The USS Washington (BB-56), a North Carolina-class battleship of the United States Navy, played a crucial role during World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. One of its most notable achievements occurred during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
The Sinking of the Japanese Battleship Kirishima
On November 14, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Washington was engaged in a fierce night battle with the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Washington, along with the USS South Dakota (BB-57), faced off against a Japanese force that included the battleship Kirishima.
The USS Washington played a critical role in the destruction of the Kirishima. During the battle, the Washington successfully hit the Kirishima with a series of devastating shellfire. Despite the Kirishima's efforts to retaliate, the Washington's fire was accurate and overwhelming. The Kirishima suffered critical damage, and after hours of fighting, it eventually sank the following morning, November 15, 1942. The ship's sinking was attributed to the combined damage from the Washington's shells and other factors, including fire and flooding.
The sinking of the Kirishima marked one of the most significant naval victories for the United States during the Guadalcanal Campaign, as it severely weakened the Japanese naval presence in the region and prevented further reinforcement of Japanese forces.