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Totally agree. There are some very high tech weapons systems aboard the Missouri; our guide stated that she is kept at a "certain state of readiness" whereby she could actually be deployed for battle very quickly. This is not a mothballed ship in the traditional sense. Her engines, systems and guns are ready to go....

I've heard that the guides on the Missouri give that talk as part of the tour as well. She's kept in very good condition, but her systems are decidedly mid/late 1980s, and she's been struck off the NVR for a good number of years. Her name has already been given to a Virginia-class SSN (SSN-780). Even if the USN wanted to bring her back into commission it would probably take a year to 18 months to get her back at sea under her own power, then a year after that (if not more) to train a crew to a decent level of proficiency on the outdated systems.

Even if the USN wanted to bring her back into commission it would probably take a year to 18 months to get her back at sea under her own power, then a year after that (if not more) to train a crew to a decent level of proficiency on the outdated systems.

Does this not speak for the creation of a class of nuclear powered gunships, armed with heavy guns and advanced missile capability?

Such a vessel would have meaningful value in the kind of conflicts we are now finding ourselves involved in. A "portable" artillery base...