>>64213431 (OP)
One thing I've always wondered about the Iowa reactivations is if they installed autoloaders for the 16 inchers. If not, they probably had to get some old fuck who swore to never be in one of the turrets again to come back and teach the new guys how to do it lmao
>>64213445
They had a sort of semi-automatic loading, the breeches were mechanized and they had a chain-driven rammer and bag tray, along with a bag/shell elevator, but that's necessary anyhow given the shells weigh as much as a small car. I don't know the particulars of training but some anon probably does.
>>64213453
I don't live near anywhere near any museum ships, and my interest in naval history is passing at best. That being said, it might be fun but I'm not sure I'd be able to convince my family to go on one and they're not really near any other potential vacation destinations
>>64213467
Brother, these ships are in Philly, LA, and Hawaii. Norfolk I'll grant probably isn't high on the list, but you should see one. They are objectively cool.
It's a shame the Des Moines class ships were stationed in the Mediterranean; if they had been in the Pacific they would have had a chance to show off their impressive automatic guns.
