CSS Tijuana (CL-1915 (CLA-1938-mod))

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The Tijuana class cruisers were a distinct step forward over the previous Chester class scouts. The main guns layout was found to not be ideal during service and the casemate guns were done away with in the following classes. Relatively high speed was called for so that the ships could act with the new fast battleships/battlecruisers.

The CS Navy built the next class of cruiser after the trials with the Chester class ships propulsion systems. The Royal Navy was building their Town class broadside cruisers, which did not suit the USN doctrine and the Tijuana type had enclosed 6" guns in either turrets or casemates. Turbine propulsion had proved itself superior and was fitted to all ships of this class. A secondary armament of 3" on high angle mountings was fitted. Two triple sets of torpedo tubes rounded out the armament. Built to act with the Puerto Rico class battlecruisers a speed of 28 knots was required.

The four ships of the class served with both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and spent their inter war years moving further out to secondary duties till 1935 when the ships were taken in hand for conversion to anti-aircraft cruisers. All of the single 6" and 3" were removed and replaced with the 3.9" twin mountings sourced from their French Allies. Fitted with six twins they proved excellent in service with the Santiago and Costa Rica type aircraft carriers where their lower speed allowed them to keep up. Once the Escort Carriers started rolling off the production lines these ships became invaluable as both escorts to the CVE's and as Escort Command ships of the Fleet Train units.

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