CUS Vermont (BB-1916 (1940-mod))

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The CUA Navy was becoming concerned by 1913 that it was falling behind the level of production of battleships being produced by the British Commonwealth nations. To compensate the CUA laid down six hulls to a new design that went from 5 twin turrets to 4 triple turrets. This meant that the six Vermont class would be equivalent to 7 of the British Super-dreadnoughts. Unfortunately during the time the CUA produced the six Vermont class ships the British Commonwealth produced twenty 14"/15" battleships and battlecruisers. It was this imbalance of building that lead the CUA to be the leading voice to call for disarmament and convene the Geneva Arms Limitation Talks.

The Vermont class also introduced the turbo-electric drive to battleships in the CUA. The design also raised the level of the 6" secondary battery up one deck when compared to the Quebec type which made them more useable in heavy weather. The period 1918 to 1935 lots of little improvements were made through to the ships being taken in hand for their turn at full refurbishment in 1936-37. The low angle 4" were converted to AA mountings. The number of 0.5" Browning machineguns were increased for AA use. X turret and the quarterdeck received catapults and aircraft, these were not removed till refits 1943 onwards for the class.

The refurbishment of the six Vermont class ships was the most comprehensive so far. Complete new superstructures resembling those used on the latest Massachussets class ships were fitted. A new secondary battery of dual purpose 4.5" were fitted in place of the mixed 6" and 4" guns. New deck armour and propulsion rounded out a very useful set of additions when they returned to the fleet from 1940 onwards.

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