USS Chester (CA-27)

The USS Chester (CA-27) was a Northampton-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy. She was the second ship to be named for the city of Chester, Pennsylvania.

Chester was laid down on 6 March 1928 by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, launched on 3 July 1929, sponsored by Miss E.W. Graham, and commissioned on 24 June 1930, Captain Arthur P. Fairfield in command.

After commissioning, Chester conducted shakedown cruises and participated in fleet exercises. In the years leading up to World War II, she operated primarily in the Pacific, participating in training exercises and goodwill cruises.

During World War II, Chester saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater. She participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, where she assisted in the defense of the aircraft carriers. She also fought in the Battle of Midway, and later supported operations in the Solomon Islands campaign, including the Guadalcanal campaign. She was damaged by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine in 1942 but returned to service after repairs.

Throughout the war, Chester continued to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, providing anti-aircraft support and participating in numerous amphibious landings.

Following the end of World War II, Chester was decommissioned on 10 June 1946. She was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 November 1946 and sold for scrap on 11 August 1948.

Her battle stars earned during World War II include those for the Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, and several other significant campaigns.