Wisconsin Public Radio reported that the 57,000-ton namesake of the state is officially settling down in a Virginia harbor.  The U. S. S. Wisconsin, launched in 1943 and a veteran of World War II, Korea and Operation Desert Storm, is being taken over by the city of Norfolk.

 

Rich Conti is director of The National Maritime Center, which is working to formally adopt the battleship.  He says capital improvements to the relic will cost more than $6 million, but he thinks tourism will help cover the costs if it’s made into a floating museum.  Conti says the U. S. S. Wisconsin is historically significant.  He says ship design really culminated with the Iowa-class and with the Wisconsin.  He adds that the ship is in great condition and having it in the heart of their down-town waterfront presents "a striking image."

 

Conti says the Navy is basically donating the battleship. Congress is requiring the city of Norfolk to preserve the Wisconsin for possible recall into military service.  The ship has been stationed in Virginia for six years.

 

The Thorp Courier, Thorp, WI

February 21, 2007, Front Page

Transcribed by Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon