The USS Colorado (BB-45), one of the North Carolina-class battleships of the United States Navy, played a significant role in World War II. Among its many contributions, one of the most memorable and impactful was its involvement in the preparations for the invasion of Tarawa in November 1943. This marked a key moment in the Pacific Theater, where the USS Colorado showcased the might of American naval firepower during one of the most critical amphibious assaults of the war.

USS Colorado (BB-45): A Brief Overview

Commissioned in 1923, the USS Colorado was one of the most powerful and heavily armored battleships in the U.S. Navy at the time. As part of the North Carolina-class, the Colorado was equipped with eight 16-inch/45 caliber guns — the same size as those mounted on many of the U.S. Navy’s most famous battleships. The Colorado also featured advanced fire control systems, providing accurate and deadly long-range firepower. Its heavy armor and firepower made it a critical asset during naval operations, especially during major amphibious assaults in the Pacific.

By 1943, the USS Colorado was actively involved in the ongoing war in the Pacific, supporting various campaigns aimed at liberating islands held by the Japanese. Its participation in the preparations for the Battle of Tarawa was a pivotal moment in its wartime career, as it provided crucial naval gunfire support to U.S. forces preparing to invade the heavily fortified Japanese-held island of Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

The Battle of Tarawa: Context and Importance

The Battle of Tarawa, which took place from November 20-23, 1943, was one of the first major amphibious assaults against Japanese-held territory in the Pacific. The objective was to capture the island of Betio, a key location within the Tarawa Atoll, to provide a base for further operations across the Pacific Ocean. The battle was considered crucial in the broader context of the island-hopping campaign, a strategy aimed at bypassing heavily fortified islands and seizing strategically located ones to advance closer to Japan.

Tarawa was heavily fortified by the Japanese, with extensive beach defenses, bunkers, and artillery positions. The assault, which involved elements of the U.S. Marine Corps, faced stiff resistance. The USS Colorado, along with other warships, provided critical fire support during the assault, helping to soften up Japanese defenses before the Marines landed.

The USS Colorado’s Role in the Battle of Tarawa

In preparation for the invasion of Tarawa, the USS Colorado played a vital role in preparing the battlefield for the landing forces. One of the ship’s primary tasks was to deliver heavy bombardments against Japanese positions on Betio Island, with the goal of softening up the enemy’s defenses and creating gaps in the fortifications that would allow the Marines to land with fewer casualties.

On November 18, 1943, just days before the amphibious landing, the USS Colorado began firing its massive 16-inch guns at Japanese positions on Betio. The ship’s powerful artillery, capable of delivering 1,900-pound armor-piercing shells at ranges exceeding 20 miles, was instrumental in disrupting the Japanese defenses. The Colorado’s fire was part of a coordinated effort with other battleships, cruisers, and aircraft, all working in tandem to create an opening for the landing forces.

The bombardment was both awe-inspiring and essential. As the ship’s crew aimed and fired the 16/45 caliber guns, massive explosions rocked the island, sending plumes of smoke and debris into the air. These early bombardments were not only a show of force but also a tactical necessity, as they were intended to neutralize key targets like gun emplacements, bunkers, and ammunition depots. The USS Colorado’s heavy firepower helped to establish naval superiority and provided a crucial edge for the attacking forces.

The Aftermath of the Bombardment

Despite the fierce bombardment, the Japanese forces on Betio Island proved to be tenacious defenders, and the land assault did not go as smoothly as hoped. The beaches were littered with obstacles, and many Japanese positions remained intact, resulting in heavy casualties for the U.S. Marines. The battle for Betio Island became a brutal week-long struggle, with fierce fighting on the ground.

Even though the USS Colorado’s bombardment did not completely neutralize the Japanese defenses, it significantly contributed to weakening the enemy’s hold on the island and provided the Marines with much-needed fire support during the initial stages of the invasion. The ship’s 16-inch guns continued to fire in support of the Marines as they advanced, helping to break through the Japanese lines and ultimately securing the island.

Legacy of the USS Colorado and Its Contribution to the Pacific Campaign

The USS Colorado continued to serve in the Pacific Theater throughout the remainder of World War II, providing critical naval gunfire support during other campaigns, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. However, its participation in the Battle of Tarawa stands out as a key moment in the ship’s wartime service. The ship’s after 16-inch/45 guns proved instrumental in softening the defenses of Tarawa, and the coordination between naval forces and ground troops was a crucial part of the success of the invasion.

The bombardment of Tarawa also served as an important lesson in the effectiveness of naval gunfire support during amphibious assaults. While the bombings were not always fully effective in destroying all Japanese positions, they still played a critical role in shaping the outcome of the battle. In future campaigns, the U.S. Navy would continue to refine its tactics for supporting amphibious landings, utilizing the powerful firepower of battleships like the USS Colorado to pave the way for ground forces.

Conclusion: A Monument to Naval Power and Precision

The USS Colorado (BB-45) firing her after 16/45 guns during the preparations for the Tarawa invasion in late November 1943 is an iconic image of naval power in action. The ship’s contributions to the Pacific campaign were immense, and its role in supporting amphibious assaults helped shape the trajectory of the war. The Colorado’s gunfire, precision, and overwhelming firepower helped clear the path for the U.S. Marines to secure the island of Betio.

Although the battle was costly and difficult, the bombardment of Tarawa demonstrated the importance of naval gunfire support in modern warfare. The USS Colorado’s role in this battle remains a testament to the critical importance of naval artillery in shaping the outcome of the Pacific Theater and underscores the immense firepower that battleships brought to bear in World War II.