The USS Maryland (BB-46), a Colorado-class battleship built for the United States Navy, embodies a remarkable history of resilience and service through some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. Commissioned in July 1921, the Maryland not only survived the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor but went on to leave her mark across the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Built at Newport News, Virginia, the Maryland was part of the “Big Five” standard type battleships. During the 1920s and 1930s, she took part in fleet exercises and demonstrated American naval power in long-distance cruises to Rio De Janeiro and Latin America. Yet, her activities in peacetime were just a hint of the challenges awaiting her in World War II.
On December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Maryland was targeted in a surprise attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Although she sustained less damage than other ships, the Maryland’s strength during the assault foreshadowed her significant role in the Pacific War. After repairs, she joined Task Force One on the U.S. West Coast before heading to the South Pacific in 1942.
The USS Maryland’s guns roared across the Pacific, contributing significantly to operations that captured the Gilbert and Marshall Islands in late 1943 and early 1944. She supported troops with heavy artillery fire in the pre-invasion bombardments of Tarawa and Kwajalein. Her 16-inch guns, capable of delivering devastating firepower, proved essential during these operations.
In June 1944, Maryland once more engaged in pre-invasion gunnery, this time targeting Saipan. She was torpedoed by a Japanese aircraft during this mission, requiring a journey to Pearl Harbor for repairs. The battleship resumed action for the Palaus operation in September 1944. In October, during the Leyte invasion, she shelled enemy positions on land and engaged Japanese warships in the Battle of Surigao Strait. In late November, while operating near Leyte, Maryland sustained damage from a “Kamikaze” suicide plane. A classic naval maneuver which allowed them to deliver broadside fire effectively. This engagement contributed to the defeat of the Japanese force and was one of the last battleship vs battleship actions in history.
The Maryland continued to serve faithfully, even after being damaged by a kamikaze attack in late November while off Leyte. After repairs, she participated in the Okinawa operation in March and April 1945, where she was hit by enemy air attack yet again on April 7 but remained in action for another week.
After undergoing renovations on the West Coast in early August 1945, the USS Maryland was set to resume combat duty. Yet, Japan’s surrender brought an end to the Pacific War, halting her return to battle. Instead, Maryland became crucial in Operation Magic Carpet, ferrying servicemen back home from the mid-Pacific, showcasing her enduring service post-combat.
After the war, Maryland was decommissioned in April 1947 and stayed in reserve until July 1959, when she was sold for scrapping. The scrapping of this renowned ship signaled the close of a chapter, as most World War II Navy vessels ended up in scrapyards post-victory, having served faithfully in the years following the war.
Maryland’s evolution from a symbol of American naval power to a historical footnote is not uncommon among its peers, as many ships from the WWII era ultimately headed to the scrapyard. Nevertheless, the USS Maryland’s legacy, showcasing unwavering spirit, resilience in adversity, and steadfast dedication to duty, remains a poignant testament to the sacrifices and victories of those who served on board during a period of worldwide turmoil.
Relevant articles:
– Maryland (BB 46), Navy (.mil)
– Pictorial—Scrapping Our World War II Navy, usni.org
– 46) in World War II, ThoughtCo, Oct 2, 2018