Shipbucket

You know, after seeing your giant floating crane the first thing I thought of was the Blue Martin. I do rather like her ALVAMA.

Okay, thought those cranes were a little large for simple cargo containers.

So this thing is it's cousin?

I might make that my next project, doing some of the ones that haven't already been finished.

Is it used to provide container loading/off loading at ports without such facilities native?

Oh wow, that's quite the mobile crane...

What I meant with my comment on the demise of these beautiful ships, is to suggest that the Navy might have resisted any administration's attempt to sell anything but, basically the hull. Certainly they'd object the selling of the Talos, obsolete or not! I'll sort out something for her small craft ...

Amazing photo's of choppers sitting on cramped sterns - I take back my misgivings, though I'm still not sure if its a good idea. I think one critique is the mixing of different generations of equipment: for example, different 5-in mounts, and on the same hull Goalkeeper, but that's your call ...

Well, it does still seem mighty rear heavy but I'm not naval architect. About the, uh, vicinity of the stern; is that landing pad floating ? A second thing I wish to inquire about is the after weapons mount (and it's partner abaft the main battery). WTF is that? Some sort of mutated CIWS? If so ...

Sort of a buff color, looks like to me. Perhaps like this?

Regarding the ex-USS Springfield, it was a TERRIER-armed version, NOT Talos. Secondly, that system would be hopelessly outdated and in need of a replacement. Also the ship's radars would need serious upgrading. The goalkeeper has a hopelessly awkward position, risking to do more damage to the ship ...