The USS Utah (BB-31) was the second vessel of the US Navy’s Florida-class dreadnought battleships. Constructed at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, the ship was laid down in 1909 and commissioned on August 31, 1911. The vessel’s original configuration featured a main battery of ten 12-inch/45 calibre guns mounted in five twin centreline turrets. Initial deployment involved assignment to the Atlantic Fleet, where she participated in standard fleet manoeuvres. A key early action included the transport of personnel for the United States occupation of Veracruz in April 1914. During the period of US involvement in World War I, Utah operated from Bantry Bay, Ireland. Her primary function involved serving as a heavy-unit element for the Sixth Battle Squadron, providing distant cover for Allied convoys against potential German surface raiders. Following the armistice, the ship was utilized for transport and training operations throughout the 1920s.

Ex-battleship USS Utah redesignated AG-16 as a target ship. She will be sunk at Pearl Harbour. www.destinationsjourney.com/historical-m... #USSUtah #battleship #targetship #USNavy #MaritimeHistory #NavalHistory