ussconnecticutbb18

Article from Wikipedia is here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Connecticut_(BB-18) although this photo has differences from the other photo of the Connecticut, the bow and tower structures, for example.

What was the purpose of those cage masts? They seem to be tall enough to make a target out of the ship.

No radar so lookouts had to be high to see other ships and where the shots landed for fire control. Less wind hamper and visibility with the cages. My opinion with no research.

Also more strength to hold up the platforms.

From the date, and the proximity to other photos, looks like this was part of the 1912 fleet review: www.geocities.com/scs028a/1912List.html Indeed though the cage masts look rather different than the towers in the other photos. However, this link: www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-c/bb18.htm suggests that she had her masts altered ca 1908/1909 which would have been in time for this picture.

Wikipedia link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Connecticut_(BB-18)

A rare close-up of a lattice (or "cage") mast.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Connecticut_(BB-18)

NYT of April 27, 1914 has lengthy article about ships arriving in Galveston with refugees, including the Connecticut. query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60B12FE3C5E13738... "GALVESTON, Texas, April 26. -- Driven out of Mexico by armed mobs 2,654 Americans have arrived here in the last twenty-four hours. Many of them suffered tortures before they were able to escape. Some were shot at by Mexican soldiers. Women and children received no favors at the hands of Mexican Federals or rebels. " The anger seems to have been a response to the US fleet arriving off Vera Cruz.

Thank you, swanq, for the link to the article that fills in more detail. We'll add this information the next time we update the record.