NEWPORT NEWS

Country
United States of America (USA)

Class
Cruiser

MMweight
9.0

Obtain Method
Gem

Arena rating

B

PVP rating

B

Newport News was historically a Des Moines class cruiser that lost one gun due to an explosion. In this game its firepower is slightly inferior to Des Moines. The handling, AA power, and hull are similar, but unfortunately the armor is pretty bad. On the other hand, it’s the only US cruiser that has smokescreen. The smokescreen is pretty long, similar to British light cruiser smoke. It doesn’t have anti-air barrage consumable. But honestly, smokescreen is superior anyway.

Playstyle

Newport News has extremely fast reload that can outgun many ships. Since it’s 203 mm caliber, the HE has enough penetration to inflict damage and set fires to battleships. The HE DPM of this ship is the highest in its MMweight. The HE also has high shell velocity which makes it easier to aim at long range targets. The AP shell velocity is slow, but has good damage and penetration. The main downside is bad accuracy. This partially negates the potential damage output of this ship’s awesome guns.

Newport News has terrible armor. Fighting at close range is only good if the enemy is a cruiser without torpedo. Against battleships, you must play very cautiously at medium to long range. Even 380 mm guns are enough to citadel Newport News from any angle. Kiting and lobbing shells from behind island are recommended. If possible, find an opportunity to shoot enemies at their broadside by flanking them and then shoot AP. With AP, Newport News can melt any ship very quickly.

The smokescreen has long duration and lots of puffs so it’s pretty comfortable to use. The smokescreen should be used before turning broadside, when attacking multiple ships, or when you need to retreat.

Newport News has mediocre concealment. It’s not good for capturing bases and spotting enemies. Hunting DDs is hard, unless there’s an ally DD in front that can spot the enemy DD. If the enemy DD is spotted within 10 km of Newport News, it can easily cripple that DD with its fast reloading guns.

Newport News has good AA power. Coupled with smokescreen, it can guard teammates and itself. In a CV battle, always stay close to allied ships (especially BBs and CV) so you can react quickly and protect them from enemy planes.

Is it worth to buy?

Newport News is a strong damage dealer. With good positioning and smokescreen usage, it can live for a long time and continuously deal damage.

Newport News is a gem ship. If you want to get it, you need to save gems from daily missions and events. It’s worth to buy only if you’re familiar with smokescreen. It’s recommended to grind the British heavy cruiser tech tree line first before buying this ship. If you don’t like playing smokescreen cruisers, don’t buy it.

Strengths
Fast reload, good penetration, has smokescreen consumable, good AA
Weaknesses
Slow shell velocity, short range, bad accuracy, mediocre concealment, bad armor, slow speed, no planes
Consumables
Elite DC, elite repair (4 charges), smokescreen (4 charges)
General playstyle
Kiting, flanking, lobbing shells from behind island
Role/specialty
Wide AA protection, damage dealer
Preferred enemy target
BB, cruiser, DD, plane

Recommended Build

Equipment
Slot 1: adv. disaster retardant module
Slot 2: engine enhancement module
Slot 3: cruiser aiming system module
Consumables
Slot 1: elite damage control
Slot 2: elite repair
Slot 3: elite smokescreen
Crew Skills (after basic skill)
Captain: artillery warning – hull protection – boost morale
Gun: crack gunner – high speed aiming – ADA enhancement
Engine: quick shift – adv. quick shift – steering master
Damage control: buoyancy reserve – emergency flooding

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