I just finished reading a short military history eBook titled “Battleship Marine”. It was authored by my former Executive Officer Lt. Col Kent Ralston, USMC. The book describes the actions of the battleship USS Wisconsin and it’s Marine Detachment during the Gulf War (1990-91) The U.S.S. Wisconsin fired the final 16inch naval gunfire mission against enemy troops in history; while the Marines held the distinction of being the last to serve in the Marine Corps oldest role as ship’s company aboard a U.S. Navy gun equipped fighting ship. It brought back many memories, clarified some things, and gave me a better understanding of situations that were often unclear from my perspective. If you enjoy military history I definitely recommend it. It’s a quick download on Barnes and Noble for $4, well worth it.
It’s not the gripping balls to the wall book with a ton of excitement like American Sniper and similar books but it describes an important contribution made by a group of Sailors and Marines during the first shots of a 20 year long war. It also describes an end of an era in military equipment, units and tactics. Something we will never see again. The author is a “Mustang” who rose to the rank of Sergeant in the USMC before becoming a great Marine Officer. Check it out, it’s a quick read.
I still a carrier battle group needs two of those in it.
And before everyone jumps down my throat, yes I know when and why they were rendered obsolete. But c’mon, you can’t tell me an aircraft carrier is more fearsome and intimidating than a ship with nine 16 inch guns…
As a huge BB fan I’ll check this out for sure. There are some great videos of the Missouri and Wisconsin laying it to the Iraqi’s in '91 on youtube. Really looking forward to my free tour of the Iowa in LA at some point.
Interesting. I have a buddy at work that did stuff for the Tomahawk fire control systems on a battleship. I’ll have to ask him if it was the Wisconsin.
I count 63 sets of dress blues in that photo. Was the MarDet that big? If so, I did not realize it.
For those of you that care, USS Wisconsin sits in Norfolk, across the river from Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Very cool to see it every day at work.
Also holds the record for the fastest of the BB’s, as well as having its bow taken off in a collision around the 50’s. New name is the USS WisKy, since the USS Kentucky (while still being constructed) donated its bow for the repair.
Funny thing though, yes they supposedly were obsolete after WWII, but somehow kept coming back for a specific need and usage. Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm the Iowa Class were put to good use. Sure there are better platforms out there today for cruise missile launches and whatnot, but you are correct, they are a symbol of naval power and have a very distinct role that can be needed from time to time.
And yes, having something that hurls an explosive shell that weighs a ton over twenty miles into your nation will give some nations pause for thought lol
Actually a few Marines were not included in that picture due to being on duty, emergency leave, or did not have dress blues issued yet (This was before dress blues were issued to every recruit in boot camp). I think we numbered around 70.
