SYDNEY, NSW. 1942-12. PORT BOW VIEW OF THE HEAVY CRUISER USS PORTLAND (CA-33) IN SUTHERLAND DOCK ...

SYDNEY, NSW. 1942-12. PORT BOW VIEW OF THE HEAVY CRUISER USS PORTLAND (CA-33) IN SUTHERLAND DOCK AT COCKATOO ISLAND REPAIRING DAMAGE SUSTAINED DURING THE NIGHT ACTION OFF GUADALCANAL THE PREVIOUS MONTH. NOTE HOW THE 8 INCH/55 GUNS ARE MOUNTED CLOSE TOGETHER IN A COMMON SLEEVE, AN ARRANGEMENT THAT LED TO MUTUAL INTERFERENCE BETWEEN GUNS AND CONSEQUENT WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF FALL OF SHOT. FIRE CONTROL WAS PROVIDED BY THE MARK 27 DIRECTOR ON THE FORETOP WHICH IS FITTED WITH A MARK 33 RADAR. 20 MM OERLIKON AA GUNS ARE MOUNTED AT ITS BASE. FURTHER OERLIKONS ARE VISIBLE ON THE BRIDGE ROOF AND ABREAST AND BELOW IT. ON EITHER SIDE OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE ARE MARK 33 AA DIRECTORS FOR THE SECONDARY ARMAMENT, FITTED WITH MARK 4 FIRE CONTROL RADAR. A DEGAUSSING CABLE RUNS ALONG THE SHIP'S SIDE JUST ABOVE THE BAULKS OF TIMBER STAYING HER. PARAVANE CHAINS HANG FROM THE SHIP'S EYES. (NAVAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION)