Due to the sinking of the Northampton at The Battle of Tassafaronga on 
November 30, 1942, no records of the Battle off Guadalcanal were saved 
or recoded.

Information U.S.S. NORTHAMPTON

Dictionary of Fighting Ships
U.S.S. NORTHAMPTON CA-26

                                    Norhtampton Class
                             Completed - 1939 - 40

                    Norhtampton Class
                    CA-Heavy Cruisers


CA-26 NORTHAMPTON
CA-27 CHESTER
CA-28 LOUISVILLE
CA-29 CHICAGO
CA-30 HOUSTON
CA-31 AUGUSTA


Completed:
    1930-31

Displacement (tons):
    9,050 (stand)
   13,100 (Mean war service)
          (CA 31 14,300)

Length (oa):
    600'

Beam:
    66'

Draft (max):
    22'
    (CA 31 24')

Armament (max auth):
     9 8"/55 
     8 5"/25 DP
     4 40 mm twins 
     5 40 mm quads (4 in CA 31)
    26 20 mm (22 on CA 31)

Propulsion:

    Speed:
       32 knots (max)

    Max. Cruising radius:
       4,800 miles @ 25 knots
      10,200 @ 15 knots

Horsepower:
       107,000 (shaft)

Drive:
       4 screws
       geared turbine
Fuel:
       2,980 tons oil (max)

Aircraft:
       3 SC-1


Remarks:
      The NORTHAMPTON Class introduced the standard main battery 
disposition for all newer American heavy cruiser, fast battleships and 
large cruisers.  Another innovation was the adoption of aircraft 
hangers; in these ships and the PORTLAND Class this structure was 
built around the second stack.  A raised forecastle was reverted to, 
thus overcoming the freeboard defect of the PORTLAND's. As in the case 
of the other earlier heavy cruisers, these vessels were originally 
fitted with 6 21" torpedo tubes in triple deck mounts; prevailing 
tactical doctrine resulted in the removal of this armament in favor of 
additional heavy AA guns.  The forecastle deck of the AUGUSTA is 
carried abaft the forward stack, while in the other two units the 
break in this deck occurs at the after edge of the bridge.

      Wartime alterations have effected the appearance of these 
cruisers: in all units the foremast had been cut down considerably, 
while in the LOUISVILLE and CHESTER the original tripod mainmast has 
been entirely suppressed and replaced by a light tripod built over the 
after stack.  This latter change has resulted in a greater effective 
field of fire for the AA batteries.

      The PORTLAND follows the general design of the NORTHAMPTON Class 
with minor alterations, including 10 ft. additional length and a 
redistribution of weight throughout the ship in favor of improved 
protection.


War losses include:
CA-26 NORTHAMPTON
CA-29 CHICAGO
CA-30 HOUSTON