I narrowed it down to 5 and we are supposed to pick just 4. Don't go add in more. They will have to be 6+ Heavenly kings and Akatsuki will never be able to save the world. We don't want that now, do we?
In that case, Laffey and O'Bannon have to be in, because those are basically American Hibiki and Yuudachi, respectively. That was the battle where O'Bannon and Laffey (among others) charged Hiei to within "throw your potatoes at the enemy crew" range (so close, Hiei couldn't aim her guns downward enough to actually reach Laffey). Even if San Fran spent most of the battle being the punching bag of two battleships, I'd still want her in the list just for being one of the most recognizable and legendary American cruisers. Of the two remaining, I think I'd pick Helena. Even though Portland probably got that brutal "finish her" move over Yuudachi, Helena probably did more good against the destroyers in the IJN formation, plus actually survived through the whole thing to be that one ship that is too tough for a lady.
The next dayAs thanks.You shouldn't have!Huh?They sure pull through, don't they!War's End.The hell did they do with those drops...?Yeah... but Akatsuki did fail to save the world.Thanks for the eye drops yesterday; really helped out.