Sunday, 26 October 2014

USS Olympia

Recently I had the chance to sneak a peak at the USS Olympia at the Independence Seaport in Philadelphia.  Launched in 1892 she is a one of a class protected cruiser sporting 8 and 5 inch guns.  She is also a veteran of the Spanish-American War and is in beautiful condition.

Unfortunately, my camera decided to die earlier in the day so I have no pics of the occasion, but it was excellent  If you are in the area so drop down and see this lovely lady of the sea.
http://www.phillyseaport.org/olympia


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7 comments:

  1. Michael AwdryMonday, 27 October, 2014

    She does look like a thing of beauty.

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  2. A JMonday, 27 October, 2014

    Those pre-Dreadnoughts had beautiful lines. An elegant ship.

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  3. JosephMonday, 27 October, 2014

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. JosephMonday, 27 October, 2014

    Any info on the museum selling her (they were trying to raise money for restorations, but I don't think they have come close)?

    There was an effort by the Friends of the USS Olympia to raise money for moving her to the west coast and doing much needed maintenance. Here is a link to the article:

    Friends of the USS Olympia rally around the listing ship

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  5. AnonymousMonday, 27 October, 2014

    She's in better condition than she's been in years due to stabilization efforts of the Seaport museum. Fundraising efforts continue, and she will stay in Philadelphia.http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/04/02/historic-ship-uss-olympia-will-remain-in-philadelphia/

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  6. Mad PadreTuesday, 28 October, 2014

    Thanks for this. I didn't know the Olympia still existed. My wife wants to go to Philly to visit some famous garden nearby, so this would help flesh out that trip.
    Cheers,
    Michael

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  7. Jon YuenglingTuesday, 04 November, 2014

    The USS Olympia and the submarine USS Becuna are excellent examples of the changes in naval design. The USS Olympia has been restored mostly to the 1898 cruiser that went into action at Manila Bay. Yet much was remover prior to World War I. The 8” guns were removed and replaced with 5” 51. The current turrets are sheet metal. She is a beautiful ship and one I love dearly.

    The Becuna is more Cold War GUPPy IA than the WWII submarines that most comes to see.

    The museum is working hard to turn itself and the ships around. We have even run a wargame event on the Olympia on May 1st. Fighting the battle on the ship was a hoot. The sad fact is the museum with the best offer is in San Francisco and the Olympia is in no condition to make that trip.

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