The battleship New Mexico well earned her part in the triumphant final operation of World War II when, with other powerful units of the Third Fleet, she steamed past Fujiyama to drop anchor in Tokyo’s outer harbor at 3 p.m. on August 27, 1945.
~ Admiral George Lester Weyler
The USS New Mexico (BB-40), also dubbed “Battleship 1915”, marked the third iteration of the “Standard Type” design and played a pivotal role as a prototype for a significant innovation in naval history. Commissioned on May 20, 1918, under the command of Captain Ashley H. Robertson, this renowned battleship was a testament to American naval prowess. Boasting cutting-edge technology, it was the Navy’s most advanced vessel of its time, notably featuring the revolutionary turbo-electric drive. This propulsion system heralded for its superior strength, reduced weight, and cost-effectiveness compared to its predecessors, would later become a staple across all U.S. battleships.
The USS New Mexico BB-40 earned a distinguished reputation for its valiant contributions in both World Wars, leaving an indelible mark on maritime history. Following World War I, it ascended to the esteemed position of flagship within the newly established Pacific Fleet. Even before World War II, sailors affectionately referred to the USS New Mexico as “The Queen of the Fleet” due to its numerous accolades in fleet competitions, including gunnery, engineering, and battle efficiency.
Following initial training, the USS New Mexico set sail from New York on January 15, 1919, bound for Brest, France, where it escorted the transport ship George Washington carrying President Woodrow Wilson back from the Versailles Peace Conference. Returning to Hampton Roads on February 27, it soon assumed the role of flagship for the newly organized Pacific Fleet on July 16, 1919.
During the interwar period, the USS New Mexico participated in frequent joint exercises and tactical operations with the Atlantic Fleet, sailing across the Pacific and Caribbean and visiting ports in South America. The USS New Mexico regularly participated in joint exercises with the Atlantic Fleet, sailing across the Pacific and the Caribbean and stopping at ports in South America. In the early 1930s, the ship underwent significant upgrades and improvements to its weaponry, fire control systems, and crew accommodations in keeping with the latest standards.
The USS New Mexico was also part of the North Atlantic neutrality patrol when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. It was immediately transferred to the Pacific Fleet, transiting the Panama Canal in January 1942. The USS New Mexico participated in several significant campaigns during its service in the Pacific theater of World War II. Some of the notable campaigns and operations in which the USS New Mexico was involved include:
- Guadalcanal: The ship covered the final consolidation of Guadalcanal.
- Marianas Islands: The USS New Mexico took part in operations in the Marianas Islands, providing fire support during the capture of Tinian and Saipan.
- Philippines: The ship was involved in securing Leyte and Samar, as well as covering landings on Mindoro in the Philippines.
- Luzon Island: The USS New Mexico played a significant role in the bombardment of San Fernando and the northern landing beaches in Lingayen Gulf strategically located on Luzon Island.
- Okinawa: The USS New Mexico supported the assault on the Japanese island of Okinawa, providing fire support and engaging in operations against enemy forces during this pivotal campaign.
These campaigns demonstrate the USS New Mexico’s significant contributions to the Allied efforts in the Pacific theater, showcasing its firepower and resilience.
The USS New Mexico faced two kamikaze attacks during World War II. The first happened on January 6, 1945, which caused more than a hundred casualties. Despite the damage, the ship remained operational for several days. The USS New Mexico participated in the Okinawa invasion from March to May 1945 but needed repairs following the event. On May 12, 1945, the ship was hit by another kamikaze, resulting in over 170 casualties. After repairs, it was positioned at Tokyo Bay, expecting to participate in the invasion of Japan. Instead, it witnessed Japan’s formal surrender.
The USS New Mexico served for nearly 30 years before it was decommissioned in 1946, marking the end of an era for battleships. In October 1945, the USS New Mexico arrived in Boston, Massachusetts; she was decommissioned in July 1946 and later sold for scrapping in October 1947. This event marked a turning point in naval strategy, as it set the stage for the types of vessels that would dominate the latter half of the 20th century. The ship earned numerous honors and awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, the American Defense Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Today, the ship’s legacy lives on through its battle flag, which is preserved in a museum in New Mexico.
Photographer
A Navy photographer, identified as Pho.M.2/C Jacob Serber, captured the USS New Mexico while it was in Tokyo Bay. The photograph was taken either in late August or September of 1945, and it features the majestic Mount Fuji in the background. The Museum of the American G.I. has an original photo of the USS New Mexico (BB-40) that was donated by the photographer’s family. During World War II, as Pho.M.2/C. Jacob Serber served at the Naval Photographic Science Laboratory from 1942 to 1945.
Want to learn more about the USS New Mexico (1918-1947)?
A similar photo is displayed on the website of the Naval History and Heritage Command titled “In the Shadow of Fujiyama.” The caption reads that the USS New Mexico (BB-40) anchored in the Tokyo Bay area at the end of World War II in late August 1945. The New Mexico History Museum captures and provides more information and photos of USS New Mexico (1918-1947).
Sources:
- USS New Mexico (BB-40), 1918-1947
- The Universal Ship Cancellation Society (USCS) Naval Cover Museum
- New Mexico History Museum
- A Survey of the American “Standard Type” Battleship
- Annual Report of the Navy Department for the Fiscal Year 1914 (PDF)
- Weyler, George Lester. The Battle Flag of the U.S.S. New Mexico. (1947).(PDF)