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USS Indiana BB-58

The construction of the USS Indiana began in 1939 and was completed in 1942. Although no one could have known it at the time, the USS Indiana was constructed at an important time, and she was ready for active duty when the United States most needed a replacement for ships lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. After her initial training runs she was sent to the Pacific through the Panama Canal. She began her career as a screen ship for aircraft carriers. This was a job she would continue with much distinction throughout the second World War. She helped protect the USS Enterprise and Saratoga and the planes that landed on them. At the time, the ships were located in the waters around the Solomon Islands.

The next duty for the USS Indiana occurred with the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. The Indiana was designated as protection for the aircraft carriers in the area as well as the marines that fought in the battle for Tarawa. Additional duties included softening Kwajalein before the marines invaded the Marshalls. Softening targets involved providing off shore fire to installments on the land. While softening the target could lessen the surprise of an invasion, it allowed the marines easier access because of the damage and chaos that it created.

While the plan to protect the aircraft and soften the targets of attacks were successful, tragedy struck soon after. The Indiana collided with the Washington during night time refuelling maneuvers. The collision caused four deaths and eleven injuries. It also resulted in damage to both of the ships. The USS Indiana was repaired well enough to make the trip to Pearl Harbor for permanent repairs. During the course of an investigation the commander of the Indiana accepted responsibility for the collision. His statement concluded that his ship was out of position, not the Washington, leading to the accident. With this determination he was replaced as commander of the ship.

Repairs complete, the USS Indiana was on to her next assignment. She was assigned to participate in raids conducted on the Truk Atolls. After the completion of her duties, she then proceeded to the Marianas as part of a huge envoy set to invade the islands. The Marianas were considered an attractive target, and the United States assembled a large group for battle. The USS Indiana was an important part of this division. She shot down several aircraft while defending herself and other ships at the same time. The Japanese were not ready to give ground in the Marianas, and what followed proved to be the largest carrier air battle of the war.

This battle, known as the Battle of the Philippine Sea began when the Japanese launched a series of attacks on the American battle line. What followed was nothing short of amazing, as the carrier planes and ships proceeded to shoot down almost 400 Japanese plane and sink three Japanese aircraft carriers. At the end of the battle, the American forces could declare victory in this battle, and the Indiana could resume her protection of the carrier ships.

Next in line for the USS Indiana was an operation, along with others, to soften the Palau Islands and the Philippines. The softening allowed for the marine and army forces to more easily invade the area. Her work there successful, she headed back to Washington, where she had repair work and modernization completed before returning to Pearl Harbor. After brief training exercises at Pearl Harbor she returned to the Pacific Theater to participate in the battle at Iwo Jima. Once again doing what she did best, she protected the aircraft carriers that performed raids on the area. Once that assignment was complete, she headed to what would be the last great battle in the Pacific, at Okinawa.

The battle at Okinawa was intense, and it was likely that the Japanese realized the significance of a victory here. In addition to protecting the aircraft carriers, the USS Indiana had to increasingly fend off kamikaze attacks as well. Their grasp slipping, the defeat at Okinawa ended the ocean battles for Japan. The victory at Okinawa was somewhat overshadowed when the USS Indiana had to endure a typhoon before heading home.

At the end of the war, the USS Indiana was placed in reserved status and eventually decommissioned. In 1963 she was sold for scrap. The USS Indiana was an important part of the war effort during the second World War, and received nine battle starts for her service to the country.

Many of the brave men that fought on the battleships of World War II, as well as those who remained at home, working to overhaul these incredible ships, where exposed to asbestos. If you were exposed to asbestos while serving on the USS Indiana BB-58, or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a free packet with more information. Enter your contact information in the form in the right column and we'll send a copy immediately.

Battleships Index

USS Alabama USS Arizona BB 39 USS Arkansas BB 33 USS California BB 44 USS Colorado BB 45 USS Idaho BB 42 USS Indiana USS Iowa BB 61 USS Maryland BB 46

USS Massachusetts BB 59 USS Mississippi BB 41 USS Missouri BB 63 USS Nevada BB 36 USS New Jersey BB 62 USS New Mexico BB 40 USS New York BB 34 USS North Carolina BB 55 USS Oklahoma BB 37

USS Pennsylvania BB 38 USS South Dakota BB 57 USS Tennessee BB 43 USS Texas-BB 35 USS Utah BB 31 USS Washington BB 56 USS West Virginia BB 48 USS Wisconsin BB 64

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