[ Post a Response | The SteelNavy.Com Message Board ]
Posted by DaveInSoCal on August 4, 2025, 17:52:29, in reply to "More info on Houston and Marblehead"
Great info, thank you. It's much appreciated! 
Previous Message
Previous Message
Interesting, this is very helpful, thanks! I presume that also means that USS Marblehead and the various DDs stationed out there were this same color as well? Previous Message
Yes, Craig is absolutely correct. Cavite Blue become the Asiatic Fleet color in late 1941, no I can't pinpoint the date. Previous Message
I’m building USS Houston in 1942 as she was during the ABDA campaign, and all sources seem to agree she was painted in Measure 1 - meaning all verticals below the stack tops in 5D.
I’m wondering if anyone happens to have any primary source info they can share about exactly what shade 5D was? I believe it was labelled “Dark Grey” by the navy, but did it feature a blueish-gray tint like the Royal Navy’s 507 series greys from the same era?
I haven’t found much original color photography of ships painted in Measure 1, and most of what I have found are battleships in Pearl Harbor (AZ, WV, etc.) which definitely do appear to have a blueish tint.
Responses