USS Portsmouth was a Cleveland-class light cruiser of the United States Navy, the third ship to carry the name. Portsmouth was laid down by the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, on 28 June 1943; launched on 20 September 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Marian M. Dale and Mrs. Sarah B. Leigh, and commissioned 25 June 1945, Captain Heber B. Brumbaugh in command.