Originally posted by bbvet
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During my tour Inact Ships was instructed by Washington to inspect every space on the ships, I believe as a result of the fuel offload ordered by Washington during the Fuel crises of the early 70's. Most spaces were very clean except those that were entered for the pumping which were filthy! I know this is in direct contradiction to what I said previously, however capital ships were better maintained. The spaces worth noting were the handling spaces in the 16" gun barbettes, they were pristine, as if they were painted yesterday! Just amazing brilliant white. Never forgot that impression. Turning on the lights in a space that had been secured for 20 odd years! Loved my time in Inact Ships.
As a side note: Parts were allowed to be removed from; 1. Strike ships (those destined for target of scrap)with no replacement, 2. strip ships accompanied with an DD1149 that had the accounting info, 3. Capital ships with special authorization from BuShips. We used to say the capital ships required and Act of Congress to take anything off! There was one other category FMS Foreign Military Sales. Those were completely hands off!
All capital ships in the National Defense Reserve Fleet were DH'd; dehydrated air was pumped throughout the vessel at 37% humidity which prevented deterioration for the most part, although did not preserve rubber very well. The DH equipment could be identified on the exterior by the piping and mushroom containers over gun placements directors and some radar. We had to take the humidity readings every day on the DH Ships. I believe technology has caught up to Inact Ships and systems are monitored electronically now.
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