Chapter V: USS Arizona: The Management Experience
(continued)

Action Plan

The primary goal of an action plan is to develop a cultural resources management program for the USS ARIZONA battleship and memorial structure. As a follow-up to the underwater surveys of the USS ARIZONA and USS UTAH, the program should inform park managers on the status and condition of the resources, provide a long-term plan to protect and preserve the resources, and clarify specific objectives to reach these goals. The action plan should be incorporated into the overall Resources Management Plan for the park.

Objective 1

Lab analysis of metal sample from the ARIZONA's hull. Analysis should determine amount of corrosion, contributing factors, rate and corrosive nature of present condition. Will need to obtain detailed engineer drawings for the USS ARIZONA, to determine original hull thickness in various locations on the ship.

Need to develop proper procedures for removal and transport of samples for analysis (e.g., underwater epoxy that will "laminate" the metal sample prior to exposure to air/removal from existing environment). Analyze sample in lab to determine the extent and rate of corrosion.

Objective 2

Develop computer model of rate of corrosion. Project life cycle if nothing is done. Identify point of "no return" after which there would be no way to slow or stop the deterioration process.

Objective 3

Develop long-term plan for the continuous monitoring of data collection stations. Schedule dives for continuous data collection at USS ARIZONA photo stations.

Objective 4

Obtain and test equipment such as ultrasound, sonar and hologram with outside organizational support. Determine hull thickness, internal structural integrity, extent and location of internal oil/fuel reserves and projected life of hull.

Objective 5

Finish survey for the Japanese mini-sub sunk by the USS WARD. Document location and condition of submerged cultural resources as well as areas surveyed and found to be void of such resources.

Objective 6

Continue to monitor the memorial and dock, including mooring chains, pilings and memorial structure.

Identify potential long and short-term effects/impact on memorial and/or the USS ARIZONA.

Objective 7

Develop a computer map of the USS ARIZONA using data collected from dive surveys. Develop a mapping technique that can identify types of growth on the ship, and changes detected over time, where corrosion rates are highest and other relevant factors. Note deterioration and dates recorded. Photo document fabric/structural changes.

Objective 8

Analyze preservation alternatives for original mooring quays, temporary mooring quays added to the ship in 1942, chains running from the ship to the dock and the flagstaff. Decide on appropriate actions and develop plans to implement.

Objective 9

Develop position statement on the long-term disposition of the USS ARIZONA salvage materials presently located on Waipio Point. Work with U.S. Navy to implement and enforce the position.

Gary and I both believe that it is imperative to determine the historically significant period of USS ARIZONA, then to agree on what degree of preservation and monitoring the ship merits. We also need to address the question of whether the actions we could take will be more or less beneficial than allowing natural deterioration processes to continue.

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