On this date Oct. 1, 1972, at about 01:00 while on a support mission off the coast of Vietnam, an explosion that tore through the center barrel of Gun Turret #2, killed 20 of our shipmates. Some died in the explosion, others died of smoke inhalation. An eight inch projectile prematurley detonated inside the center barrel as it was being fired due to a faulty fuse. The powder casing behind the projectile fired inside the barrel, causing an explosion which had no place to go but into the gunner's compartment. The remaining powder cases inside the powder hoists also exploded.  Smoke quickly spread throughout the ship putting many of us at risk. Most of the ships company survived but at least 20 did not.

Below are the photos of our shipmates who were killed in the explosion inside of Turret 2. "May they forever rest in peace" You are not forgotten.