Earlier this year, by an act of Congress, it was turned over to a nonprofit group trying to create the LST ship memorial. The crew of volunteers flew to Athens and, despite many travails, crossed the Mediterranean Sea in November, stopping in Gibraltar for repairs. After inspecting the ship in Gibraltar, the U.S. Coast Guard strongly urged the crew not to make the trip. The Coast Guard expressed concern about inadequate lifesaving equipment, the condition of the ship's propulsion and steering systems, and the capability of the crew to respond to emergencies. The crew dismissed the Coast Guard's warning.
Any fool can navigate now.
The ship is also carrying a satellite telephone. The ship left Gibraltar on Dec. 12 and, as this column went to press, was making good progress, averaging 200 miles a day. It was expected to reach its destination in Mobile, Ala., in mid-January. The crew is taking a southern route, where it can expect lower seas. It's an old ship, and we don't want to be foolish about it.