Warbird Information Exchange

Some photos from my tour today of the Iowa Class battleship BB64 Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA.








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I heard that even tho he BBs are now museum ships they are still considered inactive reserve. Anybody know any different. She certainly looks to be in good shape.

Same

I understand even tho the 4 BB are in museum effectively, they are really in semi short-med notice still assigned to US navy fleet if ever need for a major conflict.

That is why you notice ALL their guns intact and not thrown away.

I understand the USN and congress are still every few years reviewing what cost to be ring 1-4 back online.. would be alot cheaper then running some ships for same firepower im told.

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Fighters pilots are born to make movies , bomber pilots make HISTORY, cargo crews haul their material and fame.

Seems Iowa and Wisconsin were struck 17 march 2006 (according to wiki)

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Magister Aviation
It's all in my book

I was told on the tour that Wisconsin and Iowa are the only battleships of the four Iowa class ships that have their inner spaces still sealed and dehumidified which is why you can't tour those areas. It remains on the Navy inactive register. They said it costs only about one million dollars to maintain it's readiness in this state and could be brought back into service in about 6 months.

That was my understanding for Wisconsin and Iowa as well, compared with New Jersey and Missouri which are more opened-up. AFAIK Iowa's #2 turret was never fully repaired following the explosion, and Iowa is not on display.

Found some more info here:
http://www.answers.com/topic/uss-iowa-bb-61
Struck but remain in a reserve state.

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Magister Aviation
It's all in my book

Interesting article. No big shock that San Fransico refused the ship as a museum

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

I can't believe they didn't want it.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Nice shots. Thanks

Are those Russians visiting the ship? Biggggg hats!

Yes they were there snapping away their photos as well.

Wonder if they've even got a decent space for something that size?

Local political leanings aside, bringing something like that in represents a huge liability. Many cities don't want to get stuck with a 64,000 ton rusting hulk in the harbor if/when the museum goes belly up.