USS Brooklyn, a 9215-ton armored cruiser, was built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and commissioned in December 1896. After initial operations in European waters and off the U.S. east coast, she served as flagship of the "Flying Squadron" during the Spanish-American War and played a major role in the Battle of Santiago.

After 1898, Brooklyn's tours of duty included cruises to European and Asiatic waters, as well as operating closer to home. Inactive from 1908 to 1915, she the returned to service in time for World War I, and thereafter spent most of her time in the Pacific. Decommissioned in March 1921, Brooklyn was sold late in that year.