Mighty Mo's gun finds permanent home at Fort Miles
Story Location:
Lewes, DE
United States
One of nine 16-inch guns mounted to the deck of the USS Missouri during World War II is now a permanent fixture of Fort Miles Artillery Park.
There was no fancy ceremony Friday, May 20, but dozens of state officials, members of the Fort Miles Historical Association and local media gathered to watch the careful installation of the gun whose journey to Cape Henlopen State Park began more than a decade ago.
Dr. Gary Wray, association president, said this gun was used to destroy Japanese super ships during the war. The shells this gun fired had the ability to pierce 18 inches of steel, he said.
"What a gun," he said in excited anticipation.
Wray said the gun had the ability to fire its ammunition 25.5 miles. That's beyond the horizon, he said.
The 16-inch gun is the same type manufactured and installed at Fort Miles to safeguard Delaware River passage to industrial and fuel depots during World War II. Fort Miles' guns were sold for scrap following the war.
Look to the Friday, May 27 edition of the Cape Gazette for more photos and a story.
