The USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was a Nevada-class battleship constructed by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, representing a significant advancement in US naval design as the first American oil-burning dreadnought. Laid down on October 26, 1912, and launched on March 23, 1914, she measured 583 feet in overall length with a beam of approximately 95.5 feet and a draft of 28.6 feet. Displacing around 27,500 long tons standard and over 28,400 long tons fully loaded, Oklahoma was powered by 12 oil-fired Babcock & Wilcox boilers driving two vertical triple-expansion steam engines, reaching a top speed of 20.5 knots and boasting a range of 8,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Her armor scheme was formidable, featuring belt armor up to 13.5 inches thick, deck armor of 3 inches, and turret armor up to 18 inches. Her primary armament comprised ten 14-inch/45 caliber guns arranged in two triple and two twin turrets, supported by 21 5-inch guns for defense against smaller vessels, and two 21-inch torpedo tubes. Commissioned on May 2, 1916, Oklahoma initially served along the East Coast, supporting the Atlantic Fleet during World War I, primarily tasked with convoy protection. She participated in European operations, escorting troop ships and conducting drills, before returning to the US after the war. Between 1927 and 1929, she underwent modernization, which included adding anti-aircraft guns, installing an aircraft catapult, and increasing armor protection. Oklahoma's service history included a notable rescue mission during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. She was based at Pearl Harbor from 1937, conducting patrols and exercises. During the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, she was moored on Battleship Row when she was hit by multiple torpedoes, causing her to capsize and resulting in 429 crew fatalities. Salvaged in 1943 but deemed too damaged for repair, she was stripped and sold for scrap in 1946. Her wreck sank in a storm in 1947 while being towed, and parts of her structure remain as memorials. Oklahoma’s sinking at Pearl Harbor marks a key event in maritime history, symbolizing the transition to modern naval warfare and the USS Oklahoma’s enduring historical significance.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.