And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Still in dry dock, but plan to refloat in March. Last dry dock tour was two days ago. Still needs topside work and its normal resting place is being worked on as well.
I agree, John. I was there about 5 years ago and the Massachusetts was indeed a mess. Topside, rust was everywhere. Obviously, the people of Massachusetts aren't embarrassed so I was embarrassed for them. As mentioned below, if anyone wants to see a battleship that has been given proper attention, travel to Wilmington, NC, and tour the USS North Carolina. It is a jewel.
USS Massachusetts, I was there over forty years ago and I wasn't impressed with the maintenance and appearance then. It was a treaty battleship and had many limitations in armor but had a good rate of speed.
Visited the North Caroline BB 55 in Sept with my grandson and SIL. What a time we had. The turrets are amazing. He had so much fun he actually took a nap. Sure put the little tin can I was on in a different light. Highly recommended maxx
IIRC from my books the Royal Navy had around 50 men for a two-gun turret in WWI most of whom were below the turret. The great danger was that a hit on the turret or a breech flash would explode a shell or ignite the powder in the elevator which would then ignite the powder in the magazine so there were multiple stages separated by flash-proof doors and scuttles.
Battleship Texas. Now permanently moored and exhibited in San Jacinto State Park, near Houston
ReplyDeleteBucket list is to tour a battleship
DeleteIs it out of dry dock now?
DeleteStill in dry dock, but plan to refloat in March. Last dry dock tour was two days ago. Still needs topside work and its normal resting place is being worked on as well.
DeleteWebsite: https://battleshiptexas.org/
To Matthew W - If you have not already visited "Battleship Row" outside of Boston, do not bother. The USS Massachusetts is a digraceful mess.
DeleteWith that said, the USS New Jersey outside of Philly is a dream come true.
I agree, John. I was there about 5 years ago and the Massachusetts was indeed a mess. Topside, rust was everywhere. Obviously, the people of Massachusetts aren't embarrassed so I was embarrassed for them. As mentioned below, if anyone wants to see a battleship that has been given proper attention, travel to Wilmington, NC, and tour the USS North Carolina. It is a jewel.
DeleteUSS Massachusetts, I was there over forty years ago and I wasn't impressed with the maintenance and appearance then. It was a treaty battleship and had many limitations in armor but had a good rate of speed.
DeleteThe USS Iowa (BB-61) tour in San Peedro* is ★★★★★ recommended.
Delete*(not a typo. Stay upwind of the town as much as possible otherwise.)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Texas_(BB-35)#:~:text=Everyday%20operations%20and%20maintenance%20of,repair%20project%20is%20still%20underway.
ReplyDeleteMore on the dry dock toward the bottom of the page.
The hand lettered banner is an excellent piece of work.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how the gunnery contest was scored.
Visited the North Caroline BB 55 in Sept with my grandson and SIL. What a time we had. The turrets are amazing. He had so much fun he actually took a nap. Sure put the little tin can I was on in a different light. Highly recommended
ReplyDeletemaxx
Great way to see Greater Wilmington. Best afternoon all that summer.
DeleteNorth Carolina is a good visit. Also the USS Alabama
DeleteIIRC from my books the Royal Navy had around 50 men for a two-gun turret in WWI most of whom were below the turret. The great danger was that a hit on the turret or a breech flash would explode a shell or ignite the powder in the elevator which would then ignite the powder in the magazine so there were multiple stages separated by flash-proof doors and scuttles.
ReplyDeleteThere are videos of course
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoljOzJ6HQE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC9g9WkDS-4
Al_in_Ottawa
Wasn't Texas the ship that counterflooded some compartments in order to fire longer range and reach the Germans during D-Day?
ReplyDeleteThe Texas flooded some torpedo shield(s) to get added range.
DeleteToured the USS Iowa down in south California a few years ago. What an impressive ship. I did want to go down below decks but, that wasn't allowed.
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a cutaway of an Iowa class battleship turret. It claimed 75 men to be fully manned.
ReplyDelete