813
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
NR
Development of Our Navy Told by Models Preserved at Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Among the models shown are the battleship hulls of the Maine, Mississippi (BB-23) & Florida (BB-30).
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 28 January 1912, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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SILVER SERVICE FOR BATTLESHIP FLORIDA (BB-30).
THE $10,000 silver service for the battleship Florida, the gift of the people of its name-state, was presented to the officers of the vessel recently at Pensacola. The popular subscription for its purchase was increased by a generous appropriation by the legislature.
Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA & University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo by The Hawaiian Star. (Honolulu [Oahu]),1893-1912, 04 January 1912, SECOND EDITION, Image 6.
Insert PDF image and text provided by The Colfax Chronicle. (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 03 February 1912, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Surrounded by helping tug boats, the Florida (BB-30) makes her way past the Brooklyn Bridge, 1912.
Photo # cph 3c00107 courtesy of the Library of Congress via Bill Gonyo.
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Five page PDF of Florida (BB-30) Outboard Profile, General Information.
National Archives Identifier: 75841601
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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The trials of Florida (BB-30): run 15, South at 21.9 knots.
Photographer: Nathaniel L. Stebbins.
National Archives Identifier: 6125983
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-17
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
NR
DREADNOUGHT FLORIDA (BB-30) BEATS WORLD'S NAVIES
Uncle Sam Demonstrates That He Can Build Warships as Well as Fight Hard in Them After They Are Launched
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 31 March 1912, FOURTH SECTION, Image 51, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Members of the German battle squadron visit the Florida (BB-30) at anchor at Hampton Roads on 2 June 1912. {Ships in the picture from left to right are the battle-cruiser Moltke and two three-stacked light cruisers}.
The Moltke was a sister ship of the Goeben whose "visit" to Turkey in August 1914 eventually brought her into WW I on the side of the Germans & Austrians.
Norfolk Va., June 2 - The American battleships Utah (BB-31), Delaware (BB-28) and Florida exchanged salutes with the German battle cruiser Moltke this afternoon as the three former ships sped through the Virginia capes en route to Hampton Roads.
The firing of the salutes on Sunday is not customary, naval officers say, and the fact the the Utah which led the three American ships as they passed the capes, boomed a salute to Rear Admiral von Reuber Paschwitz, commanding the German squadron, was regarded as an unusual compliment for the German commander.
The big guns of the Moltke answered the salutes from the Utah and the officers and crew lined the decks and waved their hats to the American ships.
Everything is in readiness for the visit of President Taft in the Hampton Roads tomorrow. The German ships are expected to leave Lynnhaven Bay about 7 o'clock tomorrow morning so as to arrive in Hampton Roads about the same time the Mayflower gets in with President Taft.
Library of Congress photo # LC-DIG-hec-01169 courtesy of the Harris & Ewing Collection & shorpy.com. for LC-DIG-hec-01154a.
Text courtesy of Washington Post, 3 June 1912 via shorpy.com.
Insert PDF Image and text provided by University of New Mexico.
Photo by The Kenna Record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 07 June 1912, Image 8, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Broadside view of the Florida (BB-30) at anchor at Hampton Roads on 2 June 1912 when the battleship joined the Atlantic Fleet as flagship of Division 1. Small unarmored range finders are installed on #2 and #3 super-firing turrets.
Photo NH-78037 courtesy of history.navy.mil
Library of Congress photo # LC-DIG-hec-LC-H261-01148 courtesy of the Harris & Ewing Collection.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Various Views of the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson
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Mobilization of Atlantic Fleet at New York, 12 - 15 October 1912.
Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
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U.S. Battleship Fleet during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson.
The nearest ship half visible on the right is the New Hampshire (BB-25) based on the distinctive half-cased stacks. The two sister ships behind her are not clear enough to specifically ID. The fourth ship is one of the Mississippi class, but again, not clear enough to ID.
Photo i.d. via Richard M. Jensen.
Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
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Small boats join during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson.
Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
NR
Out on the Range Where the Great Ships of War Sharpen Their Eyesight.
A Short Time Ago Many of the Battleships Which Will Gather Here This Week Were Thundering Off the Virginia Capes. Just What They Did and How They Did It Form the Subject Matter of This Story.
Image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924 06 October 1912, Page 2 & 3 Image 18 & 19, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
1.14k
A Landsman's Experiences and Sensations at Fleet's Target Practice.
Various scenes aboard the Florida (BB-30) during target practice in October 1912.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 06 October 1912, Image 19, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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The greatest battleship fleet ever assembled in American waters will meet in North River this week to be reviewed by Secretary of the Navy Von Meyer and possibly President Taft. The fleet will include thirty-one battleships, four armored cruisers, four cruisers, twenty-one special type, six naval militia vessels, eight transports, twenty-six destroyers, sixteen torpedo boats and ten submarines. The picture shows dreadnought Florida (BB-30), sailors skating on deck, and bluejackets in gigs going on shore leave.
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by The Mathews Journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 10 October 1912, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
NR
SCENE OF UNUSUAL BEAUTY WHEN FLEET AND SHORE WERE ILLUMINATED BY MANY THOUSANDS OF FLAMING ELECTRIC BULBS
NEW YORK, Oct. 16�Pen cannot describe and even photography is inadequate in depicting the splendor of the scene at night during the visit of the fleet to this city. Thousands and thousands of electric lights were hung along Riverside drive, which parallels the Hudson river for miles, and all of the vessels in the fleet were outlined by lines of gleaming lamps. In the accompanying picture the soldiers� and sailors� monument appears in the foreground with the curved line of Riverside drive at the left. Several battleships are shown in the river, with the lights on the New Jersey shore in the distance.
Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo by The Democratic Banner.(Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 18 October 1912, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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MODEL OF THE FLORIDA (BB-30)
This model of Uncle Sam's greatest dreadnought required more than eight months to build and cost something more than $7,000.
This is an original 1913 print article of by Louis E. Browne of Uncle Sam's toy specialists who work in the Washington Navy Yard to create models of famous military ships, such as the Neptune (AC-8) and the Florida.
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
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The flag flies at half mast from the Florida's (BB-30) stern on 01/02/13.
Digital ID # ggbain 11248, LC-B2-2491-11. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of Tom Kermen.
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Florida (BB-30) launch, with the contributor's grandfather, Patrick Berkery, off Cuban waters, 1913-14.
Courtesy of Bob Mabin.
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Vessels Alongside Pier F Looking Northwest, 18 December 1913.
Based on minor differences in the after mast tops, I believe that the Florida (BB-30) is on the left and the Utah (BB-31) on the right.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 6038107
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Waterfront from Southwest Side of ordnance Dock Looking North from West Side Entrance Dry Dock No. 4
From Left to right: Wyoming (BB-32) or Arkansas (BB-33) with Florida (BB-30) and the Utah (BB-31).
National Archives Identifier: 6038110
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Water Front at Pier D and Mainland, Looking North
From Left to right: Delaware (BB-28) and Florida (BB-30) intersect, 20 December 1913.
National Archives Identifier: 6038110
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Florida (BB-30) & a Wyoming (BB-32/33) class battleship in very heavy seas, January 1914.
Photo from the Harris & Ewing photograph collection, courtesy of loc.gov. & loc.gov.
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-hec-03600 & LC-DIG-hec-03600.
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Capt. William Rees Rush commanded the battleship Florida (BB-30) in 1914.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Veracruz Incident
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U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships steaming toward Mexican waters in 1914. Photograph copyrighted in 1914 by E. Muller, Jr., and Pach.
OUR POWERFUL NORTH ATLANTIC FLEET
This is to considered be the most powerful battle fleet in the world. Recently it returned from the Mediterranean and left Hampton Roads for the south. During the last battle practice each of the vessels made a record for herself while the flagship Wyoming (BB-32) broke the world's record at target practice. The photograph shows the nine ships in the order in which they usually sail. The Wyoming is in the lead at the right, and is followed by the Florida (BB-30), Utah (BB-31), Delaware (BB-28), North Dakota (BB-29), South Carolina (BB-26), Rhode Island (BB-17), Georgia (BB-15),and New Jersey (BB-16).
The following battleships that were dispatched to Mexican waters included the:
Ohio (BB-12),Virginia (BB-13),Nebraska (BB-14),Connecticut (BB-18),Louisiana (BB-19),Vermont (BB-20), Kansas (BB-21),Minnesota (BB-22),Mississippi (BB-23),Idaho (BB-24),New Hampshire (BB-25),Michigan (BB-27),Arkansas (BB-33), New York (BB-34) &Texas (BB-35).
In insets are (left to right):
Rear Admiral Henry T. Mayo,
Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher,
Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger.
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 60322.
Insert PDF image and text provided by Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo by The Madison Journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 07 February 1914, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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UNITED STATES DREADNOUGHT GUN CREW IN ACTION
This photograph shows a gun crew of the Florida (BB-30), now at Tampico, going through their dally gun drill, ordered by Admiral Fletcher, so that the Jackies are always in readiness for the order to get into action.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Herald. (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 18 April 1914, Image 6, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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HERE'S FLORIDA (BB-30), WHOSE GUNS MAY SWEEP CITY OF VERACRUZ
Image and text provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, Urbana, IL.
Photo from the Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 21 April 1914, HOME EDITION, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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VERACRUZ TAKEN AFTER BOMBARDMENT
PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE STURDY FIGHTERS OF THE ATLANTIC FLEET STEAMING OUT OF HAMPTON ROADS FOR MEXICAN WATERS
LEFT TO RIGHT: OHIO (BB-12), VERMONT (BB-20), CONNECTICUT (BB-18), NORTH DAKOTA (BB-29), DELAWARE (BB-28), FLORIDA (BB-30), UTAH (BB-31), AND ARKANSAS (BB-33).
Image and text provided by University of Oregon, Knight Library; Eugene,OR.
Photo from Medford Mail Tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989, 22 April 1914, SECOND EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Either the Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31) with other elements of the US Navy off Veracruz.
Photo courtesy of huntington.org. courtesy of Daniel Hacker.
01wilsonveracruz3.97k
Record Group 181: Records of Navy Installations Command, Navy Regions, Naval Districts, and Shore Establishments
Series: Glass Plate Negatives of the Construction and Repair of Buildings, Facilities, and Vessels at the New York Navy Yard
The President Speaking Before Caskets of Veracruz Heroes in Brooklyn Navy Yard.
This is a photograph of the ceremonies for the 22 US service men killed during the United States occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, 11 May 1914.
PDF 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, 15 May 1914, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Agency-Assigned Identifier: F644 N166
National Archives Identifier: 6038090
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov, via Daniel Hacker.
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Signalmen of the Florida's (BB-30) Landing Force, before going ashore at Veracruz, Mexico, in April 1914.
These men are identified as: Windrell, Repp, C.M.M., Green and Bishop (only five listed). Note their military pistol belts with suspenders, canteens and other field gear. Several men are wearing their "flat hats" beret-style, without grommets. Photograph and caption were provided by Chaplain C.H. Dickins, USN, 1926.
USN photo # NH 63286 added courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
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SECRETARY DANIELS PRESENTS MEDALS TO SAILORS FOR BRAVERY AT VERACRUZ
With bared head in a gray mist that enshrouded the super-dreadnought Florida (BB-30), Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the Navy stood on the quarter deck of the great ship at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and presented medals of honor to each of thirteen sailors for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Veracruz, Mexico, on April 21. 1914." The quoted words are engraved on the back of each star shaped medal, also the name of therecipient and Florida. Fourteen medals were awarded, the Secretary told the honored sailors, but one of the medal men was absent Edward A. Gisburne, electrician, second class, who lost his left leg in the flash on the customs house at the Mexican seaport. Gisburne received his medal In Washington, where he is in the "government employ as a page by appointment of President Wilson. The men were members of the ship's crew under the direction of Capt. W. H. Rush, in command of the landing party when the rush for the customs house was made at Veracruz. Rear Admiral Fletcher and Capt. Rush, in the gold and blue of their full dress uniforms, stood close by the Secretary during the ceremony.
Photo by American Press Assn.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Herald. (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 10 January 1915, Society, Image 26 courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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William Zuiderveld was born on 24 January 1888 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the time of action he was a Hospital Apprentice First Class, USN.
His citation reads, "On board the Florida (BB-30), Zuiderveld showed extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Veracruz, Mexico, 21 April 1914."
William Zuiderveld retired as a Lieutenant in the Hospital Corps on 31 August 1945. He died on 5 February 1978 and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA (Section A-I, Grave 9b). His Medal of Honor and uniform are on permanent display at The Michigan's Own Military and Space Museum in Frankenmuth, MI.
Citation:"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 21 April 1914. While serving on board Florida , Hospital Apprentice Zuiderveld showed extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Veracruz, Mexico. By his courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Hospital Apprentice Zuiderveld sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service".
Photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
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HERE'S CLOSE VIEW OF FLORIDA (BB-30), U. S. BATTLESHIP AT VERACRUZ
Here's a close view of the giant battleship Florida, whose great guns now overlook Veracruz. The picture gives a good idea of how a battleship looks to one on deck.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo courtesy of The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 25 April 1914, 4 P.M. City Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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SHOT WHILE RAISING FLAG
When George McKenzie Poinsett, able seaman from the United States battleship Florida (BB-30) went down beneath federal rifles at Veracruz, the first American killed fighting for his country in the present trouble with Mexico, his name went into historic records which will live when most of us are forgotten. He was shot and killed while he was raising the flag for which he gave his young life, over the customs house at Veracruz .
...He was hoisting the flag on a landing pier in Veracruz when the bullet found him, piercing his heart. When he fell, the flag dropped, enshrouding him. The fall of Poinsett preceded the death of his three comrades by less than five minutes.
Image and text provided by Indiana State Library, Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, LA., Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA. & University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo courtesy of Abbeville Progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 02 May 1914, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Insert PDFs courtesy of phillyhistory.org, South Bend News-Times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 25 April 1914, AFTERNOON Edition, Image 5, Harrisburg Telegraph. (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 02 May 1914, Image 9, & The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 11 May 1914, 4 P.M. City Edition, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
USN photo # LC-DIG-GGBAIN-15834 courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
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Private S. Martin
Here is the first American to lose his life in the Mexican war, Private S. Martin, a marine from the battleship Florida (BB-30). He was killed in the first day's fighting at Veracruz. Martin's home was in Chicago.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from the The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 28 April 1914, 4 P.M. City Edition, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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MARINES CONVOYING AMMUNITION WAGON IN VERACRUZ STREETS
United States marines escorting a donkey-drawn ammunition waqon carrying materials for war to our fighting men in Veracruz. Captain Rush of the battleship Florida (BB-30) is the man at the right.
Image and text provided by Indiana State Library.
Photo from the South Bend News-Times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 06 May 1914, AFTERNOON Edition, Image 11, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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TAKING THE STARS AND STRIPES ASHORE
Scene at the Veracruz docks as the Jackies and marines from the Florida (BB-30) scampered ashore, bearing the American flag.
Image and text provided by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE.
Photo courtesy of Dakota County Herald. (Dakota City, Neb.) 1891-1965, 07 May 1914, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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WATCHING THE TAKING OF VERACRUZ
Members of the crew of the battleship Florida (BB-30) in the control top of the dreadnought, watching the progress of their fellows in the capture of Veracruz.
Image and text provided by Louisiana State U@ Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo & text by The Madison Journal (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 09 May 1914, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Landing American Forces at Veracruz
Bluejackets and marines from the battleship Florida (BB-30) are on way to the...at Veracruz to elicit the first belligerent landing on Mexican soil.
Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo from the The Bee. (Earlington, Ky.) 1889-19??, 15 May 1914, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Funeral cortege of dead from the intervention passing over Manhattan Bridge, New York City, New York.
USN photo # LC-DIG-PPMSCD-00101 courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
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Saluting the Dead Heroes of Veracruz, 1914. At the conclusion of the funeral services over the bodies of 17 Marines and sailors who fell at the occupation of Verz Cruz, Mexico, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 11 May, seventeen Marines lined up and fired three volleys over the coffins. President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and scores of other men in public life as well as thousands of Marines, sailors, and civilians attended the ceremonies. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels Collection. Note, the original photograph is curled.
USN photo # PR-06-CN-454-C5-F13-17 courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
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At Ceremonies for Veracruz Killed - Arrival of Procession at Navy Yard, 5/10/1914.
9 Photo PDF of the ceremony.
National Archives Identifier: 6038082
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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****FLORIDA (BB-30), WITH VERACRUZ FIGHTERS, BACK; CAPT. RUSH PRAISES WORK OF TROOPS**
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo from the The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 20 July 1914, Image 14, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Monthly Progress Photo, Jib Crane for Building 131 (47), Yard Labor, 4 August 1914.
The Florida (BB-30) appears in the background.
National Archives Identifier: 6126416
Local Identifier:111-SC-43692
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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SECRETARY DANIELS OF THE NAVY, ON THE BATTLESHIP FLORIDA (BB-30), ADDRESSING THE MEN WHO WERE AWARDED MEDALS OF HONOR FOR "EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM" DISPLAYED IN THE CAPTURE OF VERACRUZ.
Photo by American Press Assn..
Text courtesy of the N.Y. Times, 15 January 1915, Page 8, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Mid 19 Teens
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AMERICAN FLEET IN STORMY WEATHER
The United States fleet under Admiral Fletcher, bound to Guantanamo for target practice, encountered severe storms. The picture shows scene aboard the battleship Florida (BB-30) when jackies were moving gasoline tanks to place of safety to keep them from being washed overboard.
Image and text provided by State Historical Society of Missouri; Columbia, MO.
Photo courtesy of Mexico Missouri Message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 11 February 1915, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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America Can Command Seas Only by Having Vessels That Can Overcome an Enemy's Strongest Fleet, Says Dewey
This picture shows the battleship Florida (BB-30) anchored in the East river in New York harbor. In the view of New York harbor shown lies more wealth than in any similar spot in the world. The greatest of national and private banks are here, as well as reserve stations and a U. S. sub treasury. It is only to protect New York, that America needs the greatest navy in the world, not for any aggressive reasons.
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo by The Seattle Star. (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 13 March 1915, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Torpedo on deck of the Florida (BB-30), 1915.
Photographer: Enrique Mueller Jr.
National Archives Identifier: 45514077
Local Identifier: 165-WW-339C-49
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Frank MacDonald and his shipmates from Florida (BB-30). The photo was taken at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1915. Frank is standing fifth from the right, wearing a black t-shirt. He was a Fireman, second class (F2c) at that time, and would be rated as a Water Tender in 1917.
Photo courtesy of his grandson, C.W. MacDonald, LtCol USMC (Ret.)
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PRESIDENT WILL SEND UNITED STATES FLEET ON BIG WAR GAME
1. General view of warships in Hudson river.
2. Utah (BB-31).
3. Virginia (BB-13).
4. United States torpedo boat destroyer going at full speed.
5. Florida (BB-30), with sky line of New York city in the background.
6. Sailors aboard United States battleship.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The Washington Herald. (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 02 May 1915, PICTORIAL SECTION, Image 31, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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BATTLESHIPS ARRIVE IN NEW YORK MAY 8 FOR GREAT FLEET REVIEW.
Battleship FLORIDA (BB-30) and SKYLINE of NEW YORK
Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo by The Democratic Banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 04 May 1915, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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ATLANTIC FLEET IN THE HUDSON
The picture shows, reading from left to right, the battleships Delaware (BB-28), North Dakota (BB-29), Michigan (BB-27), South Carolina (BB-26), Kansas (BB-21), Florida (BB-30) and Utah (BB-31).
Image and text provided by Rutgers University Libraries.
Photo from Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 11 May 1915, HOME EDITION, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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THE PRESIDENT BARED HIS HEAD WITH AN ALMOST RELIGIOUS REVERENCE WHEN THE STARS AND STRIPES PASSED THE STAND
The President, Secretary Daniels and Admiral Fletcher saluting the flag of the battleship Florida (BB-30) which was brought back from the fighting at Veracruz.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from the New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 18 May 1915, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Circa 1915 photo showing the Florida (BB-30) with the Arizona (BB-39) under construction in the background.
National Archives Identifier: 6281320
Agency-Assigned Identifier
F644 N254
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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OUTLINED AGAINST A CURTAIN OF DARKNESS
A fleet of destroyers and torpedo-boats has now arrived at New York to join the heavy ships of the line. Altogether, about 50 vessels will be assembled when the ceremonies began next Monday. It is promised that the strained international relations will have no effect on the parade.
Photo by International News Service.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 May 1915, Night Extra, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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****FLORIDA'S (BB-30) MASCOT MARCHES IN PARADE**
Not the least interesting figure in the big naval parade in New York city Monday was "Dynamite," the mascot of the battleship Florida, who is here seen ready to form in line and accompany the men. President Wilson was greatly amused by the goat.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo by The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 21 May 1915, 4 P.M. City Edition, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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THE PRESIDENT'S YACHT, THE MAYFLOWER. ON THE LEFT FOLLOWED BY THE DOLPHIN BEARING THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, SALUTED BY DREADNOUGHTS ON THE HUDSON.
The battleship is either the Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31).
Photo by New-York Times. (New York [N.Y.]), 23 May 1915, Page 1, courtesy of memory.gov.
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View of Waterfront, Looking East, from Cantilever Crane Track, 16 June 1915.
The ship in the foreground is Wyoming (BB-32) based on the conning tower. Note the ammunition lighter amidships.
To the left, above her stern, is the New York (BB-34), based on the searchlight config. Above Wyoming's #3 turret is the stern of the Florida (BB-30), while the Utah (BB-31) is seen between the Wyoming's stacks.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 6038107
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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View of Waterfront, Looking Northeast, from Cantilever Crane Track, 16 June 1915.
Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31) in the foreground.
National Archives Identifier: 6281358
Local Identifier: F644 N222.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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BATTLESHIP FLORIDA (BB-30) BEING OVERHAULED.
Image and text provided by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE.
Photo by The North Platte Semi-Weekly Tribune. (North Platte, Neb.) 1895-1922, 18 June 1915, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) or Utah (BB-31), waterfront view of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, circa 1915.
National Archives Identifier: 6281320
Local Identifier: F644 N254.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Loading drill on one of the ship's 5"/51 secondary battery guns, 1915. Note projectile, bagged powder charge, rammer, opened gun breech mechanism, sighting telescope on left side of gun, and telephone "talker" standing near the gun. Also note that one of the gun crewmen has bare feet.
Photo courtesy of Larry Yungk.
Text courtesy of USNHC.
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October 1915. USN subs K-1 (SS-32), K-2 (SS-33), K-6 (SS-37) & K-5 (SS-36) prior to going to Europe after the US entered WW I. The Florida (BB-30) is seen at rear.
Notice that the K-5 is being repainted OUT of dazzle before deployment.
Photo by Enrique Muller Jr.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Aryeh Wetherhorn & Ric Hedmen.
National Archives Identifier: 45510310
Local Identifier: 165-WW-322D-25.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Photo description "Waterfront looking NW from topmast Florida (BB-30) lying along South side of Pier F", 4 November 1915.
Three four stack destroyers of the Paulding class (DD-22/42), one of which is possibly the Mayrant (DD-31) and a 4 rear turreted battleship {most likely the Arkansas} are anchored alongside the docks.
On 15 October the Arkansas (BB-33) arrived at the New York Navy Yard for drydocking. Underway on 8 November, she returned to Hampton Roads. After a period of routine operations, Arkansas went back to Brooklyn for repairs on 19 November.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Chris Hoehn & Fred Willshaw.
Photo No. f644n263, Brooklyn Navy Yard Archive - courtesy National Archive and Records Administration, Northeast Region - NYC, Record Group 181 via flickr.com.
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Misses Mildred Kellerman & Kathryn Work Unveiling the Statue in Philadelphia to George McKenzie Poinsett, First American Killed in the Capture of Veracruz.
Image and text courtesy of The New York Times (New York), 7 November 1915, page 1 courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Photo fix courtesy of Roei Yehud.
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"Happy Hour" aboard the Florida (BB-30). Men cram around every available space, probably to witness a boxing match. Good business for the dentists.
One addition the ship's builders didn't take into consideration during her construction was the advent of technology that introduced aircraft and the means to repel them. Note the 3 inch AA guns atop the crane posts. The guns were not installed until July 1916.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Target practice aboard the Florida (BB-30) wins a Kewpie doll from the Admiral, 1916.
Photo courtesy of Liz West.
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The battleship Florida (BB-30) going into drydock at Charlestown Navy Yard.
Photo # 08_06_004602 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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This shot, taken 9 October 1916, shows the ship in dry-dock and the guide bar for the torpedo is visible below the third scaffold. The bar supported the torpedo as it left the ship. Without the bar, the torpedo would be damaged or knocked off course from the water flow along the hull. While being an effective weapon, the torpedo system presented hull integrity problems in the ship's water-tight defenses. After WW I, there were plans to move the tubes to a topside location, but the explosion and fire hazard problems that this move would have created, canceled these plans. As a result of the serious concerns, the torpedoes were removed permanently from the ships.
USN photo improved by Roger Cook.
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A Florida class (BB-30/31) Battleship and Her Brood
Fleet sailing races are fall and winter diversions at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where our fighting ships play at war.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 12 November 1916, Image 47, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) off Hampton Roads, Virginia, 10 December 1916.
National Archives Identifier: 55246248
Local Identifier:111-SC-43692
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Over There 1917 - 1919
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U.S. Navy yard, Norfolk, Va., Berths 1-7 and A to D, 5 January 1917.
From Left to right: Florida (BB-30) adorned with 2 E's on her rear turrets. Other vessels are Navy coal barges & tugs. On the right, outboard is Utah (BB-31) & inboard Louisiana (BB-19).
Note the construction of what might be a crane on the stern of the Utah, which did not appear here 3 days prior on 2 January.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Insert: National Archives Identifier: 52557395
Local Identifier: 181-V-1310
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov.
National Archives Identifier: 52557149
Local Identifier: 181-V-1187
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Nevada (BB-36) on the left & Florida (BB-30) on right at St. Helena training station, Norfolk, VA. receiving TLC.
Note the launch of the Rhode Island (BB-17) on the dock on left, dating the photo no earlier than March 1917 according to DANFS.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 45512685
Local Identifier:165-WW-334A-103.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Original Caption: One of the U.S. battleships going at full speed, not a man allowed on deck when going at this rate.
A Florida class (BB-30 / 31) battleship underway.
Photographer: Kedal & Herbert.
National Archives Identifier: 45512843
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-67
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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SUPPLIES FOR A BATTLESHIP'S CUPBOARD
The most powerful naval force ever assembled under the Stars and Strips is now fully supplied and ready for battle.
A Florida class (BB-30 / 31) battleship is in the background.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger.(Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 July 1917, Night Extra, Pictorial Section, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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The three rear main 12" turrets of the Florida (BB-30), preparing for target practice at Hampton Roads, Virginia, November 1917.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Arkansas (BB-33) with seven other Battleships of the Atlantic Fleet at Hampton Roads, 1917.
The ship in the foreground (first from the right) is the Arkansas. The photo shows a total of 8 battleships sailing in 2 columns. The cage masts of a battleship is showing above the Arkansas' forward turrets and the ship on the far left is actually 2 ships (3 masts) [the right hand of these 2 appears to be bow on to the camera sailing on a different bearing thus only one mast is showing].
Given the probable date of the photo, the flag on the foremast of Arkansas is probably that of R. Adm. Winslow, which would suggest that the right hand column is probably Battleship Division 1. The New York (BB-34) does appear in the photo as the second ship in the right hand column (second closest in the photo). Note the 2 forward casemate guns (verses 1 on 12" gunned BB's) and the 2 gun main turrets.
Assuming the the right hand column is division 1, the next 2 ships in that column would be Utah (BB-31) and the Florida (BB-30) (both funnels are between the masts) and the last ship in line (the bow on ship) may be Delaware (BB-28).
Photographer Harris & Ewing courtesy of loc.gov.
Reproduction Number LC-DIG-hec-08104.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
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View from the Delaware (BB-28) of the Florida (BB-30) about to engage in firing practice in the Southern drill grounds, possibly at Hampton Roads Virginia prior to their sailing as part of the U.S. Navy's Battleship Division Nine to England, November 1917.
Note arrangement of masts and funnels. On a Florida (BB-30 / 31) they are Mast, Funnel, Funnel & Mast and on a Delaware (BB-28 / 29) they would be Mast, Funnel, Mast & Funnel. The ship in the foreground could be a Delaware with the photographer standing on the starboard 02 deck between the foremast and the wet 5"/51 which is presumably is trained out board. The gun barrels in the left foreground would belong to the No. 1 & No. 2 Turrets trained to starboard.
Photo courtesy of Larry Yungk.
Photo I.d. & text courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
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Gun crew at work on one of her 16 x 5"/51 secondary guns.
Photo by St. Louis Post Dispatch from the Rotogravure Photo Section, courtesy of ebay.com.
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Camouflaged Florida (BB-30) in the foreground at St. Helena training station, Norfolk, VA. Behind her is one of the Nevada's, but not enough is visible to pin down which.
There are the obvious camouflage patterns plus the range-finding baffles on the mast which point to a wartime photo. Aside from the fact that the photo is captioned as Norfolk, the Nevada's didn't go to Europe during the war, so the photo would have had to have been taken prior to Florida's deployment in December 1917. This wasn't taken on her return from Europe due to the lack of bearing marks on the superfiring turrets.
Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
National Archives Identifier: 45512689
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-105.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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"Armor piercing shells weighing half a ton or more apiece being loaded on an American Dreadnought that is preparing to sail for European waters."
Photo by Central News Photo Service.
Partial text from The War of the Nations (New York) N.Y. Times, 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
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Coaling at Newport, Rhode Island for her voyage as part of the U.S. Navy's Battleship Division Nine, Florida's (BB-30) crew pitches in to the grimy business of crossing the Atlantic Ocean, November 1917.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Group photo of the Florida's (BB-30) sixth division during the fall of 1917.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Loading 12" shells aboard the Florida (BB-30), most likely in November 1917, prior to her voyage as part of the U.S. Navy's Battleship Division Nine.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Prize money being awarded to various divisions of the crew aboard the Florida (BB-30) for their excellence in gunnery, most likely in November 1917, prior to her voyage as part of the U.S. Navy's Battleship Division Nine.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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From the deck of the Delaware (BB-28): Showing Florida (BB-30) & Arkansas (BB-33) leaving the fleet, 30 November 1917.
Photo by Enrique Muller Jr. for the Committee of Public Information.
National Archives Identifier: 45512495
Local Identifier: 165-WW-334A-14
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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In 1916 Admiral Thomas Washington was given command of battleship Florida (BB-30). A few months after the United States entered the war in the spring of 1917, Florida crossed the Atlantic to operate with the British Grand Fleet. The manner in which he carried out this assignment won Washington the Distinguished Service Medal for "exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility."
Digital ID: ggbain 12527. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
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Rangefinders for the rear turrets of the Florida (BB-30) at work.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Recoil and blast of flame from rear turrets aboard the Florida (BB-30) during target practice.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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A Ki Yi Party Aboard the Florida (BB-30) during WW I.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp via ebay.
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Post card, circa 1917 showing the three rear main 12" turrets. Captions incorrectly reads 14" turrets.
Courtesy of Richard Cleaveland via Joseph M. Radigan (of blessed memory).
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"Superdreadnoughts of the United States Navy"
This is an original 1917 sepia rotogravure by Bernard Poole showing America's super dreadnoughts during World War I.
Battleships of the Sixth Battle Squadron included the:
Delaware (BB-28),
Florida (BB-30),
Utah (BB-31),
Wyoming (BB-32),
Arkansas (BB-33),
New York (BB-34),
Texas (BB-35) &
Arizona (BB-39) at one time or another.
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
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Photo of the arrival of the American Fleet at Scapa Flow, 7 December 1917. The U.S. Navy's Battleship Division Nine being greeted by British Admiral David Beatty and the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Ships of the American column are (from front) New York (BB-34), Wyoming (BB-32), Florida (BB-30) and Delaware (BB-28). This image was painted on Oil on canvas by Bernard F. Gribble.
USN photo # Lot-5410-15, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels Collection. Photographed through Mylar sleeve. Courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
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"Arrival of the American Fleet at Scapa Flow, 7 December 1917." Oil on canvas by Bernard F. Gribble, depicting the U.S. Navy's Battleship Division Nine being greeted by British Admiral David Beatty and the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Ships of the American column are (from front) New York (BB-34), Wyoming (BB-32), Florida (BB-30) and Delaware (BB-28).
Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 58841-KN.
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This rare oil painting by American artist Burnell Poole, "The 6th Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet Leaving the Firth of Forth", is one of less than two dozen paintings owned by the Navy that depicts U.S. naval operations in World War One (WWI). After years of being considered a total loss by Navy Art Gallery curators it has been restored to near perfect condition. The entire process took several months, but the result is the total recovery of a painting that is sure to establish Burnell Poole's name among the best marine painters of the early 20th century.
The composition of the ships of the 6th Battle Squadron during their operational history, appearing in the painting in no particular order were: Delaware (BB-28), Florida (BB-30),Wyoming (BB-32), Arkansas (BB-33), New York (BB-34), & Texas (BB-35).
Photo and partial text courtesy of Naval Historical Center, Washington, D.C., File photo # N-0000X-001.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 09 June 1918, Image 36, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
013224pNR
FIVE FIGHTING FLOATING FORTRESSES.
A painting by Burnell Poole of the Sixth Battle Squadron of Britian's Grand Fleet, the American battleship division cooperating with the British Navy during the World War, which is to be presented to the British Admiriality at an early date by AdmiralHugh Rodman and the officers & men of his squadron.
The ships in line are: New York (BB-34), Texas (BB-35), Wyoming (BB-32), Florida (BB-30) and Delaware (BB-28).
Image and text provided by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE.
Photo by The Omaha Morning Bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 03 February 1924, CITY EDITION, ALCOGRAVURE SECTION, Image 42, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Royal Navy (British) during the First World War. Royal Navy and U.S. Fleets at Rosyth, Scotland, 1917. HMS Lion, HMS Inflexible, HMS Indomitable, and the light battle cruiser squadrons with the U.S. Sixth Division behind.
USN photo # Lot 9609-39 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
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June 1918 photo - Inspection on board one of the battleships. The men are required to lay out their hammocks and bedding.
Stern view of a Delaware (BB-28 / 29) or Florida (BB-30 / 31) class battleship.
Photo by Kadel & Herbert.
National Archives Identifier: 45510907
Local Identifier: 165-WW-325B-8
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Florida's (BB-30) Sonophone (I think) band, June 1918.
Photographer: Kadel & Herbert.
National Archives Identifier: 45510178
Local Identifier: 165-WW-321E-8.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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And the Band played on...the Florida (BB-30), photo taken when she was operating overseas with the British Grand Fleet, 1917-18.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
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Relaxation while not at battle stations; Florida's (BB-30) baseball team in action against the Texas (BB-35), circa 1918.
Courtesy of Bruce Donnola.
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Mine sweeping, circa 1918. The mines were sometimes exploded by rifle fire from the ship.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Moonlight on the Atlantic as seen from the Florida (BB-30) looking at the 6th Battle Squadron at night in no particular order: Delaware (BB-28), Wyoming (BB-32), Arkansas (BB-33), New York (BB-34), Texas (BB-35), & Arizona (BB-39).
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Dogs and fire hydrants are a common sight. Florida's (BB-30) mascot is pictured here next to her most prized possession, a fire hose.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Sailor's prayer, circa 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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The British dirigible NS-8 on sub patrol in the North Sea is pictured above the turret of one of the Florida's (BB-30) main 12" batteries, circa 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Making a kite ready on the deck of the Florida (BB-30), circa 1918. Aside for the relief of monotony, they were also used for target practice.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Sailors at work on the propulsion system of a torpedo. Other torpedoes on the deck of the Florida (BB-30), with what looks to be an open warhead nearby, circa 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Hoisting a torpedo aboard, circa 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Picking up a torpedo with the ship's launch after practice firing, circa 1918. The warheads were filled with air to make them buoyant so they could be recovered.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Lighting up the day by causing one of the crewmen to see stars, Boxing match during "Happy Hour", circa 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Fourth of July Sporting Event aboard the Florida (BB-30). Photo was taken "somewhere over there", 1918.
Photo courtesy of Liz West.
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21 November 1918 - U.S. battleships witness surrender of German High Seas fleet at Rosyth, Firth of Forth, Scotland, to U.S. and British fleets.
New York (BB-34), Arkansas (BB-33), Delaware (BB-28), Texas (BB-35), Florida (BB-30), and Wyoming (BB-32).
Text & USN photo courtesy of Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa via Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Andy McIntosh.
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"Radio gang Florida (BB-30) on foreign service, 1918."
Photo courtesy of Laura McDonald.
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Photographed circa 1918, possibly while serving with the Grand Fleet in the North Sea. Note canvas bulwark erected at her bow. Conning platform is protected with a high vee faced top. She mounts 3" A.A. guns on her derrick tops and deflection marks on her turrets. #2 and #3 super-firing turrets are fitted with a 20 foot range finder while a 5 foot range finder is fitted to turret #4.
USN photo history.navy.mil
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Main 12"/45 forward battery of the Florida (BB-30), circa 1917-18 at Scapa Flow, Scotland. Note the director and searchlight on her upper turret.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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The three rear main 12" turrets of the Florida (BB-30), in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, 1918.
Photo courtesy of Larry Yungk, text courtesy of John Mcinally.
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Band concert on the fantail of the Florida (BB-30), with the great railway bridge of Firth of Forth, Scotland, behind, 1918.
Photo courtesy of Larry Yungk, text courtesy of John Mcinally.
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Photo caption reads Section of U.S. Navy, cooperating with British Navy, at anchor in Firth of Forth, Scotland. There are six cruisers in all, among which are New York (BB-34); Kansas (BB-21); Kentucky (BB-6), and Texas (BB-35), 20 September 1918.
There are 6 ships in the photo which are mostly identifiable, but none of the names in the caption match. The ship nearest the camera is HMS Princess Royal. Behind her to the left are HMS Renown, nearer to the camera, with HMS Repulse behind. At the far right is Florida (BB-30), which makes the ship above Repulse's stern the Utah (BB-31). The ship between them is of the Wyoming class, but the image is not clear enough to determine which.
Photo & text i.d. via Richard M. Jensen
National Archives Identifier: 86697735.
Local Identifier: 111-SC-45781
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Small caliber gun & crew aboard the Florida (BB-30), 21 November 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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The battleships of the 6th Battle Squadron as seen from the stern of the Florida (BB-30), en-route to Rosyth, Scotland for the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet, 21 November 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Ship's crew manning the rail as George Washington (ID-3018) (in background) enters Brest harbor, France, with President Woodrow Wilson on board, 13 December 1918. Note Marines in the center foreground, and training markings painted on her 12-inch gun turret side.
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 78103
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Artist: H. Reuterdahl. Return of the Sixth Fleet Battle Squadron". Artwork shows the fleet arriving at New York City, New York.
Battleships of the Sixth Battle Squadron included the:
Delaware (BB-28),
Florida (BB-30),
Utah (BB-31),
Wyoming (BB-32),
Arkansas (BB-33),
New York (BB-34) &
Texas (BB-35) at one time or another.
NHHC Photograph Collection: NR&L 13322 from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
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Christmas postcard of the Florida (BB-30), 1918.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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The sun sets on Atlantic fleet battleships of the Nevada class (BB-36/37), a Florida class (BB-30/31) followed by a Wyoming (BB-32/33) class battleship surrounded by lots of small boats in New York Harbor during the Naval Review of the Victory Fleet, December 1918.
National Archives Identifier:45513394
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-45.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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New York Welcomes Men of the Victorious Overseas Battleship Fleet
BLUEJACKETS FROM THE ARKANSAS (BB-33) SWINGING DOWN FIFTH AVENUE, BOY SCOUTS MEANWHILE SINGING ROLLICKING MARCHING SONGS
SECRETARY OF WAR, NEWTON D BAKER, in the Official Reviewing Stand, Receiving a Cup of Hot Coffee from Mrs. Julian M. Gerard, Secretary Daniels of the Navy, Served First
THE HUGE FLORIDA (BB-30) CROWDING AND SHOULDERING HER WAY INTO NEW YORK HARBOR WATERS IN THE WINTER'S FIRST SNOW STORM
THE ARIZONA (BB-39) LEADING THE RETURNING HOME OVERSEAS FLEET INTO NEW YORK HARBOR THROUGH A SNOW STORM AND HALF-A-GALE
THE NEW YORK (BB-34), REAR ADMIRAL HUGH RODMAN'S FLAGSHIP of the Overseas Fleet,...on Entering New York Harbor, Firing a Salute in Honor of the Secretary of War.
A "BLIMP" OF THE ATLANTIC FLEET SWINGING AT ANCHOR ABOVE THE MOTHER SHIP IN THE HUDSON
SEVERELY WOUNDED AMERICAN VETERANS MADE COMFORTABLE ON FIFTH AVENUE TO REVIEW THE PARADE OF THE RETURNING SAILORS
Text & photo courtesy of Times Photo Service,
N.Y. Times, 5 January 1919, Page 6, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
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"American dreadnoughts & super-dreadnoughts steaming into New York harbor 14 April 1919."
The Texas (BB-35) leads the procession with a airplane on her turret catapult. Note the escorting biplane.
The "escorting" aircraft is either a Curtiss HS-1 or HS-2 (note the single engine) can't tell which from the photo. The aircraft on a fly-off platform atop the No. 2 turret of the Texas is 1 of 6 Sopwith Camels purchased from Britain at the end of the war.
The platforms were a British concept designed to provide the fleet with an aircraft capable of reaching the high flying Zeppelins which the German Navy occasionally used as scouts. The Texas was the only US Battleship to be fitted with turret fly-off platforms while in Europe and was the test bed for this program in the US Navy. Not visible in this view is a stripped down (No fabric and no wings) Sopwith 1-1/2 Strutter lashed atop the No. 3 Turret. The platforms were eventually mounted on all 14" gun BB's through the New Mexico (BB-40 / 42) class (with mixed reviews from their commanders) and carried either a Hanriot HD-1 or a Nieuport' 28. Though equipped inflatable floats for water landings, this tended to do a lot of damage not the least of which was dowsing a hot engine in cold salt water. By 1920 a successful compressed air catapult was developed and were being mounted on the aft deck of all 4 turreted battleships and fly-off platforms were removed. The Texas and New York (BB-34), because of their 5 Turrets, lacked the deck space for the catapult and had to make do with a float plane (Vought VE-7) sitting on the aft deck which would be launched by lowering it over the side for a surface take-off.
If you look carefully at this photo you see the VE-7 on the deck and the A-frame hoist used for handling it.
Photo by Paul Thompson.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Text i.d. courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
NR
How the Atlantic Fleet looked to the camera man in a seaplane flying over lower Manhattan a week ago yesterday morning as the mighty armada came up the bay to anchorage in the Hudson off Riverside Drive for a two weeks' vacation after months of strenuous maneuvers in Southern waters. The destroyers Dale (DD-290) and Flusser (DD-289) are shown leading the column of eight dreadnoughts: Oklahoma (BB-37), Nevada (BB-36), Arizona (BB-39), flagship Pennsylvania (BB-38), Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30), North Dakota (BB-29) and Delaware (BB-28) past the Statue of Liberty at a fifteen-knot clip. In addition to the big battleships, the fleet includes thirty-two destroyers, numerous supply ships and several submarines.
The Atlantic battleship fleet is home again. Here are the twelve great first line fighting ships that are paying Father Knickerbocker a two weeks' visit. Over a hundred of Uncle Sam's grim sea warriors gray the North River, while their 30,000 sailor-men are given the freedom of the city in a royal welcome home.
The Battleship Mississippi (BB-41) leading the fleet into the harbor, as photographed from an airplane. Note the airplanes atop the forward and aft turrets.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 20 April 1919, Image 48, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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VICTORY FLEET WELCOMED HOME
The battleship Florida (BB-30) of the Victory Fleet as she lay in the Hudson River,
Photographer: Kadel & Herbert
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-034.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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Florida (BB-30) at St. Kitts Island, 1919.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Damage after a storm, circa 1919.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Postcard of the Florida's (BB-30) crew manning the rail as she enters harbor, circa 1919.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Photo caption reads Hampton Roads, showing U.S. battleships at anchor. Taken from General Hospital #43, Hampton, Va, between 20 May through 7 June 1919.
Left to right we have Pennsylvania (BB-38), New York (BB-34), an unidentified Florida class BB obscured by the collier, Arizona (BB-39), and then North Dakota (BB-29). The shot was taken in a very narrow window between the time that the Pennsylvania and Arizona were fitted with their pilot houses and the time that the lookout stations were added to the cage masts.
Photo & text i.d. via Richard M. Jensen
Photo by Sgt. P.R. Newberg
National Archives Identifier: 86719165.
Local Identifier: 111-SC-56991
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
1920 - 1926 / Pre-Modernization
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Florida (BB-30) and North Dakota (BB-29) at St. Kitts Island, West Indies, circa 1919-20.
Philip H. Robare RMCS, USN - RET
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Baseball & band at St. Kitts Island, West Indies, circa 1919-20.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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The Navy Canteen at Guantanamo Bay in January, 1920. Probably a little crowded inside.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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The Shore Patrol, there might not be enough of them if they need to deal with the crowd from the above photo. Guantanamo Bay in January, 1920.
Courtesy of Larry Yungk.
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Seen here in Boston harbor around 1920, the Florida (BB-30) sports a fully enclosed navigating bridge with her secondary range finder atop it. The windowed structure just behind the secondary range finder is the searchlight control platform.
USN photo by Crosby, courtesy of Russell Birt via Randy Weddle.
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Postcard showing the crew of one of the Florida's (BB-30) 5"/51 guns, circa 1920-30.
Photo courtesy of Carole Steele.
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Baseball game between the crews of the Florida (BB-30) & the Wyoming (BB-32) circa 1 February 1920, following winter maneuvers in Cuban waters through 14 April, 1919.
Photo courtesy of Larry Yungk.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
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KEEPING THEIR ARCHIE CLEAN
Antiaircraft gunners of the battleship Florida (BB-30), now at Guantanamo, going over their "Archie" and gun deck in the periodical cleanup of the ship.
Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo from the Richmond Daily Register. (Richmond, Madison County, Ky.) 1917-1978, 10 February 1920, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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COLBY'S GOING "CALLING" ON SOUTH AMERICA
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from the The Ogden Standard-Examiner. 1920-current, 21 November 1920, LAST EDITION, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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F5L aircraft underway to making spotting practice with battleships. U.S. Navy battleships, Oklahoma (BB-37), and Florida (BB-30) in the background. Photographed 15 March 1921.
USN photo # 80-HAN-53-16, now in the collections of the National Archives, courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
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Overhead view of the Florida (BB-30) making smoke circa 1921-1925.
US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2004.042.058 via Mike Green.
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Possibly early 20's photo of the Florida (BB-30) sporting three range finders atop her main turrets.
USN photo courtesy of David Buell.
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Florida (BB-30) steaming in line abreast with two other ships of Battleship Division FIVE, Atlantic Fleet, during an exercise in about 1921. The other ships are Delaware (BB-28) and North Dakota (BB-29). Photographed by A.E. Wells.
USN photo courtesy of history.navy.mil
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The Florida (BB-30), one of twenty battleships passing in review at Hampton Roads during the 27 April 1921 naval review for President Harding.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo # LOC31029u courtesy of Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress via George Lane.
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Aerial Salute to Pres. Harding on the Mayflower at the Naval Review of 1921. The Florida (BB-30) is on the left, the Pennsylvania (BB-38) is on the distant right.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo # LOC31030u courtesy of Harris and Ewing Collection, Library of Congress via George Lane.
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U.S. Navy ships prepare to watch the Billy Mitchell bombing experiments, 20 July 1921.
The ship at the far left is Ohio (BB-12). Moving to the right, the next two are the Delaware (BB-28) and North Dakota (BB-29), but the photo is not clear enough to tell which is which. The next BB (closest to the camera) is the Utah (BB-31), and the ship at the far right side of the photo is the Florida (BB-30).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Image courtesy of National Archives, Washington, DC. via oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.
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Rotogravure Photo entitled Mighty American Dreadnoughts Under Full Power Plowing through Turbulent Waters Off The Coast of Scotland
Florida (BB-30) with other vessels of the Naval Academy practice squadron running into rough weather while passing to the North of Scotland while en route from Copenhagen to Glasgow.
She is followed by Delaware (BB-28) and North Dakota (BB-29).
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
Naval History and Heritage Command Photo # NH 54181 and text.
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Olympia (C-6) & Florida (BB-30) in middle chambers of the Gatun Locks, 13 June 1922.
Photo from NARA (National Archives and Record Administration), RG 185-G Vol. 10 # 63 courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
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Panoramic photo of the U.S. fleet in Panama Bay (Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal) on 1 March 1923. 70 vessels are viewed; the Battle Fleet consists of all U.S. battleships from the Delaware (BB-28) through the Idaho (BB-42).
Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, courtesy of Tom Kermen. Copyright R.G. Lewis, Y Photo Shop, Balboa, C.Z."
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UNDERGOES SPRING HOUSECLEANING.
The United States battleship Florida (BB-30), one of the largest and latest types in the navy, laid up at the Charleston navy yard for repairs and overhauling.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 29 March 1923, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Undated photo of night Torpedo Defense Practice with 5 inch guns on Florida (BB-30). This photograph was taken at the recent maneuvers.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Photo No. NH 124144 via Mike Green.
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Florida (BB-30) entering Halifax harbor, Nova Scotia in 1923. She is followed by two other U.S. Navy battleships.
The other two battleships might be the Delaware (BB-28) & North Dakota (BB-29). DANFS records that they made midshipmen cruises to Europe during that time before they were decommissioned later in the fall.
Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 54180.
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Three USN Battleships anchored at Target Bay, Culebra, West Indies, circa January-February 1924. The closest of the three is a Wyoming class (BB-32 / 33) battleship.
The two ships in the background are the Florida (BB-30) and the Utah (BB-31), but again which is which is any body's guess.
USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Photo I.d. and partial text courtesy of Chris Hoehn.
013148dNR
FOUR BATTLESHIPS DECLARED UNFIT
Four of the first line battleships of the U. S. Navy have been declared by expert engineers to have unfit boilers and have been ordered not to steam at more than twelve knots. This forces the ships to leave the winter maneuvers and make for their home ports, where it will require several months to repair them. Congress in the past has refused to make appropriations for the boilers. The ships are the Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30) and Wyoming (BB-32), and the Arkansas (BB-33), all coal burners.
Image and text provided by Alaska State Library Historical Collections.
Photo & text by The Alaska Daily Empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1912-1926, 20 March 1924, Image 6 courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) still a commissioned warship at South Boston.
Photo # 08_06_005025 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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Photo in need of T.L.C.
Florida (BB-30) Crew at Captains Inspection, Boston Mass., 2 August 1924.
J.C. Crosby photo courtesy of Jane Ellenberger via Fred Willshaw.
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The beginning of Delaware (BB-28) being scrapped. Florida (BB-30) is to the left.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo # 08_06_005026 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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Fairchild Aerial Surveys, inc. of the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1925.
Among the ships present in this photo, 4th from left is the U.S. Crane Ship No.1, ex-Kearsarge (BB-5), and three piers away, the Florida (BB-30).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo # 08_02_001415 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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Florida (BB-30) circa mid 1920's with what looks like New York City apartment buildings off the river.
Photo courtesy of Jaume Cifre Sanchez via Fabio Pena.
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New York City Showgirls from the cast Spring is Here giving performance for the crew of the Florida (BB-30), circa 1926.
Photo by Underwoodx2, courtesy of Tommy Trampp via ebay.
1926 - 1931
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Florida (BB-30) with tugs under the Manhattan Bridge, after her modernization. Since she was only in commission in that config for a very short time, it is hard to pin the date down further.
Photo i.d. via JohnSpivey & Richard M. Jensen.
Photo by Edwin Levick from the Edwin Levick Collection, Mariner's Museum via Jim Geldert.
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Florida (BB-30) showing new invention "blisters" on the side in Dry Dock 3 at the South Boston Annex of the Boston Navy Yard during her 1926 modernization.
USN photo National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park, Photo # 08_06_022465 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Stephen P. Carlson, Preservation Specialist, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard.
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During her modernization at the Boston Navy Yard between 1925 and 1927, Florida (BB-30) enters Dry Dock 3 at the yard's South Boston Annex in June 1926. Note that to overcome the lack of shop facilities at South Boston, the yard's floating workshop, YR-15, was also docked with theship.
USN photo National Park Service, Boston National Historical Park, cat. no. BOSTS-11134, courtesy of Stephen P. Carlson, Preservation Specialist, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard.
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Utah (BB-31) in drydock while Florida (BB-30) steams by.
Photo # 08_06_004653 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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Florida (BB-30) undergoing conversion from coal to oil burning power plant.
Photo # 08_06_005152 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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The photo is dated after 1926-28 modernization because it shows only a single funnel, no after cage mast, a catapult on turret 3, and prominent bulges. Furthermore, some of the more forward 5" secondary guns were sponsoned out from main hull. On the Utah (BB-31), the base below the sponson cut back sharply toward the hull. On the Florida (BB-30), as seen in this photo (just below the boarding ramp), the base went down more vertically to the top of the blister.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Joseph B. Baar & Richard M. Jensen.
Photo 08_06_022632 courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via flickr.com.
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Florida (BB-30) showing new invention "blisters" on the side, November 1927.
Photo 08_06_022459, courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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The Florida (BB-30) appears here with other battleships of the fleet underway.
Photo by CWO4 Cecil Wood USMC, contributed by his son Donald Wood via Gary Priolo.
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Florida (BB-30) in February of 1930 in the Canal Zone - photo was credited to NAS Coco Solo.
USN photo # 80-G-204505-A. Photo Source: NARA College Park, Maryland, Record group 19.
Photo courtesy of Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
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The following five photos are from the Log Album of Seaman 1st Class Horace Justin Hill, born in AR. and lived in PA. He served on the Florida (BB-30) from 1927 to his discharge date of 26 January 1931. Crew photo of the Florida (BB-30), circa 1927-31.
Photo from the Log Album of Seaman 1st Class Horace Justin Hill, 1927-31, courtesy of Barbara Starling.
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Looking aft between the crane and above the 3 rear 12"/45 turrets of the Florida (BB-30), at her seaplane, a Loening OL Amphibian.
Photo from the Log Album of Seaman 1st Class Horace Justin Hill, 1927-31, courtesy of Barbara Starling.
Airplane photo i.d courtesy of Ray Fazzio '57 and classmates of the USN Academy. Source: "U.S. Naval Aviation", p.76, published by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Pensacola, 2001.
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One of Florida's (BB-30) seaplanes, a Loening OL Amphibian is perched atop her number 3 12"/45 turret ready for launching.
Photo from the Log Album of Seaman 1st Class Horace Justin Hill, 1927-31, courtesy of Barbara Starling.
Airplane photo i.d courtesy of Ray Fazzio, '57 and classmates of the USN Academy. Source: "U.S. Naval Aviation", p.76, published by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Pensacola, 2001.
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One of Florida's (BB-30) seaplanes, a Loening OL Amphibian, is launched from her catapult.
Photo from the Log Album of Seaman 1st Class Horace Justin Hill, 1927-31, courtesy of Barbara Starling.
Airplane photo i.d courtesy of Ray Fazzio, '57 and classmates of the USN Academy. Source: "U.S. Naval Aviation", p.76, published by the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Pensacola, 2001.
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5"/51 gun crew loading a shell and charge into the breech for a test aboard the Florida (BB-30).
Photo from the Log Album of Seaman 1st Class Horace Justin Hill, 1927-31, courtesy of Barbara Starling.
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Tons of chain being loaded onto Florida (BB-30) at Charlestown Navy Yard, 29 April 1928.
Photo 08_06_004931, courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection, via digitalcommonwealth.org
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Bow view of Florida (BB-30) at Navy Yard, 7 May 1928.
Photo 08_06_004649, courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection, via digitalcommonwealth.org
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The battleship Florida (BB-30) occupies Pier 5 at Charlestown Navy Yard, January 1929.
Photo # 08_06_005440 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
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Port side view of the Florida (BB-30) looking forward when the ship was moored in Boston Navy Yard in January 1929. A good detail shot of the ship's boats, secondary armament, searchlights and boat handling equipment.
Source: Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via Mike Green.
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Picturesque bow view of the Florida (BB-30) from between the after turrets of the New York (BB-34). A fleet of 41 ships arrived in New York on 5 February 1929 from southern waters for a two week visit fresh from winter maneuvers.
Courtesy of Stan Svec.
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Florida (BB-30) at Hampton Roads on 25 October 1929. Turret mounted rangefinders are clear in this photo and were necessary as there are no rangefinders built into the turrets. After being converted to oil burning, the Florida lost her cage mainmast and a funnel in the process. A radio direction finder loop and a secondary 12 foot range finder are visible on top of the enclosed pilot house.
Source Naval History and Heritage Command, Photo No. NH 65030 via Mike Green.
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At Kiel, Germany, 7 July 1930, during a Midshipman's training cruise.
Official USN photo Naval History and Heritage Command # 80-G-1025114, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Insert courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
NR
NAVY PLANS TO RETIRE THESE BATTLESHIPS OCTOBER 1
The battleships Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30) and Wyoming (BB-32), reading from top to bottom, which the Navy Department has decided tentatively to retire about October 1 as a gesture of international confidence.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star.([volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 03 August 1930, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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Florida (BB-30) taking water over the bow, circa 1930-31.
Courtesy of Bob Mabin.
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Watercolor of a Presidential review during President Hoover's term of office, 1928-32.
Crews line the rails of a Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) battleship as the ships pass in line astern of the reviewing stand with the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3) piercing the clouds accompanied by 9 biplanes.
Courtesy of Michael Schwarz.
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View of the U.S. Battlefleet from above, possibly from the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3).
Photo courtesy of periscopefilm.com.
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Based on the date, April 1930, the ship in the left-hand drydock was the Pennsylvania (BB-38). She recommissioned on 1 March 1931 after her 2 year modernization. The ship in the other drydock is too small for an active BB of the period and remains unidentified. The left-hand pierside battleship is likely Wyoming (BB-32), which was to start her modernization the following month. The right-hand pierside BB is probably Florida (BB-30) which decommissioned at Philadelphia NY on 16 February 1931.
Note all the Destroyers & Submarines docked on the left.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein & Richard M. Jensen.
Record Group 18: Records of the Army Air Forces, ca. 1902 - 1964
Series: "Airscapes" of American and Foreign Areas, 1917 - 1964
File Unit:Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
Local Identifier: 18-AA-111-48
National Archives Identifier: 68148386
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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2 photo PDF progress photo update on the above photo, 2 photos dated 9 February 1931.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein & Richard M. Jensen.
Record Group 18: Records of the Army Air Forces, ca. 1902 - 1964
Series: "Airscapes" of American and Foreign Areas, 1917 - 1964
File Unit: Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
Local Identifier:18-AA-111-38 & 40.
National Archives Identifier:68148366 & 68148370
Photos 68148366 & 68148370 courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
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2 photo PDF of the ex-Florida (BB-30) being scrapped at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in April, 1932.
Original negative given by Mr. Franklin Moran in 1967.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Catalog Nos. NH 64504 - 06 courtesy of Mike Green.
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Cup for Swimming Sailors
CREWS TO COMPETE FOR TROPHY GIVEN BY PRESIDENT.
Miss Eleanor Gross of the Navy Department surveys the trophy to be given by President Roosevelt to battleship with most expert natators.
THE trophy which Franklin D.Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1914, offered the battleship which produced the best swimmers, is to go back into "circulation." Polished and reconditioned, and with the wording changed so that it now goes "to the battleship of the United States Fleet excelling in annual competition" rather than to the ship of the "Atlantic Fleet," a term no longer used, the cup is to go to the West Coast, where most of the big war ships are congregated now. The cup had been in disuse for some time, until Rear Admiral William D. Leahy, chief of the Bureau of Navigation communicated with the President's naval aide, suggesting the change so itmight again be placed in competition. The Executive approved, and the cup was renovated and its engraving changed.
When Mr. Roosevelt came to the Navy Department as a young man he was struck by the large numbers of men in the Navy who came from inland places and had not had an opportunity to learn to swim. To stimulate the sport and to save life, he gave this trophy.
On the opposite side from the donor's inscription are the names of the winning battleships, showing that the last entry was in 1929, when the Florida (BB-30), captured it. She has accomplished this in 1927 and 1928 as well. The cup was won the first time in 1914 by the Wyoming (BB-32). The cup is of sterling silver and 14 inches high.
Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 22 September 1933, Image 26, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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GOVERNOR LEROY COLLINS, wife Mory Call, youngest daughter Darby. The silver, including the punch bowl, came from the decommissioned Florida (BB-30). Bowl has an eagle crest, pelican handles. Cup handles are gators.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 05 June 1955, Image 175, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
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A guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991.
USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil, Defense Visual Information Center.