Why the US Failed to Preserve the USS Franklin and Bunker Hill as Museum Ships

The failures to preserve the USS Franklin (CV-13) and USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) as museum ships are a complex interplay of historical, political, and economic factors. At the time of their decommissioning, the United States was deeply engaged in the Vietnam War, which created a diversion of resources and focus from naval heritage preservation.

The U.S. Naval Register and the Vietnam War

During the 1960s and 1970s, many ships were being stricken from the naval register due to budget constraints and the ongoing conflict in Vietnam. Transferring ships to museum status requires a transition period, which typically lasts a couple of years. As these ships became available for potential donation, the most contentious and politically sensitive period of the Vietnam War was in full swing. This made it difficult to gain public and political support for new military memorials, including ships.

The U.S. Navy, like many other military branches during this period, had more pressing concerns and resources were directed towards the conflict and maintaining operational readiness rather than preservation efforts. By the time the next wave of national memorials and monuments, primarily during the Bicentennial celebrations, arrived, the USS Franklin and Bunker Hill had already largely been scrapped. Given the precedent set, preserving these ships in their original configuration was not a priority for the Navy.

Historical Context and Memorials

There are currently four Essex-class carriers as museum ships: USS Yorktown (CV-10) in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, USS Intrepid (CV-11) in New York City, USS Hornet (CV-12) in Alameda, California, and USS Lexington (CV-16) in Corpus Christi, Texas. These ships were chosen for their significance in naval history and their ability to attract public interest and fund-raising. While USS Franklin and USS Bunker Hill suffered significant battle damage, other carriers that required less restoration still made it to museum status.

The decision to preserve USS Yorktown, USS Intrepid, USS Hornet, and USS Lexington was driven by the willingness of civilian societies to band together and raise the necessary funds. In the case of USS Franklin and USS Bunker Hill, the high costs of restoration and maintenance made it less feasible to preserve them in their original configuration.

Furthermore, the U.S. Navy is typically not vested in preserving all/most ships, preferring to scrap them as a cost-effective method of dealing with decommissioned vessels. However, once a group of volunteers raises the necessary funds and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the ship, it can be preserved as a museum. This is evident in the numerous successful museum ship projects around the world, often initiated by non-governmental organizations.

Conclusion

The decision to preserve or scrap ships for museum purposes is a complex process influenced by historical, political, and economic factors. The USS Franklin and USS Bunker Hill, while significant vessels, did not receive the necessary support for preservation due to the cost, political climate, and the prioritization of other memorials during the Vietnam War and the Bicentennial celebrations.

While it's understandable to question why certain ships are preserved and not others, it's important to recognize that the preservation of these iconic vessels is a monumental task that requires significant public and private investment. The experiences and lessons learned from the preservation of USS Yorktown, USS Intrepid, USS Hornet, and USS Lexington can provide valuable insights for future efforts to preserve naval heritage.

Keywords: USS Franklin, USS Bunker Hill, Essex-class carriers