USS Massachusetts (BB-59)

One of the thirteen original States of the Union, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ratified the Constitution on 6 February 1788.

The fourth Massachusetts (BB‑59) was laid down on 20 July 1939 at Quincy, Mass., by Bethlehem Steel Co.; launched on 23 September 1941; sponsored by Mrs. Charles Francis Adams; and commissioned on 12 May 1942 at Boston, Capt. Francis E. M. Whiting in command.

After shakedown, Massachusetts departed Casco Bay, Maine, on 24 October 1942 and 4 days later made rendezvous with the Western Naval Task Force for the invasion of north Africa , serving as flagship for Adm. H. Kent Hewitt. While steaming off Casablanca on 8 November, she came under fire from French battleship Jean Bart's 15‑inch guns. She returned fire at 0740, firing the first 16‑inch shells fired by the U.S. against the European Axis Powers. Within a few minutes she silenced Jean Bart's main battery; then she turned her guns on French destroyers which had joined the attack, sinking two of them. She also shelled shore batteries and blew up an ammunition dump. After a cease‑fire had been arranged with the French, she headed for the United States on 12 November, and prepared for Pacific duty.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Massachusetts IV (BB-59)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.