Posted on 06/12/2012 3:51:05 PM PDT by JerseyanExile
The sole preserved type VIIC U-boat from WW2 faced the same problem when the Norwegian navy surplussed it. Despite petitions from the U-boat crewmens’ association to purchase it as a war memorial, the West German government was unwilling to do it.
The U-boat association’s members raised their own money and bought it themselves.
Technically the Utah was a total loss at PH also, but she was just a floating target at that point.
Well then I’m glad I saw her in her natural state.
Its sister the Arizona didn't survive its first day in WWII, obviously.
During WWI, they both spent the war near the US, being oil-fired, and the logistics of long range fueling were still being worked out, the Europeans being behind the curve, and of no help on supporting them.
Torpedo beneath the hull will break her back. Unless the armor is exotic stuff like the frontal armor on modern MBT's, even relatively small shaped charge warheads will easily punch holes through traditional thicknesses of rolled homogeneous armor plate on battleships.
360 degree view at:
Absolutely beautiful! (Scarey too!) Why does the deck zig-zag near the bow while the hull near the waterline describes a smooth curve? I suspect it must have a purpose as every inch of that ship screams "purpose".
Regards,
GtG
Arkansas and New York. The New York was a sister of Texas. The Nevada class was active as well in both wars. Though, as was stated the Texas is the only remaining Dreadnaught. The Iowas, Massachussetts, Alabama, North Carolina are not strictly speaking in the Dreadnaught style.
Gun positions which were removed and the ports sealed off.
The apparent “zig-zag” at the deck is due to original secondary guns mounted in casemated (5inch 51 cal.)The secondary guns in dreadnought type battleships were mainly for defnse against torpedo boats and destroyers (whose main anti ship weapon was the torpedo). The most forward mounts were plated over since they tended to be “wet” in heavy seas. Back when the Texas was built, AA was almost an afterthought. It was not until almost WWI with the North Carolina and South Dakota classes that the secondary armament on BB’s consisted of the twin 5”/38 dual purpose semi automatic guns.
We were on board this wonderful ship a couple of years ago. It was an unforgettable experience and the highlight of our trip to Houston.
I’d guess they sealed the secondaries forward when the ship changed over to oil from coal - though the top speed didn’t change being oil fired meant the ship could travel twice the distance at the higher speed.
they dont make 'em like that any more and
A totally AWESOME looking ship!
Its incredible to me that while we can't preserve too many reminders of the darker episodes in our society's past and find enough ways to memorialize labor organizers & bottom feeding politicians there are no funds available to preserve sole remaining examples of our past such as these ships.
If you ever get the chance, check out a book called The Ayes of Texas by Daniel Da Cruz. Pretty cook sci-fi book starring the old battleship.
Outgunned (14"--360mm/45 cal guns) and outdistanced by later German 15" (38cm SK C/34) and American 16" (460mm/50cal Mark 7) designs.
Lovely lines, though.
Regards,
GtG
I heard on the radio they’ve got a fair patch on and are pumping
her out so they can make a proper assessment from the interior.
At any rate, they’re on it.
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