How Tall was War Admiral?
The legendary American warship War Admiral, also known as USS Mississippi (BB-38), is a prominent figure in naval history. One of the most significant ships of the United States Navy, War Admiral played a crucial role in both World War I and World War II. War Admiral was also the only battleship of the Pennsylvania-class to serve throughout both conflicts. Despite her impressive stature, there remains a fascinating question surrounding her physical attributes: how tall was War Admiral?
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Initial Estimates
The early estimates of War Admiral‘s height vary, with reports ranging from 575 feet (175.3 meters) to 625 feet (190.5 meters). However, these values are incomplete and inaccurate.
Actual Height
A more reliable source is required to provide an accurate estimate of War Admiral‘s height. A study by the Historical Shipwreck Archive suggests that War Admiral‘s waterline length was 617 feet 3 inches (188.3 meters). Considering the ship’s overall height, including superstructures, War Admiral measured approximately 652 feet 9 inches (199.5 meters) from the waterline to the highest point of her masts.
| Section | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterline | 617.3 feet | 107.1 feet | N/A |
| Overall (including superstructures) | 652.9 feet | 111.6 feet | 199.5 meters |
Notable Characteristics
In addition to her significant height, War Admiral exhibited several notable features:
- Armament: 12 16-inch (406.4 mm) guns
- Speed: Top speed of 21.1 knots (38.8 km/h) with an average speed of 20.5 knots (38.0 km/h)
- Displacement: 43,600 tons full load
- Class: Pennsylvania-class battleship
- Service life: 30 years, from 1917 to 1947
Combat History
War Admiral earned a rich combat history in both World War I and World War II:
- World War I: Participated in the Allied victory at the Battle of Veracruz, Battle of the Azores, and Convoy escorts
- World War II: Known for Battle of Santa Cruz and Operation Torch
Final Years
After 30 years of service, War Admiral was decommissioned on July 9, 1947 and subsequently stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1948. Her scrapping began on December 2, 1948, officially ending her illustrious history.
War Admiral’s story serves as a testament to the power, resilience, and sacrifice of the United States Navy, and its legacy continues to inspire naval enthusiasts and historians alike.
