We Got the IOWA

**Dreadnought** · 08 May 12,, 23:16

I think what you would find is that the Captain supported his gun crews and Iowas guns were quite accurate at practice as referenced in the hearings.

The questionable powder/shell combination points remained the same. All we know is that something happened while the breech was open. What is was has been a matter of speculation and conjecture since the accident. They will probably never know. R.I.P Iowas 47!

**blackzz28** · 09 May 12,, 16:53

dread, thanks for the reply . i have noticed that turret explosions in us navy seam to always happen in turret #2
the newport news
the missippi twice , thats gotta be a bit odd dont you think

**ChrisV71** · 09 May 12,, 19:52

Originally Posted by blackzz28

dread, thanks for the reply . i have noticed that turret explosions in us navy seam to always happen in turret #2
the newport news
the missippi twice , thats gotta be a bit odd dont you think

That's the most commonly used turret, if I'm not mistaken, and typically used first for spotting purposes. (see post #297 in this thread)

Originally Posted by RustyBattleship

We did have to change out the center barrel of Turret II on New Jersey due to an erosion pit in the rifling caused by firing many more rounds than the other guns because it was used for the first spotting round before the rest of the guns could open up in salvo or battery fire.

**Dreadnought** · 10 May 12,, 01:12

Originally Posted by blackzz28

dread, thanks for the reply . i have noticed that turret explosions in us navy seam to always happen in turret #2
the newport news
the missippi twice , thats gotta be a bit odd dont you think

Different guns different circumstances. The Iowas are 16" with powder bag and manual load. The Newport News like her sisters Des Moines and Salem had "Auto 8's" 8" auto loading with affixed charge.

Mississippi was a 14" manual load.

It has happened even to the 12" guns aboard USS Princeton in the mid 1800's and smaller guns as well.

**RustyBattleship** · 10 May 12,, 02:12

Originally Posted by Dreadnought

Different guns different circumstances. The Iowas are 16" with powder bag and manual load. The Newport News like her sisters Des Moines and Salem had "Auto 8's" 8" auto loading with affixed charge.

Mississippi was a 14" manual load.

It has happened even to the 12" guns aboard USS Princeton in the mid 1800's and smaller guns as well.

The turret explosion on the Newport News was not due to propellent. The 8-inch round itself exploded while still in the barrel. The trunions also broke loose and the breach dropped down to put the barrel at full elevation. It remained that way until all studies and investigations were done and then permanently removed from the turret. However, as I was told, the left and right guns were still operable.

**Dreadnought** · 11 May 12,, 04:08

Originally Posted by RustyBattleship

The turret explosion on the Newport News was not due to propellent. The 8-inch round itself exploded while still in the barrel. The trunions also broke loose and the breach dropped down to put the barrel at full elevation. It remained that way until all studies and investigations were done and then permanently removed from the turret. However, as I was told, the left and right guns were still operable.

Agreed Mr L. The very same could be said of Bismarks 15" right gun in turret Dora. It exploded internally and bannana peeled the gun.

**RustyBattleship** · 11 May 12,, 18:47

Originally Posted by Dreadnought

Agreed Mr L. The very same could be said of Bismarks 15" right gun in turret Dora. It exploded internally and bannana peeled the gun.

One of the books I have (no time to dig it out now and scan the photo) shows the Missouri firing at night with one of her 16-inch shells exploding nust a couple of hundred feet away from the barrel.

The Massachusetts at the Battle of Casablanca had a problem with the base fuses unscrew themselves in mid-flight. So when dealing with large caliber Ordnance, missing the tiniest detail in manufacture or loading can lead to either a dud or a dead.

**USSWisconsin** · 11 May 12,, 19:23

Those big guns were intended to be scary (to the enemy) - and they got it right, they certainly are, in more than a few ways.

**Ken_NJ** · 13 May 12,, 06:19

Nothing new, just a new article at the Navy Times about the Iowa coming to it's new home.

Battleship Iowa on voyage to its new home - Navy News | Navy Times

**Daniel_B** · 14 May 12,, 06:47

Just found a cool video showing a Huey landing on the Iowa's helo pad today:

Huey helicopter landing on the USS Iowa on May 13. - YouTube

But what really caught my attention was that if you pause it at the 4:07 mark, in the background on the parking lot it looks like you can see an SPS-49, 4 CIWS, and maybe even 4 ABLs. Wow, she's gonna be looking nearly complete by the time she leaves next week, isn't she?

**Ken_NJ** · 14 May 12,, 23:48

Nice photo essay of the Iowa from the beginning to today. #33 is pretty impressive going through a lock in the Panama canal.

The battleship Iowa 1942-2012 - Photos and Video - Visual Storytelling from the Los Angeles Times

**Dreadnought** · 15 May 12,, 00:14

Originally Posted by RustyBattleship

One of the books I have (no time to dig it out now and scan the photo) shows the Missouri firing at night with one of her 16-inch shells exploding nust a couple of hundred feet away from the barrel.

The Massachusetts at the Battle of Casablanca had a problem with the base fuses unscrew themselves in mid-flight. So when dealing with large caliber Ordnance, missing the tiniest detail in manufacture or loading can lead to either a dud or a dead.

I have a book with the very same picture of Mo's premature detonation.

**Dreadnought** · 15 May 12,, 00:16

Originally Posted by Daniel_B

Just found a cool video showing a Huey landing on the Iowa's helo pad today:

Huey helicopter landing on the USS Iowa on May 13. - YouTube

But what really caught my attention was that if you pause it at the 4:07 mark, in the background on the parking lot it looks like you can see an SPS-49, 4 CIWS, and maybe even 4 ABLs. Wow, she's gonna be looking nearly complete by the time she leaves next week, isn't she?

Chances are she will still need the Mk 144 RGM-84 launchers. I didnt see them.