Naval Gazing Main/37 Years Ago (opens in new tab)

37 years ago today, while conducting gunnery exercises off the coast of Puerto Rico, Turret II exploded aboard Iowa. 47 members of her crew were killed. Every year, a memorial ceremony is held for them, and I was able to attend in 2019 and honor the men who died. Tung Thanh Adams - Fire Controlman 3rd class (FC3) Alexandria, VA Robert Wallace Backherms - Gunner's Mate 3rd class (GM3) Ravenna, OH Dwayne Collier Battle - Electrician's Mate, Fireman Apprentice (EMFA) Rocky Mount, NC Walter Scot ...