Intro
Explore the US Navys mothball fleet, where seven forgotten ships lie in reserve. Discover the history and fate of these naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, cruisers, and submarines. Learn about the Mothball Fleets purpose and the benefits of preserving these historic ships, including the potential for reuse or scrapping.
The United States Navy has a long history of maintaining a "mothball fleet" – a collection of decommissioned ships that are stored in reserve, awaiting potential reactivation or scrapping. While many of these ships have been reactivated or sold for scrap over the years, some remain forgotten, left to slowly decay in their berths. Here are 7 forgotten ships in the US Navy mothball fleet.
Importance of the Mothball Fleet
The US Navy's mothball fleet serves as a reserve of ships that can be reactivated in times of war or crisis. By maintaining these ships in a state of reduced readiness, the Navy can quickly respond to emerging threats without having to build new ships from scratch. The mothball fleet also provides a cost-effective way to store and maintain ships that are no longer needed for active duty.
The Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet
The Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, also known as the "Mothball Fleet," is a collection of ships that are stored in the Suisun Bay, near Vallejo, California. The fleet is managed by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) and consists of over 200 ships, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, and submarines.
7 Forgotten Ships in the Mothball Fleet
Here are 7 forgotten ships in the US Navy mothball fleet:
1. USS Midway (CV-41)
The USS Midway (CV-41) is an aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy from 1945 to 1992. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains to this day.
2. USS Independence (CV-62)
The USS Independence (CV-62) is an aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy from 1961 to 1998. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains awaiting scrapping.
3. USS Saratoga (CV-60)
The USS Saratoga (CV-60) is an aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy from 1956 to 1994. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains awaiting scrapping.
4. USS Iowa (BB-61)
The USS Iowa (BB-61) is a battleship that served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1990. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains as a museum ship.
5. USS New Jersey (BB-62)
The USS New Jersey (BB-62) is a battleship that served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1991. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains as a museum ship.
6. USS Missouri (BB-63)
The USS Missouri (BB-63) is a battleship that served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1992. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains as a museum ship.
7. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
The USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) is an aircraft carrier that served in the US Navy from 1961 to 2009. It was decommissioned and stored in the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, where it remains awaiting scrapping.
Conclusion
The US Navy's mothball fleet serves as a reserve of ships that can be reactivated in times of war or crisis. While many of these ships have been reactivated or sold for scrap over the years, some remain forgotten, left to slowly decay in their berths. The 7 ships listed above are just a few examples of the many forgotten ships in the US Navy mothball fleet.
US Navy Mothball Fleet Image Gallery
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