The Photos
USS San Francisco Ship’s Bell
The Ship’s Bell
USS San Francisco Ship’s Bell on Display
This picture was taken in the lobby of the Marines’ Memorial Club where the “Bell” is located.
Crew of the USS San Francisco
Map of Estimated Enemy Strength at Guadalcanal
Map of estimated enemy strength and location in relation to USS San Francisco (CA-38) on 13 November 1942 during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Source: Preliminary Design Branch, Bureau of Ships Navy Department, War Loss/Damage Report No. 26. Source: Preliminary Design Branch, Bureau of Ships Navy Department, War Loss/Damage Report No.26.
Tour of the USS San Francisco – 1939
A local military official tours USS San Francisco (CA-38), as the cruiser visits a South American port. Commander Cruiser Division 7, Rear Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, USN, is at right, behind the Chief Petty Officer who has his back to the camera. Two Curtiss SOC floatplanes are inside the hangar. The more distant plane, with tail visible, is Bureau # 9957, a SOC-1.
Magneysn Compass Repeater
Magnesyn Compass Repeater aboard USS San Francisco (CA-38) at Mare Island on 14 Oct 44. U.S. Navy Photo #6243-44.
USS San Francisco Flag Plot
Flag plot, looking forward, starboard corner aboard USS San Francisco (CA-38) at Mare Island on 10 Oct 44. U.S. Navy Photo #6135-44.
Off the coast of Korea, 9.28.1945
USS San Francisco (CA-38) off the coast of Korea, 28 September 1945. She is flying from her mainmast a U.S. Ensign that flew over the Capitol Building, in Washington, D.C., during the debate of the United Nations Treaty. Note that she still carries SOC seaplanes. Official U.S. Navy Photo, now in the collections of the National Archives – 80-G-495711. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives – 80-G-495711
Navigating bridge bulwark
This photo shows a little-known surviving part of the USS San Francisco (CA-38). It is a portion of bulwark from the ship’s aft starboard navigating bridge. According to war damage report no. 26, put out by the Bureau of Ships, this piece of bulwark was hit by an estimated 6” caliber projectile. Officially listed as hit no. 17, fragments resulting from the detonation of this projectile damaged multiple pieces of equipment in the vicinity, including the starboard pelorus and the captain’s target designator. Additionally, much electrical damage was caused by this and other nearby hits. This includes various lighting and communication circuits and equipment related to the 1.1” mount located on the deck above. National Park Service, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park museum collection, catalog # SAFR 7896.
Memorial bridge wing
During the December 1942 repair at Mare Island, it was necessary to extensively rebuild the bridge. The bridge wings were removed as part of that repair, and are now mounted on a promontory in Lands End, San Francisco at Golden Gate National Recreation Area overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They are set on the great circle course from San Francisco to Guadalcanal.
General Nimitz on board the USS San Francisco
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN (center) (Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas) on board USS San Francisco (CA-38) to visit the two senior ship’s officers who had survived the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12-13 November 1942. On the left is Commander Herbert E. Schonland, USN, who assumed command after the ship’s Captain was killed and led damage control efforts. On the right is Lieutenant Commander Bruce McCandless, USN, the ship’s Communications Officer, who took over the conn and subsequently navigated San Francisco to safety. Official U.S. Navy Photo #80-G-40031 now in the collections of the National Archives.
Overhaul at Mare Island – 1944
Aft plan view of USS San Francisco (CA-38) at Mare Island on 15 Oct 1944. She was in overhaul at the shipyard from 16 Aug – 17 Oct 1944 and was loading ammunition of this date. USS Baltimore (CA-68) is in the background. U.S. Navy Photo #6177-44. U.S. Navy Photo #6177-44.
Kulak Bay, Aleutian Islands
USS San Francisco (CA-38) silhouetted against a snowy mountain in Kulak Bay, Adak, Aleutian Islands, 25 April 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photo, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12-15 November 1942
USS President Jackson (AP 37) maneuvering under Japanese air attack off Guadalcanal, 12 November 1942. In the center background is smoke from an enemy plane that had just crashed into the after superstructure of USS San Francisco (CA-38), which is steaming away in the right center. Photographed from USS President Adams (AP 38). Note the anti-aircraft shell bursts. Official U.S. Navy Photo, now in the collections of the National Archives – 80-G-32366.
Returning to Pearl Harbor 1942
USS San Francisco (CA-38) at Pearl Harbor, with her crew manning the rails in “Whites”, 4 December 1942. She was en route to the west coast for repair of damage received during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, on 12-13 November 1942. Official U.S. Navy Photo, now in the collections of the National Archives – 80-G-21099. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives – 80-G-21099
San Pedro, California – April 1935
USS San Francisco (CA-38) at anchor off San Pedro, California, 22 April 1935. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photo – NH 50967.
Pearl Harbor – 1942
Seen here 4 December 1942, arriving back at Pearl Harbor Hawaii.
Mare Island Navy Yard – 1944
USS San Francisco (CA-38) off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, following overhaul, 13 October 1944. Her camouflage is Measure 33, Design 13d. Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives – 19-N-73588. Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives – 19-N-73588
Capt. David J. Callahan USN
Aboard the USS San Francisco circa 1942
USS San Francisco Memorial
Granite monument at the entrance of the Memorial at Lands End.