The beam increase was to be at first limited to just 0.6 m (1.9 feet), however due to the radical AA increase planned along the way, it was decided to make more significant changes in 1940. The just completed USS Wichita was seen an excellent basis for work, albeit with the goal of radically improving her poor stability. The USN was now free to launch replacement studies for its rather mediocre Pensacola class and following 'tin-clad' Northamptons. Context of the design From September 1939 indeed, the war made obsolete the Washington treaty and with it, the ban on 8-in guns cruisers enforced since the London treaty in 1930. Further refinements due to delays would led to the improved Oregon City class (which will be treated in a standalone post as well as the guided missile conversion, Boston and Albany).

The Baltimores just resumed studies started with the USS Wichita but pushed their advantage with the treaty's end while paying attention to detail in many areas. Better than the Clevelands on all accounts, they were however also not last, largest of best conventional heavy cruisers ever built: That distinction belongs to the Des Moines class. The Baltimore class cruisers were splendid battle wagons that arrived too late in the pacific to make a difference. The standard USN heavy cruisers (1942-46) Paul, Columbus, Chicago, Bremerton, Fall River, Los Angeles, Macon. Baltimore class (1942) Heavy cruisers (1942-46): USS Baltimore, Boston, Camberra, Quincy, Pittsburgh, St.

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