Posted on 11/10/2025 11:21:15 PM PST by ding_dong_daddy_from_dumas
In February 1944, the U.S. Navy launched one of the most devastating strikes of the Pacific War — Operation Hailstone. Over the skies and seas of Truk Lagoon, the Japanese stronghold once called the “Gibraltar of the Pacific” was shattered in a two-day assault that rewrote naval warfare.
This video tells the forgotten story of how the USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, and America’s radar-guided firepower changed history. Discover how advanced analog computers, precision gunnery, and overwhelming air superiority combined to destroy Japan’s once-invincible fleet. From massive 16-inch naval guns thundering across the ocean to the smoldering wrecks beneath Truk’s lagoon, every moment marked the end of Japan’s naval dominance.
Through declassified reports, survivor accounts, and wartime footage, experience the battle that proved technology, courage, and strategy could outmatch even the most disciplined adversary. This is the story of the strike that broke Japan’s shield — and announced America’s unstoppable reach across the Pacific.
Yamato and Musashi had a greater gun range but had no way of determining position, direction, and speed if the target was not visible.
During the battle for Okinawa, the Japanese sent the super battleship Yamato to bombard the American fleet. Fortunately, they sent her out without adequate air cover, and she was blown out of the water by American carrier based aircraft.
Had she gotten close to the American fleet and invasion force, she would’ve caused absolute carnage.
Musashi, Yamato’s sistership, was sunk during the battle for Leyte Gulf… was hit by an estimated 19 torpedoes and 17 bombs.
I think there was a third ship in that class, I believe it was called the Shinano, but I don’t think it was ever completed; I believe they converted it to a carrier.
Yes.. here it is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Shinano
When I was a kid my brother and I went to a neighbor’s house one day, where the lady taught us how to play Battleship on pencil and paper. My mom was angry that we returned late.
The idea was to use spotter aircraft for OTH targeting.
Yamato sank a destroyer in the Battle of Leyte Gulf but when planes from light carriers appeared, Yamato withdrew. I remember one story that after that, US sailors yelled, “Boys, They’re getting away!”
Worth a try.
Bismark had an 82cm (wavelength), 8kW RADAR system.
American battleships had 3cm (wavelength), 50kW RADAR systems.
As a general matter, shorter wavelength means greater accuracy in detection, identification, tracking, and ranging. Antenna size and power output are also relevant.
The Combined Fleet pages have all manner of interesting information about WWII ships.
Japan was further behind and they later discovered how far behind. Even more important were the US dominance in manufacturing and pilot training, along with oil.
Nimitz was not happy that Halsey went off to chase the decoy carriers.
That was cool but wish it had a bunch of video.
16-inch blasts moving USS Iowa SIDEWAYS:
https://eugeneleeslover.com/AMMUNITION/USS-IOWA-BROADSIDE-FIREING.html
Completely off topic… but I’ve just realized that my life is inadequately incomplete without an M3 Half Track with a quad 50 mount.
I find this situation intolerably intolerable….
I am having trouble getting ammo for my 105 mm howitzer. Sucks to be me.
You need one for each hand…
Tell you what… If I get that half track, we’ll hook up your howitzer to the half track, drive down to the local watering hole, and scare the crap out of them all.
Because we can…
Beetle Bailey…. lol!
It is a hoot.
"They started it." -USS Wisconsin
No touchee US boats. We don't play that.
I can’t say it’s true of all of them, but some rabid feminists really hate Miss Buxley.
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