I remember contributing some of my weekly grade school allowance to "fund" the acquisition of the USS North Carolina in 60-61. A few years ago, a fundraiser was held to replace/repair the teak decking, which resulted in a piece of the old deck residing in our den.
I also got to bring a piece of decking home from the USS North Carolina. I wish the USS New Jersey was in a freedom loving state too so i could vist her as well. Toured the USS Texas as well and if possible she needs donations for repairs. She's rotting/rusting away. She's about where the HMS Victory was when they finally preserved her.
my dad did the same thing, he said the kids could donate lunch money to buy her, he told the lady at the museum that story and she let him in for free for his 1960 nickel!
I bought a small piece of the Iowa’s torn out deck for a friend several years ago, width I’d bought one for myself. They had a barrel of small pieces, $5 apiece if I recall.
Thank you for bringing in the battle stars and making sure people understand that the USS NC was the most decorated Battleship of WWII. Not a lot of people want to believe that
North Carolina was a good tour. We did the self guided tour and spent way more time in it than we thought we had. Really neat piece of history. The things that surprised me the most (not being a Navy person) was: how tight the quarters for the crew were and how far up the bow angled. At some point I'll get to these other Battleships. My young kids really enjoyed NC.
Went on a lark to see North Carolina, on the way home from Orlando, in the days b4 the interwebs. Arrived at night during Azalea Festival and found no hotel rooms available. Dejected, started on I-40 to head home to Michigan. 27 miles on found a HOTEL notice for the next exit. Ended up in a 50's era cinderblock 18 roomer for $12 a night.....conveniently next to the beer store. Drove back to BB-55 early the next morning. Asked permission to come aboard and spent the day in heaven.....as much of heaven as the Brooklyn Navy Yard could produce. Ran into some Boy Scouts flayling about a 40mm tub. Explained to them how the Mark 51 controlled the surrounding tubs...and the similar system for the 5" turrets..and how this repelled the Kamikazes and saved many a ship and swabee. "How do you know this?" they asked. "I read...you should, too". Hopefully I generated many a scholar. That was February of '94. Seems like yesterday.
You definitely have read up on battleship systems if you know what 40mm fire control directors do! I was fortunate enough to have been a Mk 37 GFCS fire control technician for 5" guns on USS IOWA
Despite covid, we were fortunate to do the self guided tour of the North Carolina in October 2020. I am still in awe. Ryan's narrative on the history of this class battleship makes the memory even better since we did not receive the detailed information during our visit. Fortunately, I have almost 100 photos of the ship, including my 5 and 3 year old grandsons manning the anti-aircraft guns. Unfortunately, the North Carolina is in desperate need of major repairs to sustain her. She is essentially silted in, and her hull is deteriorating. Remediation is ongoing, but funds are desperately needed. They say she could never be floated again for possible dry dock major repairs. Sad.
Excellent video! I'm a NC native and lifelong resident. I love the USS North Carolina, and you did a fantastic job covering her. I appreciate you recommending people to visit her at the mesuem in Wilmington. I enjoyed learning about all the ships, and learned alot. I can tell you have a passion for battleships, and it shows. I just discovered you channel and subscribed after one video. Keep up the good work.
Was the 10,000 tons worth it? It’s a little humorous that the Iowa’s got that 32.5knot speed from an extra 10,000 tons to do a job that a North Carolina class BB actually accomplished... sinking Kongo class BB.
5 knots is a lot, the USN wanted the BB escorts to keep up with the carriers. So while in raw combat stats it might not look impressive, from a tactical standpoint it can make a lot of difference.
@@pedrofelipefreitas2666 unfortunately using BB as a carrier escort was not consideration for their speed. Iowas are that fast because they learned how fast the kongos were after refit. Literally meant to be able to run down and overpower the Kongo class.
The Iowas when they were recommissioned ended up getting spare parts from the NC, Mamie, and Lucky A. The 3 other BB's not Iowas class are GREAT museums to visit. I hope to get on the New Jersey someday. I visited the Wisky. Great tour!! I've toured the Massachusetts 4 times NC 3 and the Alabama and Wisky 1.
Hello again from Bailey, NC! I just wanted to say I'm so glad I found your channel on UA-cam, and the fact that you're doing videos of our beautiful "showboat," the battleship North Carolina it makes me very happy to see someone who is keeping this history alive for the younger generations to see and learn from!! I just turned 61 years old this past April and I've been on that battleship almost as much as my bass boat, and I remember as a young kid they used to do an outdoor show with the old girl being the star of the show, and also my Daddy was a WW2 veteran, he was a combat medic in General Patton's 664th armored tank division so I've always had a special interest in WW2 history, the TRUE WW2 history!! Although my Dad was in the Army my Dad's brother, my Uncle John D Bissette was in the Navy on the USS Virginia, and one of my Mother's Brother, my Uncle Bobby Brantley was on the USS North Carolina and he had many photos that were taken onboard the ship. Just as soon as I'm able to go back to work I'll be more than happy to donate 50 or 100 bucks to help you keep doing these videos! May God bless you and your loved ones and God bless the US!! 🇺🇸 WWG1WGA!!! ✝️❤🇺🇸🙏
Good coverage of the North Carolina class in this video. I have been to Wilmington, NC and gone aboard USS North Carolina. I was very impressed with how the ship is currently painted in its 1944 Measure 32 camouflage pattern, except that the museum administration chose not to cover the decks in dark blue paint which would have been part of that scheme. On another video perhaps you could comment on the planned but never built Montana class of US battleships that would have been even bigger than the Iowas.
One cool thing about the North Carolina. She shot her whole complement, about 800 rounds, of 16 inch shells, into Mount Sarabachi, on Iwo Jima. What a piece of history.
I just got back from a trip out to NC, and we did a tour of the North Carolina, and I can say it was an amazing tour. Would love to go back and pay for one of the guided tours to see some of the other spaces. I've done a couple tours of aircraft carriers, which I really enjoyed, but man there is just something way more impressive about touring a battleship! Somehow I never knew/heard that we have the Iowa Battleship up in LA. Gonna go give that a tour here soon!
My Father was a "plank owner" on the New Jersey and my family calls the area near the North Carolina home. My father would walk me around the North Carolina telling me war stories of the New Jersey. He still had his "War Log" book.
I've been aboard her several times and seen both the sound and light show and the 4th of July fireworks display. Fireworks with a battleship - it doesn't get any better!
New Jersey sure hit the ball out ofthe park with this series. I have paid attention to these particular ships since I was a kid in the sixties, New Jersey in particular because she was Halsey's flagship. They are all historic treasures . This UA-cam series is one of the very best out here . Valuable and useful to the ships and the nation. $500 to fire a 5" 38 ? If you fired a 16" 50. How much damage (and outrage. No doubt) would be caused in the surrounding area?
@@BattleshipNewJersey The government just spent 1.9T of our money they could use some to repair the windows, kinda like a government works project. They've done dumber things with our money.
If the NCs were originally laid down with 14" guns in mind, were the Ford Instruments Fire control computers already built for the 14" guns when the escalator clause was invoked? If so, what was involved with re-building them for the new ballistics? New cams? Or was it more involved than that?
BB 55 was an “unbalanced design”, with all or nothing armor, but she has a great home here in NC. Visit every chance I can. The cofferdam and walkway allow repairs to hull & 360 viewing.
Please review the Colorado class 16” standard battleships. I would especially like to hear more about West Virginia post refitting. It would be very interesting to hear a comparison of WeeVee to Maryland and Colorado, compared to North Carolinas, South Dakotas, and Iowas. Third, how the technical advantages of WeeVee made her effective in Surigao Strait vs Maryland and others.
I wish I'd gotten to tour the North Carolina when I lived in Raleigh and would occasionally take a weekend in Wilmington but my first wife was with me and she wasn't up to it. I did get to tour the Batfish and Jeremiah O'Brien a few years ago.
I've lived in Wilmington most of my life and have been visiting the ship since I was a child. She's still a grand old lady and if you can make the trip, well worth visiting.
What ships' boats are currently on the USS New Jersey? How have the types and number of ships' boats changed over her career and in different periods of service?
Great video Ryan. Just paid my first visit to today - had a great time and hope to get up to see the New Jersey again this fall - hopefully when Drach makes his visit. Looked as closely as I could - the restoration work they are doing to the North Carolina - good to get worst spots but at sone point the bottom will needed attention and dry docking. Also surprised by the small size of the bridge compared to the New Jersey. As you say the New Jersey is a much larger ship. Thank you for your posts - spurred me on to drive the 200 mile round trip while down at the NC beaches to go see her - well worth the time.
Can you please do a video on the Nevada class? They were revolutionary for their time and were one of the only battleship to get underway at pear harbor before having to beach before being sunk in the harbor entrance.
One thing I find interesting about the North Carolina is that she would-a, should-a, could-a, tipped the balance at Guadalcanal and made the campaign a lot shorter than it ended up being. The Japanese submarine I-19 conducted a skillful attack on the carrier USS Wasp, hitting the Wasp with 3 torpedoes of a 6 torpedo spread. The North Carolina was miles away escorting another carrier when it was hit by one of the remaining 3 torpedoes just by sheer luck. The same thing happened to the destroyer O'brien. This happened early in the Guadalcanal campaign. These three ships were enough to tilt the balance significantly to the Americans. Even if the Wasp alone was hit, the North Carolina, if it had been available in the surface actions around Guadalcanal would have given the Americans an advantage in every battle.
Terrible sound! The tour of the USS North Carolina is the best. It is kept up well painted and very educational by displays etc. USS North Carolina has a large battle record and was a great ship. Don't miss the tour if you get the chance at Wilmington NC.
I grew up next to the USS Massachusetts. Any idea why the Alabama is a lot more complete and not missing as many parts as the Massachusetts? It seems they reserve one ship in each class in it's complete condition. Would love to know. I thoroughly enjoy listening to you, so impressed with your knowledge, thank you so much.
Basically it would get all messed up with the opening and closing so it isnt painted. These hatches are opened with counterweights which we demo here: ua-cam.com/video/jHU4Dv-U8YY/v-deo.html
The USS Washington has the singular distinction of being the only American battleship to ever go one on one with an enemy battleship and sink it. The Kirishima was busy mauling South Dakota and failed to note the approach of Washington. Big mistake. Admiral Lee made them pay.
It is worth noting, the South Dakota and Iowa classes were armored against the best 16" shell available when they were designed, which was a 2,300 lbs round. Not the 2,700 lb superheavy round. The North Carolina's were armored against the modern 14" guns they were originally designed to carry, which would have been the most powerful 14" ever in U.S. naval service, and far more powerful than the 14" on earlier battleships. Which is why the scale of protection on Washington and North Carolina was not as much lighter than the South Dakota's and Iowa's as might be assumed. While the Iowa's did have improvements over previous battleships, all three modern fast BB classes in truth has similar striking power, and similar secondary/AA power. The main improvement of the Iowa's was speed. While the earlier ships were not as fast, their speed proved adequate as all of the fast BB's effectively escorted carrier task forces.
16', 5', 40mm, 20mm guns on board. That's a lot of turrets and mountings, and so many barrels. Probably each gun was given x number of rounds of ammunition. What do you think was the approximate area this occupied within the ship? And its approximate total weight, for all calibres?
Father-in-law was aboard USS Indiana when it collided with USS Washington. Captain of the USS Indiana was relieved of his command. 6 were killed or missing on Washington, 4 on Indiana.
Has any "modern" capital ship ever taken enough damage to it's main armor to need to get it repaired, done so and then returned to combat in before the end of the conflict?
NC and WA were arguably the prettiest modern battleships. Also since the NC and SD class ships had 45 caliber guns, and fired the same 2,700lb AP shells that the Iowa's did, they would be hitting a target from a higher angle and avoiding the armored belts of their opponent. Thus, had a higher chance of hitting the main magazine, or piercing through the deck exiting the bottom and breaking the back of an opponent - much like MA did to Jean Bart.
Would the shorter barrel length of the 16" guns on a North Carolina or South Dakota class battleship and the slower muzzle velocity as opposed to an Iowa have made a significant difference in the penetrating penetrating capability of her 16" rounds when firing at a flat trajectory?
Yes the difference gets larger over distance. When it came to plunging fire the 16 inch 45 caliber guns were slightly more effective due to a steeper rate of fall.
In late December 1941 North Carolina was sent to face off with Tirpitz, but they never met before NC was pulled to strengthen the Pacific Theater. I know you like to do Hypotheticals. how do you think North Carolina would have faired against the Tirpitz, Germany's mightiest battleship?
Is there a video on how shells and powder was transported to and loaded onto the ship? Also, the 16” shells are always standing and moved on end. Assuming one got “dropped” over from time to time. How were they uprighted?
I served as a gunners mate on the USS Iowa BB61 in 16 inch turret 1. On the projectile decks there are pad eyes in regular intervals on the overhead. If a 16 inch round fell over you would use a pad eye and chain hoist and a lot of elbow grease to upright the shell.
I've been to see uss.NC a few times since I live an hour away from Wilmington . Been inside the turret rooms a few lower decks and what not . But she set in that bay so long I believe the hull is rusted away and not seaworthy.
I've got a question?how much fuel oil did the navy leave in here tanks for mothballing,an later for a museum?are they stripped dry,or is some left for protection an balance. Or have they been filled with water?
All of the fuel was removed and the tanks cleaned before becoming a museum. For mothballing, there was some amount of fuel left on board though exactly how much I'm not sure of. - Libby the editor
@@BattleshipNewJersey Sorry for replying to an old comment, but if this was / is the case, how come the Yorktown was donated with almost 60k gallons of fuel (thats according the ship website) that had to be pumped out for the hull repairs in mid 2010s. Was that just a case of of the navy wanting to get rid of a ship in a hurry?
A lot of ships got donated with residual fuel on board. Removing it is a hassle and not always worth it to the Navy so they donate them that way. It really comes down to who's in charge at the time and whether they think it's a priority.
Excellent Presentation - as usual. Despite a maximum speed of 28 knots and not being able to support the Carrier Task Force, the North Carolina & South Dakota Classes of Battle Ships, although not as refined and upgraded as the Iowa Class, seemed to be more that capable to match anything the Japanese could muster. Of course, the two 'Big Girls' with 18" Guns had the range. I believe that the US Navy developed better support systems and had radar early, which certainly gave them the edge. Manufacturing Might & Resupply also overwhelmed the Enemy. I've noticed in your Battle Analysis that whoever was able to surprise the other and strike a punishing blow first usually would win the engagement. Also, when confronted by aggressive assault, the Japanese would disengage when they could have possibly succeeded. In the end, US Air Superiority and Surface Might would surely dictate results. The Big Bomb would end Japanese Fanaticism. Thank you.
I remember getting lost as a kid on uss nc in Wilmington NC during restoration in the 90s there were parts open to tour and some not and I really got scared as I was maybe 10 and separated from dad
The North Carolina's are not "Much Like the Iowa's". The Iowa's are Much Like the North Carolina's. Side note, I was on the NC BB 55 (Museum) as a child back in about 1968, and she was a solid navy grey. The WWII camouflage repaint came sometime between then and the mid 80's when I next saw her. Also her teak decking was replaced in the 90's I think. I seem to remember a fundraising campaign for it. That stuff ain't cheap.
Me and my family toured the North Carolina in the early 70s I was probably 4 or 5 I still remember walking through the ship I don't know if my memory is correct did they used to fire the guns or am I misremembering we had shirts with USS North Carolina on them from the gift shop
They used to have a light show that simulated the flash and sound of the ship firing her guns back in the late 60's to late 70's, but dropped it due to cost.
@@erichammond9308 thanks for telling me that 30 years later my dad took my son to seet the Alabama in Mobile I told my son make sure to take pictures of her mighty 16" guns he did my dad loved the battleships he's no longer with us
I never really understood the logic of the “balanced” armor approach. That is making a ship armored against the size guns It carries. Who cares what guns you’re carrying, shouldn’t you be worried about the guns you’re likely to be up against? In other words the NC wasn’t suddenly less protected when they swapped to 16” guns, she just had better firepower. The ship never would have been protected from Nagato for instance, but with the 16s at least she was just as well armed.
The statement you make about the 5in/38cal secondary battery been the best is a bit far from the mark. 8 don't disagree that when initially built in the anti-aircraft role they were a good weapon, load cycle and training speed. But in the surface role, they were no were as good as either the 5.25in on the KGV or Vanguard and not as good as the 6in on other battleships. Other than the Washington or South Dakota, none of the US battleships had much surface action where this would have been a detrimental issue. With the advert of the VT shells the more heavier duel purpose gun were a better choice, as shown by the US looking to fit the 5in/54cal on the Montana and the actually single mounts fitted 9n the Midway's.
I recently read an article suggesting that the Iowa's were really the last of the battlecruisers. The article sited length to beam ratio and armor protection. What are your thoughts about this?
The Navy is on automatic so the time and resources being spent is forgone. But, if the 4 Iowa's where North Carolina Class did they do anything during the war that couldn't have been done in that class. Would the ships have been available sooner if they were of that class. Knowing the state of the battleship at the end of the war, would they have done North Carolinas and used the design and construction resources on something more valuable like aircraft carriers. The WW2 role of protecting aircraft carriers probably ended by 1950, you are probably in a nuclear war if you get into a WW2 navel war where the protection is needed, and the Russian navy was probably not worth much until the 60s if then. Battleship's role was shore bombardment by 1950, the speed and armor were overkill.
I mean no disrespect but I still think the Iowa class should have at least had something approaching the 14.7 in belt of the King George v. Keep in mind when the British pummeled the Bismarck into submission 16-in shells from HMS Rodney were able to rip open the conning Tower and when the British were actually attempting to score hits at range the main 12.6 inch belt was penetrated three times and more importantly the 14-in thick conning Tower was ripped open like a sardine can as well as both 14 and 16 inch shells penetrating the 14-in thick turret faces.
I am questioning the logic that the Iowas were worth it. I am saying that not only was the 10k tons not worth the 5 knots of speed, but also the ships themselves were not worth it. The argument that they were kept in service after the war does not mean that the South Dakotas and/or the North Carolinas would not have sufficed if the Iowas did not exist. I see 2 main roles for the ships. During WW2, they were supplying antiaircraft fire to protect the carriers, and doing shore bombardment. For antiaircraft service, wouldn't an equivalent number of destroyers or cruisers have been better? For shore bombardment, the old standards were just as good as an Iowa, right? What am I missing?
I really liked your vid but I must say that sometimes the sound quality is real bad. Just a suggestion: Please use a small external "Lavalier" mic - those which have to be fixed to your clothes - and if you shoot outside please use a wind shield.
You better do a good job! We love the the NC. Okay! Get off my ship..LOL. The NC was the better ship. Her history proved it! Go back to your Yankee tug!
I remember contributing some of my weekly grade school allowance to "fund" the acquisition of the USS North Carolina in 60-61. A few years ago, a fundraiser was held to replace/repair the teak decking, which resulted in a piece of the old deck residing in our den.
I also got to bring a piece of decking home from the USS North Carolina. I wish the USS New Jersey was in a freedom loving state too so i could vist her as well. Toured the USS Texas as well and if possible she needs donations for repairs. She's rotting/rusting away. She's about where the HMS Victory was when they finally preserved her.
my dad did the same thing, he said the kids could donate lunch money to buy her, he told the lady at the museum that story and she let him in for free for his 1960 nickel!
I bought a small piece of the Iowa’s torn out deck for a friend several years ago, width I’d bought one for myself. They had a barrel of small pieces, $5 apiece if I recall.
My family donated to buy the North Carolina for North Carolina, too. There aren't many people who are as proud of their state and military!
My grandmother did too
I'm 60 years old. I remember visiting the Battleship North Carolina as a kid. 35 years later, I brought my own kids on board. Very cool.
Thank you for bringing in the battle stars and making sure people understand that the USS NC was the most decorated Battleship of WWII. Not a lot of people want to believe that
North Carolina was a good tour. We did the self guided tour and spent way more time in it than we thought we had. Really neat piece of history. The things that surprised me the most (not being a Navy person) was: how tight the quarters for the crew were and how far up the bow angled. At some point I'll get to these other Battleships. My young kids really enjoyed NC.
when my family went to visit the Iowa, we spent the entire day at the museum, save for the time we left to go have lunch, but then returned.
As a NC resident, my sister guided us on a self guided tour when we were kids, she got our parents lost from the exit
I've visited the USS North Carolina many times. She is a beautiful and very well preserved battleship. A great way to spend a day.
Went on a lark to see North Carolina, on the way home from Orlando, in the days b4 the interwebs. Arrived at night during Azalea Festival and found no hotel rooms available. Dejected, started on I-40 to head home to Michigan. 27 miles on found a HOTEL notice for the next exit. Ended up in a 50's era cinderblock 18 roomer for $12 a night.....conveniently next to the beer store. Drove back to BB-55 early the next morning. Asked permission to come aboard and spent the day in heaven.....as much of heaven as the Brooklyn Navy Yard could produce. Ran into some Boy Scouts flayling about a 40mm tub. Explained to them how the Mark 51 controlled the surrounding tubs...and the similar system for the 5" turrets..and how this repelled the Kamikazes and saved many a ship and swabee. "How do you know this?" they asked. "I read...you should, too". Hopefully I generated many a scholar. That was February of '94. Seems like yesterday.
You definitely have read up on battleship systems if you know what 40mm fire control directors do! I was fortunate enough to have been a Mk 37 GFCS fire control technician for 5" guns on USS IOWA
Despite covid, we were fortunate to do the self guided tour of the North Carolina in October 2020. I am still in awe. Ryan's narrative on the history of this class battleship makes the memory even better since we did not receive the detailed information during our visit. Fortunately, I have almost 100 photos of the ship, including my 5 and 3 year old grandsons manning the anti-aircraft guns. Unfortunately, the North Carolina is in desperate need of major repairs to sustain her. She is essentially silted in, and her hull is deteriorating. Remediation is ongoing, but funds are desperately needed. They say she could never be floated again for possible dry dock major repairs. Sad.
I had the privilege of painting the North Carolina (along with several others,) about 10 years ago. It was a great experience.
Excellent video! I'm a NC native and lifelong resident. I love the USS North Carolina, and you did a fantastic job covering her. I appreciate you recommending people to visit her at the mesuem in Wilmington. I enjoyed learning about all the ships, and learned alot. I can tell you have a passion for battleships, and it shows. I just discovered you channel and subscribed after one video. Keep up the good work.
Was the 10,000 tons worth it? It’s a little humorous that the Iowa’s got that 32.5knot speed from an extra 10,000 tons to do a job that a North Carolina class BB actually accomplished... sinking Kongo class BB.
I think if battle ships had been guarding Taffy 3 as well as USS Johnson and friends the extra 10000 tons would be worth it
5 knots is a lot, the USN wanted the BB escorts to keep up with the carriers. So while in raw combat stats it might not look impressive, from a tactical standpoint it can make a lot of difference.
@@pedrofelipefreitas2666 unfortunately using BB as a carrier escort was not consideration for their speed. Iowas are that fast because they learned how fast the kongos were after refit. Literally meant to be able to run down and overpower the Kongo class.
The Iowas when they were recommissioned ended up getting spare parts from the NC, Mamie, and Lucky A. The 3 other BB's not Iowas class are GREAT museums to visit. I hope to get on the New Jersey someday. I visited the Wisky. Great tour!! I've toured the Massachusetts 4 times NC 3 and the Alabama and Wisky 1.
Thanks for the comparison and kind words about NC, I loved going there as a kid. I hope to get to the New Jersey someday.
Hello again from Bailey, NC!
I just wanted to say I'm so glad I found your channel on UA-cam, and the fact that you're doing videos of our beautiful "showboat," the battleship North Carolina it makes me very happy to see someone who is keeping this history alive for the younger generations to see and learn from!! I just turned 61 years old this past April and I've been on that battleship almost as much as my bass boat, and I remember as a young kid they used to do an outdoor show with the old girl being the star of the show, and also my Daddy was a WW2 veteran, he was a combat medic in General Patton's 664th armored tank division so I've always had a special interest in WW2 history, the TRUE WW2 history!! Although my Dad was in the Army my Dad's brother, my Uncle John D Bissette was in the Navy on the USS Virginia, and one of my Mother's Brother, my Uncle Bobby Brantley was on the USS North Carolina and he had many photos that were taken onboard the ship. Just as soon as I'm able to go back to work I'll be more than happy to donate 50 or 100 bucks to help you keep doing these videos! May God bless you and your loved ones and God bless the US!! 🇺🇸
WWG1WGA!!!
✝️❤🇺🇸🙏
Enjoyed the comparison. I've been on North Carolina several times and it's a favorite to visit.
Good coverage of the North Carolina class in this video. I have been to Wilmington, NC and gone aboard USS North Carolina. I was very impressed with how the ship is currently painted in its 1944 Measure 32 camouflage pattern, except that the museum administration chose not to cover the decks in dark blue paint which would have been part of that scheme. On another video perhaps you could comment on the planned but never built Montana class of US battleships that would have been even bigger than the Iowas.
One cool thing about the North Carolina. She shot her whole complement, about 800 rounds, of 16 inch shells, into Mount Sarabachi, on Iwo Jima. What a piece of history.
This Tarheel appreciates you sharing the BB-55s history. She and the Memphis Belle are my war heros along with the men that made them work.
I just got back from a trip out to NC, and we did a tour of the North Carolina, and I can say it was an amazing tour. Would love to go back and pay for one of the guided tours to see some of the other spaces. I've done a couple tours of aircraft carriers, which I really enjoyed, but man there is just something way more impressive about touring a battleship!
Somehow I never knew/heard that we have the Iowa Battleship up in LA. Gonna go give that a tour here soon!
My Father was a "plank owner" on the New Jersey and my family calls the area near the North Carolina home. My father would walk me around the North Carolina telling me war stories of the New Jersey. He still had his "War Log" book.
I've been adored both the North Carolina and the New Jersey and I enjoyed both the guided and unguided tour. Makes for a great day.
I tremendously enjoy your show, please keep going !!!
Very good ☺️, thanks, great to see the Washington!!
I've been aboard her several times and seen both the sound and light show and the 4th of July fireworks display. Fireworks with a battleship - it doesn't get any better!
Years ago they used to have fireworks explode out from the guns as if it were firing
@@HappyHands. That was propane, and yes, it was cool.
USSNC needs a regular web series as the NJ! :)
I didn't know the 16"ers came in different flavours.
I believe they just started a podcast
New Jersey sure hit the ball out ofthe park with this series. I have paid attention to these particular ships since I was a kid in the sixties, New Jersey in particular because she was Halsey's flagship. They are all historic treasures . This UA-cam series is one of the very best out here . Valuable and useful to the ships and the nation.
$500 to fire a 5" 38 ? If you fired a 16" 50. How much damage (and outrage. No doubt) would be caused in the surrounding area?
Broken glass for miles. Were like a mile from downtown Philly so it would be a extensive damage.
@@BattleshipNewJersey The government just spent 1.9T of our money they could use some to repair the windows, kinda like a government works project. They've done dumber things with our money.
If the NCs were originally laid down with 14" guns in mind, were the Ford Instruments Fire control computers already built for the 14" guns when the escalator clause was invoked?
If so, what was involved with re-building them for the new ballistics?
New cams? Or was it more involved than that?
What model jacket is that your wearing?
It looks like the jacket issued in WWII. My father had one.
BB 55 was an “unbalanced design”, with all or nothing armor, but she has a great home here in NC. Visit every chance I can. The cofferdam and walkway allow repairs to hull & 360 viewing.
Willis Augustus Lee was a remarkable shooter. He personally took out two snippers at Vera Cruz.
Please review the Colorado class 16” standard battleships. I would especially like to hear more about West Virginia post refitting. It would be very interesting to hear a comparison of WeeVee to Maryland and Colorado, compared to North Carolinas, South Dakotas, and Iowas. Third, how the technical advantages of WeeVee made her effective in Surigao Strait vs Maryland and others.
I wish I'd gotten to tour the North Carolina when I lived in Raleigh and would occasionally take a weekend in Wilmington but my first wife was with me and she wasn't up to it. I did get to tour the Batfish and Jeremiah O'Brien a few years ago.
I've lived in Wilmington most of my life and have been visiting the ship since I was a child. She's still a grand old lady and if you can make the trip, well worth visiting.
the old showboat bb55 most decorated battleship of ww2
What ships' boats are currently on the USS New Jersey? How have the types and number of ships' boats changed over her career and in different periods of service?
Willis Ching Lee!
Great video Ryan. Just paid my first visit to today - had a great time and hope to get up to see the New Jersey again this fall - hopefully when Drach makes his visit. Looked as closely as I could - the restoration work they are doing to the North Carolina - good to get worst spots but at sone point the bottom will needed attention and dry docking. Also surprised by the small size of the bridge compared to the New Jersey. As you say the New Jersey is a much larger ship. Thank you for your posts - spurred me on to drive the 200 mile round trip while down at the NC beaches to go see her - well worth the time.
Could we get a talk on the "VT5" proximity fused 5" AA shells?
Can you please do a video on the Nevada class? They were revolutionary for their time and were one of the only battleship to get underway at pear harbor before having to beach before being sunk in the harbor entrance.
One thing I find interesting about the North Carolina is that she would-a, should-a, could-a, tipped the balance at Guadalcanal and made the campaign a lot shorter than it ended up being. The Japanese submarine I-19 conducted a skillful attack on the carrier USS Wasp, hitting the Wasp with 3 torpedoes of a 6 torpedo spread. The North Carolina was miles away escorting another carrier when it was hit by one of the remaining 3 torpedoes just by sheer luck. The same thing happened to the destroyer O'brien. This happened early in the Guadalcanal campaign. These three ships were enough to tilt the balance significantly to the Americans. Even if the Wasp alone was hit, the North Carolina, if it had been available in the surface actions around Guadalcanal would have given the Americans an advantage in every battle.
Ivan Musicant's book Battleship at War is a must read for anyone who likes the battle wagons.
Terrible sound! The tour of the USS North Carolina is the best. It is kept up well painted and very educational by displays etc. USS North Carolina has a large battle record and was a great ship. Don't miss the tour if you get the chance at Wilmington NC.
I grew up next to the USS Massachusetts. Any idea why the Alabama is a lot more complete and not missing as many parts as the Massachusetts? It seems they reserve one ship in each class in it's complete condition. Would love to know. I thoroughly enjoy listening to you, so impressed with your knowledge, thank you so much.
When you say more powerful, I think more capable is a better term to describe a ship.
Great video, thanks
4:02 Is there a reason why the edges of the hatches are not painted? So it doesn't get stuck? How is something that heavy opened?
Basically it would get all messed up with the opening and closing so it isnt painted. These hatches are opened with counterweights which we demo here: ua-cam.com/video/jHU4Dv-U8YY/v-deo.html
The USS Washington has the singular distinction of being the only American battleship to ever go one on one with an enemy battleship and sink it. The Kirishima was busy mauling South Dakota and failed to note the approach of Washington. Big mistake. Admiral Lee made them pay.
Us tarheels are mighty proud of our battleship.
NC, the highest awarded BB in WWII … Battle Stars.
It is worth noting, the South Dakota and Iowa classes were armored against the best 16" shell available when they were designed, which was a 2,300 lbs round. Not the 2,700 lb superheavy round. The North Carolina's were armored against the modern 14" guns they were originally designed to carry, which would have been the most powerful 14" ever in U.S. naval service, and far more powerful than the 14" on earlier battleships. Which is why the scale of protection on Washington and North Carolina was not as much lighter than the South Dakota's and Iowa's as might be assumed.
While the Iowa's did have improvements over previous battleships, all three modern fast BB classes in truth has similar striking power, and similar secondary/AA power. The main improvement of the Iowa's was speed. While the earlier ships were not as fast, their speed proved adequate as all of the fast BB's effectively escorted carrier task forces.
16', 5', 40mm, 20mm guns on board. That's a lot of turrets and mountings, and so many barrels. Probably each gun was given x number of rounds of ammunition. What do you think was the approximate area this occupied within the ship? And its approximate total weight, for all calibres?
Father-in-law was aboard USS Indiana when it collided with USS Washington. Captain of the USS Indiana was relieved of his command. 6 were killed or missing on Washington, 4 on Indiana.
Has any "modern" capital ship ever taken enough damage to it's main armor to need to get it repaired, done so and then returned to combat in before the end of the conflict?
NC and WA were arguably the prettiest modern battleships. Also since the NC and SD class ships had 45 caliber guns, and fired the same 2,700lb AP shells that the Iowa's did, they would be hitting a target from a higher angle and avoiding the armored belts of their opponent. Thus, had a higher chance of hitting the main magazine, or piercing through the deck exiting the bottom and breaking the back of an opponent - much like MA did to Jean Bart.
By tonnage, do you mean the actual weight of the vessel [and contents] or the displacement of tons of seawater? Thanks.
How many war ships are in the Navy's museum fleet?
Would the shorter barrel length of the 16" guns on a North Carolina or South Dakota class battleship and the slower muzzle velocity as opposed to an Iowa have made a significant difference in the penetrating penetrating capability of her 16" rounds when firing at a flat trajectory?
Yes the difference gets larger over distance. When it came to plunging fire the 16 inch 45 caliber guns were slightly more effective due to a steeper rate of fall.
In late December 1941 North Carolina was sent to face off with Tirpitz, but they never met before NC was pulled to strengthen the Pacific Theater. I know you like to do Hypotheticals. how do you think North Carolina would have faired against the Tirpitz, Germany's mightiest battleship?
As a Washingtonian, it saddens me that the Washington wasn't saved. Especially with all the naval history in the Puget Sound
Is there a video on how shells and powder was transported to and loaded onto the ship? Also, the 16” shells are always standing and moved on end. Assuming one got “dropped” over from time to time. How were they uprighted?
I served as a gunners mate on the USS Iowa BB61 in 16 inch turret 1. On the projectile decks there are pad eyes in regular intervals on the overhead. If a 16 inch round fell over you would use a pad eye and chain hoist and a lot of elbow grease to upright the shell.
@@Bellthorian Thanks! I figured it had to be something like that...
I've been to see uss.NC a few times since I live an hour away from Wilmington . Been inside the turret rooms a few lower decks and what not . But she set in that bay so long I believe the hull is rusted away and not seaworthy.
What 'teeth' did the various treaties governing ship sizes have to ensure that the countries actually adhered to the treaties?
I've got a question?how much fuel oil did the navy leave in here tanks for mothballing,an later for a museum?are they stripped dry,or is some left for protection an balance. Or have they been filled with water?
All of the fuel was removed and the tanks cleaned before becoming a museum. For mothballing, there was some amount of fuel left on board though exactly how much I'm not sure of. - Libby the editor
@@BattleshipNewJersey Sorry for replying to an old comment, but if this was / is the case, how come the Yorktown was donated with almost 60k gallons of fuel (thats according the ship website) that had to be pumped out for the hull repairs in mid 2010s. Was that just a case of of the navy wanting to get rid of a ship in a hurry?
A lot of ships got donated with residual fuel on board. Removing it is a hassle and not always worth it to the Navy so they donate them that way. It really comes down to who's in charge at the time and whether they think it's a priority.
Excellent Presentation - as usual. Despite a maximum speed of 28 knots and not being able to support the Carrier Task Force, the North Carolina & South Dakota Classes of Battle Ships, although not as refined and upgraded as the Iowa Class, seemed to be more that capable to match anything the Japanese could muster. Of course, the two 'Big Girls' with 18" Guns had the range. I believe that the US Navy developed better support systems and had radar early, which certainly gave them the edge. Manufacturing Might & Resupply also overwhelmed the Enemy. I've noticed in your Battle Analysis that whoever was able to surprise the other and strike a punishing blow first usually would win the engagement. Also, when confronted by aggressive assault, the Japanese would disengage when they could have possibly succeeded. In the end, US Air Superiority and Surface Might would surely dictate results. The Big Bomb would end Japanese Fanaticism. Thank you.
Ryan, I would very much enjoy your analysis of the Alaska Class large cruisers.
They have done it. Search "Battleship New Jersey Alaska class cruisers".
And here it is for those that can't find it:
ua-cam.com/video/DDrt_NCZNvg/v-deo.html
Alaska and Guam? Our “heavy cruisers”? That would be interesting …
I remember getting lost as a kid on uss nc in Wilmington NC during restoration in the 90s there were parts open to tour and some not and I really got scared as I was maybe 10 and separated from dad
RIP USS Washington :(
The North Carolina's are not "Much Like the Iowa's". The Iowa's are Much Like the North Carolina's.
Side note, I was on the NC BB 55 (Museum) as a child back in about 1968, and she was a solid navy grey. The WWII camouflage repaint came sometime between then and the mid 80's when I next saw her. Also her teak decking was replaced in the 90's I think. I seem to remember a fundraising campaign for it. That stuff ain't cheap.
Me and my family toured the North Carolina in the early 70s I was probably 4 or 5 I still remember walking through the ship I don't know if my memory is correct did they used to fire the guns or am I misremembering we had shirts with USS North Carolina on them from the gift shop
They used to have a light show that simulated the flash and sound of the ship firing her guns back in the late 60's to late 70's, but dropped it due to cost.
@@erichammond9308 thanks for telling me that 30 years later my dad took my son to seet the Alabama in Mobile I told my son make sure to take pictures of her mighty 16" guns he did my dad loved the battleships he's no longer with us
Im confused....is the uss north Carolina still floating or is it on dry land?
She's stuck in the mud with a cofferdam so there can be water around her or not depending on the tide and if work is happening
Wasn't the USS Alabama a nc class as well?
Can you explain and make it easier to understand how a 16-in projectile can be called a 45 caliber when a 1911 pistol is also at 45 caliber. Thank you
So for artillery, caliber is a measure of the length of the barrel. 16in x 50cal = 800in barrel.
Audio quality uneven. Good content
I live about 10 minutes from BB55, it’s incredibly sad how they turn away those eager to volunteer there. They should take notes from the New Jersey
Unfortunate BB-56 was not able to be saved from the scrappers torch.
I never really understood the logic of the “balanced” armor approach. That is making a ship armored against the size guns It carries. Who cares what guns you’re carrying, shouldn’t you be worried about the guns you’re likely to be up against? In other words the NC wasn’t suddenly less protected when they swapped to 16” guns, she just had better firepower. The ship never would have been protected from Nagato for instance, but with the 16s at least she was just as well armed.
Can you compare the New Jersey to the Texas
The statement you make about the 5in/38cal secondary battery been the best is a bit far from the mark. 8 don't disagree that when initially built in the anti-aircraft role they were a good weapon, load cycle and training speed. But in the surface role, they were no were as good as either the 5.25in on the KGV or Vanguard and not as good as the 6in on other battleships.
Other than the Washington or South Dakota, none of the US battleships had much surface action where this would have been a detrimental issue.
With the advert of the VT shells the more heavier duel purpose gun were a better choice, as shown by the US looking to fit the 5in/54cal on the Montana and the actually single mounts fitted 9n the Midway's.
I recently read an article suggesting that the Iowa's were really the last of the battlecruisers. The article sited length to beam ratio and armor protection. What are your thoughts about this?
The Navy is on automatic so the time and resources being spent is forgone. But, if the 4 Iowa's where North Carolina Class did they do anything during the war that couldn't have been done in that class. Would the ships have been available sooner if they were of that class. Knowing the state of the battleship at the end of the war, would they have done North Carolinas and used the design and construction resources on something more valuable like aircraft carriers. The WW2 role of protecting aircraft carriers probably ended by 1950, you are probably in a nuclear war if you get into a WW2 navel war where the protection is needed, and the Russian navy was probably not worth much until the 60s if then. Battleship's role was shore bombardment by 1950, the speed and armor were overkill.
Comment on Tennessee class
Washington + Ching Lee = win!
As a Tar Heel I have to say The Showboat and all her Battle Stars walk all over every other BB.
Sorry New Jersey
My state
Not trying to be a smarty, but Texas was first,1947.
I mean no disrespect but I still think the Iowa class should have at least had something approaching the 14.7 in belt of the King George v.
Keep in mind when the British pummeled the Bismarck into submission 16-in shells from HMS Rodney were able to rip open the conning Tower and when the British were actually attempting to score hits at range the main 12.6 inch belt was penetrated three times and more importantly the 14-in thick conning Tower was ripped open like a sardine can as well as both 14 and 16 inch shells penetrating the 14-in thick turret faces.
BB55 will always look cooler
I am questioning the logic that the Iowas were worth it. I am saying that not only was the 10k tons not worth the 5 knots of speed, but also the ships themselves were not worth it. The argument that they were kept in service after the war does not mean that the South Dakotas and/or the North Carolinas would not have sufficed if the Iowas did not exist.
I see 2 main roles for the ships. During WW2, they were supplying antiaircraft fire to protect the carriers, and doing shore bombardment.
For antiaircraft service, wouldn't an equivalent number of destroyers or cruisers have been better?
For shore bombardment, the old standards were just as good as an Iowa, right?
What am I missing?
North Carolina’s have always been my favourite.
I really liked your vid but I must say that sometimes the sound quality is real bad. Just a suggestion: Please use a small external "Lavalier" mic - those which have to be fixed to your clothes - and if you shoot outside please use a wind shield.
Compare with USS ALABAMA
Iowas more powerful yes, would I want to get into a shooting match with either an Iowa or an NC? No no no
Why want u described the uss alabama luck A
You better do a good job!
We love the the NC.
Okay! Get off my ship..LOL.
The NC was the better ship. Her history proved it!
Go back to your Yankee tug!
I'm 62 I've been going to the north Carolina 5 to 6 times a year sence I was 6 years old
I been to USS North Carolina. (tour of Slovak generals visiting Lejeune, I got to be translator) Neat machine, but visibly shorter than Jersey.
Willis Augustus Lee was a remarkable shooter. He personally took out two snippers at Vera Cruz.
Three