In the annals of US Navy history, the USS Oregon is legendary. Launched in October of 1893, the USS Oregon (BB-3) was the third and final ship of the Indiana-class of pre-dreadnought battleships. It was one of the first modern battleships built for the United States. The ship was designed for short-range, coastal operations and featured a low freeboard with the main battery consisting of four 13-inch guns, two each in two gun turrets.
The ship was commissioned in 1896 and briefly served with the Pacific Squadron. After the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, tensions with Spain grew. With the prospect of eminent war, the USS Oregan was ordered to the East Coast to reinforce the North Atlantic Squadron. The Panama Canal had not yet been constructed so the voyage required a trip around South America. Under the command of Captain Charles Edgar Clark, the ship made good time however a severe storm complicated her passage through the hazardous waters in the Strait of Magellan and she was forced to drop anchor overnight to avoid running aground. After steaming up the East Coast of South America, Oregon arrived in Jupiter, Florida on May 24, where she met other elements of the North Atlantic Squadron. The total voyage lasted just sixty-six days with Oregon having traveled some 14,000 nmi. An incredible feat for the time. Moreover, upon arrival, when Oregon came within sight of the flagship USS Brooklyn, the Admiral ran up signal flags reading, “Put into port for overhauling”. Captain Clark replied, “We are ready to fight”.
After war broke out at the end of April, the newly formed Flying Squadron under Commodore Winfield Scott Schley sailed for Cuba in search of the Spanish Navy's First Squadron, commanded by Vice Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete. After several weeks, the squadron was located in the port of Santiago de Cuba and a blockade ensued. Oregon along with the cruiser USS New York and other ships from the North Atlantic Squadron later joined the ships in the blockade.
On 3 July, the Spanish Squadron made an attempt to break out, the cruiser Infanta Maria Teresa, followed by Cristóbal Colón, Vizcaya and Almirante Oquendo and two destroyers bringing up the rear. With a full head of steam, Oregon took the lead in the ensuing chase firing the first shot from the US Navy from one of her 6 pounder guns in what became known as the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. Oregon first took on Infanta Maria Teresa already on fire after being raked by fire from the US battleships Indiana and Iowa. Captain Clark ordered a “hellish” fire at the ship resulting in Infanta Maria Teresa piling up onto rocks near shore.
Next Oregon went after Almirante Oquendo, letting loose with fire at 900 yards setting fire to the forward decks of the Spaniard. Oregon continued to close range and pounded the Oquendo. The ship was foundering so turned toward shoe, piling up on the rocks in a mass of flames only a short half mile from Infanta Maria Teresa.
Continuing chase, Oregon, along with the Brooklyn, next took on Vizcaya. After an intense battle the Vizcaya too ended its run piling up on the rocks near shore just 18 miles from the harbor where it started.
Then began a chase after Cristóbal Colón which had a six mile head start and was running at its best speed. Per Captain Evans of the USS Iowa, “Clark of the Oregon clearly saw his job cut out for him and without an instants hesitation, put his helm to starboard and came through the lee of Iowa with the speed of a locomotive.”
Oregon put in a continued amazing performance. With a design speed of 15 knots, the ship made better than 16 knots and maintained this speed for about three hours when the Cristóbal Colón came into gunnery range. (Consider this was after the arduous journey from the West Coast, rounding the horn and no formal overhaul.) A hit from one of Oregon’s 13 inch shells and a second shot across the bow was enough to convince the Spanish captain to strike his colors. The ship was scuttled before it could be taken as a prize.
This artwork shows the USS Oregon in action during the fateful Battle Of Santiago de Cuba. The Bulldog Of The Navy.