What were they thinkin' ??

dond · 04-03-2010, 06:17 PM

Hey Ron,
If you remember, the 5" 54's weren't very reliable in those days, especially during rapid fire. If I remember correctly, I believe they were supposed to fire twenty rounds per minute. I don't think we ever made it past eight before something screwed up. At one point (while on the line), both mounts, ASROC and the torpedo system were down at the same time! Our only protection were the two .50 cals. and whatever the gunner-mates could muster up (WW2 M1's, .45's, etc).
We also had a "hanger" on the gun line. The LTJG in charge of the mount IMMEDIATELY ordered the gun crew to "FLUSH IT" against their wishes. It caused untold damage to the gun and mount. Forever after, he was known as "The Flusher"!!!
Best Regards, Don

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04-03-2010, 06:17 PM	#1
dond User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 34 Thanks: 10 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	Hey Ron, If you remember, the 5" 54's weren't very reliable in those days, especially during rapid fire. If I remember correctly, I believe they were supposed to fire twenty rounds per minute. I don't think we ever made it past eight before something screwed up. At one point (while on the line), both mounts, ASROC and the torpedo system were down at the same time! Our only protection were the two .50 cals. and whatever the gunner-mates could muster up (WW2 M1's, .45's, etc). We also had a "hanger" on the gun line. The LTJG in charge of the mount IMMEDIATELY ordered the gun crew to "FLUSH IT" against their wishes. It caused untold damage to the gun and mount. Forever after, he was known as "The Flusher"!!! Best Regards, Don