The Baltimore-class cruisers were a class of heavy cruisers built for the United States Navy during World War II. They were designed to provide naval gunfire support and anti-aircraft defense, featuring a displacement of about 13,600 tons and a length of 673 feet. Equipped with nine 8-inch guns and numerous anti-aircraft weapons, these ships played a crucial role in various naval battles throughout the war. Commissioned between 1943 and 1946, the Baltimore-class cruisers included notable ships like the USS Baltimore and USS Saint Paul. They served in the Pacific Theater, participating in key operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, many were decommissioned, with some serving in the Korean War before being retired.