When the Navy Gave Power to the People

[Subdeacon Joe]

Another FB find:

 

Another advantage of Turbo-electric propulsion that designers probably didn't foresee! 

In 1929, large parts of Washington state were under the effects of a severe drought. Water levels at Lake Cushman had dropped so low that it fallen below the intakes for the local hydroelectric dam.

This completely shut off power to Tacoma, Washington and left the city in an energy crisis. After requesting aid, the United States Navy dispatched USS Lexington (CV-2) to the city. After the ship was tied up to the docks, a series of heavy electric cables were rigged up that connected Lexington's powerplant to Tacoma's power grid.  The photo shows Lexington tied up along with the cables used to connect her to the city's powergrid.

From December 17, 1929 until January 16, 1930, USS Lexington provided the city with its power needs. During this time, Lexington's turbo-electric powerplant provided the equivalent of 4.5 million kilowatt hours worth of power to the city. 

By the end of January, the hydroelectric dam was able to provide enough power to the city. Lexington was disconnected and immediately returned to service. She was soon heading to the Carribean for annual fleet exercises within less than two months after serving as a makeshift powerplant.

 

 

https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2020/02/28/that-time-the-uss-lexington-saved-tacoma/

[bgavin]

I can only imagine how the Greenies would freak over running that fossil fuel powered electric supply.
Then again, they didn't have the Greenie problem at all in 1929.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

I think a modern carrier has 100 times as much power and Tacoma needs 10,000 times as much power.

[Red Gauntlet , SASS 60619]

A well-known bit of local history here. At least it used to be....

[Subdeacon Joe]

44 minutes ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

I think a modern carrier has 100 times as much power and Tacoma needs 10,000 times as much power.

 

 

After the 2004 Indian Ocean Quake and Tsunami the US sent a carrier strike force to render assistance.  One of the guys at church was mocking Bush for doing that, "What is he intending to do?  Invade?"  I pointed out to him that the carrier alone could provide large amounts of electric power, plus helicopter search and rescue, plus medical assistance, plus thousands of people for rescue, clearing debris, etc. plus fresh water, plus communications, just to name a few things.

[Pat Riot]

My ship, the USS Virginia CGN-38 was capable of providing enough power to power the city of Norfolk, VA with it’s 2 nuclear reactors. 
 

1 hour ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

 

After the 2004 Indian Ocean Quake and Tsunami the US sent a carrier strike force to render assistance.  One of the guys at church was mocking Bush for doing that, "What is he intending to do?  Invade?"  I pointed out to him that the carrier alone could provide large amounts of electric power, plus helicopter search and rescue, plus medical assistance, plus thousands of people for rescue, clearing debris, etc. plus fresh water, plus communications, just to name a few things.

Carriers basically have full blown hospitals aboard. It’s very impressive to see. 

[Sedalia Dave]

Current US Navy aircraft carriers can produce about 400,000 gallons of potable water a day. Destroyers produce about 10,000 gallons a day.

 

Granted when under way a lot of that is used by ships systems and for washing aircraft. 

 

When not underway that water can be used for humanitarian aid.

[bgavin]

My Navy daughter was part of that rescue op in Malaysia.
She said the helicopter sorties alone was costing millions of $$ daily in fuel.
The Malay gov't demanded the navy depart and leave all the helicopters on the beach.

And they wonder why they got a tsunami...