USS San Diego (CL-53)

• One of the Most Decorated Ships: USS San Diego (CL-53) earned 18 battle stars during World War II, making her one of the most decorated US Navy ships of the war. • Atlanta-Class Cruiser: She was an Atlanta-class light cruiser, primarily designed for anti-aircraft warfare, equipped with sixteen 5-inch dual-purpose guns. • Fast Commissioning: San Diego was commissioned on January 10, 1942, just a month after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and quickly rushed into service. • Pacific War Workhorse: The ship participated in virtually every major Pacific operation from the Aleutians to Okinawa, including Guadalcanal, the Philippine Sea, and Iwo Jima. • Escort for Carriers: San Diego served as a key escort for US aircraft carriers, providing anti-aircraft protection during major carrier battles and raids. • First Major US Warship to Enter Tokyo Bay: On August 27, 1945, USS San Diego became the first major Allied warship to enter Tokyo Bay, paving the way for the formal Japanese surrender. • Rescued Survivors: The cruiser rescued hundreds of downed pilots and sailors, including survivors from sunken ships during intense combat operations. • Nicknamed "Lucky Ship": Despite extensive action, San Diego never suffered a fatality due to enemy action, earning her the nickname "Lucky Ship" among her crew. • Firepower and Speed: With a top speed of over 33 knots and a heavy anti-aircraft armament, she was well-suited for fast-paced carrier group operations. • Postwar Fate: After the war, San Diego was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually sold for scrap in 1960, but her legacy lives on in naval history and veterans’ memories.