Event culminates decade-long restoration project to repair historic mast
WHAT: Arlington National Cemetery and the Naval District Washington will co-host a wreath-laying ceremony to rededicate the USS Maine Memorial after a decade-long restoration project to bring the memorial back to its original state.
Located in Section 24 of Arlington National Cemetery, the mast of the USS Maine is a towering memorial to the many lives lost over 100 years ago. Dedicated in 1915, the mast of the USS Maine has seen its share of problems over the years including a pool of water that routinely covered the memorial’s floor, corrosion that deformed the battleship’s mast and deteriorated rigging cables. The National Park Service (NPS) was an essential partner, providing extensive research, fact-gathering and historical documentation. NPS also helped bring the massive project to life by providing professional architecture, engineering assistance and skilled craftsperson support.
WHO:
- Army National Military Cemeteries Executive Director Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera
- Naval District Washington Commandant Rear Adm. Charles Rock
- National Park Service Regional Director Mr. Robert Vogel
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Arlington National Cemetery, USS Mast of the Maine (Section 24). Media interested in covering the event should meet at the main entrance at 1:30 p.m.
BACKGROUND: The restoration project left no part of the Maine untouched. A few highlights include:
- Removed one hundred years of lead paint from the mast and repainted with a high-performance coating specially mixed to match the original color.
- Repaired and stabilized steel areas on the crow’s nest and mast, which were corroded.
- Removed the granite dome’s root pavers, and cleaned and reset them with anchor supports.
- Removed deteriorating concrete and waterproofing layers from the dome, repaired cracks and added concrete layers.
- Installed handcrafted copper gutters to prevent water from entering the walls of the monument.
- Conserved the remains of the ship’s bronze bell and reinstalled on the bronze door.
- Restored ship’s rigging to its 1915 configuration.
- Stabilized the mast where rivets broke due to internal rusting of the steel.
RSVP: RSVP to Kerry Meeker at 703-614-0024 or kerry.l.meeker.civ@mail.mil by Feb. 20.