In the early 1940s, the U.S. Navy developed the Montana-class battleships with the specific aim of countering the naval threats posed by Japan and Germany. As tensions heightened, the Navy recognized the necessity for formidable vessels capable of facing the best adversaries could deploy.

Prior battleship designs, including the North Carolina, South Dakota, and Iowa classes, had been constrained by various compromises. However, the Montana-class battleships, being the final iteration crafted by the U.S. Navy, were exempt from such compromises.

The construction of battleships had been dormant during the interwar period due to naval treaties. However, with the treaties lapsing, the U.S. was free to resume battleship construction in the late 1930s. Initially, designs adhered to treaty limitations, such as the 35,000-ton size restriction seen in the North Carolina and South Dakota classes.

However, the expiration of Japan’s treaty obligations triggered an escalation clause, allowing for the creation of the 45,000-ton Iowa class. This additional displacement facilitated the incorporation of heavier armaments and crucially, an increase in speed by five knots.

The introduction of the swift and slender Iowa-class ships marked a departure from traditional U.S. battleship construction practices. While other nations prioritized speed, American admirals historically favored firepower and protection over velocity.

Unlike their counterparts, the U.S. did not pursue battlecruisers post-World War I, and initially targeted a modest speed of 23 knots for replacement battleships, later revised to 28 knots in response to foreign developments. The Iowas, capable of reaching 33 knots, were tailored to complement the new fast carriers, aligning with the evolving naval strategy.

The Montana-class battleships represented a departure from the emphasis on speed seen in the Iowa class, instead prioritizing armor and main battery firepower reminiscent of the North Carolina and South Dakota classes.

Displacing 18,000 tons more than the Iowas, the Montanas sacrificed speed for enhanced defensive capabilities and offensive firepower, being too large to pass through the Panama Canal, contrary to earlier Japanese assumptions.

Named Montana, Ohio, Maine, New Hampshire, and Louisiana, with the exception of Hawaii, these names echoed those of scrapped pre-dreadnought battleships from World War I. Visually resembling the Iowa class, the Montanas were to carry 12 16”/50 guns in four triple turrets, boasting a displacement of about 65,000 tons and significantly increased armor protection.

Despite their slower speed of 28 knots, they would have outmatched any battleships conceived by the British, French, or Italians, particularly rivaling the Japanese Yamatos with superior firepower and advancements in radar fire control. However, due to the earlier commissioning of the Yamatos and the potential development of even larger Japanese battleships, precise comparisons remain speculative.

By mid-1942, U.S. naval strategists recognized the pivotal role of aircraft carriers in the Pacific theater, leading to a shift in focus away from battleships. While six Iowa-class battleships were still under construction, following closely after the completion of four South Dakotas, they were viewed primarily as a deterrent against Japanese battleship construction and as a formidable escort for carriers. In parallel, resources were allocated to the Alaska-class ships, described interchangeably as large cruisers, battlecruisers, or light battleships, offering versatility in shore bombardment, carrier escort, and surface warfare at a lower cost.

However, the Montanas faced a dilemma. Despite carrying similar anti-aircraft armament to the Iowas, their slower speed rendered them less effective in carrier escort duties.

Moreover, their construction would consume resources better utilized for carriers and escorts. Recognizing the challenge in assigning them a meaningful role in the evolving naval strategy, the decision was made to halt the project before construction began.

Nonetheless, the Montana hull design found new purpose in the creation of the Midway-class aircraft carriers, which debuted shortly after the war’s end.

Serving throughout much of the Cold War era, these carriers, derived from the Montana blueprint, remained in operation until the 1990s, showcasing the enduring legacy of naval innovation.

Relevant articles:
– Naval Giant: Montana-Class Battleships Would Have Been 65,000 Tons Of Raw Power, The National Interest
– The U.S. Navy’s Montana-Class Battleships: 65,000 Tons of Raw Firepower, The National Interest
– Montana-class battleship, World War II Wiki | Fandom
– The Inglorius Padre Steve’s World, padresteve.com