Battleship Cove Fall River, MA June 28, 2007

The USS Battleship Massachusetts (Big Mamie) was located in Fall River, MA as a museum several decades ago. We spent the afternoon on board along with a destroyer, USS Joseph P Kennedy, Jr, and the submarine, USS Lionfish, that are located there as well. On all three vessels they have opened up virturally every section for access even sections requiring climbing vertical ladders! Very impressive exhibition. The Masachusetts saw major action throughout World War II in the European and Pacific Theaters.

Looking down the barrel of the 16 inch guns. We were able to climb inside the gun turret work our way into the area where the guns were loaded. Later we worked our way down to one of the lowest decks (deck 5) in the ship to see where the shells and powder were stored and handled to be sent up to the turret. Once there it took awhile to find our way out. It was like working our way through a maze.

USS Lionfish

Joyce climbing up to the conning tower where the Captain executes battle operations.

The navigation and control center of the sub.