N.S. Savannah getting spruced up for decommissioning
I received an email a few minutes ago asking if I had heard about the recent movements of the NS Savannah, the first nuclear powered commercial ship in the world. The email quoted a story from the Charleston, SC News and Courier, and piqued my interest.
(I would provide a link, but the News and Courier web site seems to be restricted to subscribers and does not appear to have the ability to register for web access only.)
The last time I saw the ship was in 2001. I was in a waterfront picnic area on Ft. Eustis, in the tidewater area of Virginia. Across the James River, moored alongside a number of other inactive ships, the Savannah’s distinctive, beautifully shaped hull was clearly visible. After that sighting, I tried to make arrangements with the Maritime Administration for a visit, and was warned that the ship was in very poor condition and required great care before allowing visitors. After a number of email exchanges, I had a plan that was dashed by a pop-up requirement at my day job. Missing that tour is still one of my memorable life regrets.
There is a good discussion with some interesting photos, both historic and recent, of the Savannah under the title of Fleet’s gem arrives for polishing (nuclear-powered ship Savannah).
