USS Wisconsin
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The USS Wisconsin is a massive 2nd World War era battleship that was last used in the first Gulf War to launch cruise missiles. She's lying in Elizabeth River at Norfolk, Virginia and is open to the public. Built as a platform for the 16-inch guns and just narrow enough (by two feet) to go through the Panama Canal, everything about her is huge. I was surprised to find she had teak decks - 4 1/2 acres of teak decks . This was apparently to provide some measure of protection against the heat of the sun in the days before air-conditioning was installed. Its a pity that you can't go below decks as the ship is still a naval vessel not a museum ship and could in theory be brought back into service. The interior is maintained at constant temperature and humidity to keep her in good condition. She's opened up once a year when the US Navy's newly promoted petty-officers are given a tour. |
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