USS Missouri (BB-63) WWII Color Photographs Part III

Missouri firing from Turret One during her shakedown cruise in August, 1944. The heat and pressure of the guns disturbs the surface of the water during firing, which has led to the misconception that the ship was pushed sideways by the recoil. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4546)

A sailor adjusts one of the “bloomers” of a 16” gun. The bloomers were rubberized canvas over a metal frame and were designed to keep wind and spray from entering the Turret. During firing, the guns recoiled 4 feet (1.22 meters), which required the greasing of the barrel to ensure the bloomer frame didn’t bind, as seen here. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4535)

Missouri’s Commanding Officer, Captain William M. Callaghan is seen on his bridge. On the starboard side of the bridge was a single chair, which was reserved for the exclusive use of her Captain. The bridge was provided with windows which could be rolled down to prevent breakage during gun shoots. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4536)

A view from inside the 04-level bridge showing Captain Callaghan with his Officer of the Deck, LT Morris R. Eddy, and Yeoman First Class Arthur Colton. The Iowa class was normally conned from the O4-level bridge, but had additional conning stations on the O5 and O8 levels. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4537)

Missouri’s Executive Officer, CDR Jacob E. Cooper seen on the 05-level bridge prior to a gun shoot. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4538)

The 40mm quad Bofors mount on top of Turret Two. The forward turrets are trained to port, while the Bofors guns are trained to the rear of the Turret which gives an odd impression. In the background is USS Alaska (CB-1). (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-5579)

Gunner’s Mate Second Class Charles J. Hansen works on a Bofors gun. This is mount 13, as is painted on the gun shield. Hansen was a survivor of the sinking of the heavy cruiser USS Vincennes (CA-44), sunk during the Battle of Savo Island on 09AUG42. The tattoo on his right shoulder commemorates his fallen shipmates. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4510)

A view from the superstructure showing several signal flags and the two most forward 5”/38 mounts on the port side. Note “Mount #2” painted on the roof of the mount to the right. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4571)

Yeoman Third Class Betty Martin exiting the rear of 5”/38 Mount #9, which is painted on the side of the mount to the right. This view shows several details of the back of the Mark 28 twin mounts. These mounts were protected against shell splinters by a 2.5” (63.5mm) armored gunhouse. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4570)

Sailors man one of Missouri’s 36” (91.5 cm) searchlights. (U.S. Navy 80-G-K-4560)

Part I here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2022/08/31/uss-missouri-bb-63-wwii-color-photographs-part-i/