The Abandoned Ships of Philadelphia: A Story of Military Decay

🚢The abandoned naval base near Philadelphia International Airport houses 31 derelict ships.

⚓These ships are part of the mothball fleet, named for their obsolescence and despair.

📜The USS Barry DD-933, USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67, USS Ticonderoga CG-47, and USS New Jersey BB-62 are among the notable ships in this fleet.

🔧Cannibalization is a process where the navy removes sensitive electronics and prepares the ships for long-term storage.

🏭The naval base in Philadelphia is part of the naval inactive ship maintenance facility and serves as a storage location for decommissioned ships.

Why are these ships abandoned?

—The ships are part of the mothball fleet, named after their obsolescence. They are no longer active and are stored for potential future use or disposal.

What is the cannibalization process?

—Cannibalization involves removing sensitive electronics and preserving the ships for long-term storage. It helps prevent rust and decay.

What are the notable ships in the fleet?

—The fleet includes the USS Barry DD-933, USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67, USS Ticonderoga CG-47, and USS New Jersey BB-62, among others.

Are these ships still in service?

—No, these ships are decommissioned and inactive. They are currently stored in the naval inactive ship maintenance facility.

What is the purpose of the naval inactive ship maintenance facility?

—The facility serves as a storage location for decommissioned ships. It provides a fresh water port, which helps prevent rust and decay.

00:00The naval base near Philadelphia International Airport houses 31 derelict ships.

05:47The USS New Jersey BB-62 is the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history.

15:52The US Navy's 600 Shift program brought the USS New Jersey back into commission in 1982.

19:58The USS New Jersey was finally decommissioned in 1991, becoming a museum ship.

21:51The naval inactive ship maintenance facility in Philadelphia provides storage for decommissioned ships.