Neil's Notebook Neil's support will help USS Missouri pay for much needed overhaul in drydock
October 14, 2009
Washington, D.C. -- The USS Missouri today was moved into drydock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to undergo a multi-million dollar overhaul to address critical maintenance projects that will help to preserve the historic battleship.
It's the first time the "Might Mo" is receiving this kind of attention, ever since she arrived and moored off Pearl Harbor's Ford Island. The overhaul is benefiting from a provision written by Rep. Neil Abercrombie, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, and was part of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act.
The provision included language requiring the U.S. Navy to abate for two years the $207,000 paid in annual rent by the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association to keep the legendary battleship moored to Pier Foxtrot-5 on Ford Island. The “Mighty Mo” drydock visit will include repairs to the ship’s 887-foot hull, teak main deck and superstructure.
The USS Missouri Memorial operates at no cost to the federal government and pays $17,300 per month, nearly $2 million in rent since the original lease was signed in June 1998. The Missouri depends primarily on admission fees and donations from the 400,000 people who visit every year. But during the drydock period, no revenues will be generated while the ship is maintained in accordance with Navy material standards, including high-cost repairs to preserve the hull.
The repairs include rust control and painting on the superstructure above the main deck, replacing nearly 53,000 square feet of teak deck planking, and restoration of the underwater portion of the hull. Officials previously estimated that lower-hull repainting could run as much as $8 million, superstructure rust control and painting could cost $1 million, and the decking could be $5 to $15-million.
Last December, Abercrombie asked the Secretary of the Navy to consider charging a nominal amount of rent to ease the financial burden of preserving and maintaining the 65-year old warship, but was turned down. Abercrombie decided to seek relief through the legislative process.
“The U.S.S. Missouri is a living symbol of our nation’s heritage, proudly displaying eleven battle stars for service in World War II, Korea, and the Persian Gulf.” Abercrombie said. “She’s earned a little break on the rent.”
Related Video Stories:
Abercrombie is "Mighty" big help to "Mo." Congressman Abercrombie gets a two-year rent break to help the USS Missouri Memorial Association face a critical period in the battleship’s history. (4:51 minutes-View with Windows Media Player)
Dedicating the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Congressman Abercrombie stands in the shadow of the USS Missouri Memorial to talk about the Dec. 7, 2007 dedication ceremony for the new USS Oklahoma Memorial which honors the 429 crewmembers who perished when the battleship sank during the attack that started World War II. Abercrombie was a featured speaker at the dedication. (1:23 minutes-View with Windows Media Player)
Part II: Dedicating the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor. More highlights of the Dec. 7, 2007 dedication ceremony for the new USS Oklahoma Memorial and a closer look at the special features of memorial. (4:37 minutes-View with Windows Media Player)
