The Great White Fleet Battleship Minnesota

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USS Minnesota

The second Minnesota (BB-22) was laid down by the Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Virginia, 27 October 1903; launched 8 April 1905; sponsored by Miss Rose Marie Schaller; and commissioned 9 March 1907, Capt. J. Hubbard in command.

Following her shakedown off the New England coast, Minnesota was assigned to duty in connection with the Jamestown Exposition 22 April to 3 September 1907. On 18 December, she departed Hampton Roads as one of the 16 battleships sent by President Theodore Roosevelt on a voyage around the world. The cruise of the "Great White Fleet," lasting until 22 February 1909, served as a deterrent to possible hostilities in the Pacific; raised American prestige as a global naval power; and, most importantly, impressed upon Congress the need for a strong navy and a thriving merchant fleet to keep pace with the United States' expanding international interests and her far-flung possessions.

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