September 9, 2006
Looking for something to do for free in Norfolk? How about the USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) battleship tied up along side the Nauticus Museum. We took a couple of Japanese exchange students there via the $1.00 paddlewheel ferry boat ride across from Portsmouth.
The USS WISCONSIN is an Iowa-class battleship, just like the USS MISSOURI which we helped refurbish in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although the USS MISSOURI was the location of the Japanese surrender during WWII, the USS WISCONSIN was also fitted with TOMAHAWK cruise missile launchers prior to the Gulf War of 1991, in which the USS WISCONSIN took part.
Battleships are by far the most impressive ships ever to sail the seas, although they may not have the same total firepower that an aircraft carrier has today with its embarked air wing. The USS WISCONSIN's three huge 16-inch gun turrets, each with three guns, can launch a volkswagon-sized shell over 20 miles which is totally remarkable. The view from the street of this mothballed battleship is awe-inspiring.
Just be sure to see if the USS WISCONSIN is open because it is usually closed on federal holidays. The volunteer staff are happy to answer any questions and are very knowledgeable. There is also a free Hampton Roads Naval Museum operated by the United States Navy that celebrates the 220 years history of the fleet in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. This is separate from the Nauticus Museum which has a fee of $10.95 for adults. A gift shop is also available on the premesis.
Enjoy your free tour of this magnificant ship which sailed from 1945 until 1991!
The USS WISCONSIN is an Iowa-class battleship, just like the USS MISSOURI which we helped refurbish in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although the USS MISSOURI was the location of the Japanese surrender during WWII, the USS WISCONSIN was also fitted with TOMAHAWK cruise missile launchers prior to the Gulf War of 1991, in which the USS WISCONSIN took part.
Battleships are by far the most impressive ships ever to sail the seas, although they may not have the same total firepower that an aircraft carrier has today with its embarked air wing. The USS WISCONSIN's three huge 16-inch gun turrets, each with three guns, can launch a volkswagon-sized shell over 20 miles which is totally remarkable. The view from the street of this mothballed battleship is awe-inspiring.
Just be sure to see if the USS WISCONSIN is open because it is usually closed on federal holidays. The volunteer staff are happy to answer any questions and are very knowledgeable. There is also a free Hampton Roads Naval Museum operated by the United States Navy that celebrates the 220 years history of the fleet in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. This is separate from the Nauticus Museum which has a fee of $10.95 for adults. A gift shop is also available on the premesis.
Enjoy your free tour of this magnificant ship which sailed from 1945 until 1991!
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