16-Inch Coast Defense Gun - Aberdeen, MD - Static Artillery Displays on Waymarking.com

This is perhaps the largest piece of artillery I have ever seen. Located at the US Army Ordnance Museum in the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, this behemoth was originally designed for coastal defenses in the 1920's. It was emplaced but never really fired. The following information is taken from the Museum's Website:

Although this "gun" was used only for testing purposes, it is the last example of a complete 16-inch coast-defense-type gun left in the U.S. The MK II and MK III barrels were originally built for a class of battle-cruiser cancelled by the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty. The Navy, now having no immediate need for the guns, transferred them to the Army for coast defense service. At that time, the Army had emplaced only six of its M1919 guns on M1919 carriages. The Army now built new improved models of its M1919 carriage to accommodate all the new Navy guns. This carriage base is marked "U.S. Barbette Carriage M1919 S/N 1". The specially designed upper carriage is marked "Proof Mount." The barrel is a Navy MK III, Mod 1 tube, S/N 138. Sixteen-inch guns were emplaced at major U.S. harbors in two-gun batteries between the 1920s and 1946 "to engage enemy battleships, aircraft carriers and heavy cruisers." The last of these guns had been scrapped by 1950.

Specifications:

Country USA
Manufacturer Carriage, Watertown Arsenal; Barrel, Bethlehem Steel
Year Manufactured Carriage, 1919; Barrel, 1922
Armament 2100 or 2240-pound projectiles; 640 pounds powder; range 45,000 yards
Dimensions Barbette, 35' Diameter; barrel, 68' long; WT 500 tons

Source: (visit link)


As this weapon is at the Ordnance Museum at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, you need to get a day pass as you will be entering an active US Military Base. Information on how to do this can be found at:

(visit link)

Click on the "Museum Day Pass" button.

Don't be a goober, follow the rules and you will be treated to a fascinating museum of ordnance.

What type of artillery is this?: 2100 or 2240-pound projectiles Where is this artillery located?: Military Grounds What military of the world used this device?: US Military Date artillery was in use: 01/01/1919 Parking location to view this Waymark: N 39° 29.296 W 076° 08.440 Artillery is no longer operational: yes Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed Cost?: Not Listed Still may work: Not Listed Are there any geocaches at this location?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
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