The Montana -class super battleships represent one of the greatest “what-ifs” in US naval history. These behemoths were authorized as part of the 1940 “ Two Ocean Navy ” program, intended to bolster America’s fleet strength with a class of ships that could outgun and outlast anything else on the high seas.

But despite all the planning, funding, and ambitious dreams behind them, the Montana -class battleships never made it past the blueprint stage. Their cancellation marked a turning point in naval warfare, reflecting how rapidly military needs and strategies can change in the face of shifting threats.

Taking a look back, here’s how the ambitious Montana -class battleship program took shape and why it ultimately never made it off the drawing board.

Dreaming Big: The Birth of th

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