The Iowa-class battleships were formidable fighting machines with immense firepower, primarily centered on nine 16-inch/50 caliber Mark 7 guns housed in three triple turrets. These guns could fire heavy shells, such as a 2,700-pound armor-piercing projectile, up to 24 miles (39 km), delivering more explosive power in a single broadside than dozens of field artillery batteries. Firepower in action During combat: The 16-inch guns were used for heavy shore bombardment and to engage enemy surface ve