Armed Services Committee Approves 2009 Defense Bill with Abercrombie Amendment

Washington, D.C. -- The House Armed Services Committee Wednesday approved the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act, including language inserted by Rep. Neil Abercrombie requiring the U.S. Navy to abate for two years the $207,000 paid in annual rent by the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association to keep the legendary battleship moored to Pier Foxtrot-5 on Ford Island.  The “Mighty Mo” is preparing for a shipyard overhaul for needed maintenance and repair on the ship’s 887-foot hull, teak main deck and superstructure.

The Memorial operates at no cost to the federal government and pays $17,300 per month, nearly $2-million in rent since the original lease was signed in June 1998.  The Missouri depends primarily on admission fees and donations from the 400,000 people who visit every year.  But during the shipyard period, no revenues will be generated while the ship is maintained in accordance with Navy material standards, including high-cost repairs to preserve the hull. The repairs include rust control and painting on the superstructure above the main deck, replacing nearly 53,000 square feet of teak deck planking, and restoration of the underwater portion of the hull.  Officials previously estimated that lower-hull repainting could run as much as $8 million, superstructure rust control and painting could cost $1 million, and the decking could be $5 to $15-million.

Last December, Abercrombie asked the Secretary of the Navy to consider charging a nominal amount of rent to ease the financial burden of preserving and maintaining the 65-year old warship, but was turned down.  Abercrombie decided to seek relief through the legislative process. 

 “The U.S.S. Missouri is a living symbol of our nation’s heritage, proudly displaying eleven battle stars for service in World War II, Korea, and the Persian Gulf.” Abercrombie said.  “She’s earned a little break on the rent.”

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