A. E. Wells Photograph of the First Target Practice of the USS Tennessee
This photograph depicts the USS Tennessee's first target practice. In this instance, the ship is firing broadside.
Dates
- circa 1920
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This photograph depicts the USS Tennessee's first target practice. In this instance, the ship is firing broadside.
Biographical/Historical Note
The 32,300 ton battleship USS Tennessee was constructed in the New York Navy Yard and commissioned in June of 1920. It served in the Atlantic for a year before being transferred to the Pacific, where the ship served for nearly twenty years. During the 1920s and 1930s, the Tennessee participated in regular training and fleet exercises, earning an E (for excellence) in gunnery. On December 7, 1941 the Tennessee was one of the seven ships anchored on Pearl Harbor's Battleship Row. Two of her four gun turrets were damaged by bombs and it was scorched by burning oil from the sinking USS Arizona. Temporary repairs were made on site and the Tennessee was sent to Puget Sound for a full overhaul. It was modernized extensively in 1942 and went on to support numerous campaigns in the Pacific area, including Tarawa, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa despite incurring further damage, including a kamikaze strike in 1945. The Tennessee was mothballed after the war ended and was sold for scrap in July 1959.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
Special Collections purchased this photograph.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository