The USS Saratoga, an immense aircraft carrier that saw the United States through both Vietnam and the Gulf War, is currently at the crossroads of two very different destinies. Sitting mothballed in the Coddington Cove section of Narragansett Bay, Saratoga may soon become a rusty heap of scrap metal. Or, Saratoga has the opportunity to be converted into a component of one of the most technologically and educationally advanced air, land, and sea museums in the country. Sara, as some of her former mates call her, could become an actual living laboratory for science, technology, and history. One that would simultaneously serve as a permanent floating memorial to those who dutifully served the United States from her decks. Which destiny do you believe sounds best for Sara?

As humans, we often hear that we possess the ability to shape our futures based on the decisions we make. Sara, of course, cannot make the important choices that will shape her future. It is up to us to make those decisions for her, and especially for thousands of veterans and children here in Rhode Island and throughout the entire nation.

I recently had the privilege to tour the historically rich decks of Sara with several Navy officials, members of the North Kingstown Town Council and Frank Lennon, the director of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation. This opportunity made me realize that using her for purposes other than sharing her legacy would be like destroying our national history and future simultaneously. This is precisely the reason why I am urging the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to grant the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation conditional approval to use part of the carrier pier at Quonset Point. By gaining conditional approval, the foundation could begin the process of trying to obtain Sara from the U.S. Navy.

Sara's final port of call could include being converted into part of the proposed Air, Land, Sea, History and Technology Park at Quonset Point.

Instead of being used as a scrap heap for target practice, Sara's decks would be restored and converted into one of the largest and most educational aircraft carrier museums in the nation. She would proudly join the ranks of the Intrepid in New York City, the USS Yorktown Museum in South Carolina and the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas. However, the potential the USS Saratoga possesses goes far beyond a museum. She offers a plethora of educational, technological and financial benefits for the State of Rhode Island.

For instance, her many machine shops can be used by vocational schools in order to give students more applicable hands-on experience. Such an experience can bring to life and reinforce information learned through textbooks. The Saratoga's kitchen facilities are remarkably well maintained and with some light work, would be well equipped to handle large cooking classes. Colleges such as Johnson and Wales University would be urged to take advantage of these facilities. Young boys' and girls' scouting troops could actually live the life of a sailor during overnight camping trips. Sleeping in bunks, eating in the galley and "navigating" the destiny of their overnight dream, they would experience first hand what life is like aboard an aircraft carrier. There is even the possibility for Sara to become an integral part of URI's Graduate School of Oceanography.

Furthermore, scores of school field trips would be able to enjoy everything from hi-tech interactive exhibits to an authentic piece of United States history. Given all of the potential Sara holds for the future, her past would not be forgotten. The museum would serve as a permanent memorial to those brave individuals who served our country from her awesome decks.

Adding Sara to Quonset Point is the smart choice for financial reasons as well. Consider the simple fact that the Air, Land, Sea, History and Technology Park could make great contributions to our state's large tourism industry. By becoming another popular Rhode Island attraction, in addition to Newport's mansions and our pristine beaches, it is estimated that more than 500,000 people would visit Quonset Point and the USS Saratoga each year. Retail business in the North Kingstown area also would see increases as a direct result of the boost in tourism to Quonset. In addition, local businesses could provide the products and services necessary to keep Saratoga up and running. All of these factors combined account for an estimated grand total of $35 million of economic impact on the state each year. Yet, the chance still remains that Sara's final destination will be a deep ocean grave where all of her memories and stories would be trapped forever within her hull.

But, perhaps what is the most attractive feature of the proposed Air, Land, Sea, History and Technology Park is that it could be built at no cost to the taxpayer. The projected $15 million cost of the move and renovations to Sara would be the responsibility of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation by project supporters through private donations.

Therefore, I ask as a fellow Rhode Islander, how could our state lose in this situation? The answer is simple, it cannot. Giving the USS Saratoga anew life as a wonderful source of education, technology and economic development is a win/win opportunity for everyone.

Quonset Point is the perfect place for the Saratoga to further enrich Rhode Island and the country. She would add a beautiful new dimension to an area that is already rich in pride and military history. Together, we have the ability to shape Sara's destiny into a bright and rewarding future.

US Congressman Bob Weygand represents the Second District of the State of Rhode Island.

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Last Updated:
9/29/01