Operations with the Omaha class AA conversions, sold the US Navy on the type. As AA escorts and destroyer killers they were exceptional. A slightly bigger, more capable ship was envisaged with one more turret than the Omaha type and for the first time in ten years, the Atlanta class would be completed with torpedo tubes. Originally designed with four sets of torpedo tubes, before the Atlanta was even near completion the forward sets had been removed to offset the radar that had been added to the masts and directors.
These ships fought topweight issues all their careers. The original design had eight twin 5" with an extra pair fitted beside the aft superstructure. These were early deletions as the extra weight so far out on the beam of the ship would have them rolling on wet grass (as the saying goes). They were replaced with an extra pair of twin 40mm.
Despite all the issues with the ships, the men who crewed them, liked them.
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