Now here's a big Bennington..... 872 feet!

goldnrod24

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Interesting story here about the USS Bennington. Quite a long history of service and some tragic and unusual events over her many years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Bennington_(CV-20)

Here's one story: "On 7 May 1957, while docked in Sydney for Coral Sea Day celebrations, ten University of Sydney students dressed as pirates boarded the aircraft carrier in the early morning hours undetected. While some began soliciting donations from the Navy crew for a local charity, others entered the bridge. The public address system was turned on. "Now hear this!" announced Paul Lennon, a medical student. "The U.S.S. Bennington has been captured by Sydney University pirates!" Alarms for general quarters, atomic and chemical attacks were sounded, rousing the crew from their bunks. Marines escorted the students off the ship. No charges were filed."

Uss_bennington_cvs-20.jpg
 
Wow. Those kids are lucky they didn't get far worse than an escort off the ship. Not sure they would get away with that today. :)
 
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