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www.mybaycity.com November 29, 2009
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USS Edson, one of two remaining Forrest Sherman class destroyers, in action during the Viet Nam War.

USS Edson Gets $240,000 Grant from MEDC, Ship May Come in Spring

Long-Awaited Destroyer Museum Needs Only Final EPA Clearance, Towing

November 29, 2009       2 Comments
By: Dave Rogers

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"We finally got it," exclaimed Mike Kegley, president, Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum.

"It" is a $240,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Administration (MEDC) for infrastructure work at the display site for the USS Edson, destroyer museum ship.

Mr. Kegley credited Janet Rentsch of the Saginaw Valley State University development and grant-writing department for obtaining the grant. "She's been a lifesaver for us and has helped us with more than just this grant," he said.

The grant will pay for electrical, water-sewer, parking lot and lights, installation of mooring equipment and other costs.

Some of the work may begin yet this winter, weather permitting, said Mr. Kegley. All the infrastructure will be ready for spring, when the ship is expected to be released by the U.S. Navy for towing here, he said.

Key to federal approval of the project is expected to come soon from the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) that has reached agreement with the battleship USS Wisconsin for public access below decks. The public was prohibited from below decks access because of the possible presence of PCBs, a chemical carcinogen.

The Wisconsin has been on display in Norfolk, Virginia, but visitors were restricted to above deck areas. The ship attracts about 250,000 visitors a year. Once the Wisconsin deal is signed by the EPA, the environmental specifications of that document will serve as a template for the Edson, according to Mr. Kegley.

"We don't expect this will take very long," he said. "We're thinking May or June but it all depends on how much time the EPA takes putting the paperwork together for the Wisconsin."

He added: "We sincerely believe it will be in the spring. We think we're in the final throes and we keep checking with the Navy."

Towing the ship from the Philadelphia Navy Yard will take 6-8 weeks. The 418 foot vessel will be towed to Quebec and from there Great Lakes tugs will take over for the passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway and into the lakes.

No local mariners will be aboard the vessel, but employees of the tug firm may be, he said. The ship will be rigged so the anchor can be set if anything untoward happens.

The Edson, built in 1958 at the Bath Iron Works, Maine, is one of three remaining Forrest Sherman class destroyers. It is fully museum ready, having been sited at the Intrepid Air-Sea Museum in New York City. It was moved to Philadelphia to make room for the supersonic airplane Concorde.

The ship, listed by the U.S. Navy as a National Historic Landmark, was located in New York 1989-2004.

Local committee members have been raising funds for a ship display here since 1997 and have about $500,000 on hand, mainly for towing charges.

The Edson ship display will be a tribute to the contribution of the Defoe Shipbuilding Company that built about 150 vessels for the Navy during World War II. About 80,000 to 100,000 visitors a year are expected to visit the ship. ###

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"The BUZZ" - Read Feedback From Readers!

acockerell Says:       On December 07, 2009 at 08:56 PM
Congradulations to Bay City,
I served aboard the Uss Edson(DD946)from 1969-1972 and retired from the Navy in 1989.Out of all the ships I have served aboard the Edson was the finest.A sleek destroyer,with great speed and the very best gun platform of the times.I am proud she will be put on display for all to enjoy.She has served her country proudly and will continue to do so thanks to you folks.I plan to visit your city and the old gal as soon as I can! Thanks for the Memories,
Adrian Cockerell(GMCSW)retired
halcorn Says:       On January 18, 2010 at 10:42 PM
I believe a project such as this is needed in Bay County and it will reflect on all of us just how much we honor our navy people as well as all other military branches. Good men and women have serve this country well, and as one veteran to all the rest "God Bless All of You" Its what Freedom is all about
Agree? or Disagree?


Dave Rogers

Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read,
respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City.
(Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)

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