Typically, battleships would accompany Essex-class ... These guns would have fired shells weighing up to 2,700 lbs. at a maximum effective range of 27 miles at a rate of two rounds per minute.

BATTLESHIP “ LOUISIANA ... In order to secure a maximum concentration of fire the double turret was reintroduced, four of the 8-inch guns being carried on the roof of the 12-inch turret ...