Author Topic: USS America (CV-66) BOHICA! (Read 1525 times)

Nefarious · « **on:** March 05, 2005, 11:17:13 AM »

This Spring the Navy is planning on sinking the USS America, using weapons and/or explosives.

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=3030700&nav=23iiX63R

They also have plans for sinking the Oriskany later in the year off of Pensacola.

I had a very fun experience, with my dad and his brother Dave, on the America in 1991.

My dad served on 4 Different Carriers when he was in the Navy for 20 Years, And his last ship was the America, and we got to take a ride off of Norfolk, And they gave away all sorts of Tshirts and stickers, I still have all my VA-85 Black Falcons T's, there going on 15 years old! I usually where them around the house

Maverick · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2005, 01:28:16 PM »

Not that I have a problem with creation of artificial reefs or anything..... It just seems that is a rather expensive way to do it. Doesn't the Navy consider the salvage value of the hulls / equipment?

I'd rather reefs were made out of concrete forms rather than steel / aluminum and so on. Seems such a waste of refined metal.

Raubvogel · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2005, 01:47:57 PM »

They're not doing it to make an artificial reef dude. The place they're sinking it is 6,000 ft deep. They're doing to test the effects of explosives on a carrier hull. After they get their data they're going to scuttle it. The data will be used to improve future ship design.

Maverick · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2005, 02:42:51 PM »

Well in that case I am just a curious as to why they aren't doing the reef thing. If they NEED to blow it up at least get some use out of the remains..... What a waste.....

Nefarious · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2005, 03:13:37 PM »

The Oriskany will be sunk for an Artificial Reef.

Nilsen · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2005, 03:34:56 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Maverick
Not that I have a problem with creation of artificial reefs or anything..... It just seems that is a rather expensive way to do it. Doesn't the Navy consider the salvage value of the hulls / equipment?

I'd rather reefs were made out of concrete forms rather than steel / aluminum and so on. Seems such a waste of refined metal.

its not worth it. read an article were the navy said they would have to pay to much to get rid of it due to the low price they get for they steel and stuff.

ill see if i can find the article for you if you need it

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=82979&ran=200497

"The Navy has several other carriers awaiting their fates. Environmental regulations make breaking warships up for scrap metal largely unprofitable, though some still are dismantled. One smaller World War II carrier, the Oriskany, is scheduled to be sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Pensacola, Fla., late this year."

OIO · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2005, 04:07:01 PM »

I always wondered why these ships arent sold to private industry or refitted for scientific use.

Im sure every oceanographic or marine science related institute and scientists would love to have a floating laboratory.

Nilsen · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2005, 04:11:35 PM »

dont you think the runnig/maintnance cost of a huge retired carrier would be abit high?

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2005, 04:26:57 PM »

Metal is actually the best material for coral growrth is what I heard from some people who do this sort of work.

Nilsen · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2005, 04:32:02 PM »

ever done any wreck diving grun?

OIO · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2005, 04:47:08 PM »

Nilsen, a gutted carrier is a whole new deal. no bigger maintainance cost than a regular big ship id say.

not to mention the crew of thousands being reduced to a mere hundred or so

Nilsen · « **Reply #11 on:** March 05, 2005, 04:53:28 PM »

dont get me wrong IOI, im all for letting them have these ships, and how they keep them is their business as long as they do it in a safe manner for themselves, others and the enviroment. just dont think they would be very practical for any real use. im picturing alot of greenpeace nerds using the boat like the tanker in waterworld

Nefarious · « **Reply #12 on:** March 05, 2005, 07:49:08 PM »

I would rather see them both as Floating Museums,

Better too let them Make some Revenue, then blowing them up.

It would be nice to take my children (When I get some) to the USS America, and say Grandad used to live and work on this ship.

Martlet · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2005, 08:27:19 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Nilsen
ever done any wreck diving grun?

Could you imagine wreck diving a carrier?

Nice.

Gixer · « **Reply #14 on:** March 05, 2005, 10:27:44 PM »

They should let the Chinese have a crack at it with their new Mach 2 Anti Shipping Missiles. Though that might sink it faster then they wan't for testing purposes.

~~...-Gixer~~