Shannon carried unique ten-inch muzzle-loading guns whose ammunition chain did not extend to her intended overseas station. Only the rounds aboard ship were available, while even nine-inch ammunition was scarce enough to restrict practice. Her largest weapons consequently went unexercised, making their impressive paper strength of little practical value. The episode shows how overseas logistics, training stocks, and fleet standardization have to be designed alongside a warship's armament.
Notable Point · 4:42-5:42
Heavy guns without a Pacific ammunition supply
The Pacific Station held no replacement ten-inch ammunition for Shannon, preventing routine practice with her largest guns after deployment.