Can a Decommissioned US Navy Ship Be Reactivated? Understanding the Fleet’s Past and Present

The decommissioning of US Navy ships is a complex issue, often misunderstood due to the difference between the post-WWII mothball fleet and current naval practices. This article delves into the history and present state of decommissioned ships, examining whether reactivation is possible and exploring the factors that influence such decisions.

History of Recommissioning

It may surprise many to learn that decommissioned US Navy ships have indeed been reactivated in the past. The Iowa-class battleships serve as prime examples of this phenomenon. These vessels were part of a well-documented and organized process of commissioning, decommissioning, and recommissioning.

USS Iowa (BB-61)

USS Iowa, formally named after the state of Iowa, was commissioned on February 22, 1943, and decommissioned on March 24, 1949. After a period of inactivity, it was recommissioned on August 25, 1951, and then again on April 28, 1984. The final decommissioning took place on October 26, 1990, and subsequently stricken from the naval registry on March 17, 2006. Today, it stands as a memorial and museum ship in Los Angeles, California.

USS New Jersey (BB-62)

USS New Jersey, commissioned on May 23, 1942, and decommissioned on June 30, 1948, was recommissioned in November 1950, but saw its final decommissioning on December 17, 1969. It was reactivated once again on December 28, 1982, and ultimately stricken from the naval registry on January 4, 1999. Currently, it serves as a museum ship in Camden, New Jersey.

USS Missouri (BB-63)

Commissioned on June 11, 1944, USS Missouri was decommissioned on February 26, 1955, and recommissioned on May 10, 1986. Its final decommissioning occurred on March 31, 1992, with its stricken status on January 12, 1995. Although it was a fighter for decades, today, it is a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

USS Wisconsin (BB-64)

USS Wisconsin, commissioned on April 16, 1944, and decommissioned on July 1, 1948, saw its next commissioning on March 3, 1951, and then again on October 22, 1988. Its final decommissioning took place on September 30, 1991, with its stricken status on March 17, 2006. Today, it is a museum ship at Nauticus.

The Mothball Fleet: Past and Present

Status and conditions of decommissioned ships can vary widely. During and after World War II, a large majority of ships were mothballed to conserve resources and prepare for potential future needs. However, the situation today is quite different.

The Gulf War began a significant shift in naval practices. In response to the conflict, the Navy considered recommissioning ships from the mothball fleet. However, several critical issues arose:

The ships were outdated and would require significant refitting, which was both expensive and time-consuming. A substantial portion of the ships were filled with asbestos insulation, necessitating extensive removal before they could be used. Even after these modifications, it was estimated that the war might be over before the ships could be effectively utilized.

As a result, many of these ships were eventually hauled away for scrapping. Today, only one or two ships remain from the mothball fleet.

Current Naval Practices

Decommissioning practices today are more focused on degrading capabilities and preparing for final disposition. A modern US Navy ship that has been decommissioned is typically a vessel that has faced 25 to 30 years of intense service. After such extensive use, the longevity of the vessel is maximized, and the preservation measures taken are less comprehensive.

Mothball and Storage

Mothballing involves storing ships in inactive status, primarily reserving them for potential future use. However, the process is not a comprehensive preservation method. Ships are often left in storage with systems deactivated, without the same level of maintenance and support as those in active service.

Even if it were practical to refurbish and upgrade these ships, the economic incentive is often not present, especially for older ships with issues such as aluminum superstructures on steel hulls, which can suffer from cracking and corrosion.

The decommissioning process today reflects the Navy's desire to conserve resources and make strategic decisions based on current operational needs. Decommissioned ships are seen as either being expendable as targets or being prepared for scrapping.

Conclusion

While the reactivation of decommissioned US Navy ships has occurred in the past, modern practice and advancements in technology have shifted the focus towards more cost-effective and strategic disposition methods. Understanding the historical context of the mothball fleet, along with current naval practices, provides valuable insights into these important decisions.

Key Takeaways:

Historical reactivation of decommissioned ships is possible, but modern practices prioritize scrapping and strategic utilization. Key factors influencing reactivation include availability, age, and the need for significant refitting and maintenance.

For further information or clarifications, consulting with naval historians and military analysts can provide a deeper understanding of these complex issues in US naval history.