USS Mississippi - Definition and Overview

Four ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Mississippi in honor of the 20th state.

• The first USS Mississippi, a sidewheel steamer, saw action in the Mexican-American War and was lost during the American Civil War.
• The second USS Mississippi (BB-23), the lead ship of her class, saw action before World War I and was eventually sold to Greece, renamed Lemnos, and sunk in the early days of World War II.
• The third USS Mississippi (BB-41), a New Mexico-class battleship, saw action during World War II.
• The fourth USS Mississippi (CGN-40) was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser.