Inside The History: 16" 45 caliber MK VI Gun Turret overview on USS MASSACHUSETTS BB 59 GM1 Retired Tom Lowney and historical gunnery expert Dr. John Scholes walk us through an overview on the 16" Turrets on USS MASSACHUSETTS | Battleship Cove

On April 19, 1989, Turret #2 of the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) exploded during a sea-firing exercise. The massive explosion occurred inside the 16-inch gun chamber, instantly killing 47 crew members and destroying nearly the entire turret interior. Flames and thick smoke billowed from the turret, while crews elsewhere in the ship conducted damage control and rescue efforts under extremely dangerous conditions. At the same time, in the background, Turret One is visible with its left barrel fully