Mk 42 naval gun

The U.S. Mk 42 was the principal post-World War II 5-inch, (127-mm)/54-caliber mount in surface combatants and aircraft carriers. It was replaced in new ships by the lighter Mk 45.

Eight Mk 42 gun mounts were originally mounted in the four FORRESTAL-class aircraft carriers (CVA 59-62); they were fitted in pairs or sponsons at each quarter. All were removed. Most mods have only a surface-fire capability.

Initial operational capability (IOC) was in 1952 on the USS MITSCHER (DL-2)....