New Orleans is the best of the 3 imo. Faster, slightly less range and carries alot of scouts. Baltimore does have useable AA capacity though which puts it way ahead of portland.

never worry too much about the CAs...its the BBs you should really be worrying about lol

Some of us still enjoy DD/CL/CA play. If you look at the USN shiptree, outside of Sodak/Nocal the BBs are pretty much mirror images of each other with very minor differences.

Baltimore is by far a better CA.
More locker capacity for Ammo and smaller hit box with a better AA platform.

Portland/New Orleans
Small Ammo Capacity but can AW for a Blitz.

Pensacola is the best way to roll a Blitz imo
You can AW it use 12" 14"s or 8"

Yeah im going Alaska, i know it has the glass jaw but it cant be that hard to use, you can play blitz until lvl 60 which i think you get Gaum then

NO speed makes it a great option in blitz to avoid bombers. You do have to compromise between range and ammo tough. I used the 2nd 3x8" N set, you get a good 6 bind with this if my memory serves me right. Otherwise, the Portland is a slower and fatter Balti with 1 less bind and ususable T-slots.

Play two of them, unless your rotating sailors all the way through one line you'll likely need a second line to bring up remaining supports.

As for alaska it is not a bad ship. Fast, solid AA and if you focus on your battle awarness and blinding the other team, it can cause a ruckus.