US Navy Armored Cruisers 1890-1933

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At the dawn of the "Steel Navy" era, the expanding US Navy's fleet included not only battleships but also armored cruisers, precursors to the battlecruiser. These cruisers traded the battleship's firepower and protection for enhanced speed and range, leading to a complex role that was often difficult to define. Critics noted their size and cost, arguing that "naval wars are not won by running away from stronger ships." Despite their high expense and lack of a clear tactical mission—traditionally focused on commerce raiding and protection—Brian Lane Herder illustrates the successful deployment of armored cruisers within the US Navy. After 1906, some cruisers replaced battleships in the Pacific, serving as oversized gunboats. Notably, the modified armored cruiser Pennsylvania was involved in the first landing of an airplane on a ship. On November 5, 1915, North Carolina became the first cruiser to launch an aircraft from a catapult while underway. Post-war, surviving armored cruisers represented the US Navy on the Asiatic station until the last was scuttled in 1946. Through detailed artwork and photos, this book explores the development and deployment of these controversial ships, highlighting their significant roles in various defensive and escorting capacities.