Originally posted by Dreadnought
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But then again, we could also get lucky if the tanks remain sealed and the agencies may issue a waiver in that case. However, if any shell plating has to be replaced and it is part of a fuel tank, we got a problem. :(
You cannot just weld extra plating over a deteriorated area. There will always be a thin gap between the plates that will continue to corrode both of them. Plus the heat of the welding could ignite any fuel residue in the tanks thus requiring steam cleaning.
At least the three Iowa class BB's in museum status are not only free floating but in their 1980's reactivation all bunker oil was steamed out and the tanks repainted and sealed to accept Navy Distillate.
But I'm still worried about Missouri's last dry docking. According to the photos I saw, standard Navy Haze Gray paint was used below the boot top. I haven't received any information yet if it was treated as the red or blue anti-fouling paint to prevent sea critters from dining on the paint and exposing the steel.
Yes, that's another thing to consider besides shell repair. Use the right kind of paint.
Hey! I have an idea. Hire 1,000 welders that are good at overhead welding, bring in a train load of 25-20 welding rods and clad the entire hull below waterline with the stainless steel welds. :)):))
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