ships

Fleet of Freedom: The Charles Jones Collection of WWII Model warships

The Fleet of Freedom is a remarkable collection of highly detailed model ships that pays tribute to the legendary naval vessels of World War II and beyond. Curated under the Charles Jones Collection, this fleet serves as a historical archive, preserving the memory of the greatest warships to ever sail the seas—through precision-crafted scale models that capture every intricate detail of their real-life counterparts.

From the battleships that defined naval warfare to the aircraft carriers that turned the tide of World War II, each model in this collection represents a pivotal chapter in maritime history. Through painstaking research and expert craftsmanship, the Fleet of Freedom ensures that the legacy of these legendary warships lives on, inspiring historians, model enthusiasts, and naval veterans alike.

The Legacy of the Charles Jones Collection

The Charles Jones Collection was established to honor and preserve the stories of the most significant ships in naval warfare, with a particular focus on the World War II era. This period saw some of the most intense and game-changing battles in naval history, and the ships of that time—many of which are now lost to history—played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war.

Through the Fleet of Freedom, Charles Jones has meticulously assembled museum-quality 1250:1 scale model ships that serve as accurate representations of these ships, down to their deck layouts, turret placements, and battle damage from historic engagements. Every ship is carefully researched to ensure historical accuracy, making this collection an essential resource for WWII historians, naval enthusiasts, and model ship collectors.

Exploring the Fleet of Freedom’s WWII Model Ships

The Fleet of Freedom consists of a diverse array of World War II warships, including battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and auxiliary vessels. Each model tells the story of a ship that played a crucial role in naval battles across the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the decisive battles at Midway, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.

Notable WWII Model Ships in the Fleet

The Charles Jones Collection includes highly detailed models of some of the most famous naval vessels in history. Among them:

• USS Arizona (BB-39) – One of the most recognizable battleships of World War II, the USS Arizona was tragically lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This model faithfully recreates the ship as it appeared before the attack, serving as a solemn reminder of the day that changed history.

• USS Enterprise (CV-6) – Known as the "Big E," the USS Enterprise was one of the most decorated aircraft carriers of World War II, playing a decisive role in battles such as Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Philippine Sea. The model captures the carrier's aircraft deck, fighter squadrons, and iconic island superstructure in stunning detail.

• USS Missouri (BB-63) – This battleship is famous as the site where Japan formally surrendered to the United States on September 2, 1945, bringing an end to World War II. The Fleet of Freedom’s model replicates this moment in history with precision details, including the exact position of its deck and guns on that historic day.

• USS Hornet (CV-8) – The aircraft carrier that launched the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, proving that America could strike back after Pearl Harbor. The model meticulously recreates the B-25 bombers on deck, just as they appeared on April 18, 1942.

• USS Indianapolis (CA-35) – A heavy cruiser famous for delivering components of the atomic bomb to Tinian Island before being tragically sunk by a Japanese submarine. The Fleet of Freedom’s model captures the cruiser’s final configuration before its ill-fated voyage.

• USS Iowa (BB-61) – One of the most powerful battleships ever built, USS Iowa saw extensive action in both World War II and the Korean War. Its model features fully detailed anti-aircraft batteries, main turrets, and a beautifully rendered teak deck.

• USS Nautilus (SS-168) – A crucial submarine in the Pacific theater, Nautilus participated in the Battle of Midway, helping to sink the Japanese carrier Kaga. The model highlights the periscope, torpedo tubes, and deck gun that made it a formidable underwater force.

Each model in the Fleet of Freedom is an accurate miniature recreation of these historic ships, built to provide historical insight, artistic craftsmanship, and a tangible connection to the past.

The Importance of WWII Naval History in Scale Models

The preservation of World War II naval history is crucial in understanding how battles were fought and won at sea. While many of these ships no longer exist in their original form, their scale model counterparts ensure that their legacy endures.

The Fleet of Freedom serves as a historical and educational resource by offering:

• Detailed Model Reconstructions – Each ship is crafted using historical blueprints, declassified naval documents, and extensive photographic references.

• Battle Histories & Crew Stories – Every ship in the collection includes a narrative of its missions, battles, and the lives of those who served aboard.

• A Tribute to Naval Veterans – These models honor the sacrifices of WWII sailors and preserve their stories for future generations.

• A Collector’s Dream – For model enthusiasts, the Fleet of Freedom represents some of the most finely detailed naval models available, providing both historical accuracy and artistic beauty.

fleet of freedom ship index

The Fleet of Freedom’s Ships Index is the perfect starting point for exploring the full collection of WWII model warships. Whether you are a naval historian, a student of World War II, a model ship collector, or simply someone passionate about maritime history, this collection offers a deep dive into the vessels that shaped world history.