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mm Old Reliables. GE Propulsion Systems Powered The Iowa And Missouri Through World War II And Korea, They're Still Going Strong. HINHHHB Formidable Giants The Iowa. The Missouri. Two proud veterans of the Iowa Class, the only class of battle- ships in the world still in service, the largest that can pass through the Panama Canal. Today, they're running as reliably as ever on their original GE propulsion systems to perform vital missions for the U.S. Navy. Hard Duty r These battleships exert heavy demands upon the four sets of GE steam turbines and gear systems aboard each ship. Despite this, all run as smoothly today as when the ships were first commissioned in 1943 and 1944, which is no easy task when you consider what these propulsion systems move: over 44,500 standard tons with steel armor belts between 12.1 to 16.2 inches thick. Three batteries of huge 16 inch guns that fire 1800 pound shells over 20 miles. More than 1600 crew members. Plus additional weaponry and armor. And lots of it. Sitting idle can punish these "giants" as much afSwartime duty. Yet, the Iowa and Missouri remain at sea having endured both. The Iowa was recommissioned in 1984 after a 26 year layup; the Missouri in 1986 after a 31 year layup. When restarted, however, the GE propulsion systems worked flawlessly without modification, rebuild or repair. Proud Tradition From battleships, super carriers and sub- marines to the smallest auxiliary ships, GE is the leading supplier of propulsion and ships service turbine generator systems to the Navy. As such, GE has provided unmatched engineering, manufacturing and test expertise — as well as advanced technology and proven performance—for more than 75 years. The "build'em to last" philosophy which resulted in durability, reliability and performance exemplified by the Iowa and the Missouri for over 40 years lives today at Naval & Drive Turbine Systems. We look forward to building upon this experience with new products and services which will advance the Navy mission into the 21st Century. General Electric Company, 166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Circle 147 on Reader Service Card GE Naval & Drive Turbine Systems Living Legends More firepower was added to their huge gun batteries. Now, both battleships carry modern Cruise, Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles. Yet the GE propulsion systems built in the 1940s still move these ships at speeds of up to 35 knots. And, they aren't done yet, as we expect both to be in service for at least another decade or more.
