Battleship New Jersey Fires Its Gigantic Guns For The First Time In 60 Years

Battleship New Jersey Fires Its Gigantic Guns For The First Time In 60 Years | World War Wings Videos

(Philly.com/YouTube)

Quad 40.

75 years ago the Battleship New Jersey was launched into the carnage of World War II. It served in the Pacific Theater of War and survived the onslaught the Japanese kamikaze thanks to its Quad 40 anti-aircraft guns. For decades those guns have remained silent, but yesterday that all changed as the Quad 40 guns roared to life once again.

During WWII and the Korean War, the Quad 40 guns were the standard in defending Battleships from enemy planes. However, by the time of the Vietnam War, these guns could not compete with modern aircraft and they fell into disuse. The guns were restored to firing condition to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Battleship New Jersey’s launch.

Several WWII veterans were on the Battleship to witness its guns fire once again. On December 7th at 2:16 PM the guns were fired at exactly 75 years after the New Jersey was launched and it really raised emotions to the veterans present.

“The only thing we fired before the war was a BB gun. It was a whole new life.”

– Russell Collins (Former Battleship New Jersey Gunner)

It just goes to show that they don’t make them like they used to, so check out this clip and watch these guns blast in honor of heroes.

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