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Forward 5" gun on USS Kidd Explodes

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  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: Berwick, La.
Forward 5" gun on USS Kidd Explodes
Posted by Tnonk on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 8:31 PM

Just read a report on the gun explosion on board the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge.

The forward 5" mount exploded as it was firing a three shot volley of a salute for deceased veterans

Tim Nessmith, a 14 year veteran on the USS Kidd museum was injured as the weapon exploded this morning at 10:00 AM during a reunion of 80 veterans of WW II, Korea and Vietnam. His injuries are not life threatening.

Hope the link below works.

Adrian

http://theadvocate.com/home/2717704-125/man-injured-in-explosion-on

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 9:22 PM

Is this USS Kidd a museum ship? It does not look like the Arleigh Burke Class destroyer that my freind commanded, or the previous "Ayatollah" Class USS Kidd.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Kincheloe Michigan
Posted by Mikeym_us on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 9:49 PM

It's the Fletcher class USS Kidd Stik and it is a museum ship.

stikpusher

Is this USS Kidd a museum ship? It does not look like the Arleigh Burke Class destroyer that my freind commanded, or the previous "Ayatollah" Class USS Kidd.

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15   http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: Berwick, La.
Posted by Tnonk on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 9:49 PM

Yes stikpusher, this USS Kidd is a museum ship, a Fletcher Class Destroyer, located in Baton Rouge, La.

It is the only surviving Fletcher in WW II configuration.  It was never upgraded after WW II.

Sorry my heading didn't include that.  i didn't think of the current USS Kidd.

 

Adrian

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 10:59 PM

That's a shame that happened.Glad no one was killed. I've never seen a Fletcher in person, or at least it was long ago and I don't remember, but those are real history. Truly a Tin Can.

DD-661 was named after Admiral Kidd, who was killed on his flagship BB-39 on 12/7/41.

  • Member since
    January 2009
Posted by F-8fanatic on Thursday, May 3, 2012 10:39 AM

wow, I was just on that ship two weeks ago.....I live about an hour from there and we took our girls to see it.  The forward turret is not normally open to visitors, but the aft turret is and you can climb inside.  They have done a great job with the ship--although it would be nice to be able to see more of the below-deck spaces, such as the boiler rooms, etc.  This ship was heavily in the fight in WWII, and was hit by a kamikaze near Okinawa in April 1945.  the plane struck just below the main deck, starboard side, right about where the forward smokestack is.  The plane was carrying a bomb--and the bomb actually went all the way through the ship.  It entered the hull on starboard side, exited out the port side just below the main deck, and then exploded after exiting the ship. 

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: Berwick, La.
Posted by Tnonk on Thursday, May 3, 2012 5:58 PM

Yes bondo, a real shame. I too am glad no one was killed. I hope the workers injuries are not disfiguring - I read a report that said he may lose some fingers but have not seen an update lately. If you are ever in Baton Rouge, I would urge you to go see the Kidd, it is in immaculate condition (at least it was last time I was on the Kidd).

F-8, I live about about 1 1/2 hours from Baton Rouge myself.  My son lives in Baton Rouge and we go about once a month or so.  I'll have to visit the Kidd next time I'm there.  At least I can contribute a little to help with the damages by taking another trip to the ship.  Might have to take a few pictures for some research for when I build a 1/350 Fletcher.

 

Adrian

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