St. Louis

Following the end of the Spanish-American War, the U.S. Congress enacted several laws to bolster its naval strength. Initially, plans were made to build three cruisers of the "improved Olympia" class. However, during the design phase, the cruisers grew in size, their armor got stronger, and the number of artillery guns they carried was increased as well. The final configuration featured 152 mm guns. Before World War I, USS St. Louis was assigned to the Pacific Fleet. During the war, her duties included escorting troop convoys and transporting persons of high standing.