USS New Mexico (BB-40): The Pacific’s Resilient Queen in World War II

The USS New Mexico (BB-40) entered commission in 1918 and served as a fundamental component of the United States naval strength throughout World War II. The USS New Mexico (BB-40) spearheaded the New Mexico-class battleships and performed crucial operations in the Pacific Theater of World War II which resulted in the ship receiving six battle stars for its participation in major campaigns. The USS New Mexico earned the title “Queen of the Fleet” due to its outstanding efficiency and gunnery skills while demonstrating resilience by surviving kamikaze attacks and delivering essential support during the war's most fierce battles. This article examines the USS New Mexico’s design features as well as its advanced technological systems and significant contributions during World War II before assessing its enduring historical impact.

Design of the USS New Mexico

The USS New Mexico represented the "Standard-type" battleship philosophy of the U.S. Navy which sought to build a fleet with standardized tactical features. Construction of the USS New Mexico began at the New York Navy Yard on October 14, 1915 before it launched on April 23, 1917 and officially entered service on May 20, 1918. With its 624-foot length, 97-foot beam width and massive 32,000-ton displacement the USS New Mexico commanded significant presence on the oceans. The ship’s design incorporated knowledge gained from previous dreadnought classes to achieve an optimal balance between firepower capabilities and speed while maintaining adequate armor protection.

The ship featured twelve 14-inch/50-caliber guns installed in four triple turrets with two superfiring pairs located both at the front and rear. These turrets represented an advancement by permitting independent barrel elevation which expanded firing capabilities. The ship featured fourteen 5-inch/51-caliber guns in casemates as part of its secondary battery but some guns were removed later because they became vulnerable in rough conditions. The ship featured two submerged 21-inch torpedo tubes which were common for battleships at the time but seldom utilized throughout World War II.

The New Mexico battleship implemented the “all or nothing” armor scheme which concentrated protective measures on essential zones including ammunition storage and engineering compartments. The main belt armor thickness varied between 8 inches and 13.5 inches while turret armor reached up to 18 inches of steel protection. The ship design provided protection against severe damage while maintaining buoyancy even when unarmored compartments flooded. The ship reached a top speed of 21 knots because its propulsion system produced 27,500 shaft horsepower which met the Standard-type requirement for fleet consistency.

Between 1931 and 1933 the New Mexico ship underwent a significant modernization process at the Philadelphia Navy Yard which altered both its appearance and capabilities. The original cage masts received replacement by a modern tower superstructure while the ship received improved anti-aircraft defenses and new fire-control system installations. The ship received necessary improvements to retain its operational relevance amidst the changes in naval warfare due to the increasing threat from air power.

Unique Features and Technological Innovations

The USS New Mexico distinguished itself from other battleships in its time by being the first American vessel to use a turbo-electric propulsion system. The USS New Mexico utilized high-speed steam turbines to drive generators that powered electric motors connected to the propeller shafts unlike its sister ships USS Mississippi (BB-41) and USS Idaho (BB-42) which operated with geared turbines. This configuration, developed by General Electric, offered several advantages: The system offered accurate speed regulation while enhancing fuel use during cruising speeds and extending the time between necessary maintenance operations. In a 1918 advertisement General Electric declared this technology as “one of the most important achievements of the scientific age” by likening it to the propulsion system of the USS Constitution.

The turbo-electric propulsion system delivered 28,000 horsepower which allowed the ship to achieve a cruising speed of 10 knots and reach a maximum speed of 21 knots. The system burned less fuel than geared turbines but demanded extra weight and space which led to discussions among Navy officials. New Mexico performed reliably with this system throughout its war mission by sailing 183,000 nautical miles despite existing disadvantages.

The ship featured a clipper bow design which was developed to enhance its performance while navigating through rough waters. Through improved stability and lowered water resistance the New Mexico achieved superior performance across the Pacific Ocean. During the interwar years the ship acted as a testing site for early proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers that enhanced fire-control system precision while serving as a foundation for modern automation technologies.

The success of the New Mexico depended heavily on its crew that started with 1,084 members but grew to over 1,850 by 1945. During kamikaze attacks the crew demonstrated exceptional operational maintenance which reinforced the ship's reputation for resilience.

Key Roles in World War II Battles

During World War II the USS New Mexico started its service in the Atlantic Ocean conducting neutrality patrols from December 1940 until May 1941 while stationed at Norfolk, Virginia. American shipping received protection from these patrols during Europe’s rising tensions. The vessel avoided catastrophe after it remained stationed at Pearl Harbor until mid-1941. After December 7, 1941 Japanese attack the ship received orders to return to the Pacific where it played a central role in the island-hopping campaign.

Aleutian Islands Campaign (May–August 1943)

Japanese forces occupied the Aleutian Islands in 1942 which marked New Mexico's first significant combat engagement. The ship participated in the Attu blockade during May 1943 by delivering gunfire support to American forces reclaiming the island. During July the ship targeted Japanese defenses on Kiska through bombardment to weaken them ahead of an upcoming amphibious assault. Operation efforts through extreme sub-arctic environments revealed both ship capability and crew flexibility. The military operation successfully defended the northern Pacific against Japanese expansion into American lands.

Gilbert and Marshall Islands (November 1943–February 1944)

The New Mexico participated in the Gilbert Islands offensive during late 1943 to attack Makin Atoll. Japanese fortifications faced heavy bombardment from the 14-inch guns during the November 1943 amphibious landings. The New Mexico deployed air defense to protect both troop transports and carrier task forces against Japanese aerial attacks. During the early months of 1944 this vessel took part in the Marshall Islands campaign where it bombed enemy positions and safeguarded maritime convoys. The U.S. Navy began its relentless advance across the Central Pacific during these operations with the New Mexico providing essential firepower to overcome Japanese defenses.

Mariana and Palau Islands (June–July 1944)

The New Mexico was essential to the Marianas Campaign which became a pivotal moment in the Pacific War. The New Mexico initiated its bombardment campaign with Tinian on June 14 and then targeted Saipan on June 15 and Guam on June 16. The ship successfully defended against two Japanese air raids on June 18 which demonstrated its improved anti-aircraft defenses. The New Mexico escorted transports during the Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19–20) while American carriers destroyed Japanese naval aviation power thereby eliminating Japan's carrier threat. Between July 21 and July 30 the ship conducted shelling operations to assist Guam's liberation. The strategic operations destroyed Japanese defenses throughout the Marianas which allowed B-29 bombers to establish bases for attacks on Japan.

Philippines Campaign (October 1944–January 1945)

The New Mexico sustained heavy losses while facing fierce battles during its deployment in the Philippines. During October 1944 the ship reached Leyte Gulf where it protected reinforcement convoys from repeated Japanese air attacks. The ship became part of a Mindoro-bound convoy to defend Allied shipping on December 2. The New Mexico provided bombardment support for landing forces at Lingayen Gulf during Luzon's invasion in January 1945. On January 6 a kamikaze plane hit the ship's bridge which resulted in the deaths of the commanding officer Captain Robert W. Fleming and 29 crew members while another 87 were injured. In spite of suffering a severe blow the ship's crew maintained their coastal artillery operations which showed exceptional discipline. After undergoing repairs at Pearl Harbor the ship swiftly resumed its active combat duties.

Okinawa Campaign (March–May 1945)

The New Mexico took a leading role during Okinawa’s bloody invasion which stands among the war's most violent battles. The ship conducted bombardment operations against Japanese defenses from March 26 through April 17 to weaken their positions ahead of the amphibious assault. The ship destroyed eight Japanese suicide boats and disrupted enemy tactics on May 11. However, on May 12, the ship endured a devastating attack: A kamikaze plane hit the deck while another plane's bomb exploded causing fires which resulted in 54 crew deaths and 119 injuries. The quick actions of the crew limited the damage enabling the New Mexico to stay functional. Following its repair period at Leyte the ship returned to training exercises for the intended Japanese invasion until Japan surrendered which made the invasion plans redundant.

Tokyo Bay and Surrender (August–September 1945)

The New Mexico became part of the occupation force off Okinawa before steaming to Tokyo Bay on August 28, 1945 as World War II ended. The New Mexico stood alongside USS Missouri (BB-63) during Japan’s official surrender on September 2 which marked the culmination of its wartime service. The USS New Mexico stood in Tokyo Bay as a testament to the U.S. Navy's Pacific victory which came after long and difficult wartime missions where the New Mexico was essential.

Broader Impact and Legacy

The USS New Mexico made impactful contributions that surpassed its military combat achievements. Under Admiral Raymond Spruance’s flag command within the Fifth Fleet, the ship operated as an operational headquarters directing significant military movements and strategic planning. The critical capability of delivering precise naval gunfire support during amphibious assaults enabled ground forces to capture beachheads against strong Japanese defenses. Wartime enhancements to the ship’s anti-aircraft defenses shielded carriers and transports from Japan’s desperate air assaults and kamikaze strikes.

The service of New Mexico resulted in significant human loss. The ship endured 307 casualties throughout the war which included 88 deaths resulting from two kamikaze assaults. The emotional impact of service on the New Mexico becomes evident through personal stories shared by crew members' families. While Floyd Holcom described his father's experiences with kamikaze attacks on his ship, Ken Carpenetti grieved for his relatives who died during the May 1945 naval assault. The stories emphasize the bravery and self-sacrifice shown by the ship's crew members.

New Mexico’s turbo-electric propulsion system served as a technological influence for naval engineering. Although the system gained limited adoption it showed electric propulsion viability for large warships which modern naval designs have reexamined. The ship served as a test platform for PID controllers which advanced automation technology with uses outside naval combat.

The New Mexico ship was decommissioned in Boston on July 19, 1946 and its name was removed from the Naval Vessel Register on February 25, 1947. During its towing for dismantling to the Lipsett Division of Luria Bros the ship met resistance from officials in Newark, New Jersey after being sold for scrap at $381,600. The 1947 dismantling of battleships signaled the conclusion of their strategic dominance due to the emergence of air power and missile technology.

The USS New Mexico lives on through its preserved artifacts and commemorative memorials. The Museum of New Mexico received the ship's battle flag and a silver set from Rear Admiral George L. Weyler in 1946 as a tribute to its service. The New Mexico History Museum’s exhibition, A Noble Legacy: The USS New Mexico exhibit at the New Mexico History Museum features a ship model together with artifacts from its nuclear successor USS New Mexico (SSN-779) to connect the evolution of naval traditions.

Final Thoughts

In World War II the USS New Mexico (BB-40) stood as a titan within the Pacific Theater while demonstrating the U.S. Navy's strength through resilience and adaptability. The combination of turbo-electric propulsion and powerful armament made its advanced design a versatile and formidable naval asset. The vessel's gunfire support alongside its escort responsibilities and anti-aircraft defenses determined the results of pivotal battles from the Aleutians to Tokyo Bay. The New Mexico survived numerous kamikaze strikes and heavy losses before its crew received the title "Queen of the Fleet" and six battle stars for their perseverance. Even after being scrapped in 1947 its innovative technological contributions to naval warfare secured its permanent place in America’s maritime history as a noble legacy.