Your help is vital to preserve the last 16-inch gun from the historic USS Missouri (BB-63) and bring it to Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park!
The nine massive cannons on the USS MISSOURI (BB-63) were legendary. Over the battleship’s long history, the huge 16” guns hurled 2,250 pound shells more than 23 miles in 50 seconds – with pinpoint accuracy, in support of US ground troops.
The USS MISSOURI provided coverage during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and later in Korea and Desert Storm – but the ship’s most historic moment occurred on September 2, 1945, when it hosted the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay, bringing an official end to WWII.
As the Japanese delegation boarded the ship, they walked past cannon #371 – the very gun we seek to preserve and honor today.
Got a question or comment?
Name:
Email:
Question/Comment:
Fort Miles Historical Association
A 501(c)(3 non-profit dedicated to the preservation and protection of Fort Miles in partnership with the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation.
A CAMPAIGN TO SAVE A LEGENDARY CANNON
Why Fort Miles?
The same type of 16" guns were also manufactured and installed at Ft. Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park to safeguard the Delaware River passage to vital industrial and fuel depots during WWII. It's an extension of our history locally. That's why the Fort Miles Historical Association jumped at the opportunity to save one of America's last iconic military artifacts.
To see more about the Navy at Fort Miles, go to www.navyatcapehenlopen.info.
Press here to make your gift.
