USS Canberra (CA-70): A Symbol of Naval Power and Evolution in the 1957 International Naval Review

On June 12, 1957, the USS Canberra (CA-70), a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, moved into position for the prestigious International Naval Review in Hampton Roads, Virginia. This event, held in the waters off the coast of Virginia, showcased the might and prowess of naval forces from around the world. The USS Canberra’s presence at this review was not only a testament to the ship’s strength and capabilities but also a symbol of the ongoing evolution of the U.S. Navy during the post-World War II era.

The Canberra’s participation in this grand naval event serves as a snapshot of the evolution of U.S. naval power, the technological advancements in ship design and weaponry, and the military and political significance of naval diplomacy during the Cold War. What makes the USS Canberra particularly notable is its transformation from a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser into a Boston-class guided missile cruiser, a shift that reflects the broader changes in naval technology and strategy during the mid-20th century.

This article will delve into the significance of the Canberra’s participation in the 1957 International Naval Review, explore the ship’s history and design, and discuss the broader impact of its conversion and modernization.

The USS Canberra (CA-70): Birth of a Naval Icon

The USS Canberra (CA-70) was commissioned into the United States Navy on 29 September 1943, just as the tides of World War II were turning in favor of the Allies. She was the third ship in the Navy to bear the name Canberra, after the capital city of Australia. This was a particularly significant name, as the ship was the first U.S. Navy vessel to be named after a foreign capital city and was also a tribute to the HMAS Canberra (D33), an Australian cruiser that had been sunk during the Battle of Savo Island in 1942. The ship’s commissioning came during a time of great uncertainty and conflict, and her service throughout World War II would cement her legacy in the annals of U.S. naval history.

The Canberra was part of the Baltimore-class heavy cruisers, a series of ships designed to fulfill various roles in naval warfare. With a displacement of 13,600 tons, the Canberra boasted a length of 673 feet and a beam of 70 feet. The Baltimore-class cruisers were renowned for their firepower, with a main armament of nine 8-inch/55 caliber guns, making them formidable opponents in both surface engagements and shore bombardments. Additionally, the Canberra was equipped with a full suite of secondary guns, including twelve 5-inch/38 caliber guns, and numerous anti-aircraft weapons, making it a versatile and capable vessel.

During World War II, the Canberra participated in numerous campaigns in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. The ship’s primary mission was to provide gunfire support for amphibious assaults, and she also conducted anti-aircraft defense and served in carrier screening operations. The Canberra proved to be an invaluable asset to the U.S. Navy during these critical operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of heavy cruisers in supporting ground forces and protecting naval formations.

However, after the war, the world entered a new era of technological advancements and military strategy, particularly as tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union began to escalate during the early Cold War. This period would ultimately lead to the Canberra’s transformation into a guided missile cruiser, representing the shift in naval warfare and strategy.

The 1957 International Naval Review: A Display of Naval Diplomacy

The International Naval Review held in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in June 1957, was a showcase of naval power and cooperation between the United States and its allies. This event was not just a demonstration of military strength but also a significant diplomatic occasion. The United States was using this opportunity to underscore its commitment to its allies and its position as a global naval power. The review featured ships from various countries, including NATO allies and other friendly nations, and was attended by high-ranking military officials and dignitaries.

For the USS Canberra, the event was a significant moment in her storied career. The Canberra was selected to participate in the review as part of the U.S. Navy’s contribution to the event, and her presence symbolized both the power of the United States’ naval fleet and the ongoing evolution of naval warfare. The review highlighted the importance of naval diplomacy during the Cold War, where the U.S. Navy sought to project power while simultaneously fostering international relations.

The Canberra’s participation in the event also spoke to the technological and strategic changes underway in the U.S. Navy. By the 1950s, naval warfare was rapidly evolving, and the role of cruisers was shifting from traditional gun-based combat to more modern, missile-based systems. The Canberra was a key example of this transformation, as she was one of the first ships to undergo conversion to a guided missile cruiser.

The Conversion to a Guided Missile Cruiser: The Boston-Class Upgrade

The 1957 International Naval Review took place at a pivotal moment in naval history. The Cold War was fueling a global arms race, and new technologies were beginning to shape the future of warfare. This was especially true for naval operations, where missile systems were beginning to replace traditional gunfire as the primary means of engaging enemy targets.

In the case of the USS Canberra, her post-World War II service saw significant modernization, including her conversion to a Boston-class guided missile cruiser. This transformation began in the late 1950s and was part of the U.S. Navy’s efforts to keep pace with new threats and changing military technologies. The conversion involved replacing much of the Canberra’s original gun systems with advanced guided missile systems, including the addition of the Terrier missile system.

The USS Canberra was officially reclassified as a guided missile cruiser on 1 April 1959 and became part of the newly formed Boston-class. This modernization greatly enhanced her combat capabilities, allowing her to engage air, surface, and even some land-based targets with guided missiles, something that traditional heavy cruisers could not achieve. The Boston-class cruisers were equipped with state-of-the-art radar and fire control systems, giving them a significant edge in missile-based combat. With these upgrades, the Canberra was better equipped to meet the evolving demands of Cold War naval strategy, focusing on anti-aircraft defense, air superiority, and supporting larger naval task forces.

The Legacy of the USS Canberra

The USS Canberra’s participation in the 1957 International Naval Review and her subsequent conversion into a guided missile cruiser highlight the evolution of U.S. naval power during the early Cold War. Her journey from a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser to a Boston-class guided missile cruiser encapsulates the shift from traditional naval warfare to a new era dominated by missile technology.

The Canberra served in various roles throughout her career, including missile defense, escort duties, and as a key component of naval strike forces. Her conversion was a vital step in ensuring that the U.S. Navy remained a dominant force in global waters. The USS Canberra (CA-70) would go on to serve for decades, proving the longevity and adaptability of American naval assets in the face of rapidly changing technological landscapes.

The ship’s legacy also extends beyond its military service. As one of the few U.S. Navy ships named after a foreign city, the Canberra stood as a symbol of international cooperation and the enduring relationship between the United States and Australia, particularly in the context of naval and defense cooperation.

Conclusion

The USS Canberra (CA-70) was much more than just a warship; it was a symbol of the evolution of naval technology and strategy in the mid-20th century. From her role in World War II to her transformation into a Boston-class guided missile cruiser, the Canberra represented the adaptability of the U.S. Navy and its ability to respond to the changing needs of modern warfare. Her participation in the 1957 International Naval Review was a defining moment in her career, showcasing her as a key player in the U.S. Navy’s ongoing efforts to assert its naval supremacy during the Cold War.