CUS Alberta (BB-1913 (1937-mod))

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The only way the CUA Navy could try to keep up with the British building program was to continue to build the one class of ship for than just two units. The original thought was to build eight of the Delaware type with their 10x12" guns. However the British went to 13.5" guns for their Orion class which prompted the CUA Navy to increase their gun size to 14". The last four of the Delaware class were to have their design changed to an armament of eight 14" which it was considered would fit into the same space as the current 10x12".

First CUS Navy battleships to carry tripod masts, the layout had to change from the Delaware's where the layout was A/B turrets, boiler rooms, Q turret, engine room, X/Y turrets, to A/B turrets, boiler rooms, engine room, X/Y turrets. The change of design gave a balanced look to the ships but the design was not carried on with, and replaced by the Quebec type.

Starting in 1935 the Alberta class ships were taken in hand for rebuilding to update as many systems as possible. The side armour was deemed acceptable as was the 21 knot speed. Deck armour, superstructure secondary and tertiary armaments all required replacing. The CUA Navy was very greatful to have kept these ships and updated them as the Germanic States Battle-raiders proved a deadly threat to convoys trying to cross the Atlantic with only light forces escorting them. The sight of one of these ships or the British Iron Duke class escorting a convoy was enough to stop any raiders attack.

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