So, you Wanna Know About Big Penny Battleships, Eh?
Ever wondered how many giant, metal leviathans the state of Pennsylvania managed to stuff into the sea? Well, buckle up, history buff (or maybe just someone who likes things that go boom), because we're diving deep (not literally, unless you have a time machine) into the fascinating world of the Pennsylvania-class battleships.
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| How Many Pennsylvania Class Battleships Were There |
They Came in Twos, Just Like Your Favorite Sweaters (hopefully)
Here's the big reveal: there were only two Pennsylvania-class battleships. That's right, not a whole armada, just a powerful pair. They were the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) and the USS Arizona (BB-39), named after their namesake state, of course.
These weren't your grandpappy's coal-powered ships. These were super-dreadnoughts, the coolest kids on the battleship block at the time. They were packed with firepower and innovations that made them a force to be reckoned with.
Where did these Battleship Buddies Sail?
Unfortunately, despite their impressive firepower, they didn't get to see much action during World War I. Fuel shortages (whoops!) meant they mostly cruised around the Americas while their coal-burning cousins took center stage in Europe. They did, however, have some interesting post-war adventures, but that's a story for another time (or maybe a trip down the Wikipedia rabbit hole).
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Bonus Fun Fact: The USS Arizona is forever linked with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sadly, she was sunk during the attack and remains a memorial to this day.
So, that's the skinny on Pennsylvania's battleship brood!
Feeling like a mini-battleship expert? Great! Now, let's see if you can handle these frequently asked questions (FAQ) about these magnificent ships:
How to tell the difference between the USS Pennsylvania and the USS Arizona?
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
While they were very similar, there were slight variations in their superstructures. Think of them like fraternal twins - close, but not identical.
How much did a Pennsylvania-class battleship cost?
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A pretty penny (get it?) These ships were expensive in their day, costing around $16 million each (which is roughly equivalent to a gazillion dollars today, adjusted for inflation).
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How long were the Pennsylvania-class battleships?
They were whoppers! These steel behemoths stretched to a whopping 608 feet (185 meters), which is longer than two football fields.
How many guns did a Pennsylvania-class battleship have?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
They weren't messing around when it came to firepower. Each ship boasted a jaw-dropping twelve 14-inch guns, enough to make any enemy think twice.
How many Pennsylvania-class battleships are still around today?
Sadly, only the USS Arizona remains, but as a memorial. The USS Pennsylvania was eventually sunk after serving as a target ship in nuclear bomb tests.
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