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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The BIG guns - 16" battleship cannons (Page 5 of 5)

Posted: 12/13/2012 4:24:01 PM EDT

[#1]

I was on ships that escorted USS New Jersey in 1969 and in then again in 1986.

That is all...

Posted: 12/13/2012 4:25:12 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:

Quoted:

You fuckers are trying to ruin my holiday season, aren't you?

At least you aren't in 7th Fleet right now, those guys are getting nothing but coal in their stockings.

Tell me about it.

I'm using my GI Bill right now, but did my time in 7th Fleet (and loved it), but my buddies out there tell me they've gone full retard.

I feel bad for y'all, I remember a captain's call every time some dipshit fucked up in Roppongi but they've taken it to a whole 'nother level of draconian now.

That about covers it.

I'm using my GI Bill as well, but while I'm on active duty. Starting back to school for my MS in a couple of weeks.

Right on Chief. I made 2nd two years in and decided to move on. I loved 7th Fleet but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

It leaves a sour taste in my mouth every day, and I'm not going to be able to leave for a while. At least the money is good.

The money is good and hopefully the food makes up for it a little bit; I'd kill for some beef bowl, sushi-go'round, or CoCo's right now.

7th Fleet is already hectic enough, I couldn't believe it when I heard that the new "liberty policy" applied to all Khakis, as if it wasn't bad enough already.

Seventeen years in the Navy, never a liberty incident once, and I have a curfew just like a first-year seaman. Gotta love it.

Food's awesome, I'm doing tuna steaks tonight.

WUT!!!

Posted: 12/13/2012 4:26:30 PM EDT

[#3]

Man that's a lot of wasted energy! I think the barrels need to be a LOT longer.

Posted: 12/13/2012 7:38:30 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
What round for minivan?

Nothing less than 16"/45 Cal will do:

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/130/445mt.jpg

Pic taken through the optical sight on the rear turret of USS North Carolina.

So which one of the Top Gear hosts presenters are you?

Posted: 12/13/2012 10:24:05 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:

Quoted:
You fuckers are trying to ruin my holiday season, aren't you?

At least you aren't in 7th Fleet right now, those guys are getting nothing but coal in their stockings.

Tell me about it.

I'm using my GI Bill right now, but did my time in 7th Fleet (and loved it), but my buddies out there tell me they've gone full retard.

I feel bad for y'all, I remember a captain's call every time some dipshit fucked up in Roppongi but they've taken it to a whole 'nother level of draconian now.

That about covers it.

I'm using my GI Bill as well, but while I'm on active duty. Starting back to school for my MS in a couple of weeks.

Right on Chief. I made 2nd two years in and decided to move on. I loved 7th Fleet but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

It leaves a sour taste in my mouth every day, and I'm not going to be able to leave for a while. At least the money is good.

The money is good and hopefully the food makes up for it a little bit; I'd kill for some beef bowl, sushi-go'round, or CoCo's right now.

7th Fleet is already hectic enough, I couldn't believe it when I heard that the new "liberty policy" applied to all Khakis, as if it wasn't bad enough already.

Seventeen years in the Navy, never a liberty incident once, and I have a curfew just like a first-year seaman. Gotta love it.

Food's awesome, I'm doing tuna steaks tonight.

WUT!!!

All Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers (Not sure if there are any of those) in the 7th Fleet AOR are now under a 2300-0500 curfew and a 2200-0800 alcohol consumption ban. TAD/TDY personnel are restricted to the base. Geo bachelors cannot sleep anywhere but on the ship.

Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

Posted: 12/13/2012 11:14:59 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
I had the distinct pleasure to call in some fire missions (250-300 rounds) from the New Jersey in December 1983 - January 1984 in Beirut. It was a beautiful thing. Cut way down on the incoming, while she was there.

Were the hits comparable to JDAM's dropping?

Posted: 12/13/2012 11:19:51 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Posted: 12/13/2012 11:35:11 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

Posted: 12/14/2012 2:52:37 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

What happened?

Posted: 12/14/2012 3:49:07 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:

All Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers (Not sure if there are any of those) in the 7th Fleet AOR are now under a 2300-0500 curfew and a 2200-0800 alcohol consumption ban. TAD/TDY personnel are restricted to the base. Geo bachelors cannot sleep anywhere but on the ship.

Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

Well that's just gay as hell.

Posted: 12/14/2012 5:41:46 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

What happened?

Two TDY fucks from Ft Worth Texas landed in Okinawa, and allegedly followed a JN home and robbed and raped her a couple of months ago.

Posted: 12/14/2012 5:55:19 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

Holy fuck thats a crazy level of stupid. So I take it no taking the wife out to a late dinner and a movie? Or really doing anything.

Nobody is going to want to go to that AOR from any service.

Posted: 12/14/2012 7:32:57 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

Holy fuck thats a crazy level of stupid. So I take it no taking the wife out to a late dinner and a movie? Or really doing anything.

Nobody is going to want to go to that AOR from any service.

nope, I better have my ass in my house by 2300.. not en route... but IN. The shit sandwich was started by two TDY Navy Reserve assholes who had a one night layover in Japan and decided to rape someone "Allegedly".. then other dumbasses decided we didnt have enough heat on us so silly shit like B&E, B&E with assault on a kid, sexual assault, DUI, alcohol related incidents etc. etc. kept happening by all but the Army (this time). 8 months to go till PCS.

Posted: 12/14/2012 7:37:24 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

nope, I better have my ass in my house by 2300.. not en route... but IN. The shit sandwich was started by two TDY Navy Reserve assholes who had a one night layover in Japan and decided to rape someone "Allegedly".. then other dumbasses decided we didnt have enough heat on us so silly shit like B&E, B&E with assault on a kid, sexual assault, DUI, alcohol related incidents etc. etc. kept happening by all but the Army (this time). 8 months to go till PCS.

Do the curfews and bans on booze apply to dependents of SM's stationed in the AOR?

Posted: 12/14/2012 7:49:28 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:

Quoted:

nope, I better have my ass in my house by 2300.. not en route... but IN. The shit sandwich was started by two TDY Navy Reserve assholes who had a one night layover in Japan and decided to rape someone "Allegedly".. then other dumbasses decided we didnt have enough heat on us so silly shit like B&E, B&E with assault on a kid, sexual assault, DUI, alcohol related incidents etc. etc. kept happening by all but the Army (this time). 8 months to go till PCS.

Do the curfews and bans on booze apply to dependents of SM's stationed in the AOR?

my understanding is all SOFA status personnel but there have been so may fucking changes and so many different variations that even the "easy bullet" layout takes a lawyer to decipher.

Posted: 12/14/2012 7:58:02 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:

Quoted:
and could launch 1,900 pound high explosive (or nuclear) projectile at 2700 fps, hitting targets 24 miles away.

If my calculations are correct, that's 235,000,000 ft-lbs of energy.

They're pretty much correct

What round for spiders? This fucking round....

Posted: 12/14/2012 8:00:24 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:

Quoted:
1588 Spanish Armada vs. an Iowa class battleship. Who wins?

I am pretty sure I could win that one without a shot. "Ramming Speed"

Spanaish Armada versus Taffy 3?

Considering an Iowa class BB could engage those slow ass targets from beyond the horizon without ever having been seen, and then close in and clean up with the multiple 5" guns, yeah, the Spanish would probably consider their fleets destruction as an act of God....

Posted: 12/14/2012 8:08:38 AM EDT

[#18]

I've always wanted to see one of them light off in person. Toured a couple of them over the years, always impressive.

Posted: 12/14/2012 8:30:13 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
1588 Spanish Armada vs. an Iowa class battleship. Who wins?

The five inch guns alone would ruin the Armada.

Posted: 12/14/2012 8:51:12 AM EDT

[#20]

How low do those 40mm bofors elevate? They'd be perfect, 5 inchers are complete overkill. HE rounds would probably pass through a wooden ship of the line before detonating.

Posted: 12/14/2012 8:58:10 AM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:

[edit political crap about Navy politics -changed my mind - let's talk about the guns!]

Read this article if you want to see the politics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Iowa_turret_explosion

I have the honor of having Steve Skelley as a good friend. Steve and I served together for his last tour on active duty and I was his liberty buddy for every port visit. Steve is the most knowledgeable person I know on naval gunnery. After his tour on WISKY he was the historian assigned to Dahlgren, and he executed the most detailed inventory of the gun components scatttered all over that base. I never asked Steve any questions about IOWA, since I figured if he had anything to say about it he would tell me in his own time and in his own way. I can say that I know Steve pretty well, and the shipmate I know would have never put his sailors in danger.

Posted: 12/14/2012 9:08:24 AM EDT

[#22]

Great thread and timely too. I have been in the Philadelphia area for the past few days on business and wrapped up a customer visit a little early today in Cherry Hil, NJ. So with about 30-45 min to kill on my way back to the Philadelphia airport I decided to stop and see the USS New Jersey. Unfortunatly its closed during the day, but I was able to walk the pier and take a few pictures. I've never seen a BB up close and what an awesome sight. I'll post my pics as soon as I get home.

Posted: 12/14/2012 9:38:06 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

Quoted:
1588 Spanish Armada vs. an Iowa class battleship. Who wins?

I am pretty sure I could win that one without a shot. "Ramming Speed"

Spanaish Armada versus Taffy 3?

Considering an Iowa class BB could engage those slow ass targets from beyond the horizon without ever having been seen, and then close in and clean up with the multiple 5" guns, yeah, the Spanish would probably consider their fleets destruction as an act of God....

Taffy 3 would be destroyer escorts and jeep carriers.

Posted: 12/14/2012 9:39:17 AM EDT

[#24]

Quoted:

Two TDY fucks from Ft Worth Texas landed in Okinawa, and allegedly followed a JN home and robbed and raped her a couple of months ago.

It's always the retards on Okinawa.......always.

Posted: 12/14/2012 12:52:44 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:

Quoted:

nope, I better have my ass in my house by 2300.. not en route... but IN. The shit sandwich was started by two TDY Navy Reserve assholes who had a one night layover in Japan and decided to rape someone "Allegedly".. then other dumbasses decided we didnt have enough heat on us so silly shit like B&E, B&E with assault on a kid, sexual assault, DUI, alcohol related incidents etc. etc. kept happening by all but the Army (this time). 8 months to go till PCS.

Do the curfews and bans on booze apply to dependents of SM's stationed in the AOR?

my understanding is all SOFA status personnel but there have been so may fucking changes and so many different variations that even the "easy bullet" layout takes a lawyer to decipher.

Honestly? I have no fucking clue. There have been so many messages, and emails, and "clarifications" and policy changes that I can't keep up with them anymore, no matter how hard I try. I have no SOFA dependents, and none of the people that work for me have SOFA dependents, so I simply eliminate that particular issue from my give-a-fuck-o-meter.

Posted: 12/14/2012 12:54:22 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

Holy fuck thats a crazy level of stupid. So I take it no taking the wife out to a late dinner and a movie? Or really doing anything.

Nobody is going to want to go to that AOR from any service.

That's about where it is right now.

Posted: 12/14/2012 1:17:07 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:

Quoted:

As far as I know, no 16" Mark VII were mounted in shore mounts, with the exception of some ordnance used for tests and the HARP project. There were both Army and Navy 16" guns mounted in disappearing mounts as coastal batteries, but they were earlier guns.

You're probably right. I know they had 16" shore batteries - but not sure what Mark they were. Makes sense to have the best ones on the boats, and use the old stuff for on-shore.

10" disappearing gun from Ft Casey, up where I live. Gun is actually from a base in the Philippines, and still shows damage from the bombing.

Posted: 12/14/2012 2:59:21 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:

Quoted:
As far as I know, no 16" Mark VII were mounted in shore mounts, with the exception of some ordnance used for tests and the HARP project. There were both Army and Navy 16" guns mounted in disappearing mounts as coastal batteries, but they were earlier guns.

You're probably right. I know they had 16" shore batteries - but not sure what Mark they were. Makes sense to have the best ones on the boats, and use the old stuff for on-shore.

10" disappearing gun from Ft Casey, up where I live. Gun is actually from a base in the Philippines, and still shows damage from the bombing.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Fort_Casey_Disappearing_gun.jpg

probably Corregidor, which is a humbling island to visit. There are multiple Disappearing guns, some huge mortars and a few other WWI era artillery pieces.

Posted: 12/14/2012 3:18:05 PM EDT

[#29]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I always wondered how much trouble/what kind of task was involved with unloading a shell from the barrel.

I mean, you're engaging a target, you load/reload several times, and finally are told to stand down. You've got to have several barrels loaded at that point that need to be made safe....
And then you've got the rotator band engaging the rifling, I know it's got to be snug.

As I understand it, that never happened. Once the projectile is rammed in, they WILL fire. It's the only way to get the projectile out
of the barrel, at least while at sea.

There is no mechanism on the ship for withdrawing the projectile. It would not be reusable in any event due to the rifling imprinted
on the driving bands.

If it goes in, it will be fired.

I remember when turret two exploded on the Iowa, the projectile lodged several feet up in the bore of the gun. It was finally removed by beating it out from the muzzle end of the gun, back into the breech. I believe copious amounts of WD40 were used.

Posted: 12/14/2012 3:42:07 PM EDT

[#30]

Pics of the USS New Jersey. Simply awesome to see.

Posted: 12/14/2012 5:49:32 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I always wondered how much trouble/what kind of task was involved with unloading a shell from the barrel.

I mean, you're engaging a target, you load/reload several times, and finally are told to stand down. You've got to have several barrels loaded at that point that need to be made safe....
And then you've got the rotator band engaging the rifling, I know it's got to be snug.

As I understand it, that never happened. Once the projectile is rammed in, they WILL fire. It's the only way to get the projectile out
of the barrel, at least while at sea.

There is no mechanism on the ship for withdrawing the projectile. It would not be reusable in any event due to the rifling imprinted
on the driving bands.

If it goes in, it will be fired.

I remember when turret two exploded on the Iowa, the projectile lodged several feet up in the bore of the gun. It was finally removed by beating it out from the muzzle end of the gun, back into the breech. I believe copious amounts of WD40 were used.

Break-Free, actually ...

Posted: 12/14/2012 6:27:38 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:

How low do those 40mm bofors elevate? They'd be perfect, 5 inchers are complete overkill. HE rounds would probably pass through a wooden ship of the line before detonating.

I've seen photos of them shooting at kamikaze Zeros coming in below the level of the main deck, so the answer is "probably below the waterline".

Posted: 12/15/2012 4:34:53 AM EDT

[#33]

My father did a 30 day rotation aboard the Jersey off Beruit. Well, actually only two weeks off Beruit before they left and then he hit the French Riviera, NIce, and a couple places I cant remember right now. He was a Reservist who volunteered to replace some AD guys so they could take leave. Remember this was a shake down cruise interrupted by the events over there that ended up lasting 11 mos. so they were taking old hats who had time in older systems (Dad did two tours off Nam, 66 and 68, I am the product of his homecoming in 66) and pops jumped at the chance.

Most treasured photo I have of my pops, he is in his dress blues posed in front of the Marines 5" Mount with the EGA in black painted on the turret between the barrels.

Posted: 12/15/2012 4:43:26 AM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:

Great thread and timely too. I have been in the Philadelphia area for the past few days on business and wrapped up a customer visit a little early today in Cherry Hil, NJ. So with about 30-45 min to kill on my way back to the Philadelphia airport I decided to stop and see the USS New Jersey. Unfortunatly its closed during the day, but I was able to walk the pier and take a few pictures. I've never seen a BB up close and what an awesome sight. I'll post my pics as soon as I get home.

Shame you didn't get to go on board.

Their opening hours are weird:

Jan. 1 - Feb. 1

Closed for tours

Feb. 2 - March 31:

Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 am - 3 pm

April 1 - April 30:

Every day, 9:30 am - 3 pm

May 1 - Sept. 3:

Every day, 9:30 am - 5 pm

Sept 4 - Oct. 31:

Every day, 9:30 am - 3 pm

Nov 1 - Dec. 31*:

Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 am - 3 pm

Posted: 12/15/2012 5:43:18 AM EDT

[#35]

Quoted:
I have always been amazed that the turrets never were attached to the ship but merely rested in the ring with gravity.

I was reading the other day, about the British mini sub attack on the Tirpitz in Altenfijord, Norway. One of the effects of the mines going off under Tirpitz, was that A and C turrets were lifted off their roller paths, which disabled both.

Posted: 12/16/2012 3:03:29 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:
Most treasured photo I have of my pops, he is in his dress blues posed in front of the Marines 5" Mount with the EGA in black painted on the turret between the barrels.

Post it up.

Posted: 12/17/2012 3:39:35 AM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:

Quoted:

You fuckers are trying to ruin my holiday season, aren't you?

At least you aren't in 7th Fleet right now, those guys are getting nothing but coal in their stockings.

Tell me about it.

I'm using my GI Bill right now, but did my time in 7th Fleet (and loved it), but my buddies out there tell me they've gone full retard.

I feel bad for y'all, I remember a captain's call every time some dipshit fucked up in Roppongi but they've taken it to a whole 'nother level of draconian now.

That about covers it.

I'm using my GI Bill as well, but while I'm on active duty. Starting back to school for my MS in a couple of weeks.

Right on Chief. I made 2nd two years in and decided to move on. I loved 7th Fleet but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

It leaves a sour taste in my mouth every day, and I'm not going to be able to leave for a while. At least the money is good.

The money is good and hopefully the food makes up for it a little bit; I'd kill for some beef bowl, sushi-go'round, or CoCo's right now.

7th Fleet is already hectic enough, I couldn't believe it when I heard that the new "liberty policy" applied to all Khakis, as if it wasn't bad enough already.

Seventeen years in the Navy, never a liberty incident once, and I have a curfew just like a first-year seaman. Gotta love it.

Food's awesome, I'm doing tuna steaks tonight.

WUT!!!

All Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers (Not sure if there are any of those) in the 7th Fleet AOR are now under a 2300-0500 curfew and a 2200-0800 alcohol consumption ban. TAD/TDY personnel are restricted to the base. Geo bachelors cannot sleep anywhere but on the ship.

Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

Damn...that is actually worse than I had as an E-4/E-5 during deployments in the mid-'60s. We called it "Cinderella Liberty". We were issued liberty cards that had to be presented at the quarterdeck upon departure. Some ships collected them at the Q-deck upon return. Otherwise we turned them in every morning at muster to the LPO. Fuck up and you lost your card for the day...week...whatever. Saved a lot on mast cases. Enlisted had to wear uniforms ashore. Officers and Chiefs could and did wear civvies. Depending on your rank, you might be able to stay out after midnight.

Does your "curfew" mean you have to be back on the ship...or just "off the street"?

Posted: 12/17/2012 3:40:37 AM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Curfew is essentially absolute. Cannot leave base, cannot leave off-base residence if an off base residence is authorized, between those hours.

and it fucking SUCKS! I live off base and cannot have anyone over to drink.

Same, and I agree.

Ohhhh...I get it now. Disregard my last query. Damn...

Posted: 12/17/2012 1:16:20 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:

Damn...that is actually worse than I had as an E-4/E-5 during deployments in the mid-'60s. We called it "Cinderella Liberty". We were issued liberty cards that had to be presented at the quarterdeck upon departure. Some ships collected them at the Q-deck upon return. Otherwise we turned them in every morning at muster to the LPO. Fuck up and you lost your card for the day...week...whatever. Saved a lot on mast cases. Enlisted had to wear uniforms ashore. Officers and Chiefs could and did wear civvies. Depending on your rank, you might be able to stay out after midnight.

Does your "curfew" mean you have to be back on the ship...or just "off the street"?

Yeah, we had a liberty card program. Now we're just all Seamen again.

Posted: 12/17/2012 1:23:51 PM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
http://www.nps.gov/goga/historyculture/new-gun.htm

New Gun for Battery Townsley

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/banner-gun-photo.jpg

A 16-inch gun barrel being moved through San Francisco, circa 1939.

PARC, GGNRA

It's huge, it's heavy, and it's historic!

On October 1, 2012, a 16-inch naval gun was transported to Fort Cronkhite for display at Battery Townsley. The giant weapon, 68 feet long and weighing 120 tons, was once on the battleship USS Missouri and is identical in size and caliber to the ones that protected the bay during World War II.

The gun is now displayed outside Battery Townsley, while plans are developed to fabricate a replica gun carriage inside the casemate (south gun room).

The 16-inch gun barrel, designated U.S. Navy Mark VII #386, is a key interpretive feature of Fort Cronkhite, helping tell the stories of Battery Townsley and the men who served here and at the other harbor defense sites during World War II, as well as the military's role in preserving the future Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

-----------------

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/Barrel-386-on-Missouri-at-Tokyo-Bay.jpg

16-inch gun #386 aboard USS MISSOURI during the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945. The barrel was removed from the battleship turret during the Korean War and put into storage.

No way! I was just there in August and didn't hear anything about it.

That is awesome. If they can get that carriage made that will be the only 16" restored coastal battery in the US. I can't wait.

Posted: 12/17/2012 1:57:46 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:

Quoted:

http://www.nps.gov/goga/historyculture/new-gun.htm

New Gun for Battery Townsley

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/banner-gun-photo.jpg

A 16-inch gun barrel being moved through San Francisco, circa 1939.

PARC, GGNRA

It's huge, it's heavy, and it's historic!

On October 1, 2012, a 16-inch naval gun was transported to Fort Cronkhite for display at Battery Townsley. The giant weapon, 68 feet long and weighing 120 tons, was once on the battleship USS Missouri and is identical in size and caliber to the ones that protected the bay during World War II.

The gun is now displayed outside Battery Townsley, while plans are developed to fabricate a replica gun carriage inside the casemate (south gun room).

The 16-inch gun barrel, designated U.S. Navy Mark VII #386, is a key interpretive feature of Fort Cronkhite, helping tell the stories of Battery Townsley and the men who served here and at the other harbor defense sites during World War II, as well as the military's role in preserving the future Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

-----------------

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/Barrel-386-on-Missouri-at-Tokyo-Bay.jpg

16-inch gun #386 aboard USS MISSOURI during the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945. The barrel was removed from the battleship turret during the Korean War and put into storage.

No way! I was just there in August and didn't hear anything about it.

That is awesome. If they can get that carriage made that will be the only 16" restored coastal battery in the US. I can't wait.

I want to know why it was removed and put into storage...

I mean, it's not like 'they' were just sitting around with a spare crane and a warehouse, and wondering what they could put into storage.

Posted: 12/17/2012 2:05:56 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:

Quoted:
http://www.nps.gov/goga/historyculture/new-gun.htm

New Gun for Battery Townsley

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/banner-gun-photo.jpg

A 16-inch gun barrel being moved through San Francisco, circa 1939.

PARC, GGNRA

It's huge, it's heavy, and it's historic!

On October 1, 2012, a 16-inch naval gun was transported to Fort Cronkhite for display at Battery Townsley. The giant weapon, 68 feet long and weighing 120 tons, was once on the battleship USS Missouri and is identical in size and caliber to the ones that protected the bay during World War II.

The gun is now displayed outside Battery Townsley, while plans are developed to fabricate a replica gun carriage inside the casemate (south gun room).

The 16-inch gun barrel, designated U.S. Navy Mark VII #386, is a key interpretive feature of Fort Cronkhite, helping tell the stories of Battery Townsley and the men who served here and at the other harbor defense sites during World War II, as well as the military's role in preserving the future Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

-----------------

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/Barrel-386-on-Missouri-at-Tokyo-Bay.jpg

16-inch gun #386 aboard USS MISSOURI during the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945. The barrel was removed from the battleship turret during the Korean War and put into storage.

No way! I was just there in August and didn't hear anything about it.

That is awesome. If they can get that carriage made that will be the only 16" restored coastal battery in the US. I can't wait.

I want to know why it was removed and put into storage...

I mean, it's not like 'they' were just sitting around with a spare crane and a warehouse, and wondering what they could put into storage.

Probably to replace it with a new one.

Posted: 12/17/2012 2:11:21 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:

Quoted:
http://www.nps.gov/goga/historyculture/new-gun.htm

New Gun for Battery Townsley

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/banner-gun-photo.jpg

A 16-inch gun barrel being moved through San Francisco, circa 1939.

PARC, GGNRA

It's huge, it's heavy, and it's historic!

On October 1, 2012, a 16-inch naval gun was transported to Fort Cronkhite for display at Battery Townsley. The giant weapon, 68 feet long and weighing 120 tons, was once on the battleship USS Missouri and is identical in size and caliber to the ones that protected the bay during World War II.

The gun is now displayed outside Battery Townsley, while plans are developed to fabricate a replica gun carriage inside the casemate (south gun room).

The 16-inch gun barrel, designated U.S. Navy Mark VII #386, is a key interpretive feature of Fort Cronkhite, helping tell the stories of Battery Townsley and the men who served here and at the other harbor defense sites during World War II, as well as the military's role in preserving the future Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

-----------------

http://www.nps.gov/goga/images/Barrel-386-on-Missouri-at-Tokyo-Bay.jpg

16-inch gun #386 aboard USS MISSOURI during the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945. The barrel was removed from the battleship turret during the Korean War and put into storage.

No way! I was just there in August and didn't hear anything about it.

That is awesome. If they can get that carriage made that will be the only 16" restored coastal battery in the US. I can't wait.

I want to know why it was removed and put into storage...

I mean, it's not like 'they' were just sitting around with a spare crane and a warehouse, and wondering what they could put into storage.

Periodicaly, gun tubes were removed, re-lined, and modified to the latest standard. They were then held in storage for future use.

Posted: 12/17/2012 4:52:07 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:

I want to know why it was removed and put into storage...

I mean, it's not like 'they' were just sitting around with a spare crane and a warehouse, and wondering what they could put into storage.

Periodicaly, gun tubes were removed, re-lined, and modified to the latest standard. They were then held in storage for future use.

Wouldn't you think it'd be a lot like replacing the tires on your hoopty?

"Well, all 4 have been on this thing for the past 53,000 miles, but I'm only going to replace one of them..."

I'd just assume that by the time you'd reached a certain down-the-tube round count on any one rifle barrel - you're probably pretty close to the same number on several other barrels.

I'm not trying to get into a pissing match with anybody, I'm just a schmoe soaking up the wisdom of guys who've done and seen things I've only read about. And my brain only has just so much context to compare stuff to.

Posted: 12/17/2012 4:56:34 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

I want to know why it was removed and put into storage...

I mean, it's not like 'they' were just sitting around with a spare crane and a warehouse, and wondering what they could put into storage.

Periodicaly, gun tubes were removed, re-lined, and modified to the latest standard. They were then held in storage for future use.

Wouldn't you think it'd be a lot like replacing the tires on your hoopty?
"Well, all 4 have been on this thing for the past 53,000 miles, but I'm only going to replace one of them..."

I'd just assume that by the time you'd reached a certain down-the-tube round count on any one rifle barrel - you're probably pretty close to the same number on several other barrels.

I'm not trying to get into a pissing match with anybody, I'm just a schmoe soaking up the wisdom of guys who've done and seen things I've only read about. And my brain only has just so much context to compare stuff to.

Originally, the rifled liners of guns like this were only good for around 300 shots, depending upon the type of round and charge. Usually, for training, you didn't fire full broadsides, so it was possible for one gun to hit that number earlier than the other two in the turret.

Later in the life of the Iowas, the use of "swedish formula" ( I think some combination of wax and titanium dioxide) and polyethylene bag liners drastically reduced liner wear.

Posted: 12/17/2012 5:00:47 PM EDT

[#46]

My dad (fire control technician, incidentally) was on the John Paul Jones (DDG-32) in Westpac during Vietnam.

I don't remember the fine details, but he said beggar boats would come up to the ship and ask for brass cannon casings. He said someone once just threw one down at a little boat, sinking the boat.

Posted: 12/17/2012 6:35:07 PM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Damn...that is actually worse than I had as an E-4/E-5 during deployments in the mid-'60s. We called it "Cinderella Liberty". We were issued liberty cards that had to be presented at the quarterdeck upon departure. Some ships collected them at the Q-deck upon return. Otherwise we turned them in every morning at muster to the LPO. Fuck up and you lost your card for the day...week...whatever. Saved a lot on mast cases. Enlisted had to wear uniforms ashore. Officers and Chiefs could and did wear civvies. Depending on your rank, you might be able to stay out after midnight.

Does your "curfew" mean you have to be back on the ship...or just "off the street"?

Yeah, we had a liberty card program. Now we're just all Seamen again.

Speak for yourself.. I'm an Airman now.

Posted: 12/17/2012 6:44:55 PM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Damn...that is actually worse than I had as an E-4/E-5 during deployments in the mid-'60s. We called it "Cinderella Liberty". We were issued liberty cards that had to be presented at the quarterdeck upon departure. Some ships collected them at the Q-deck upon return. Otherwise we turned them in every morning at muster to the LPO. Fuck up and you lost your card for the day...week...whatever. Saved a lot on mast cases. Enlisted had to wear uniforms ashore. Officers and Chiefs could and did wear civvies. Depending on your rank, you might be able to stay out after midnight.

Does your "curfew" mean you have to be back on the ship...or just "off the street"?

Yeah, we had a liberty card program. Now we're just all Seamen again.

Speak for yourself.. I'm an Airman now.

Is there a difference?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The BIG guns - 16" battleship cannons (Page 5 of 5)

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