USS Albany CA-123

1945 Launching Photo

 

USS Albany CA-123 was a United States Navy Oregon City-class Heavy Cruiser

The ship was laid down on 6 March 1944 at the Fore River Shipyard Quincy, Massachusetts, by the Bethlehem Steel Company, launched on 30 June 1945, sponsored by Mrs. Elizabeth F. Pinckney, and commissioned on 15 June 1946 at the Boston Navy Yard, Captain Harold A. Carlisle in command.

Commissioning Program

Following outfitting and a shakedown cruise near the vicinity of Casco Bay, Maine, Albany began operations along the east coast of the United States punctuated with cruises to the West Indies. During the ensuing months, the cruiser made several voyages for training naval reservists and NROTC midshipmen.

Albany continued to perform such duty until 11 September 1948, when she steamed out of Chesapeake Bay for her first tour of duty with the American naval forces operating in the Mediterranean Sea, recently made a permanent establishment as the 6th Fleet. That deployment set the tone for the next decade. The cruiser alternated five assignments to the 6th Fleet with operations along the east coast of the United States and in the West Indies and made three cruises to South American ports. During one of the South American voyages, Albany carried the official United States representative to the inauguration of the President of Brazil in January 1951. For two years, stretching at least until the autumn of 1955, Albany served as flagship for Commander, Battleship-Cruiser Force, Atlantic.

Albany CA 123 was decommissioned 30 June 1958 and reclassified as a Guided Missile Cruiser CG 10 which started the conversion process and recommissioned in 1962.

Ship Information

CLASS – OREGON CITY
Displacement 13,700 Tons,

Dimensions, 674′ 11″ (oa) x 70′ 10″ x 26′ 6″ (Max)
Armament 9 x 8″/55, 12 x 5″/38AA, 48 x 40mm, 24 x 20mm,

4 Aircraft
Armor, 6″ Belt, 8″ Turrets, 2 1/2″ Deck, 6″ Conning Tower
Machinery, 120,000 SHP; G. E. Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 2000.

Operational and Building Data
Keel laid on 06 MAR 1944 at Bethlehem Steel Co., Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, MA
Launched 30 JUN 1945
Commissioned 15 JUN 1946
Decommissioned 30 JUN 1958