I was off the coast of VA on the naval gun range when they brought the battlewagons back into commission. Watched the Wisconsin fire a broadside from my ship. We were about 5 miles away and it was still incredible. The power those ships had was amazing. I hated to see them go for good but they were worn out and pretty much obsolete. Those 16 inch guns were impressive but in actuality they paled compared to missiles and aircraft.

I was also on the pier in Norfolk doing line handlers when they brought the Iowa in after the turret explosion. Watched the body bags come off and into the ambulances. Very sobering thing to watch. Whole side of the ship was blackened. They had the turret covered in canvas and tarps but it was obvious she was severely damaged.

You get out of life what you are willing to accept. If you ain't happy, do something about it!