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Another reason for going to the hurricane bow on the Essex and Midway class carriers was the removal of all of their 3”/50 RF AA guns and most of their 5-inch guns. With the exception of USS Boxer and USS Princeton that stayed straight deck helicopter assault carriers, the conversion of the Essex and Midway class carriers under SCB-125 and SCB-110 resulted in major changes.

Essex (SCB-125): reconfiguration of island; fitting hurricane bow; removal of all 3”/50 RF guns and four twin 5”/38 guns [8 5”/38 single open mount guns remain]; mirror landing system fitted; steam cats fitted.

Midway (SCB-110): reconfiguration of island; fitting hurricane bow; removal of six 5”/54 Mk 39 guns [8 5”/54 guns remain]; mirror landing system fitted; steam cats fitted.