USS Iowa -- BB-61

[mtnmark]

@ttrompeter11 You have been blocked for your disrespect to this country's Military. Those were brave men that died, to protect YOUR freedom.

[THOMAS81Z]

they were brave men !!!! they should be honored !!

[43sabastin]

I was aboard the Coral Sea when that was occuring. It was a very sad and somber time.

[teller121]

The ugly truth is that with everything/one blown up/dead, NCIS couldn't prove the "scorned gay lover suicide" theory even if true. Therefore, navy apologized not because theory was "debunked," but because it was politically incorrect, esp. in light of not having overwhelming evidence...EVEN IF IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE BEST THEORY.

[mtnmark]

@teller121 -- Myself and many of the crews of both ships will tell you - HOGWASH. It was caused by very old gunpowder and a spark... please read all of the previous notes, and you will see this is NOT TRUE. Debunked a LONG time ago.

[teller121]

@mtnmark 1) Nothing in previous notes proves anything.

2) I'm not research expert but it seems strange that something you say is "Hogwash" was the theory put out by the navy at first. Why? They wanted to bash gays, or was there evidence of this being the cause? 3) As far as 40 y.o. powder, it seems incredible the navy wouldn't have prevented this when Iowa was recommissioned by issuing NEW powder, esp., on material so sensitive that gunners had to where special clothes to prevent sparks.

[mtnmark]

@teller121 -- You've obviously haven't served in the USN, your point 3 proves this. This video is a tribute to the brave men who DIED serving our country.

You are missing the entire point of the video.

Go "gay bashing" somewhere else, or I will have to block you & delete your posts...

God Bless America.

[rock7829]

@teller121 i agree with mtnmark..you don't know your elbow from your butt-hole dude. my best friend was killed in that explosion. and i saw both of the videos that the USN put out and all of the paperwork and everything else. it was clearly a naval mistake that should have never happened. God rest the IOWA 47 and all other service men and women. and btw get your facts STRAIGHT pal before you get your tail out of joint. your are a freaking idiot. sorry mtnmark for blowing my top. i apologize.

[knickknock4]

hard to imagine the iowa class was actually the initial response against the yamato.. its laughable, it cant even withstand its own main guns firepower unlike the yamato class, i cant even comprehend the number of instant deaths the iowa class wouldve had if the IJN A-150 class was ever made. i actually feel sry for their prideful soul [pride is a capital sin, if the US is really catholic/christian they should stop being proud.)

[mtnmark]

I served so you could have the right to say what you want to, but this is a tribute to the men who gave their lives for the US. Please respect these men, find a different forum for arguing/disparaging the US Navy.

[Tralgit]

@mtnmark What happened in Turret 2, I know they said it was a suicide by one of the sailors but I don't buy that.

[mtnmark]

@Tralgit --- No, please read all of the previous notes, and you will see this is NOT TRUE. Debunked a LONG time ago.

[Tralgit]

@mtnmark That's what I said, what happened??

[Tralgit]

@mtnmark Found it thanks, 40 years old powder bags? It's a crime.

[mtnmark]

@Tralgit --- Look at all the notes -- "See all posts"

[roflcoppter111]

iowa wasnt meant to go against yamato, iowa was designed as a fast battleship used to escort carriers. US waas planing to make the montana which was a larger version based off of the iowas, having 4 turrets of x3 16s. i think it is still in bedate who would have won yamato vs iowa but yamatos radar was no where near what the us had at the time and even though yamato had superior firepower, it couldnt use it accurately over range.

p.s dont flame me unless u have something to contribute. ty

[bruteforce76]

WHERE TURBINES SCREAM LIKE TORTURED SOULS, ALONE AND LOST IN HELL,

WITH ORDERS FROM SOMEWHERE ABOVE, THEY ANSWER EVERY BELL.

THESE "MEN OF STEEL" THE PUBLIC NEVER GETS TO KNOW.

SO LITTLE'S HEARD ABOUT THE PLACE THAT SAILORS CALL "THE HOLE".

BUT I CAN SING ABOUT THIS PLACE,AND TRY TO MAKE YOU SEE,

THE HARDENED LIFE OF MEN DOWN THERE, 'CAUSE ONE OF THEM WAS ME.

bt2 knox class-we do it with one good screw

[mtnmark]

Thanks to you and your family for your service and support for our veterans and our Country.

God Bless America.

[woodbinedrinker]

Wasn't it determined via evidence that a homosexual sailor sabotaged the magazine? The evidence was lost when Congress bent to gay pressure for a new investigation.

[mtnmark]

No, please read all of the previous notes, and you will see this is NOT TRUE. Debunked a LONG time ago.

[CenterOfThought]

I was on Iowa that day...had been onboard since 1986...God bless those 47guys and their families...

[YAMASAKIZUKI]

what exatly happened did the breach in the gun fail and release the powder explosion inside the turret

[mtnmark]

I believe the final version is that powder ignited from a static electricity spark, before the breach was closed.

[YAMASAKIZUKI]

well they probly didnt feel it when it happened at least they didnt suffer.

[jsmi033]

I was on the Coral Sea the same time you were, and was on the bridge crew for the fleet turnover on the 1989 med cruise, just before we pulled into Gela, Sicily, and like you, I've got some great pictures of the Iowa firing the big guns. I also remember that horrible day off Rosey Roads...steaming at almost 30 knots to help out, and how they had to close the milk locker, to server as a temp morgue. Sad day, indeed.

[mtnmark]

Thank you for your service for our Country.

God Bless America.

mark

[rascle4]

I was part of precommishing crew in MS.i say this ship at its worse and then at its best.REST IN PIECE

[mtnmark]

Thanks to your family for your service or support for our veterans and our Country.

God Bless America.

mark

[exacerbatedtaboo]

My dad was on that ship for a while. He was a boiler tech

[tomanyasses]

my dad was on the bb61 when it first sailed in ww2

[USSIowaBattleship61]

My Father was on the USS Essex CV-9

[dcooke1989]

how did the turrett explode?

[TheNiceMeanMan]

I think the final conclusion was that the chemicals in the powder bags had probably evaporated or changed during the 40 years since they were made. I know the Navy finally abandoned their charge concerning the murder-suicide theory that they initially brought forward. I know they did because they privately apologized the seamans family who they had falsely charged...the first time in their history that they offered an apology, in fact. I think a gun blow-back was discounted as well.

[shellz419]

As one of the families who lost a loved in the explosion, we still don't know what happened.

[jaytbuzzard]

I was on the USS Barney, DDG-6 at the time this happened. I was an FC2(SW). We had to move our ship from the pier the Iowa was coming to. I remember seeing her come into Norfolk with the turret still in the firing position. That was a terrible time. May God bless them all.

[fuelman524]

N1cholas240: Money can bring back most mechincal things, there inlay the problem. Pres. Reagan wanted a 900 ship navy and some in your face soviet counter actions. Thats why these men died. We shot powder that was left over from WW2. No to mention the old guns and ole gunnersmates they had to bring out of retiremant to teach someone how to load,shoot,clean these things. Missles are better... OS3 USS Iowa. OI division

[teller121]

@fuelman524 Years after this incident, two of Pres. Reagan's refurbished Iowa-class BBs pumped 1800+ 16" shells'' into the target zone without incident in the '91 Gulf War. (They had missiles mounted on them, as well.) Prior to the Iowa incident, I can't find record of an incident even during WWII where an Iowa-class BB had a cataclysmic explosion in a main gun turret. I'm just saying these things had a pretty good track record and a lot of navy brass with BB experience signed off on them.

[mqbitsko]

It pisses me off to this day that the Navy tried to frame one of their dead sailors. Scumbags.

[TheNiceMeanMan]

What they did wasn't right but they didn't want to lose these ships. I think that was the underlying motivation. The Iowas were very unpopular up on Capitol Hill at the time.

[killermcbee]

I was onboard during this video and during this explosion. I served on the Iowa from December 1988 to October 1990. I was standing on the signal bridge during the explosion, and remember vividly the event and the following 36 hours.

It was an awful experience, and mostly because of what the Navy said VS what the crew KNEW.

An awful experience.

I learned to not trust the government.

[mtnmark]

Thanks for your service to our Country.

God Bless America.

[N1cholas240]

Can they bring back the USS IOWA.

[sebf150]

Every one of these great ships should be preserved for the publics viewing. People should be able to see these pieces of american history, and acknowledge the sacrifices men made on these vessels.

[rtech580]

The Mare Island museum project for Iowa is in a little bit of doubt at this time. A company that dismantles ship wants to build next to where the Iowa would be moored. The museum needs $15-$20mil to move Iowa there, they only have $1mil so far. Good news is that Iowas three 16 inch gun turrets were painted in August. I hope that is a sign of things to come. Now that the DDX program has been canceled, the Navy, by law has to keep Iowa and Wisconsin in good condition.

[tomanyasses]

my dad served on the iowa bb61 during ww11

[tomanyasses]

ww2

[mtnmark]

God Bless him for fighting for our Freedom.

[Goyzy42315]

no ship is equal ti this vessel!

[mtnmark]

Thank you for the insight.

Thanks for your service to our Country.

God Bless America.

[anonguise]

Great vid. thanks for this.

I served on board the Iowa during the explosion and the cruise afterward. I was also on board for this last firing of the guns.

The cause as far as I know was not a spark, but pressure. The powder bags (5) weigh 110 lbs each and are pushed into the barrel mechanically. These compressed bags spontaneously erupted PRIOR to the breech being closed. By most accounts the 40 year old powder bags were rammed too hard and fast.

[rtech580]

I hope she finds a home soon. Nobody is taking care of her now is she is getting rusty.

[SCHRUBBE1966]

A GLIMPS OF HELL does not correctly explain the reasons for the turret explosion. No matter what anybody says about it. The crew thats killed can't be brought back. Commander in Chief of the pacific fleet at that time is ultimetly responsable for the mishap.

[killermcbee]

We were in the Atlantic Fleet

[battleship62]

a movie "A GLIMPS OF HELL" was made of this incident. avail on disc

[battleship62]

I was on the return leg of a 6 mo deployment with BB-62 USS New Jersey as a 16" Turret 2 gunners mate POIC lower powder handleing space when this happened to BB-61 I remember the investigation teams came aboard BB-62 to see what it looked like before the explosion. He told us the grusom story of what they found,some sailors died from smoke as they paniced to get out. drowned from the flooding of the turret from fire suppresion,some nothing but a pile of hamburger meat with pelvic bones.

[pete1munchen]

brilliant ship! pitty its boot ugly.

[uskat2000]

Man I forgot about that little gun ex! I was down in SWC on the Iowa that day. Love the pic you never get to see what your ship looks like fron inside the belly

[McDiezel]

I was onboard the USS Iowa in Copenhagen in the mid to late -80'th.Was the biggest and coolest ship I ever seen.

Will never forget that day!

I did not know about the accident, GB everyone who lost their lifes that day!

[MJGarafano]

I see the badges of the Coral Sea at the beginning of this video. Please tell me the significance.. I served aboard the Coral Sea for the 87-88 Deployment.

GM Geoff Schelin was my best friend aboard the Coral Sea, he was transferred to the Iowa shortly after our Med Cruise.

19 years later, I am still missing my best friend though I only knew him for 2 years. REST in Peace dear Friend. You will always be in my heart.

Just wanted to know why the badge was at the beginning of this video.

[mtnmark]

Two reason for the USS Coral Sea... I was on it, taking the photos of the Iowa, and the Coral Sea sent its EOD team in to clear out the turret.

I was stationed on the Coral Sea from 1986-1990, when it was decommissioned, taking its last two cruises, the 1987/88 & the 1990. 87/88 I worked in supply, generally up on the flight deck any time supplies and mail came in or went out.

~mz

[mtnmark]

so, that means we took the same cruise ;) I only did the first half, they sent me to school for the second half, then rejoined the ship when it got back to Norfolk. Navy brilliance at it's finest.

Friends made on a ship stay with you all your life. Friendship severed is never forgotten.

[rtech580]

I have read the turret was never completly repaired. New parts are inside the turret but not installed. Is this correct?

How bad was the damage?

[fartingnoises]

So whats the real cause of turrent #2 to explode and kill 47 sailors wow thats a sad moment right there.

[mtnmark]

to quote: SirMonkeyiii "that was the final verdict that static had ignited the gunpowder pack."

That was the last thing I heard. It was NOT a homosexual affair, as the NAVY first claimed, and the press (sorry RollingThunderHorse, not grouping you with the "others") kept hammering at.

on the other hand, Photo-Journalist RollingThunderHorse has a great tribute: to our Fallen Heros -- since I can't put a link in here, just go to my home page, and under "Subscribers" RollingThunderHorse

[starstar1a]

Salute

[mtnmark]

Thank You

[h1aa]

Battleships are funny things. They are very dated and probably fairly ineffective in modern warfare but they simply never fail to impress with their sheer lines and beauty and muscle. It must have been great to serve on one of the big ships.

[mtnmark]

I was the Aircraft Carrier USS Coral Sea, and it is from the same era, commissioned in 1946. So I got to see the "Top Guns" in person. pretty incredible ship in its own rights, but I agree, nothing beats the sound of the 16" guns lobbing 2,000 pound projectiles 25 miles away...

[h1aa]

I understand that charge of gun powder blew up while the breech was open.

[mtnmark]

Yes, I believe a static electricity spark caused the tragedy. ~m

[SirMonkeyiii]

that was the final verdict that static had ignited the gunpowder pack.

it was originally thought to be a suicide attempt from a sailor allegedly involved in a homosexual affair.

[pfriverrat]

and this is what sits waiting to fire. question our men and woman.

[toobie11]

Nicely done,Gents...I got off just before the explosion,thank god.I was an O.S manning the s.p.teles down to cic during gen qtrs in turret 2...

[mtnmark]

Thank you, and you were certainly a lucky man.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas to you,

mark

[mtnmark]

Opps,

Let's try "Fair Winds and Following Seas" my shipmates.

God Bless America.

[22steve5150]

also remember the bullshit story the navy told to cover for the fact that they werent using the right type of powder for the 16'' guns. making up some bullshit (no factual base whatsoever) story about some homo trying to committ suicide via explosion was an insult to all of those who died that day.

[mtnmark]

Yes, I am not proud of the NAVY for what they did to the families of the sailors [saying it was a distraught homosexual who committed suicide.] and the true story gets buried on page 43 when it finally comes out.

[PaulyCracker]

I didn't even know the truth until I read this now!

[GenericGene]

A moving post.

[mtnmark]

Thank you very much

[illinihacker]

good video

[mtnmark]

Thank You

[RollingThunderHorse]

Mark: Very nice tribute. I can't imagine what it was like to be on The USS Iowa that terrible day or the days that followed while coming home. God Bless

[JonG58]

Thanks guys,I was takling about the country at large. Yes there are those who were close to it that remember, but the news on April 19th are remberances for Waco, or Ok.City bombing. I think that it should be honered more. Also remember that as much as we went through, the families did too. My wife didn't know if I was ok for 2-3 days. Then the press afterward bugged us to death, and even at home my mother, sister were bugged for at least a couple of week.Thanks again! Sorry for venting.

[JonG58]

I was on the Iowa from 87 to 90. I was there that terable day and helped fight the fires. I knew many of those who died. It bothers me that they seem to be forgotten. Thank you for this tribute.

[mtnmark]

They will never be forgotten Jon, I've shared this with my kids, and now I have been telling 'sea stories' to my grandkids.

[blamy10]

I won't forget, Jon. I was there the day the ship pulled in, and I will never forget. I was very close to someone who had to put out the fire too, and I don't think he was ever the same after that.

[RollingThunderHorse]

Jon, They will never be forgotten. I did a tribute to the men as well.

[killermcbee]

I was onboard too.. maesscranking as an OSSN. I was on the signal bridge with a snipe who had never seen a gunshoot. What bugs me is that people still remember it for the what the Navy first said it was- a love triangle- and not what it really was 40 years of bad powder storage.

[N1cholas240]

Could a MK-48 sink the USS iowa.

[johnnyshark42]

I was on the USS Belknap(cg-26)sixth fleet flag at that time.I remember her the best.IOWA made the U.S.A. proud!

[mtnmark]

I am truly sorry for the loss of your friends, and our shipmates. the Chief Corpsman said clearing out the turret was worse than anything he saw in Vietnam.

Fair Winds, Calm Seas to all our shipmates.

[nolefan32]

Battleship Iowa was my first tour in the Navy. I'd transferred off a few months before the explosion, but the list of dead included several good friends, my brothers in uniform. BTW, I worked in PAO, so I was good friends with the photographers that took nearly all those shots you included from the archives, including the guy who shot the video of the explosion from the bridge wing.

[smartbomb66]

all pics were from wikipedia right?

[mtnmark]

@smartbomb66 -- #

mtnmark (uploader) No, the first few are from the Naval Archives, the photos afterwards are all ones I took personally. As I said in the video, I didn't know until later that I had photos of Turret #2 firing for the last time.

[boydb56]

Sad.

[BattleBornJackalope]

WOW! Most will never know the ultimate price we active and reserve pay for freedom.. this gives them a glimps I hope. -ABE2 (USS John C. Stennis Sailor)

2000-2005