Ron J
Active member
The USS Cassin Young, DD-793 was named after Captain Cassin Young,whom had been awarded a Medal of Honor for heroism at Pearl Harbor, and was later killed during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. This Vessel had served during WWII, enduring a Kamikaze attack. Berthed at the Charlestown Naval Yard, Boston Massachusetts. She is maintained by the National Park Service staff and a steady Core of volunteers. The Destroyer weighs 2050 Tons, and is 376' 6" in length.
The old Gal, hadn't been out of the water in the last THIRTY years! It was known there was some leakage in a couple of the Tank compartments. The National Park Service had approved an overhaul expecting the vessel to be in dry dock for 6 months or less, with a budget of $3.3 Million! Dry dock #1 was prepared for the Cassin to enter in August 2010. Dry dock #1 actually is the designated dry dock for the USS Constitution. I believe the dry dock was built around 1860 or so for the U.S.Navy. Charlestown was home to the US Fleet in the late 1800's and early 1900's. After a few month's of repairs, it was evaluated the ship would need much more extensive repairs. The Hull was found to be porous in more places than expected. Even though this fact was found, the Contractor was held to his contract. The Repairs with a complete refinishing of the Hull were completed, even though the ship was not in condition to be floated. For the past year or more various conversations and rumors have flown as to her destiny. The Park Service hasn't the funds, and the Navy, the actual owner, would scrap Her if necessary. The most current plan, is to epoxy the hull below the water line, which would keep her afloat for the next 25 years.
Having met some of the Volunteers, I was extremely lucky to be given the opportunity to actually go into the dry dock, and examine the hull myself! What an experience and a once in a lifetime event. Never in my life could I imagine entering Dry dock #1 without a vessel in it, let alone with a Destroyer mount on blocks!
Currently the Vessel is still waiting for funding, looking mighty pretty with Her Million Dollar paint job. The repairs need to be done soon, as the USS Constitution is scheduled to be dry docked for Her hull to be inspected and repaired as needed.
So enjoy the pictures... She is a sight to see, and if your in Boston, she is still open for tours.
Rj
The old Gal, hadn't been out of the water in the last THIRTY years! It was known there was some leakage in a couple of the Tank compartments. The National Park Service had approved an overhaul expecting the vessel to be in dry dock for 6 months or less, with a budget of $3.3 Million! Dry dock #1 was prepared for the Cassin to enter in August 2010. Dry dock #1 actually is the designated dry dock for the USS Constitution. I believe the dry dock was built around 1860 or so for the U.S.Navy. Charlestown was home to the US Fleet in the late 1800's and early 1900's. After a few month's of repairs, it was evaluated the ship would need much more extensive repairs. The Hull was found to be porous in more places than expected. Even though this fact was found, the Contractor was held to his contract. The Repairs with a complete refinishing of the Hull were completed, even though the ship was not in condition to be floated. For the past year or more various conversations and rumors have flown as to her destiny. The Park Service hasn't the funds, and the Navy, the actual owner, would scrap Her if necessary. The most current plan, is to epoxy the hull below the water line, which would keep her afloat for the next 25 years.
Having met some of the Volunteers, I was extremely lucky to be given the opportunity to actually go into the dry dock, and examine the hull myself! What an experience and a once in a lifetime event. Never in my life could I imagine entering Dry dock #1 without a vessel in it, let alone with a Destroyer mount on blocks!
Currently the Vessel is still waiting for funding, looking mighty pretty with Her Million Dollar paint job. The repairs need to be done soon, as the USS Constitution is scheduled to be dry docked for Her hull to be inspected and repaired as needed.
So enjoy the pictures... She is a sight to see, and if your in Boston, she is still open for tours.
Rj
