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Building on their growing range of 1/700 resin kitsets Niko Models has sent us images of their upcoming release the USS Augusta CA31 1945. The release date and retail price have yet to be announced.

The Polish resin ship kit manufacturer Niko Models never seems to disappoint the shipbuilder who is looking for a unique modelling subject, and this next release is another great example.

This kitset is planned for release shortly.

The USS Augusta CA31 1945 looks to be a definite winner, and appears to be a valuable addition to any collection.

Ship History
USS Augusta (CA-31) was a Northampton-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, notable for service in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during World War II, and for her occasional use as a presidential flagship carrying both Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman under wartime conditions (including at the Newfoundland Conference).

The Augusta was laid down on the 2nd of July 1928 at Newport News, Virginia, by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co.; launched on the 1st of February 1930.

She was assigned duty as flagship for Commander, Scouting Force, Vice Admiral Arthur L. Willard, on the 21st of May 1931.
From 1931 until 1940 the USS Augusta was heavily involved in the Pacific area.

After a refit in 1940 reporting for duty with the Atlantic Fleet on the 17th of April 1941. She remained anchored at Narragansett Bay from the 30th of May to the 23rd of June, when she sailed for the New York Navy Yard. She had been chosen for special duty, the Augusta had been chosen to serve as the President's flagship as early as mid-June, and hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Britain's Prime Minister, Winston Churchill for their 1941 meeting.

The day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, found Augusta moored at Buoy 7, Newport. From that day until the 11th, she operated out of Newport; she remained in port until the11th of January 1942.

She had an illustrious WW2 career being involved in such operations as Operation "Torch”, Morocco, Atlantic escort duty, Normandy Invasion and Operation Dragoon.

She transported President Harry S. Truman, Secretary of State James F. Byrnes, and Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy boarded her, and she stood out for Antwerp, Belgium, to carry her distinguished passengers on the first leg of their voyage to the Potsdam Conference.
On 2 August she embarked her distinguished passengers again, and received another visit from King George VI. The ship then sailed for the United States, arriving at Newport on 7 August to disembark the President.

On 31 October, Augusta moored at the New York Naval Shipyard, to be modified for "Magic Carpet" operations, bringing home American servicemen from Europe.

She performed this duty through the end of the year 1945. struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 March 1959. She was sold for scrap on 9 November 1959.

Augusta (CA-31) was awarded three battle stars for her World War II service.