Reading it now. Incredible piece of journalism. The depth of detail is just stunning, and then the way it's all cobbled together into a compelling read is a real feat of writing.
Most shocking thing I've learned so far is how poor the Iowa's material condition was in the late 80's. The guns, the power plant, the ship was barely functional. If the ship was in that terrible shape while IN SERVICE, with a supply chain and maintenance, then I can't imagine how bad things must be now after being laid up for 30 years. Even if the Naval Fire Support Association folks had succeeded back in the early 2000's in getting her recommissioned, I have to think based on "Glimpse of Hell" that it simply wouldn't have been possible.
Were all 4 in the same sorry state as the Iowa, or was that particularly bad for her because she had her modernization rushed?
Sadly this is the type of question Rusty would normally chime in on and give us the definitive answer for. :-(
Most shocking thing I've learned so far is how poor the Iowa's material condition was in the late 80's. The guns, the power plant, the ship was barely functional. If the ship was in that terrible shape while IN SERVICE, with a supply chain and maintenance, then I can't imagine how bad things must be now after being laid up for 30 years. Even if the Naval Fire Support Association folks had succeeded back in the early 2000's in getting her recommissioned, I have to think based on "Glimpse of Hell" that it simply wouldn't have been possible.
Were all 4 in the same sorry state as the Iowa, or was that particularly bad for her because she had her modernization rushed?
Sadly this is the type of question Rusty would normally chime in on and give us the definitive answer for. :-(
Comment