The USS Astoria (CA-34) was a United States Navy New Orleans class heavy cruiser that participated in both the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, but was then sunk in August 1942 at the Battle of Savo Island. 

Heavy cruiser Astoria

USS LSM(R) 197 lets rip on Okinawa, Spring, 1945.  Twelve of these floating rocket batteries were produced late in the war, on the basis of experience.  Their purpose was to supply fire support (by means of free-fire rocket) at a range of about 4,000 yards,  to landing forces in the Pacific, and to provide harassment and general targeting duties in the event of the projected invasion of the Japanese mainland. 

These vessels could deliver a heavy, terrifying bombardment on land targets when used appropriately.  Their impact was somewhat reduced by their initial use by some commanders in anti-air raid picket line duties for which, as an official appraisal indicated, they were not at all suitable.  Best regards, JR.

Seaborne "Katyusha" - LSM(R).

USS Saratoga hit by a kamikaze, 21 February 1945