USS CHICAGO

Artist Frank Norton (1916-1983)

Date1941

Object number00006210

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 235 x 314 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Collections

Ship portraits

Terms

DescriptionThis painting by Frank Norton features a close-up view of the starboard side of the cruiser USS CHICAGO as it is moored off Garden Island, Sydney. Two sea planes can by seen on its deck and a smaller navel vessel is situated next to it. The USS CHICAGO was one of seven US Navy vessels that visited Sydney in March 1941, before America had officially entered the war. The sight of a US cruiser and several destroyers in Sydney Harbour would have been a comforting sight for Australians, fearful of Japanese attacks.HistoryThe USS CHICAGO (CA-29) was an American protected cruiser that was launched in 1930 and worked from California and the base of Pearl Harbour. While stationed at Pearl Harbour the vessel undertook routine exercises and tactical training, including visiting Australia's east coast in 1941. The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941 while the CHICAGO was at sea and officially marked the entrance of the United States into the Second World War. CHICAGO was immediately commanded back to the base and then partook in operations in the Southwest Pacific. The cruiser earned three battle stars before being destroyed by Japanese aircraft and torpedo attacks on 30 January 1943.SignificanceThis painting represents an important American cruiser and its presence in Australian waters during World War II.