Recommissioning WW2 US Battleships

Recommissioning WW2 US Battleships

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Jonmx

Original Poster:

2,544 posts

213 months

Friday 14th April 2017
quotequote all
Given all that's going on in the world at the moment, I recalled something I'd read a while back about Trump suggesting recommissioning the Iowa and the Winsconsin. I thought the costs of this would be massively prohibitive, but then discovered that congress actually covered this contingency when the ships were laid up with the requirements below.

1-Iowa and Wisconsin must not be altered in any way that would impair their military utility;

2-The battleships must be preserved in their present condition through the continued use of cathodic protection, dehumidification systems, and any other preservation methods as needed;

3-Spare parts and unique equipment such as the 16-inch (410 mm) gun barrels and projectiles be preserved in adequate numbers to support Iowa and Wisconsin, if reactivated;

4-The navy must prepare plans for the rapid reactivation of Iowa and Wisconsin should they be returned to the navy in the event of a national emergency.

I have to confess I'd actually love to see this go ahead and to have these huge beasts out on the ocean again. What are people's thoughts; a feasible and achievable option, or a crazy Trump pipedream?
A good article here http://www.g2mil.com/battleships.htm
And a gratuitous photo for no real reason.

Jonmx

Original Poster:

2,544 posts

213 months

Friday 14th April 2017
quotequote all
I think the idea is to use them as fleet command flagships or similar. I'm of the opinion that it's a bit of an expensive pipedream, but having watched Under Siege (I know I know) again the other night it reminded me of how impressive they are.