Navy divers recover first of 4 remaining cannons

Courtesy Photo | From left: Navy Diver 1st Class Spencer Puett of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 and Lt.j.g. Andrew Heckel of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 pose behind the cannon they rigged for recovery.  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

07.23.2015

Story by Jeremy Buddemeier  

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 raised the first of four remaining cannons from the CSS Georgia, July 15.

This marked the first day the cannon, a “six-pounder,” which weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, has been above the river’s surface since the vessel was scuttled in 1864. The term six-pounder refers to the weight of the cannonball fired from the weapon.

Divers expect to begin recovery of the remaining three cannons this week and will continue to raise assorted machinery and sections of the armored “casemate” throughout the summer.

The overall recovery of the ironclad is the first phase in the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, or SHEP, which will deepen the river from 42 to 47 feet, extend its length by seven miles, widen three bends and add two meeting areas to better accommodate larger ships.

This video was produced and edited by Jeremy S. Buddemeier, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse A. Hyatt contributed reporting.

• Date Taken: 07.23.2015
• Date Posted: 07.23.2015 11:46
• Story ID: 170868
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US