The Mighty Mo

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Regarding ammo for BB-63, the Missouri -- between Windsor and Zuni,  VA
on the 52-mile tangent is a relatively unknown station - Dwight.  At  one time
it had been a coaling station. During World War II, it became a dispersal 
point for ammunition.  Switchers were assigned to assemble explosives  for
movement to Tidewater on a just-in-time basis.  Why ?  Because  Dwight was
beyond the range of a naval bombardment.  So it is  possible N&W provided
ammunition for BB-63.  
 
After my return to civilian service, the Coast Guard cutter I was assigned  to
got into a scrap with one of the Iowa-class battleships.  The  USCGC
Chincoteague was commissioned in 1943.  Formerly a seaplane  tender,
the 311-foot ship was a hand-me-down from the U.S.Navy.  The  40-mm
guns had been removed and the only armament left on the "Chink" was a
turret-mounted 5 inch 38.  
 
On weather patrol in the North Atlantic,  the "Chink" picked up a huge  blip
on  radar.  More out of curiosity than anything else, a message  was
sent for the blip to identify itself.   Minutes ticked by.   No response.  A
second message was sent demanding identification.  Still no  response.
Now the Coast Guard was livid.  CIC (Combat Information Center)  became
alive and a third message was sent "Identify yourself or be fired  upon".
 
That's when the cutter received this reply - "Fire when ready.  We'll  spot
for you.  BB-62".  The USS New Jersey fresh from refit for the  Viet Nam
conflict was attempting to maneuver through the Atlantic  undetected.
                                                         Harry Bundy
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