[Tropical Z]

Retired USS Iowa Headed Inland After San Francisco's Antiwar Rejection
By Brian Skoloff Associated Press Writer
Published: Aug 20, 2005


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The USS Iowa joined in battles from World War II to Korea to the Persian Gulf. It carried President Franklin Roosevelt home from the Teheran conference of allied leaders, and four decades later, suffered one of the nation's most deadly military accidents.

Veterans groups and history buffs had hoped that tourists in San Francisco could walk the same teak decks where sailors dodged Japanese machine-gun fire and fired 16-inch guns that helped win battles across the South Pacific.

Instead, it appears that the retired battleship is headed about 80 miles inland, to Stockton, a gritty agricultural port town on the San Joaquin River and home of California's annual asparagus festival.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., :cuss: a former San Francisco mayor, helped secure $3 million to tow the Iowa from Rhode Island to the Bay Area in 2001 in hopes of making touristy Fisherman's Wharf its new home.

But city supervisors voted 8-3 last month to oppose taking in the ship, citing local opposition to the Iraq war and the military's stance on gays, among other things.

"If I was going to commit any kind of money in recognition of war, then it should be toward peace, given what our war is in Iraq right now," Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said.

Feinstein called it a "very petty decision."
"This isn't the San Francisco that I've known and loved and grew up in and was born in," Feinstein said.

San Francisco's maritime museum already has one military vessel - the USS Pampanito, an attack submarine that sank six Japanese ships during World War II and has about 110,000 visitors a year.

Officials in Stockton couldn't be happier. They've offered a dock on the river, a 90,000-square-foot waterfront building and a parking area, and hope to attract at least 125,000 annual visitors.

After the Korean war, the Iowa was decommissioned and placed in reserve in a Philadelphia shipyard for three decades. In 1988, it was recalled to duty escorting oil supply ships safely in and out danger in the Persian Gulf. In 1989, 47 sailors were killed in an explosion that tore through a gun turret during a training exercise.

The warship, decommissioned by the Navy in 1990, is currently anchored with a mothballed fleet in Suisun Bay, near the mouth of the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta.

San Francisco's rejection of such a storied battleship is a slap in the nation's face, said Douglass Wilhoit, head of Stockton's Chamber of Commerce.
"We're lucky our men and women have sacrificed their lives ... to protect our freedom," Wilhoit said. "Wherever you stand on the war in Iraq ... you shouldn't make a decision based on philosophy."

Rep. Richard W. Pombo, R-Calif., has sponsored legislation authorizing the ship's permanent move to Stockton. Feinstein has countered with a bill to open bidding to any California city.

The two versions will have to be reconciled by a House-Senate conference committee considering the Pentagon spending bill.

[Art Eatman]

More evidence that the prevailing winds blow from the direction of the People's Republic of Berzerkley. Those folks out there show all the intellectual competency of a mouse in heat...

Art

[Fletchette]

I do not understand how a State can refuse a Federal naval ship. San Francisco basically owes its existence to the Navy yet they can simply say "no"?

If so, why can't the states simply say "no" to Federal gun laws?

Sounds like a double-standard to me... :mad:

[BenW]

The Reagan is in my town this weekend. The city was demanding that the US Navy pay them $30,000 for the privilege of dropping anchor and allowing sailors shore leave. After they were made to look ridiculous (several people volunteered to pay the $30K themselves because they were so embarassed by the city) they gave in and dropped the extortion demand.

As commie as it is here (Santa Barbara) it was amazing to see the flak the city got from residents of the region. Just goes to show there is still a big silent population of common sense people around, that given the right circumstances, can speak up and make a difference.

Most people were figuring city businesses would be taking in around $30K every few hours the ship was in from a combination of shore leave, visiting family, and tourists wanting to take a gander.

[Flyboy]

The Reagan is in my town this weekend. The city was demanding that the US Navy pay them $30,000 for the privilege of dropping anchor and allowing sailors shore leave.
"Oops! Sorry about the ND! But think of the benefits--now you can build a nice, modern City Hall!"

[Yanus]

Move the ship to Corpus Christi and tell the bottom feeders in SF to go screw themselves........... ! :cuss:

[Shaun]

Here are some good pictures of the ship in 2K1 http://www.ussiowa.com/

[hillbilly]

American leftists have finally proven it....

They are quite simply insane.

These aren't a group of UFO-seeing freaks who've clustered in a ditch in Texas to protest.

These are ELECTED CITY OFFICIALS.

They are nuts. They are insane.

They are not worth debating with.

They are just <flat-out> crazy.

hillbilly

[WT]

I was aboard the USS IOWA back in the mid-1980's when she visited NYC. Nice boat.

Anyway, it appears from the article that San Fransico would have to pay for the USS IOWA to dock there. So the taxpayers of SF, and maybe California, would be saddled with the expenses.

The USS NEW JERSEY operates at a $1,000,000 loss per year. Visitor numbers are about half of what was expected. To make up the difference, the USS NEW JERSEY wants funding from the state. I don't want my tax dollars going to the USS NEW JERSEY. Either it sinks or swims on its own, not with my tax help.

Same for the USS IOWA.

[bg]

Ive never been more ashamed of my home city than I am now after reading
this.

[MikeIsaj]

Feinstein called it a "very petty decision."
"This isn't the San Francisco that I've known and loved and grew up in and was born in," Feinstein said.No, it's the city you helped create as mayor.

[OF]

You know you're too far left when not even Feinstein will stand by you :D

It's so sad it's funny. Here's hoping they've done something now that will wake up the sleeping masses out there...if there are any. Send the slimes packing.

[gc70]

You know you're too far left when not even Feinstein will stand by you +1

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Good move. San Francisco is trash. Bums, addicts and whores urinating and defecating in the streets. Literally, there was an article about "sticky" streets and sidewalks just from this. Yet the idiot city supervisors rejected outlawing such practices because (since they are nothing but useless, wasted, ex-hippy baby boomers themselves who were too stupid to find a real job when they lost the revolution) such was discriminatory.

Militant panhandlers accosting you when you go into and out of nice restaurants. Wasted societal rejects everywhere. And this is particularly true of the area where they proposed moving the Iowa.

It's a good thing the Iowa will be in America, not in San Fran. And all of our High Roader/pro gun brethren should do likewise.

[Jim March]

Dear lord they've gone even more lefty than DiFi.

THAT is scary.

[Monkeyleg]

We had a similar fight here in Milwaukee last spring. Some folks wanted the USS Des Moines docked on the lakefront near the War Memorial Center. But the opponents, who said it would be an eyesore, won out.

[Standing Wolf]

I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco. I still miss North Beach, Chinatown, and Baker Beach once in awhile.

[ClonaKilty]

Feinstein called it a "very petty decision."
"This isn't the San Francisco that I've known and loved and grew up in and was born in," Feinstein said.


No, it's the city you helped create as mayor.

Ahh ya beat me to it! Darn straight.

And I'm leaving this beautiful, screwed up city because of it.

[geekWithA.45]

Sounds to me like SF just checked out from the rest of the US.


As for the USS NJ:


The USS NEW JERSEY operates at a $1,000,000 loss per year. Visitor numbers are about half of what was expected. To make up the difference, the USS NEW JERSEY wants funding from the state. I don't want my tax dollars going to the USS NEW JERSEY. Either it sinks or swims on its own, not with my tax help.


The <dummies> docked the ship in CAMDEN, which regularly rates in the top 5 murderopolises, an astounding achievement for such a small and empty city.

Furthermore, the last time I checked, you pretty much have to make an appointment to go on a short tour of the ship, my understanding is that your really don't get to see much.

It's almost like they've gone out of their way to make the experience as uninviting as possible, in full accordance with nanny statist doctrine.



When I was a kid, we toured the Massachussetts, docked in Fall River. IIRC, you bought a ticket near the gangway, and after that, you could pretty much wander around at will, participating in the organized tour as you saw fit.

The biggest hoot of that was sitting in the AA guns, which would still swivel around. In our 10 year old imaginations, we shot down hordes of kamikazes, and blew the heck out of the Fall River bridge.


{thx Art. Apologies to yer grammaw}

[dfaugh]

I think my state (NY) has hit rock bottom, I see something like this...and feel a little better....

[MarkDido]

Retired USS Iowa Headed Inland After San Francisco's Antiwar Rejection
By Brian Skoloff Associated Press Writer
Published: Aug 20, 2005


I think it's great!

A man-of-war with the proud history and tradition of the USS Iowa shouln't be wasted on the subjects of San Fransicko

[No_Brakes23]

MikeIsaj and GRD took the words right out of my mouth.

[sfhogman]

Check the following link; it's an editorial written by my mailman who also happens to be my neighbor. He sent an angry letter to the Examiner and they used it for a guest editorial, with his permission.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/07/14/opinion/20050714_op03_viewpoint.txt

As soon as I retire I'm leaving San Francisco. One of the few things I'll miss besides the great restaurants is folks like Mike.

Best,
Jeff

[HonorsDaddy]

"Oops! Sorry about the ND! But think of the benefits--now you can build a nice, modern City Hall!"

Oh man - thats good....


p.s. - you owe me a keyboard... :D

[The Viking]

"Oops! Sorry about the ND! But think of the benefits--now you can build a nice, modern City Hall!"
This made me smile :D :D :D

[bjbarron]

Sounds to me like SF just checked out from the rest of the US.

And I read somewhere that they have the lowest percentage of children of any city that size in the world....something about how expensive it is for a young family to live there.

From the descriptions above, who would want to raise rugrats in that environment anyway? Although I was there for a week business last year, and it didn't seem to bad...some of the people were flaky tho. Every local I met (outside of my business meetings) was writing a script and thought I was a fascist cuz I was wearing the colors when sightseeing.

Besides....

Moonbats don't breed! They abort.

Shame about the Jersey...It's a beautiful sight as you cross the bridge into Philly.

[Agent P]

Gee, I wonder why a city as flaming as San Fran would have a low % of children?

It boggles my mind why people who are opposed to the war in Iraq would also be against our troops. How can you not support the men and women who are fighting and dying so you can be an idjit?

[dasmi]

I realize that this...
http://www.ussiowa.com/Photos/USSIowaInAction08.JPG
http://www.ussiowa.com/Photos/USSIowaInAction01.JPG
http://www.ussiowa.com/Photos/USSIowaInAction02.JPG
...is far too scary for the ninnies in San Fran. I say bring that great lady to San Diego, and park her next to the USS Midway (http://www.midway.org) . You can never have too many naval museums!

[No_Brakes23]

I say bring that great lady to San Diego, and park her next to the USS Midway . You can never have too many naval museums! +1 dasmi. We should have one of the big 4 down here.

San Diego may be part of Cali, but IME, they appreciate the vets down here.

[c_yeager]

Good move. San Francisco is trash. Bums, addicts and whores urinating and defecating in the streets. Literally, there was an article about "sticky" streets and sidewalks just from this.

Youve never been to Stockton have you? Trust me, going to stockton from *anywhere* short of baghdad is not a step up.

Send her over to Bremerton, we still have the space let over from the Missouri and i assure you we WILL be happy to have her.

[Shorts]

As I posted this on the other forum, that's pretty embarassing. Although I know the feeling, the idiots in Olympia, WA told their named boat to go elsewhere when they wanted to dock for a week :fire:

What a slap in the face. How can these people that claim they're protesting for peace? If it were me on a boat or ship that got rejected, I'd feel pretty crapped on. The I'd say Forget you! Ok, similar anyway.

dasmi, funny you should mention SD. We were there for a few weeks (before the stupid WA rejection) on TDY/honeymoon and we toured the Nimitz. We tried to get to the Midway but fell short on time. It was great to see the traditions and muscle sitting in the docks. It was just cool.

As for sending the Iowa to Corpus, that would neato too lol It would look pretty good next to the Lady Lex,

[4570Rick]

Damn Fransisco doesn't deserve to have the Iowa. I'm sure the dirt farmers of Stockton would be far more respectful of a Naval vessel with her history and grace.

[Nathaniel Firethorn]

I think my state (NY) has hit rock bottom, I see something like this...and feel a little better....+1 (PRNJ) except for the feeling better part. I don't feel better that another piece of America has become gangrenous.

- pd

[GregGry]

http://www.ussiowa.com/Photos/USSIowaInAction02.JPG Holy :what: crap! I wont dare ask what size round that thing shoots. Probably going at more then 4,000 fps :eek:

[c_yeager]

Holy crap! I wont dare as what size round that thing shoots. Probably going at more then 4,000 fps

Come to think of it, maybe Stockton is exactly where she needs to be.

[dasmi]

Holy crap! I wont dare as what size round that thing shoots. Probably going at more then 4,000 fps
This will give you some idea of what's going on with those big guns.
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/mk-7.htm
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/bb-61-DNSC9103642_JPG.jpg
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/bb-61-DNSC9103644_JPG.jpg
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/bb-61-DNSC9103638_JPG.jpg

[Boats]

The USS NEW JERSEY operates at a $1,000,000 loss per year. Visitor numbers are about half of what was expected. To make up the difference, the USS NEW JERSEY wants funding from the state. I don't want my tax dollars going to the USS NEW JERSEY. Either it sinks or swims on its own, not with my tax help.

Location, location, location. That seems to be the main problem. :evil:

[Igloodude]

I'm surprised state law would even allow it to be berthed in Stockton; I mean c'mon, 16" guns are pretty much the ultimate assault weapon, right? :D

[4v50 Gary]

I saw a protest on the steps of SF City Hall once. "College not Combat." It was about 12 women, jammed tightly together and the media obligingly photographing them as if they were a huge mob. If the media took a step back and took the photo, you'd see there were only 12, but that's not what they wanted you to see. Mass howling protests... Yeah. Wait for the anarchists to show up and tear up the town. That's when SF suffers a lot of property damage.