USS Vermont (BB-20): A Proud Member of the Great White Fleet’s 1907-1909 World Journey
The USS Vermont (BB-20) was a battleship of the Connecticut-class that played a significant role in the early 20th century as part of the United States Navy’s Great White Fleet. Commissioned in 1907, the Vermont was a powerful representation of American naval engineering and military strength during a time when naval power was essential for global influence.
The Vermont gained historical recognition when it joined the Great White Fleet on its journey around the world from 1907 to 1909. This expedition, ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt, was intended to demonstrate the United States’ growing naval capabilities and to promote goodwill with other nations. The fleet, consisting of 16 battleships painted in white to symbolize peace, sailed over 43,000 miles and visited ports in six continents.
As part of the Great White Fleet, the USS Vermont visited numerous countries, including stops in South America, Australia, Asia, and the Mediterranean. These visits were strategic demonstrations of American military presence and a reminder of the nation’s ability to project power across the globe. The journey was also a response to the rising naval competition among world powers and aimed to showcase the United States as a formidable force in global maritime affairs.
The USS Vermont was equipped with a range of heavy artillery, including four 12-inch guns and eight 8-inch guns, designed to deliver formidable firepower. With a crew of over 800 sailors, the ship was both a technological marvel and a testament to the skill and dedication of the men who operated her. The ship’s speed, maneuverability, and powerful armament made it an important asset to the fleet, capable of holding its own against other world-class battleships.
The successful circumnavigation of the globe by the Great White Fleet, including the USS Vermont, marked a pivotal moment in naval history. It not only established the United States as a dominant naval power but also laid the groundwork for future naval strategies and international relations. The journey proved that American battleships could operate far from home for extended periods, influencing global affairs and maintaining a presence in international waters.
The USS Vermont (BB-20) remains a significant symbol of early 20th-century American naval prowess. Its role in the Great White Fleet’s global journey highlighted the nation’s strategic ambitions and its readiness to compete on the world stage. The legacy of the Vermont and its fellow fleet members continues to inspire the modern U.S. Navy, reflecting a period when naval exploration and power were at the forefront of America’s emergence as a global leader.
