The South Dakota class is a group of battleships built for the United States Navy during World War II. This class includes the USS South Dakota (BB-57) and several sister ships, designed to provide heavy firepower and protection for naval fleets. They were known for their advanced armor and powerful armament, which included nine 16-inch guns. These battleships played a significant role in naval battles in the Pacific Theater, participating in key engagements such as the Battle of Santa Cruz and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The South Dakota class was instrumental in demonstrating the effectiveness of battleships in modern warfare, despite the rise of aircraft carriers.