Battleship Firepower: Private Tour of the USS Massachusetts Guns

How can a gun possibly shoot a 2700 lb. shell 20 miles away?

Visitors who have marveled at the battleship Massachusetts’s 16” guns now have an opportunity to learn about these machines in-depth. Dr. John Scholes, an expert on 16” gun technology, will lead a tour through the 16” gun turret and fire control spaces on the battleship on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00am -3:00pm – lunch is included. Visitors will receive special access to the plotting and powder handling rooms. As an added bonus, visitors will also view the inside of a 5” gun mount actively being restored and learn about its operation from retired Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Thomas Lowney.

This is a technically-oriented tour that will follow the firing process from start to finish and include historical context. Lunch is included. Participants will need to be comfortable climbing steep ladders and over knee-high hatches.

$55 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (508) 678-1100 x101. Space is limited to the first 15 paid participants. Program sells out fast!

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