The Ship That Lived Twice

The Incredible Story of USS Phoenix and General Belgrano (Machines of War: Inside the World’s Most Powerful Military Technology)

De: Hugh Ravenscroft

Narrado por: Eric McDowell

The story of USS Phoenix, later known as ARA General Belgrano, is one of the most extraordinary naval odysseys of the twentieth century. From her birth in the shipyards of New Jersey to her fiery baptism at Pearl Harbour, from the island-hopping campaigns of the Pacific War to her second life under the Argentine flag, she lived two dramatic and contrasting existences. This book tells her complete story, exploring how a single warship came to embody the ambitions, tragedies, and controversies of two nations separated by oceans but linked by history.

Forged as part of the Brooklyn-class cruiser programme, USS Phoenix was designed in the tense 1930s when the world braced for renewed conflict. Armed with fifteen six-inch guns and built for speed, she entered service as America watched both Europe and Asia slide toward war. At Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, Phoenix survived the devastation that crippled much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, escaping the carnage and immediately joining the fight. For the next four years she sailed the Pacific, escorting convoys, bombarding enemy positions, and surviving the dangers of kamikaze attacks. Sailors came to call her a “lucky ship,” a vessel that always seemed to endure while others around her fell.

In 1945, Phoenix was present at the war’s closing act, a witness to Japan’s surrender. But her American story was not the end. In the climate of the Cold War, the United States transferred surplus vessels to allies, and Phoenix was sold to Argentina in 1951. Rechristened ARA General Belgrano, she became a symbol of Argentine pride and naval tradition.

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A Riveting Naval History Across Two Nations

The Ship That Lived Twice provides an extraordinary account of USS Phoenix, later ARA General Belgrano. The book meticulously traces her journey from Pearl Harbor through the Pacific campaigns, highlighting both her resilience and the human stories aboard. I appreciated the balanced coverage of her American service and later Argentine life, showing how a single ship can reflect the ambitions, tragedies, and politics of two nations. This is a fascinating read for naval enthusiasts and history lovers alike, offering technical detail, historical context, and compelling storytelling in equal measure.

Detailed and Engaging Naval Odyssey

The Ship That Lived Twice tells the compelling tale of USS Phoenix with precision and narrative flair. The coverage of her survival at Pearl Harbor and involvement in Pacific battles is detailed and gripping, while her second life as ARA General Belgrano adds a unique twist seldom covered in naval histories. I appreciated the book’s blend of technical detail, historical context, and human stories, though a few more personal anecdotes from crew members would have enriched the reading experience. Overall, it’s an informative and engrossing account of a truly remarkable warship.

Fascinating Story of a Legendary Ship

This book masterfully chronicles the unique life of USS Phoenix/ARA General Belgrano. From surviving the Pearl Harbor attack to her post-war service with Argentina, the narrative captures the drama, strategy, and significance of her voyages. The author’s focus on both historical events and the experiences of her crew gives the story depth and human interest. I particularly enjoyed learning about the ship’s design, her “lucky ship” reputation, and her symbolic importance in two different navies. A must-read for anyone intrigued by naval history or World War II and Cold War maritime operations.