USS San Juan CL 54 - "The Cruiser That Owned the Pacific Skies"

USS San Juan (CL-54) was an Atlanta-class light cruiser that played a critical role in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Commissioned in 1942, she was designed as a fast and heavily armed warship. With her formidable battery of sixteen 5-inch dual-purpose guns and an array of smaller-caliber weapons, she specialized in anti-aircraft defense. San Juan carved a reputation as a guardian of the fleet, her guns dominating the skies and fending off relentless waves of enemy aircraft. Throughout the war, she provided essential escort for carrier task forces and supported several amphibious landings in the Pacific Theater. San Juan was awarded 13 battle stars for her World War 2 service.

For more on her sisters in the Atlanta class check out the videos below!
   • USS Atlanta CL 51 - A Savo Sound Tragedy  


Sources/Credits (photos):
US National Archives, Navsource, Naval History & Heritage Command, US Naval Institute

"Neptune's Inferno" by James D. Hornfischer (2011)
"Clash of the Carriers" by Barrett Tillman (2005)


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