The World's 9 Most Successful Cruisers: Maritime Giants That Dominated the Seas

7. Des Moines-class Heavy Cruiser

With autoloading 8-inch guns, the Des Moines-class set new standards in naval gunnery. The automated system allowed an unmatched rate of fire, making these ships ideal for shore bombardment and surface combat. Their advanced fire control and robust build ensured effectiveness well into the Cold War. Even in the missile age, the Des Moines-class proved the enduring value of heavy gun armament.