The Gage leaves 'ghost fleet' for recycling in Texas

Posted to: Military Newport News

The Associated Press
© July 23, 2009

NEWPORT NEWS

Virginia's "Ghost Fleet" continues to shrink.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said the Gage left the James River Reserve Fleet at 9:20 a.m. today.

The former attack transport ship is the second ship to leave the fleet this week. The Ortolan, a sub rescue ship, departed Monday.

Both ships are traveling to Esco Marine Inc. in Brownsville, Texas, where they will be recycled.

Since 2001, the U.S. Maritime Administration has sent 81 rusting hulks to salvage yards or converted them to artificial reefs.

Virginia officials have pushed for the sale of the fleet, fearing that a storm could spew oil and asbestos from the retired vessels.

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