USS Mississippi (BB-41) in Dry Dock No. 4 at Puget Sound Navy Yard – October 22, 1940

On October 22, 1940, the USS Mississippi (BB-41), a battleship of the New Mexico class, was photographed in Dry Dock No. 4 at the Puget Sound Navy Yard. This image captures the ship during a period of routine maintenance and upgrades, which were crucial as tensions escalated worldwide with the looming threat of World War II.

Commissioned in 1917, the USS Mississippi had already seen years of service, including participation in naval exercises and operations throughout the Pacific and Caribbean. By 1940, the ship was undergoing modernization to remain combat-effective. This included improvements to its armor, fire control systems, and anti-aircraft weaponry, preparing the vessel for potential involvement in future conflicts.

The Puget Sound Navy Yard, located in Bremerton, Washington, played a vital role in refitting and maintaining U.S. Navy ships. Dry Dock No. 4 was one of the largest facilities capable of accommodating battleships like the Mississippi, providing the infrastructure needed to ensure these massive vessels remained battle-ready.

The USS Mississippi would go on to serve in several critical battles during World War II, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the invasion of Okinawa. The ship’s time in dry dock in 1940 highlights the importance of pre-war preparations that enabled the U.S. Navy to project power across the Pacific in the coming years.

This moment in history reflects not only the technical and logistical challenges of maintaining a fleet but also the foresight of the U.S. Navy in preparing for the global conflict that would soon engulf much of the world.