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The Wisconsin (BB-64) on January 12, 1943. Note the wedge shaped forward transverse bulkhead (with the worker on the top edge) just forward of the barbette of No. 1 turret. This large plate of armor was designed to protect the ship from shells fired by an enemy vessel operating off the bow. In the Wisconsin and Missouri (BB-63), this armor piece was 14.5 inches thick; in the Iowa and New Jersey, only 11.3 inches. At the time this photograph was taken, the Wisconsin was over 35 percent complete with almost 10,000 tons of material erected. She will be commissioned in 15 months.* |
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The Wisconsin (BB-64) viewed from astern on January 12, 1943. The armor deck is being fitted over the engineering spaces. The 17.3 inch circular armor plates forming the upper barbette of No. 3 turret have been completely assembled and work is underway inside the turret itself. The circle inside the barbette armor is the conical bulkhead which makes up part of the rotating structures and bears the weight of the gun house. The bottom edge of the conical bulkhead is joined to the pan floor which rests on the upper roller path. Turrets Nos. 1 and 2 are not so far advanced.* |
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The main machinery plant of the Wisconsin (BB-64) is easily seen in this photo, looking forward on July 8, 1943. The boilers are in place and are visible here. The main engines, in the spaces between the boilers, have already been covered over. The minute sub-division of the spaces within the hull is of primary importance for the control of flooding after suffering battle damage and is also visible. Lists can be corrected by counterflooding to keep the vessel on an even keel and to maintain stability.** |
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With the armor for the lower part of No. 2 barbette erected, the Wisconsin (BB-64) on July 8, 1943 has been on the stocks for 18 months. She is only about 20 percent complete, but she would be ready for sea in 21 months. It is just possible to make out the uptakes of her eight boilers. Protecting them is the citadel with its 12.1 inch belt inclined at 19 degrees. Note that the armor on No. 2 barbette angles in at the bottom sides. The result is a weight saving in protection with no loss in protection since the belt will be extended forward past No. 1 turret.* |
