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From: military-request@att.att.com (Bill Thacker)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Early US BB names
Keywords: Kearsarge
Message-ID: <11338@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Date: 11 Nov 89 06:20:45 GMT
Sender: military@cbnews.ATT.COM
Lines: 31
Approved: military@att.att.com



From: military-request@att.att.com (Bill Thacker)

Here's one that's bugged me for some time.  Maybe someone can clue
me in.

BB-1 Indiana
BB-2 Massachussetts
BB-3 Oregon
BB-4 Iowa
BB-5 Kearsarge
BB-6 Kentucky
BB-7 Illinois
BB-8 Alabama
BB-9 Wisconsin
...

Something doesn't fit... 8-)

Kearsarge is an old "classic" name in US warship history.  Previous to
BB-5, an 1862 vessel had carried the name, and in 1944, it was given to
an Essex-class carrier.  

So what in the blazes is a Kearsarge ?  Person, place, or thing ?  And 
why its significance ? This is the only name ever given a battleship other 
than a state name.

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