The Destiny of Decommissioned Aircraft Carriers: From Museum Pieces to Artificial Reefs

Aircraft carriers, those enormous floating fortresses of naval power, play a significant role in military operations. However, once the decision to decommission these vessels is made, their journey does not end there. This article explores the various fates awaiting decommissioned aircraft carriers, from being placed in reserve to becoming museum pieces, artificial reefs, or finally, scraps.

The Post-Decommissioning Process

Once an aircraft carrier is decommissioned, it undergoes a thorough deconstruction process. Useful and updated equipment are removed and stored for potential use in other ships of the same class or others equipped with similar systems. Gradually, these vessels are stripped down to their bare bones and eventually prepared for scrapping if deemed no longer useful.

Storage and Preservation

Initially, the ship is placed in a mothballed status, where it is stored in various yards. The ship is drained of all fluids and ammunition is removed. Additionally, nuclear reactors are defueled. Dehumidifiers run to maintain the internal environment, preventing damage from corrosion and mold. The ship is then sealed up and placed in reserve for a period of time, often with some equipment remaining for other ships.

Economic Considerations

The cost of maintaining a decommissioned aircraft carrier in reserve can be substantial. For this reason, many carriers are sold to countries looking to expand their naval forces or turned into museum ships. The United States Navy occasionally sells a demilitarized hulk of a carrier for a single dollar, reflecting the economic reality of the situation.

Fates of Decommissioned Aircraft Carriers

Decommissioned aircraft carriers can have one of several fates:

Scrapped: This is the most common outcome. The hull is cut apart, and the nuclear cores are removed for disposal. The process of scrapping can be cost-prohibitive, leading to the sale of the demilitarized hulk for a single dollar. Sunk as Targets: Some carriers are sunk in deep waters to serve as artificial reefs or training targets. Examples include the USS Oriskany and USS America. Museum Ships: A select few carriers are transformed into museum ships, allowing the public to experience a piece of naval history. Examples include the Intrepid in NYC, the USS Midway in San Diego, and the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, TX. Artificial Reefs: Turning a decommissioned carrier into an artificial reef is both an economic and environmental benefit. These reefs provide new habitats for marine life and offer divers and snorkelers unique underwater experiences.

Special Cases: Nuclear Aircraft Carriers

Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, or CVNs, have a special status due to the radioactive components in their reactors. The U.S. Navy is still unsure of the best long-term solution for these vessels. For now, they are defueled and placed in mothball status, awaiting further directives.

Personal Observations

From personal experience, there are four potential fates for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers:

Museum Pieces: Some carriers are preserved and transformed into museums, like the USS Intrepid in New York City, the USS Midway in San Diego, and the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, TX. Artificial Reefs: Many carriers are sunk in the ocean to serve as artificial reefs, such as the USS Oriskany and USS America. Reservation Fleet: Some carriers are placed in the mothball fleet at the Bremerton, WA, shipyards, potentially heading towards scrapping. Scrapped: The USS Enterprise CVN-65, the world's first nuclear-powered carrier, was scrapped due to reactor core safety risks despite its historical significance. This decision was a significant loss for naval history.

Conclusion

The decommissioning of aircraft carriers is a complex and multifaceted process. From the initial decommissioning where fluids are drained and ammunition removed to the diverse outcomes of being scrapped, sunk as artificial reefs, or turned into museum ships, each fate carries its own significance. The story of decommissioned carriers is a fascinating glimpse into naval history and the evolving nature of military technology.