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The USS Hornet has no plans to raise the chopper. I think it would be a great thing to do assuming old 66 is still in restorable shape, but..... If it were raised, there is very little chance of the USS Hornet ever getting it! The US Navy retains "ownership" of everything it ever bought until its formally stricken from the Navy asset list. Thus, even a hundred years from now, if someone raises 66, the USN will step in and say "it's ours". At that point, the real fun begins. Every Admiral will want to have 66 displayed at his or her favorite base. Of course, the Smithsonian Institute will step in and say it belongs with them (which is where 66 rightfully belongs). If it ever is stricken, the "official" US Naval Aviation Museum (Buhler) in Pensacola will have right of first claim, with NASA right on its heels. Only if 66 makes it thru this gauntlet will the USS Hornet get a chance to obtain it. However, there are 4 other aircraft carrier museums who would vie for it (and a 5th may soon be approved for San Diego). Also, there is the Naval Helicopter Historical Society which could certain put in a solid claim as well. 66 is absolutely the most regonizable Navy helicopter that ever flew. So, unless and until the Navy agrees to "strike" 66 from its asset inventory while it lies on the sandy ocean bottom off San Diego Harbor, no one is likely to try to salvage it, including the USS Hornet Museum. By the way, if the chopper is ever raised, you won't find a number #66 anywhere although the 5 spacecraft emblems on the side of the nose may still be there! After the Navy went to three numeral designators, B/N 152711 became #740-check out page 23 of the Squadron/Signal Pub 150 which focusses on the H-3 SeaKing choppers! This is a "guaranteed" winning piece of trivia for any cocktail party - even the editors of the magazine didn't pick up on it.
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