Hello,
My name is Bill, I was a crew member on board the USS Newport News CA-148 for a little over 2 years, and like most who served aboard Her, I was in awe from the first sight of Her.

Here are some facts about "THUNDER":

   The Heavy Cruiser USS NEWPORT NEWS CA-148 had a displacement of 17,255 Tons (standard) and weighed out at 20,934 tons with a full load. It's length over all was 248.4 Meters (717 feet) with a beam of 23.0 Meters. The crew complement during peace time was around 1240 and in war time, the crew grew to about 1565. Her armor measured 76 mm Horizontally, 203 mm vertically with 152 mm of armor on her turrets. Powered by 120,000 hp, she could exceed 33 knots. The USS NEWPORT NEWS's armament consisted of (9) 8in/55cal Main Guns, (12) 5in/38cal, (20) 3in/50cal and some 20 mm.
In 1962, 4 of the 3in/50's were removed as were all of the 20 mm. In 1966, 8 more 3in/50cal's were removed and in 1974, the rest of the 3in/50's were taken off the ship.

    You see, It would be obvious that I would not only stand in awe, but as an 8" Gunners Mate assigned to Turret #3, I would walk Her decks with Pride. This web site is my humble way of sharing this wonderful Warship with you, as I Honor those 24 shipmates who have died while serving aboard the USS Newport News. Whether by accident, or act of war, the 24 Sailors pictured above in name, and photo will always be the reason why most who sailed aboard Newport News will try to keep Her memory alive.

   Most of the information you'll find throughout this web site is that which is shared by former Shipmates, and those who have had contact with Newport News during and after Her Commission. I will continue to seek, and add as much information as possible to this web site as I Honor The USS Newport News CA-148 and all who served aboard Her during Her 26 years of service to Our Country.

   "God Bless the Souls, and Families of those who have died while aboard USS Newport News CA-148, and God Bless all who have serverd aboard Her"