Gunnery Incidents at Sea

Navy ships operate around the world in service of our nation, often using powerful and complex weapons under demanding conditions. Although major gunnery incidents are uncommon, their consequences can be devastating for sailors, their families, and the crews who survive them.

This exhibit examines three incidents across more than six decades of naval history: the June 12, 1924 turret explosion aboard USS Mississippi off San Pedro, California; the October 1, 1972 incident aboard USS Newport News; and the April 19, 1989 explosion aboard Battleship USS IOWA.

Through historical accounts, evidence, and the investigations that followed, the exhibit explores the risks of naval gunnery, the human cost of tragedy at sea, and the continuing responsibility to learn from those who were lost.

Viewer discretion is advised. This exhibit contains mature and potentially distressing material and may not be appropriate for younger visitors.