54 Hits in 58 Shots by the U. S. Ship Florida

1916

Norfolk, Sept. 23. — Fifty-four hits in 58 shots with 12 inch guns is said to be the record established by the battleship Florida, in the Atlantic fleet's individual target practice at short and intermediate ranges off the Virginia coast this week. Officers tonight predicted that this record would put the Florida at the top of the gunnery list by a wide margin.

The fleet came into Hampton Roads tonight for the week end. The records of the various battleships are not available, but it is known the Texas made the second best showing and the Wyoming was third. The Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Arkansas, the newest superdreadnaughts, have not yet finished their initial firing.

Practice will be completed next week and the ships will proceed then to their home stations for repairs, preparatory to winter maneuvers in the tropics.