Allied Warships

Large cruisers

Alaska class

2 ships


The large cruiser USS Guam (CB 2) of the US Navy.

Technical information

TypeLarge cruiser
Displacement34253 BRT 
Length809 feet 
Complement1769 men 
Armament9 12"/50 guns (3x3).
12 5"/38 DP guns (6x2).
56 40mm AA (14x4).
34 20mm AA (34x1). 
Max speed33 knots
EnginesGeared turbines, 4 shafts 
Power150000 SHP 
Notes on classPeace-time complement was closer to 1370 men.

This class of 6 ships (2 completed) was designed to counter the German pocket-battleships and Japanese armoured cruisers. They were not successful as they were almost as expensive to build and run as the Iowa class battleships but much less armoured. 


All ships of the Alaska class


US Navy US Navy (more on US Navy)

USS Alaska (CB 1)
USS Guam (CB 2)
USS Hawaii (CB 3)


2 Large cruisers of the Alaska class.

Strikeout means that ship was cancelled (not finished) - not counted in class figures.

See all Large cruiser classes.


Books dealing with this subject include:



Return to the Allied Warships section