USS Independence (CVL-22) with 5" Gun in Bow, 1943

Photographed soon after completion, circa early 1943, while she still carried a 5"/38 gun at the bow. The gun cuased damage tot he flight deck and superstructure when fired, so it was removed and replaced with twin 40mm antiaircraft. USS Princeton, the next ship, had her 5" gun changed to twin 40mm before installation, and all other ships of the Independence class carried 40mm in the bow. Right Click and choose "View Image" to enlarge.