Tue. Apr 28th, 2026

USS Virginia (BB-13)

USS Virginia (BB-13) is a battleship of the United States Navy that entered active service in 1906. She was the lead ship of her class and spent her entire service in the so-called Atlantic Fleet.

She also took part in the famous voyage of the Great White Fleet and was used as a training target in 1923.

technical parameters USS Virginia (BB-13)

Name Virginia
Class and type Virginia-class battleship
Builder Newport News Shipbuilding
Laid down 21 May 1902
Launched 6 April 1904
Commissioned 7 May 1906
Decommissioned 13 August 1920
Fate Sunk as target, 5 September 1923
Length 441 ft 3 in (134 m)
Beam 76 ft 3 in (23 m)
Draft 23 ft 9 in (7 m)
Displacement
  • Normal: 14,948 long tons (15,188 t)
  • Full load: 16,094 long tons (16,352 t)
Installed power
  • 24 × Niclausse boilers 19,000 ihp (14,000 kW)
Speed 19 kn (35 km/h; 22 mph)
Propulsion
  • 2 × triple-expansion steam engines
  • 2 × screw propellers
Complement 812
Armor
  • Belt: 6–11 in (152–279 mm)
  • Barbettes: 10 in (254 mm)
  • Turrets: 12 in (305 mm)
  • Conning tower: 9 in (229 mm)
Armament
  • 4 × 12 in (305 mm)/40 caliber Mark 4 guns
  • 8 × 8 in (203 mm)/45 cal guns
  • 12 × 6 in (152 mm)/50 cal Mark 6 guns
  • 12 × 3 in (76 mm)/50 cal guns
  • 12 × 3-pounder guns
  • 4 × 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes

USS Virginia (BB-13)

USS Virginia in port, 1906-07

Newport News Shipbuilding

Newport News Shipbuilding, located in Newport News, Virginia, stands as one of the largest and most significant shipyards in the United States. Established in 1886, the shipyard has a rich history of contributing to the construction and maintenance of a variety of naval vessels. Owned by Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding specializes in the design, building, and overhaul of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. It played a crucial role in constructing some of the most iconic naval vessels, including the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). The shipyard’s expertise extends beyond naval vessels to include complex engineering projects and support services for both military and commercial clients. Newport News Shipbuilding’s legacy as a leading force in ship construction and innovation has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of American maritime strength.