USS Cleveland (CL-55), being the lead ship of the class, was laid down in July 1940 and saw completion in June 1942 when she also officially got commissioned into service with the USN. In reality however, 27 Cleveland-class cruisers would actually end up being built, with another 9 being converted into light aircraft carriers of the Independence-class. However, with the outbreak of WWII in September 1939, these plans were expanded to 52 ships and the design of the vessel had its displacement significantly increased again, since restrictions from previous treaties were no longer being taken into account. Initially, plans were made for the construction of around 20 ships of this class. In 1939, this design was revised, having its displacement increased to 8,000 tons and the general layout resembling a more compact Brooklyn-class cruiser. As a result, two new 6,000 ton light cruisers were ordered whose specifications complied with the restrictions applied by the Second London Naval Treaty of 1936. sought an expansion of its navy, following the increase in geopolitical tensions across the globe at the time.
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