You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
The Alaska class battlecruisers possessed greater firepower than a heavy cruiser while having comparable crew complement and horsepower output (and thus likely fuel consumption). They were also completed before the Des Moines class heavy cruisers, with two of the ships seeing combat service during World War II and one being launched shortly after its conclusion. Why did the United States decide to put the combat proven but otherwise new Alaska class battlecruisers in reserve while going on to complete three Des Moines class cruisers with complicated (but we now know successful) autoloading turrets several years after the War? Were the ships a victim of their unusual caliber main armament, or was it something else?