I heard that.

That old battle ship was built to last a long time, I was on one when I was a kid with my father took me to see it. I remember everything was solid steel, "Built Like A Battleship"...
Haven't heard anything on the new lately about it.
I used to live near the Waterviliet Arsenal where they make "Gun Barrels". Way back when we were kids they had tours and you could see how they made them. This is the place that made the barrels for the 16" guns on that battleship, if I remember right.
Super Heavy Duty - isn't a strong enough term for that stuff.
Looking forward to going and checking it out.

For all of you that won't get here this year...
Went up to take a peek and took a few pics.

Here's a few more pics, had a good time BS'n with the guys at the gate. Got some inside info for our next visit. Great bunch of folks volunteering and making a difference.
Nice hot day high 80's, plenty of sun and wind. The Iowa was showing some signs of her age but she's still sleek and posses a great set of lines. Well worth the trip.

Very cool RK, tahnks for sharing. I kinda gleaned over the text but I was wondering were you allowed to walk all over the ship?

My pleasure!!
While we were there, we had a chance to talk to a few of the volunteers. We weren't dressed to tour the boat and we weren't that excited about leaving the bikes unattended for too long. Probably go back with the car and bring coolers and snacks for a real day of exploration.
The guys at the gate, each dressed in some form of a military uniform, were happy to give us the inside line about the ship and what to look forward to. We found out it's 18 bucks to go on the ship. Right now, You are allowed to go every where above decks, meaning no lower or interior decks access. The plan is to get the entire ship ready for full access and that won't be completed until next year.
Eventually the entire ship will be safe to check out. Engine rooms and turrets and every thing you can get to. Right now they are in the process of getting the ship, ship shape.

Here's a couple of pics with the bike.
Had a blast - gonna do it again.

Those are way cool RK.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed them. I had a great time there, kinda special hanging around the ship. They have a small souvenir stand set up. They sell those 18" miniature baseball bats the have the phrase "Big Stick" on them... supposed to be the IOWA's nickname... Just a fun fact.