Forgotten Guardians

Chris Fontenot
11 hours ago
3 min read

The USS Montana holds a unique place in naval history, symbolizing strength, resilience, and strategic importance during critical moments of warfare. This battleship played significant roles in multiple conflicts, showcasing its power in epic battles that shaped the course of history. Understanding the story of USS Montana offers insight into naval warfare, technological advancements, and the bravery of those who served aboard.

The Origins and Construction of USS Montana

The USS Montana was a South Dakota-class battleship, designed during a period when naval power was crucial for global influence. Construction began in the early 1940s, a time when the United States was ramping up its military capabilities in response to growing international tensions.

Laid down: 1940
Launched: 1941
Commissioned: 1944

The ship was built with advanced armor and weaponry for its time, including multiple 16-inch guns capable of delivering devastating firepower. Its design emphasized speed and protection, allowing it to operate effectively alongside aircraft carriers and other vessels.

Roles in Major Wars

World War II

Although the USS Montana was commissioned late in World War II, it quickly became an essential part of the Pacific Fleet. Its primary role was to provide heavy gunfire support during amphibious assaults and to protect aircraft carriers from enemy surface ships.

Battle of Iwo Jima: The Montana provided crucial bombardment that softened enemy defenses before the Marines landed.
Battle of Okinawa: It supported prolonged naval bombardments and defended the fleet against kamikaze attacks.

The ship’s fire superiority secured key victories that brought the war closer to an end.

Post-World War II and Decommissioning

After the war, the USS Montana continued to serve during the early Cold War years, participating in training exercises and showing American naval strength. However, rapid advancements in missile technology and changing naval strategies made battleships less central to naval warfare.

The USS Montana was decommissioned in 1947 and eventually scrapped, but its legacy lived on through the stories of its crew and the battles it fought.

Epic Battles Featuring USS Montana

The USS Montana’s combat record includes several notable engagements that highlight its capabilities and the bravery of its crew.

Battle of Iwo Jima

This battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific Theater. The Montana’s heavy guns targeted Japanese fortifications, bunkers, and artillery positions. The ship’s firepower helped reduce resistance, allowing U.S. forces to establish a foothold on the island.

The Montana fired thousands of shells during the campaign eliminating key areas allowing troop advancement into Europe.
Its accuracy and range was critical in neutralizing enemy defenses, pill boxes, tanks, and armored columns.

Battle of Okinawa

Okinawa was a prolonged and intense battle, with fierce resistance from Japanese forces. The USS Montana played a dual role:

Providing naval gunfire support for ground troops with accuracy and precision eliminating enemy strongholds..
Defending the fleet against waves of kamikaze attacks.

The ship’s anti-aircraft guns were instrumental in protecting the fleet, shooting down numerous enemy planes.

Technological Features and Innovations

The USS Montana was equipped with state-of-the-art technology for its time, which contributed to its effectiveness in battle.

Main armament: Nine 16-inch/45 caliber guns in three triple turrets. These guns could fire shells over 20 miles with precise accuracy for its day.
Secondary armament: Twenty 5-inch guns for anti-aircraft and surface defense.
Armor: The ship had armor plating designed to withstand heavy shellfire and torpedoes.
Radar systems: Early radar technology allowed the Montana to detect enemy ships and aircraft beyond visual range, amazing achievement from US military allowing better "control" of advancing ships and aircraft.

The Crew and Life Aboard USS Montana

Life on the USS Montana was demanding but filled with camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. The ship’s crew numbered over 2,000 sailors and officers, each playing a vital role in operations.

Daily routines: Included maintenance, drills, and watch duties.
Combat readiness: Constant training ensured the crew could respond quickly to threats.
Morale: Despite the dangers, the crew formed strong bonds, supporting each other through long deployments.

Stories from veterans highlight the challenges and pride of serving on such a powerful battleship.

Legacy and Commemoration

Though the USS Montana was scrapped, its legacy continues in naval history and popular memory.

The ship’s name has been honored by subsequent naval vessels.
Museums and memorials preserve artifacts and stories from the Montana’s service.
Historians and naval enthusiasts study its design and battles to understand mid-20th-century naval warfare.