USS South Dakota

The USS South Dakota was the lead ship of the South Dakota-class battleships that served during World War II. South Dakota saw extensive action during the war, including participating in the Battle of Santa Cruz, the Second Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Iwo Jima, and more.

During the Battle of Iwo Jima, the South Dakota was part of a contingent centered around the troop transport USS Zeilin. Other ships in the group included the Northampton-class heavy cruiser USS Pasadena, the Cleveland-class light cruiser USS Alaska, the Rocket LSM LSM-046, and the troop transports USS Fremont, USS Highlands, and USS Lowndes.