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My earliest visit to Olympia was as a kid. In 1962, My Baltimore buddy, Jim Reuter (JimR in this Forum) and I made another visit and as a fresh caught second lieutenant I received my second salute ever from the Marine sentry at the Philadelphia Navy Yard gate when I showed him my i.d. card.
At that time, Olympia was in pretty good shape. Among the exhibits was a set of models (probably 1/32" - 1 foot scale) by Ed Wiswesser of the Pacific squadron in white and ochre (before the repainting in gray at Hong Kong prior to the Battle of Manila Bay).
In future years, the ship deteriorated, but in the early 90s it had been restored and looked beautiful. It is sad to see that fine historical vessel deteriorating and its future in doubt.
Don
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