Sea History 170 - Spring 2020

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14th to the 18th century.” The poor visibility and rapid current prevented the team from finding any smaller items related to the vessel, which was identified once divers investigated one of several sites singled out as promising by boat-mounted sonar scans. In addition to the older ship, the team identified the remains of a ferry, a cargo boat, and a bridge likely constructed in the Second World War. The next step will be to test samples from the sites to narrow down the age of the vessels. Financing for the project was provided by the Ministry of Culture and Scientific Heritage, and the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Warsaw. (www.scienceinpoland.pap.pl) … On 23 January, dignitaries broke ground to launch the renovation of historic Dry Dock 4 of Virginia’s Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). The three-year $200 million renovation will update the facility to meet the Navy’s needs for submarine overhaul for decades to come, supporting Ohio, Virginia, and Columbia-class vessels. “Today’s groundbreaking will ensure this historic dry dock will continue to serve the Navy and nation for the future Navy, just as it has done for the last 100 years,” said Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) James Geurts. “The Navy continues to invest heavily in our naval shipyard workforce and supporting infrastructure to ensure we can continue to support the world’s finest naval force now and into the future.” Dry Dock 4 was first opened in April 1919, the first of three dry docks built for a WWI-era expansion of NNSY. It was one of the largest concrete structures in the world at that time, measuring approximately 1,012 feet long, 144 feet wide and 40 feet deep. It has served such ships as USS Langley (CV-1), USS Texas (BB-35), and USS Arizona (BB39). Renovation work will include the replacement of the dry dock’s concrete floor and sidewalls and a complete restoration of the pumpwell, as well as an upgrade of all mechanical and electrical equipment. It is estimated that 2,300 linear feet of mechanical and electrical services in the dock area will be replaced. NNSY will also be renovating Buildings 261 and 1539, housing a storage area and repair shop, and their surrounding area. All of this work is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command’s

Sail Aboard the Liberty Ship John W. Brown 2020 Cruises on the Chesapeake Bay May 30, August 8, & September 19

Check our website for more information about the cruises we are planning for 2020. On a cruise you can tour museum spaces, crew quarters, bridge & much more. Visit the engine room to view the 140-ton triple-expansion steam engine as it powers the ship though the water. Reservations: 410-558-0164, or

www.ssjohnwbrown.org

Last day to order tickets is 14 days before the cruise; conditions and penalties apply to cancellations.

Project Liberty Ship is a Baltimore-based, all volunteer, nonprofit organization. SS JOHN W. BROWN 2.25x4.5_HNSA_FleetCOL#1085.pdf 10:47:40 is maintained in her WWII configuration. Visitors6/5/12 must be able to climbAMsteps to board.

THE HISTORIC NAVAL SHIPS ASSOCIATION

TRADITIONAL WOODEN SHIP'S WHEELS Handmade in the U.S.A. by Third Generation Master Craftsman Bob Fuller.

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THE FLEET IS IN. Sit in the wardroom of a mighty battleship, touch a powerful torpedo on a submarine, or walk the deck of an aircraft carrier and stand where naval aviators have flown off into history. It’s all waiting for you when you visit one of the 175 ships of the Historic Naval Ships Association fleet.

For information on all our ships and museums, see the HNSA website or www.HNSA.org visit us on Facebook.

2.25”x 2” South Shore Boatworks #SH149 Revised

Tired of nautical reproductions?

Martifacts has only authentic marine collectibles rescued from scrapped ships: navigation lamps, sextants, clocks, bells, barometers, charts, flags, binnacles, telegraphs, portholes, US Navy dinnerware and flatware, and more.

MARTIFACTS, INC.

P. O. Box 350190 Jacksonville, FL 32235-0190 Phone/Fax: (904) 645-0150 www.martifacts.com email: martifacts@aol.com

SEA HISTORY 170, SPRING 2020 55


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