- 4 × 8 in gunsOK, she is over 100 years old and you can no longer find ammunition for her --- but she brings something to the fight that you simply cannot quantify. Our friend LCDR Claude Berube, USNR outlines the issue quite well over at USNIBlog.
- 10 × 5 in guns
- 14 x 57 mm
- 6 x 37 mm
- 4 × 7.62mm Gatling guns
- 6 × 18 in torpedo tubes
Read it all - but here is the money quote:
... Commodore George Dewey once stood on Olympia’s deck commanding the U.S. fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War and issuing the order: “You may fire when ready, Gridley.” Today, she remains unique – the world’s oldest steel warship afloat. More importantly, she represents the beginning of America as a Mahanian power.Once again; if we don't save the OLYMPIA - history's judgement will wrap us in a shame that will not fade.
...
As a result of the inability to raise funds, the cruiser Olympia may be sunk, possibly as an artificial reef. According to ISM’s website, “the Navy has advised ISM that they are willing to authorize ISM to responsibly dispose of the Olympia.”Because of lack of funds, the museum was to cease public tours today, November 22, but recently announced that it had received sufficient funds to keep it open temporarily. To address this issue, “the museum also said it’s going to hold a summit early next year to discuss the ship’s future and funding. Officials from the Navy, National Park Service and Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission are expected to attend.”
If neither public nor private funds alone can be identified, then the answer may be in a third way: recommission Olympia.
Every CNO Call someone should have a question about the OLYMPIA. Every one. Every CFFC Call. Every one.
Either that - or accept that we are throwing away something as unique to this nation and her Navy as the Statue of Liberty. Actually, more unique. Last time I was in Paris, I saw the two miniature Lady Liberty statues. There are no more of OLYMPIA's breed.
She is the last.
