Navy wants to give battleship to city quickly

[USMCRET6391]

NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy wants to donate the retired World War II-era battleship Wisconsin to the city more quickly than officials had expected.

The Navy revealed in the Federal Register last week that it hopes to donate the Wisconsin to Norfolk. The Navy requires the city to submit a letter of intent by May 27, and a completed business plan for operating the Wisconsin by Sept. 30.

The Federal Register notice notes that “it is in the best interests of the Navy to donate these ships as soon as possible.”

The Navy was given authorization to donate the Wisconsin in December, but city officials did not expect to receive word on that donation until later this year.

City officials are studying how to take over operation of the Wisconsin, which is berthed downtown on the Elizabeth River, next to the Nauticus maritime science and technology center. The battleship would be operated by the National Maritime Center Board, which oversees Nauticus and the Wisconsin.

The deck of the Wisconsin has been open to the public, for free, since April 2001. It draws 500,000 visitors per year.

The ship’s interior, with its sensitive electronic systems, is off limits. It is being preserved in case the ship is recalled to active duty during a national emergency.

When the city takes control of the ship, it would begin charging admission and would expect to open some compartments below deck. Estimates on how much private money is needed to open these areas run as high as $10 million, city officials have said.

“Can we meet their deadline? I don’t know,” said Richard Conti, executive director of Nauticus. “I believe it’s possible. But it’s going to take a lot of work.”

The Federal Register notice describes requirements for the city to acquire the Wisconsin, including a resolution from the City Council; evidence of community support, such as letters of endorsement from adjacent communities; a demonstration of how the location of the ship will encourage public visitation and tourism; and a business plan that includes fundraising information and tourism revenue projections.

The Navy also wants detailed information on maintenance of the vessel, including underwater hull inspections, a preservation schedule and periodic dry-docking.

“Can we prepare a proposal by September? Yes,” Conti said. “But the issue is building a consensus, and making sure we have a smart business plan. We want to make sure the City Council is on board.”

“Nobody wants to see the ship go anywhere,” Conti said. “The Navy likes it here, and I believe the city does as well.”

[taylorre]

I hope the city of Norfork takes the Wisconsin. Maybe I'm sentimental (or just mental) of things from a by-gone era and it's link to Navy history and traditions.