Navy Yard in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
16-inch Projectiles
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 10, 2010
1. 16-inch Projectiles Marker
These projectiles were fired from the largest guns used by the U.S. Navy, specifically the 16-inch/50 caliber guns on the Iowa-class battleships. These ships were the USS Iowa (BB61), USS New Jersey (BB62), USS Missouri (BB63), and USS Wisconsin (BB64) built between 1940 and 1944.
The nine projectiles in groups of three shown here represent the payload of one full broadside from one battleship; three turrets with three guns each, firing a total weight of up to 24,300 lbs. On projectile can penetrate 30 feet of concrete and create a crater 50 feet wide and 20 feet deep. Pictured is the Iowa firing a broadside of all nine guns.
Weight of projectile: From 1,900 to over 2,700 lbs depending on type of projectile ("Armor Piercing", "High Capacity" - such as these on display - "Target Practice", etc).
16-inch/50 Caliber gun Maximum Range: 41,622 yards at 2,690 feet per second.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 38° 52.476′ N, 76° 59.836′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Navy Yard. Marker is on Isaac Hull Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located on a walkway beside the parking garage on the Washington Navy Yard. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Leg of Colonel Ulric Dahlgren (within shouting distance of this marker); "4-in. 40 caliber rifles" (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frank W. Crilley Building (about 600 feet away); Functioning as a Union Stronghold (about 600 feet away); Serving as an Arsenal and Gun Factory (about 700 feet away); Teaching Sailors for the Fleet (about 700 feet away); Naval Historical Foundation (about 700 feet away); Navy Department Library (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.
Also see . . .
1. 16-inch/50-caliber Mark 7 Guns. Detailed look at the guns which fired these projectiles. (Submitted on July 4, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. 16-inch Mark 7 Naval Gun. More information about the guns, including many photos showing loading and handling of the projectiles. (Submitted on July 4, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
3. Firing a 16-in Gun. Video of an Iowa-class battleship firing the 16-inch guns. (Submitted on July 4, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 10, 2010
2. 16-inch Projectiles and Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 10, 2010
3. Another Set of Projectiles
One of three sets of three.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,650 times since then and 172 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
