NAVAL INACTIVE SHIP MAINTENANCE FACILITY IS AMERICA’S "SHIP GRAVEYARD"


By bblouin
The Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility was an important naval shipyard of the US for almost two centuries. It is now a large industrial park.

The best outcome for any ship is to come out of battles and tours of duty unscathed. This is obviously not always the case, such is the nature of war, but when ships are no longer needed or become inoperable, the U.S. Navy has a plan. Having a naval ship decommissioned presents a logistical problem, and the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) is the solution. Acting as a graveyard for ships, three facilities are holding America’s Fleet while the Navy is reaching a final decommission decision. Suggested read: Dazzle Camouflage Didn't Hide Ships, But It Helped Us Win WWI

Decommissioned Navy Ships Call the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility Home

Known as the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), there are actually a few different locations for it. The Navy uses each facility to hold decommissioned ships. These ships are often inactive and reaching the end of their life cycle. There are several reasons as to why a vessel may no longer be fit for service. The conditions of most of the world’s water sources, even aside from combat conditions, are less than forgiving. Despite rigorous routine maintenance, the end eventually arrives. A ship may have a nuclear reactor that is past its shelf life for safe operation. Decommissioning may also occur due to diplomatic or political reasons. However, it’s worth noting that the ships arriving at any Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) may still be on the Naval Vessel Register (NVR). Headquartered in Portsmouth, VA, you’ll find the Naval Sea Systems Command's Inactive Ships Management Office (INACTSHIPOFF). However, there are three Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) locations in which the decommissioned Navy ships will arrive:

  • Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
  • Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam
  • Puget Sound Naval Shipyard

Each plays an important role as the Navy’s ship graveyard. For example, the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Washington is handling nuclear vessels. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard and South Gate Annex NISMF also assist with nuclear vessels. Because of the vast size and area in which America’s Fleet operates, it takes many facilities to get the job done. Although operated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the James River Reserve Fleet (JRRF) near Fort Eustis and the Beaumont Reserve Fleet in Texas are also a part of the puzzle. Related read: The National Defense Reserve Fleet is the Navy's Backup Plan

Discover the Largest Ship Graveyard in the World

In the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the second-largest city, Nouadhibou, is less than favorable when it comes to economic prospects. The country continues to develop and few job opportunities presents economic challenges. Naturally, in certain areas lacking in opportunity, corruption can thrive. Such is the case in the West African nation. The local government workers saw an opportunity to make some cash. As a result, they ended up creating the world’s largest ship graveyard. In the Bay of Nouadhibou, you can find more than 300 ships calling the area their final resting place. Nicknamed the Bay of Corruption, Nouadhibou bribes may allow some to simply abandon large boats in the city's bay. However, unlike the Philadelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, the vessels aren’t strictly related to any government's military. At the Bay of Nouadhibou Graveyard, you’ll find fishing trawlers, cargo vessels, and naval cruisers all sharing the same fate. Again, it’s not exactly the same as the facilities used by the U.S. Navy, but the size of the graveyard is worth noting. The seemingly good news is that because of investments from China, the dumping of ships no longer occurs in the area. As the number of vessels began to grow, there were obvious environmental concerns about pollutants. However, even with these negative factors, the decaying ships have created new habitats for marine life, benefiting the city's fishing industry and sparking a salvage economy.

Life After the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility

When a ship heads to one of the NISMFs, its fate is being decided. For some, it’s the first step in becoming a museum. For others, its a step toward being scrapped and recycled for various projects. Some are even used as target practice and/or become artificial reefs to nurture wildlife. The Navy works constantly to reduce its inactive ships, a trend that has been ongoing for decades. Whether it be through serving again in training or continuing a legacy as a tourist attraction, the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility continues to be a key part of the process. Read next: These 4 U.S. Submarine Classes Help Our Naval Forces Stay On Top


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