Movement-Display of USS Iowa 16-Inch - JEB Fort Story - 11-10-22 Version 3.0 [PDF]

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Movement and Display of USS Iowa 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel #270 at Cape Henry/JEB Fort Story

16-inch/50 barrel on the move at St. Juliens Creek Naval Annex 11/10/2022

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Movement and Display of USS Iowa 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel #270 at Cape Henry/JEB Fort Story

Table of Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

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Background Current Status and Purpose this Document Movement and Display Requirements Proposed Step by Step Plan Resources Needed and Costs Fundraising Partners Appendix

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Background of 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel Project In June 2011, the Coast Defense Study Group (www.CDSG.org) was asked to help find safe homes for eight historic 16-inch/50 Mark 7 barrels located at St. Juliens Creek Naval Annex in Chesapeake, VA or the barrels would be sold for scrap and cut into eight feet sections. The US Navy was purging all the USS Iowa class materials in their inventory and as the Navy felt that they had allowed plenty of time for qualified organizations to claim these barrels. Time had now come to liquidate them (as they did for 14 similar barrels in storage at Hawthorne, CA in June 2011). The CDSG was able to convince the NAVSEA Inactive Ships to give us more time to find organizations that would both be able to take care of a 16-inch/50 barrel and pay for the cost of moving a 70 foot long object weighing about 120 tons. As these barrels are similar to the ones that were once located in WWII 16-inch coast defense batteries, we approached the current owners of such sites to see if they would be interested in preserving and interpreting a barrel at their site. As these barrels also saw wartime service during World War II and Korea we reached out to those who would have interest in displaying a barrel from such famous ships as the USS Missouri, USS Iowa, and USS New Jersey. So far we have been able to inspire five groups to take up the challenge of raising funds and organize transportation. It is a great accomplishment to have seven barrels leave St. Juliens and make their way to new homes. One barrel went to the Cape Henlopen State Park (location of former Battery Smith at Fort Miles) in Delaware, the second barrel went to the US Fish and Wildlife Refuge at Cape Charles, Virginia (location of the former Battery Winslow at Fort John Custis), the third barrel was taken by rail to the State Capitol in Arizona to become part of their World War II memorial (where is joined by a 14-inch barrel off the USS Arizona), while the fourth barrel has been moved to Hartshorne Woods Park, in Highlands, New Jersey (the Monmouth County Park System is restoring the former Battery Lewis, once part of the Navesink Military Reservation during World War II). In January 2018, the Battleship New Jersey, the organization that administrates the USS New Jersey as a memorial & museum in Camden, New Jersey moved all three USS New Jersey barrels by rail to the Philadelphia area. One barrel is now on display at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, one is on display at the battleship itself in Camden, and one is on display in Basking Ridge, NJ at museum dedicated to Mack Trucks (which were used to move these barrels during World War Two to the coast artillery batteries along America’s east and west coasts). 11/10/2022

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16"/50 Mark VII Guns Identified at St. Julien's Creek Naval Annex on May 11, 2011

All of these guns saw action during World War Two. Gun 270 was the first 16"/50 Mark VII gun built and guns 371, 387 and 393 were aboard USS Missouri during the surrender ceremony of the Empire of Japan on September 2, 1945. It is important to note that none of the 16" guns that are currently installed on the Iowa class battleships saw action during WWII or Korea as all four ships were re-gunned in the mid 1950's.

Current Status of 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel Project The task of finding good homes for the remaining barrel (Barrel #270 off the USS Iowa) is even more difficult as many of most likely candidates have already declined to take on the financial and organizational effort to move a 16-inch/50 barrel to their site. If “good home” cannot be located, the Navy will offered the remain barrel for sale as scrap, so time is of essence to find a home for this barrel. The USS Iowa Veterans Association and the CDSG does not want that fate for this historic barrel (which is the very first production Mark 7 to be installed on the Iowa class of battleships). The USS Iowa Veterans Association has advocated and raised funds from its members to pay for moving of the Barrel #270 to the USS Iowa Memorial (dedicated to the 47 sailors that died during the ship’s turret explosion in 1989) which is onboard the Naval Station Norfolk (NSN). While the leadership of the NSN has been open to the idea of placing Barrel #270 at the memorial, issues with public access to the memorial site and soil conditions for the foundation for the cradle (using lower half of the barrel’s lifting cradle), have caused the Navy Region MidAtlantic to assess other display locations for the barrel in the Norfolk area. This review resulted in the selection a site for Barrel #270 near the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach, VA onboard JEB Little Creek-Fort Story so the public could visit the historic barrel when visiting the lighthouse and display foundation issues would simplified. Both RADM Christopher Gray (C.O. of the Navy Region Mid Atlantic) and Capitan Michael Witherspoon (C.O. of JEB Little Creek-Fort Story) support the placement of the USS Iowa Barrel #270 at JEB Fort Story. The project calls for moving the Navy owed asset from a Navy controlled facility (St. Julian Creek Naval Annex) to a Navy controlled facility (JEB Fort Story), which are about 25 miles apart. The barrel and its cradle (and two 16inch projectiles) would be displayed near the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse on concrete footings and feature display signs so tourists coming to see the old lighthouse could also learn of JEB Fort Story’s military history. Themes for these signs would be the USS Iowa and its heritage, the role of the Army’s coast artillery (and this type of 16-inch barrel was installed within 400 yards of the display location at nearby Battery Ketchum) during WW2 at Fort Story, and to honor the service of both sailors and soldiers that served in the Hampton Roads area since WW2. 11/10/2022

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Purpose of this Document The Navy Region Mid-Atlantic does not have the organic resources to move Barrel #270 from St. Juliens Naval Annex to JEB Fort Story nor can the Navy fund the construction of memorials. Heavy Lift assets, Heavy Duty trucks and trailers, and other equipment will need to be procured from contractors, along with the manpower to operate them and to provide project management. The USS Iowa Veteran Association and the CDSG, along with other organizations, such as City of Virginia Beach and other civic groups will need to fundraise to pay these contractors or seek donations in-kind from these contractors. This document will proposed a movement and display plan for USS Iowa Barrel #270, as well as a fundraising plan. After several years of effort the Navy (approval sign-off was required all the way up to the Pentagon), the Navy accepted this plan on October 12, 2021. This process started with a October 4, 2019 letter from RADM Charles Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, and other supporting correspondence. Based on the other 16-inch barrel movement from St. Juliens Creek over the last several years, it is estimated that about $150k is needed to fund the movement of the barrel the 25-miles from St. Juliens Creek to Cape Henry. Mr. Gerard Costin, who is leading the USS Iowa Veterans Association’s efforts to raise the required funds reports that the Association has raised about $25k to date while the CDSG has raised $35k to date from it members and other donors. A donation in kind of $30k has been made for the prep/coating phase (Phase III). Several pledges and requests for corporate sponsorship are outstanding. This leaves $60k to be raised to cover the remaining projected cash costs. Contracting for this project has already started with the construction of the concrete foundations at Cape Henry. Metal stanchions for projectiles have been fabricated and a route permitting is underway to move the barrel and cradle. A contract with a specialized painting firm has been signed to prep/coat the barrel, cradle, and two 16-inch projectiles. Pricing for the lifting and transport has been agreed. Scheduling for the movement to painting facilities is underway. Final movement will need to wait until we have raised the remaining $60k. 11/10/2022

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Movement and Display of USS Iowa 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel #270 at Cape Henry/JEB Fort Story

USS Iowa Barrel #270 today at St. Juliens Creek Naval Annex in Chesapeake, VA 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement and Display Requirements Let me describe in summary, in based on the seven other barrel movements, the current thinking on how to complete the movement and display of USS Iowa 16-inch barrel project at JEB Little Creek-Fort Terry: Phase One is the preparation of construction drawings for the three concrete foundation pads and two 16inch projectile pads (see plans below). The Navy approved these plans and construction was undertaken this summer at Cape Henry and the pads awaits the barrel and projectiles. (Phase One is completed). Phase Two would be the placement of barrel and cradle (remember it is 70 feet long and weighs in at 120 tons) on a specialized heavy-duty truck trailer. CDSG/USS Iowa Assn has arranged for this heavy lift from St. Julians Naval Annex in Chesapeake to Marine Specialty Painting’s facility in Portsmouth as the Navy does not own such assets. Once route permitting is approved the barrel and cradle will be moved about 2 miles. Phase Three would be to remove the top of the lifting cradle, prep and paint the barrel and cradle while still on the heavy duty trailer. Also, two steel stanchions will be construed for the projectiles. The two 16inch projectiles will also be prep and painted and mated with their steel stanchions at this facility. It is assumed the stayover at this facility would be about a month. Phase Four has the barrel (and its lifting cradle) and two projectiles transported via the road network to JEB Fort Story in Virginia Beach. The heavy duty truck and trailer would move the barrel the 25 miles to JEB Fort Story. The ground transport will require permitting from VDOT as well as from the City of Portsmouth, City of Norfolk and City of Virginia Beach to allow this road transport. This heavy lift transport is projected to enter through Gate 8 and move down Atlantic Avenue to the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse area. Phase Five would be where a heavy lift crane has been mobilized to be on site at JEB Fort Story to lift the barrel and cradle off the trailer on to the already prepared three foundation pads and two projectile foundation pads. The final action would be to design, construct, and erect display signs. 11/10/2022

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Possible Movement Route of USS Iowa 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel #270 to Cape Henry/JEB Fort Story

JEB Fort Story

St. Juliens

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase One

Phase One: Above are the construction plans for the foundation to support the three steel cradle supports and the two steel stanchions for the projectiles. Before the barrel and projectiles arrives on site these foundations need to be completed and cured. We will use the existing steel cradle to support the barrel, while constructing the steel stanchions for the projectiles. These foundations and stanchions are completed. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase One

Phase One: Above are photos of the foundation to support the three steel cradle supports and the two steel stanchions for the projectiles. We will use the existing steel cradle to support the barrel, while constructing the steel stanchions for the projectiles.

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase One

Phase One: Above are photographs of display of the 16-inch projectiles on steel stanchions at San Pedro, CA and the newly constructed stanchions at MSP in Portsmouth, VA. 16-inch shells were recently transferred from the Battleship New Jersey to our specialty painting facility for prep/painting and placement on the steel stanchions.

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Two

Phase Two: Mobilization of a heavy lift crane, heavy duty truck and trailer, and supporting equipment to St. Julian Creek Naval Annex. Lifting the barrel onto trailer will require cribbage to support the lift as seen in the photo above. This lift has happened seven times in the last several years so requirements are know and these experts would be called upon to provide project engineering. The Navy needs to approve this lifting and movement off the Annex. This is one of the USS New Jersey’s barrels in motion in 2018. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Three

Phase Three: One of the USS Missouri's barrels placed on specialized heavy duty trailer in March 2015. Barrel #270 and its cradle (total weight about 130 tons) on the trailer will be driven on the local road network about 2 miles to the specialty painting facility for prep/coating. The barrel will be offload and treated over a 30 day period. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Three

Phase Three: The specialty painting facility will prep/coat the barrel and cradle while on the heavy duty trailer. The upper cradle will be removed and the two 16-inch projectiles with their stanchions (recently fabricated) be loaded on to the trailer for the final leg to JEB Fort Story. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Three

Phase Three: Above is shown the removal of the upper cradle so the lower cradle will be used as part of the permanent display at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Once the upper cradle is removed the barrel and lower cradle will be prepped and painted. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Four

Phase Four: Contractors will use specialized a heavy duty trailer to move Barrel #270 and its lifting cradle on a pre-approved route through the Cities of Portsmouth, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. This special load bearing trailer will allow the weight to be distributed so lessen the weight on the roadbed so to meet permitting requirements from VDOT and each jurisdiction. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Four

Display Area

Enter via Gate 8

Phase Four: Entering JEB Fort Story’s Gate 8 the heavy duty truck would pull the barrel, cradle, and trailer down Atlantic Avenue the roughly 1 mile to the lighthouse area where Barrel #270 will be permanently displayed. The Navy has approved the route taken for the barrel through JEB Fort Story. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Five

USS Iowa Barrel #270 Display Area

Phase Five: Barrel #270 will be displayed next to the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse to allow the public to visit the barrel when they take the shuttle from Gate 8. The Navy has approved the final location and the completed foundations for the cradle and projectiles.

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Five

Phase Five: Above is shown the footings used at the Philadelphia Navy Yard to support the three steel cradle supports. Mobilization of a heavy lift crane to JEB Fort Story will be required to lift Barrel #270 of the heavy duty trailer on to the foundation. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement - Proposed Step by Step Plan Phase Five

Phase Five: Above is shown the final display of the 16-inch/50 battleship barrel at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The upper cradle has been removed and the barrel and cradle have been prepped and painted. Display signage has been installed to explain the history of the barrel and its relationship to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement and Display - Resources Needed and Costs The movement and display of the USS Iowa 16-inch/50 will an array of equipment and manpower. Key items are the following and associated estimated cost: 1.

Rental of Heavy Lift Crane and Crew at St. Juliens

$25,500

2.

Transport using Special Heavy Duty Trailer and Heavy Duty Truck

$18,000

3.

Removal of Upper Cradle and Prep/Paint Barrel, Cradle, and Projectiles

$30,000 Donated

4.

Permitting for road transport to VDOT and local cities

$ 9,500

5.

Rental of Heavy Life Crane and Crew at JEB Fort Story

$28,000

6.

Construction of Cradle and Projectiles Foundation

$31,000

7.

Contingency (5%)

$ 8,000 ________

Total Resources Need and Estimated Costs

$150,000

Total Less In-Kind Services

$120,000

Some of these cash costs can be reduced if contractors make in-kind donations to the CDSG or USS Iowa Assn (both Section 501(c)(3) charitable organizations).

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement and Display - Fundraising Funds on Hand: Mr. Gerard Costin, who is leading the USS Iowa Veterans Association’s efforts to raise the required funds reports that the Association has raised about $25k to date while the CDSG has raised $35k from its members and other donors. Two corporate sponsors have pledged $20k so far. Fundraising: Now that the barrel movement and display plan is agreed upon with the Navy, as well as their acceptance of our “movement and display” gift to the Navy, we will take the following actions: • A new fundraising campaign to our membership, which is expected to raise about $10k • Discussions with our contractors if they will provide their services at cost or provide them as inkind donations (for tax deduction and goodwill and PR in the Hampton Roads area) $30k committed. • Selected outreach to large defense contractors that work with the Navy (for tax deduction and goodwill and PR with the Navy) • Targeted fundraising campaign to local business, such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, Sentara Healthcare, Atlantic Diving Supply, Bank of America, GEICO Direct, STIHL, Inc., BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, SAIC, Navy Federal Credit Union, etc. • Engagement with non-profit and veterans organizations, such as The Hampton Roads Military Advisory Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Navy League, Fleet Reserve Assn, Virginia Ship Repair Association, Virginia Maritime Association, Virginia Beach Hotel Association, Hampton Road Chamber of Commerce, etc. • Outreach to the City of Virginia Beach through the City Council, Virginia Beach Historical Commission, MEDAC, and Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Commission • Select outreach to large donors to military history and US history preservation projects. Fundraising Goal: Raise the remaining $60k to cover the projected cash costs. 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement and Display - Partners USS Iowa Veterans Association (www.ussiowavetassn.com) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring our brotherhood lives on. We share information about current events associated with the USS IOWA, host a regular reunion, and sell merchandise allowing you to celebrate and identify your membership as a part of the crew. The organization was started by shipmates from the 1950s crew in the late 1970s. What began as an organization of just a few has now reached several thousand. We're dedicated to getting our shipmates together, having fun, and sharing experiences through our yearly reunions. Gerald Costin — 2nd Vice President, PO Box 195271, Winter Springs, FL 32719 – 321-759-BB61 Coast Defense Study Group (www.CDSG.org) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the study of seacoast fortifications. CDSG’s purpose is to promotes education about and preservation of seacoast defenses, primarily those of the United States. The study of coast defenses and fortifications include their history, architecture, technology, strategic and tactical employment and evolution. Our key missions include the preservation of coast defense sites, equipment, and records, and conducting charitable activities that promote this preservation. Terry McGovern, Secretary/Treasurer, 1700 Oak Lane, McLean, VA 22101 - 571-228-4193 Crofton Industries (www.crofton.com) Crofton offers comprehensive solutions including heavy lifting, barge & tug services, and specialized hauling in addition to commercial diving and marine construction. Crofton is proud to still be a family owned and operated business and serves as an employer to over 120 individuals including many third generation family members. Kenny Crofton, Owner, President: Crofton Construction, 16 Harper Rd, Portsmouth, VA 23707 - 757-397-1131 The Mahan Collection Foundation (www.themahancollection.org) The purpose of our organization is to acquire, preserve, maintain, restore, and hold for display to the public directly or through other organizations antique and historic vehicles, especially Mack Trucks, equipment and machinery. We were formed for the preservation of our mechanical history and to educate the public of such items. We acquire such items through donation and purchases and restore those in need of repair. Gary Mahan P.O. Box 367 Millington, NJ 07946 – 908-672-8255 Preservation Virginia. Preservation Virginia owns historic sites across Virginia including Historic Jamestowne, site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, and the Cape Henry Light, one of the first public works projects of the United States of America. Sonja Ingram 583 Atlantic Avenue Fort Story, VA 23459 – 434-770-1209

Link to video on moving the USS New Jersey barrels:

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16-inch/50 Barrel Movement and Display - Partners Inactive Ships Office, SEA 21I, Naval Sea Systems The Navy Inactive Ships Office (SEA 21I) is responsible for managing the inactivation, storage, and disposal of conventionally powered U.S. Navy ships and crafts that have reached the end of their service life. SEA21I is committed to supporting the fleet by developing ship inactivation plans, supporting inactivation availabilities and transitioning the ships from the fleet. SEA21I ensures that the inactive ship inventory is managed in a manner most advantageous to the Government to include ship dismantlement, support for weapons effects testing, foreign military sales transfer, and donations. Mr. Gary Kitchen, Naval Sea Systems Command ATTN: SEA 21I, 1333 Isaac Hull Ave, SE Washington Navy Yard, DC 20376 – 202-781-0682 Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEB Little Creek-Fort Story) JEB Little Creek-Fort Story employs 18,091 military and civilian personnel making it the largest military employer in the City of Virginia Beach. The base covers nearly 4,000 acres of land with 7.6 miles of beachfront area. There are 18 large ships home ported there with an additional mix of 126 smaller craft. On October 1, 2009, the JEB Little CreekFort Story was established, the first Joint Base in Hampton Roads. JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is the country's premier installation for housing and training the nation's Expeditionary Forces. It is one command with two properties: JEB Fort Story and JEB Little Creek. The Joint Expeditionary Base is comprised of the former Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and the Army Post of Fort Story. Capitan Michael Witherspoon, Commanding Officer, 2600 Tarawa Court, Ste 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23459-3297 – 757-462-7231 Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Region Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses 20 states, 14 installations, and 50 Naval Operational Support Centers (NOSCs). As the naval shore installation management headquarters for the Mid-Atlantic region, CNRMA provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region in support of the Fleet, Fighter and Family. RADM Christopher Gray, Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, 1510 Gilbert St., Norfolk, VA 23511 – 757-322-2800 City of Virginia Beach is home to more than 456,000 people, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia and the 39th largest city in the United States. A dynamic community strengthened by a diverse mix of industry, attractions and people, Virginia Beach is recognized globally as one of the best places to live, work and do business. With 38 miles of beaches and 79 miles of scenic waterways, this vibrant East Coast city is situated along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, in the southeastern corner of the state, about a fourhour drive by car to Washington D.C., and within a day's drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. Military Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC) - 4525 Main Street, Suite 700, Virginia Beach, VA RADM Fenton Priest, SC, USN (Ret.) Chair - Charlie Bauman Direct: (757) 385-6498 Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission - 2101 Parks Avenue, Suite 500, Virginia Beach VA 23451 James Wood, Chair - Mark Reed, Historic Preservation Planner Direct: (757) 385-8573 Resort Advisory Commission - 2101 Parks Avenue, Suite 302, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 BJ Baumann, Chair - Mike Eason , Resort Administrator Direct: (757) 385-6639

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Movement and Display of USS Iowa 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel #270 at Cape Henry/JEB Fort Story

Newest 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel display at Philadelphia Navy Yard. Model for the JEB Fort Story display. 11/10/2022

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Movement and Display of USS Iowa 16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel #270 at Cape Henry/JEB Fort Story

Appendix

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History of Cape Henry/Fort Story Cape Henry is located in the northeast corner of Virginia Beach. It is the southern boundary of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Across the mouth of the bay to the north is Cape Charles. Named for sons of King James I of England in 1607, together Cape Henry and Cape Charles form the Virginia Capes. The Cape Henry Memorial commemorates The First Landing of the settlers that established Jamestown. Nearby, the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse was the first in the United States. First Landing State Park occupies and protects the rest of the cape itself, as well as some of the nearby area. Fort Story became a military installation in 1914 to allow coast artillery to be installed to protect the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. The base was named for Gen. John Patten Story, a noted coast artilleryman of his day. During World War I, Fort Story was integrated into the Coast Defenses of Chesapeake Bay, which included Fort Monroe and Fort Wool. After World War I, the base was designated a Harbor Defense Command and entered a period of post-war inactivity which lasted until the beginning of World War II. In 1941, the Headquarters of the Harbor Defense Command was moved from Fort Monroe to Fort Story, more land was acquired, and additional harbor defense installations were added. In 1944, Fort Story began to transition from a heavily fortified coast artillery garrison to a convalescent hospital for returning veterans. By the time of its closing March 15, 1946, the hospital had accommodated more than 13,472 patients. In 1946, after World War II, the first amphibious training at Fort Story began and the fort was designated a Transportation Corps installation for use in training amphibious and terminal units in the conduct of Logistics-Over-The-Shore operations. As a result of a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure recommendation, Fort Story operations were transferred to the United States Navy. On October 1, 2009, Fort Story became part of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story. Joint Expeditionary Base – Fort Story has three historic sites. The Cape Henry Memorial Cross marks the location where the Jamestown Settlers first landed in 1607. The Old Cape Henry Light was the first lighthouse authorized and built by the Federal Government. At the Battle of the Virginia Capes Monument, there is a statue of French Admiral François Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse to commemorate the famous sea battle on September 5, 1781 which prevented the British from reaching Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. Also of historical interest, the new Cape Henry Lighthouse was completed in 1881 and is still maintained by the US Coast Guard as an active coastal beacon. More than a dozen coast artillery batteries were installed during World War II. These batteries along with similar batteries located at Fort John Custis on Cape Charles and batteries at Fort Monroe on Old Point Comfort were used to guard the entrance to Chesapeake Bay against an attack by hostile naval forces. An Army Nike Missile battery was located on Fort Story from 1958 to 1974. 11/10/2022

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16-inch Coast Artillery Batteries at Cape Henry/Fort Story

Proofing Battery Ketchum 16-inch/50 gun in 1943 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Coast Defense Batteries The coming of World War II led to the development of new 16-inch batteries at Fort Story. The emplacements for the new batteries would differ from previous designs (such as the disbursed, open emplacements of the two 16-inch howitzer batteries, Pennington and Walke, at Fort Story) as protective measures from both naval shelling and aerial bombing were provided by adding reinforced concrete casemates and/or armored shields. The 16-inch/50 guns were mounted in pairs inside thick concrete casemates approximately 500 feet apart. Between the casemates was a service tunnel off which several protected rooms contained powder and projectile storage, while a perpendicular gallery led to the power room and air conditioning equipment rooms. The entire structure was roofed by 8 to 10 feet of reinforced concrete, which in turn was covered with a layer of sand up to 20 feet thick. The guns in the casemates were further protected by heavy armor shields and additional overhead concrete and steel. The center entrance was through the power room, with other entrances behind each gun. These batteries had their plotting rooms removed to a separate bombproof structure, away from the noise and blast of the guns. This standard design became known as the #100 Series Battery Construction. All the 16-inch guns used in the Chesapeake Bay defenses were US Navy guns which became available to the US Army as a result of the Washington Naval Conference of 1922 limitations on new warship building. These 16-inch guns had a range of 45,155 yards or about 25 miles. Two of these 16-inch coast defense batteries were constructed at Fort Story – Battery Ketchum (#120) and Battery #121 – which are located within sight of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. Though their 16-inch/50 guns are gone, the emplacement themselves are still in used today by several US Navy tenants.

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Cape Henry and Fort Story in 1945

Diamond is the location of the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, while the Rectangle is Battery #121 and the Oval is Battery Ketchum – The Straight Lines are Batteries Pennington and Walke 11/10/2022

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Original “Big Lift” for the 16-inch/50 Barrels

Offloading barrel from rail car to trailer for movement to emplacement in 1942 11/10/2022

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The Future of a 16-inch/50 Display at Fort Story Adding a 16-inch barrel to the current memorial area at Fort Story will honor the veterans that defend our homeland in both WW I and WWII and allowing Fort Story visitors to experience the massive size and power of these coast artillery guns

16-inch Gun Crew during WWII at Fort Story 11/10/2022

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History of USS Iowa (BB-61) USS Iowa (BB-61) is the lead ship of her class of battleship and the fourth in the United States Navy to be named in honor of the state of Iowa. During World War II, she carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic to Mers El Kébir, Algeria, en route to a crucial 1943 meeting in Tehran with Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Britain and Josef Stalin of the Soviet Union. When transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1944, Iowa shelled beachheads at Kwajalein and Eniwetok in advance of Allied amphibious landings and screened aircraft carriers operating in the Marshall Islands. She also served as the Third Fleet flagship, flying Adm. William F. Halsey's flag at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. During the Korean War, Iowa was involved in raids on the North Korean coast, after which she was decommissioned into the United States Navy reserve fleets, better known as the "mothball fleet." She was reactivated in 1984 as part of the 600-ship Navy plan and operated in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets to counter the recently expanded Soviet Navy. In April 1989, an explosion and fire wrecked her No. 2 gun turret, killing 47 sailors. The Iowa was decommissioned for the last time in the year 1990, and was initially stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1995. She was reinstated from 1999 to 2006 to comply with federal laws that required retention and maintenance of two Iowa-class battleships. In 2011 USS Iowa was donated to the Los Angeles– based non-profit Pacific Battleship Center and was permanently moved to Berth 87 at the Port of Los Angeles in 2012, where she was opened to the public as the USS Iowa Museum. 11/10/2022

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USS Iowa Association and the 16-inch/50 Barrel Project

Installing #270 on the USS Iowa in Fall of 1942 11/10/2022

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Honoring Falling Shipmate and Veterans from the US Navy’s WW2, Korean War, and Cold War Era

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25th Anniversary Ceremony at Iowa Point Version 3.0

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16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel Project

16"/50 Mark VII Guns with lifting cradles at St. Julien's Creek Annex, Chesapeake, VA Dahlgren History Project team members kicks of this project on May 11, 2011 11/10/2022

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16-inch/50 Battleship Barrel Project

USS Iowa 16"/50 barrel #270 at St. Julien's Creek Annex, Chesapeake, VA on 4/15/22 11/10/2022

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16"/50 Mark 7 Guns with WWII Service History (Determined from Star Gauge Records) Ship

USS Iowa BB-61

USS New Jersey BB-62

USS Missouri BB-63

USS Wisconsin BB-64

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First Date Recorded on Ship

Last Date Recorded on Ship

Gun SN

Turret & Position

Fate (as of May 2011)

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

270

Turret 1 Left

1. Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

271

Turret 1 Center

NSWC Dahlgren

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

272

Turret 1 Right

Stored at Hawthorne, NV SCRAPPED

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

273

Turret 3 Right

Medicine Hat, Canada - Smooth Bored?

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

274

Turret 3 Left

Cut Down for Use at Mare Island Shipyard

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

275

Turret 3 Center

Was at Barbados - Fired Sabotted Rounds - Moved to Tonapah

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

285

Turret 2 Right

Suffield, Alberta Canada - Smooth Bored

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

286

Turret 2 Left

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

August 23, 1944

May 13, 1953

287

Turret 2 Center

Stored at Hawthorne, NV SCRAPPED

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

277

Turret 2 Left

NSWC Dahlgren

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

276

Turret 2 Right

Yuma HARP Barrel

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

278

Turret 2 Center

NSWC Dahlgren

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

289

Turret 3 Left

NSWC Dahlgren

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

290

Turret 3 Center

On Display at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Trophy Park 2. Moved to NNS in 1994

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

291

Turret 1 Right

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 3. Hartshorne Woods Park, NJ

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

292

Turret 1 Left

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 4. Philadelphia Navy Yard, PA

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

293

Turret 1 Center

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 5. Battleship NJ Camden NJ

September 24, 1943

March 10, 1954

366

Turret 3 Right

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 6. Mahan Collection, NJ

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

371

Turret 1 Center

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 7. Cape Henlopen State Park

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

372

Turret 1 Left

Stored at Hawthorne, NV - SCRAPPED

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

386

Turret 2 Right

Stored at Hawthorne, NV Golden Gate NRA

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

387

Turret 2 Center

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 8. US RW Cape Charles. VA

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

388

Turret 2 Left

Stored at Hawthorne, NV - SCAPPED

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

389

Turret 1 Right

Stored at Hawthorne, NV - SCRAPPED

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

390

Turret 3 Right

Stored at Hawthorne, NV? - SCRAPPED

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

392

Turret 3 Center

Stored at Hawthorne, NV - SCAPPED

May 16, 1945

May 25, 1953

393

Turret 3 Left

Stored at St. Julien's Creek, VA 9. AZ War Memorial, AZ

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

279

Turret 2 Right

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

294

Turret 2 Left

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

295

Turret 2 Center

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

296

Turret 1 Right

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

297

Turret 1 Left

Apparently at Johns Hopkins

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

298

Turret 1 Center

?

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

307

Turret 3 Right

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

308

Turret 3 Left

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

September 20, 1944

June 25, 1954

309

Turret 3 Center

Scrapped at Dahlgren in 1964 for Stanford Linear Accelerator

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Without “good homes” this is the fate for the 16-inch Barrels

Fourteen 16-inch battleship barrels cut-up for scrap at Hawthorne Army Depot in 2011 11/10/2022

Version 3.0

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