USS Des Moines | Guide 251

The Des Moines class—the final heavy cruisers ever built by the United States Navy—take center stage in today’s guide. In this episode, we dive into USS Des Moines, exploring her design, armament, and what made this class unique at the very end of the heavy cruiser era. From rapid-fire 8-inch autoloading guns to post-World War II naval doctrine, this guide breaks down why the Des Moines class represented the peak—and the end—of American heavy cruiser development.

Whether you’re a naval history enthusiast or just curious about late-Cold-War warship design, this guide has you covered.