Wednesday, November 4, 1998

For the first time in 46 years the USS Massachusetts felt the rush of water along her sides as her bow cut through the seas enroute to dry-dock in Boston, MA. This is her first visit to Boston since 1942 when her crew of more than 2,000 men enjoyed a brief respite from World War II. She left Boston enroute to the Pacific Ocean where she fought in 33 battles, from Guadalcanal to Tokyo. Returning to the United States in 1945 she was decommissioned in 1947, the last time she was at sea under her own power. Her last time at sea was in June 1965 when she was towed from Portsmouth, VA to Fall River, MA.

Battleship Massachusetts makes its way through Boston Harbor. She enters the dry-dock as gracefully as she exited her berth.

Photos below show her in dry-dock after the water has been pumped out. Workers have been power washing and scraping the growth off her bottom around the clock and as of November 13 they are about 70% done. A hull survey will be the next order of business.

As of December 2, 1998

Work is progressing very well. The shipyard estimates it is slightly ahead of schedule and expects to increase momentum in the next few weeks. The final completion date of March 1, 1999 will be met!

Inspections of the vessel have been completed. The results of this survey have indicated the need for doubler plating at the wind (waterline area). Effectively, the vessel will have a second skin of plate at the wind around the ship with the exception of the stern where existing plating is well intact. Approximately 225,000 pounds of steel will be installed. Other areas of the vessel show some need for plating in minimal amounts. Leaking rivets have been identified throughout the vessel. Most of these will be blasted and covered with epoxy, which will preserve the existing conditions. It has been determined that both outboard propellers must be removed to gain access to the stern boss.

65% of the sea chest blanks have been fabricated and 20% have been installed. Hull coating and blasting have begun. The propeller removal has begun. It is anticipated they will be removed within the next week or so.

As of February 2, 1999

The shipyard estimates it is still slightly ahead of schedule.

Steel repairs are the lead item, which have driven this overhaul. As of this date there are 52 plates erected. 42 plates are completely welded and tested. A total of 4 plates remain to be installed. It is anticipated they will be completed by the second week in February. As of today, 169,720 pounds of new steel have been installed on the vessel.

In an effort to preserve the existing hull conditions for decades to come a process called "Red Hand Epoxy" was implemented. This process essentially encapsulates the existing hull protecting it from further deterioration, such as caused by erosion, electrolysis and marine life. Over 10,000 square feet of this epoxy system has been installed.

The underwater hull coating system is in its final stages. To date over 3,000 gallons of paint have been applied to the vessel's hull, encompassing a total area of 130,000 square feet. The paint is applied in four coats by means of airless spray guns.

A survey accomplished after the initial hull blasting has shown the need for additional rivet repairs. These repairs are made by welding the rivets to the adjacent parent metal, and by the application of Red Hand Epoxy in selected areas. This has been accomplished to over 2,000 rivets.

The vessels hull is assembled by means of riveted strakes (plates). These riveted joints make up for approximately 20% of the vessels hull area. These joints have been deteriorating over time and required attention. Red Hand Epoxy has been installed over these joints to provide a lasting protection barrier.

101 sea chest hull steel blanks have been installed and tested satisfactory to date. Another 7 have to be installed prior to completion

Both outboard propellers have been removed from the vessel and are being polished and coated for preservation. An exhibit stand is being manufactured for both propellers so they may be viewed by the public. Each propeller weighs approximately 36,000 pounds and has a span of 17'-0". It will surely generate considerable visitor interest.

Battleship Massachusetts Returns Home to Fall River

March 13, 1999

Battleship Massachusetts docked in Battleship Cove, Fall River at approximately 3:30, Saturday, March 13, 1999. Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert and many other dignitaries and civic officials will be on hand to greet the vessel on her arrival.

The ship fired a 21 gun salute from her secondary battery as she passed under the bridge and the United States Navy Band will play to welcome “Big Mamie” home. Thousands of residents lined the Fall River waterfront to witness this historic event.