The heavy cruiser USS Houston is sunk in the Battle of Sunda Strait with 693 crew members killed, along with HMAS Perth which lost 375 men.

The USS Houston: A Valiant Cruiser's Legacy in World War II

The *USS Houston* (CL/CA-30) stood as a proud *Northampton-class cruiser* within the United States Navy, carrying a name of civic pride as the second naval vessel to honor Houston, Texas. Her story is one of meticulous construction, evolving naval definitions, and ultimately, a harrowing, valiant stand in the face of overwhelming odds during *World War II*.

From Conception to Commission: Birth of a Cruiser

The journey of the *USS Houston* began at the esteemed *Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company* in Newport News, Virginia. She graced the waters with her launch on September 7, 1929, a moment made special by her sponsor, Elizabeth Holcombe, the daughter of Oscar Holcombe, who was then the distinguished mayor of Houston, Texas. Her commissioning followed on June 17, 1930, under the command of Captain Jesse Bishop Gay, officially joining the fleet ready for service.

Interestingly, her initial classification placed her as a *light cruiser* with the hull number CL-30, primarily due to her relatively thin armor. However, the rapidly evolving landscape of naval power and international agreements soon redefined her role. On July 1, 1931, the *USS Houston* was redesignated as a *heavy cruiser*, CA-30. This change was a direct consequence of the provisions laid out in the *1930 London Naval Treaty*, which stipulated that any cruiser armed with 8-inch (20.3 cm) main guns would thenceforth be classified as a heavy cruiser, a category into which the formidable *USS Houston* perfectly fit.

The Fateful Engagement: Battle of Sunda Strait

As *World War II* raged across the globe, the *USS Houston* found herself thrust into one of its most desperate and courageous naval encounters – the *Battle of Sunda Strait*. This pivotal engagement unfolded on the harrowing night of February 28 leading into March 1, 1942, in the strategic *Sunda Strait*, the narrow waterway separating the islands of Java and Sumatra. In a truly dire situation, the American *heavy cruiser USS Houston*, fighting alongside the Australian *light cruiser HMAS Perth*, faced a significantly superior task force from the *Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)*. After hours of intense and brutal naval combat, a testament to the bravery and resilience of their crews, both Allied ships were tragically sunk. Despite the overwhelming odds, the Allied forces inflicted damage, with five Japanese ships reported sunk during the engagement, three of which were unfortunately lost to friendly fire in the chaos of the night battle. The *USS Houston*'s valiant last stand remains a somber yet inspiring chapter in the history of naval warfare.

Frequently Asked Questions about the USS Houston

What type of ship was the USS Houston?
The *USS Houston* was a *Northampton-class cruiser* of the United States Navy. She began her service classified as a *light cruiser* (CL-30) but was later reclassified as a *heavy cruiser* (CA-30) on July 1, 1931, in accordance with the *1930 London Naval Treaty* due to her 8-inch (20.3 cm) main guns.
When and where was the USS Houston launched and commissioned?
The *USS Houston* was launched by the *Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company* in Newport News, Virginia, on September 7, 1929. She was subsequently commissioned into service on June 17, 1930, with Captain Jesse Bishop Gay as her first commanding officer.
What was the significance of the Battle of Sunda Strait for the USS Houston?
The *Battle of Sunda Strait* was the *USS Houston*'s final engagement during *World War II*. On the night of February 28 – March 1, 1942, in the *Sunda Strait*, she and the Australian *HMAS Perth* engaged a much larger *Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)* force. After a fierce battle, both Allied cruisers were sunk, marking a tragic loss but also a testament to their crews' bravery.
Who was the USS Houston sponsored by?
The *USS Houston* was sponsored by Elizabeth Holcombe, the daughter of Oscar Holcombe, who was serving as the mayor of Houston, Texas, at the time of the ship's launch.