Background
The Mississippi is the longest river system in the United States that originates in northern Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the fourth longest river in the world and has countless branches that travel throughout the country. Ships, barges, and pleasure crafts all travel the Mississippi, providing a convenient way to transport goods from the Midwest to the ports of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
Destroyer ships, or Destroyers for short, are designed for open waters and are used primarily by the U.S. Navy to patrol or escort other ships. They are relatively fast vessels and can be equipped with weapons including torpedoes, missiles, and anti-submarine weapons. They are generally larger than most other kinds of vessels, although the size of Destroyers can vary depending on their specialized mission.
Can Destroyers Go Up the Mississippi?
The short answer is yes. However, there are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration before a Destroyer can travel up the Mississippi. The major factor to consider is the size of the vessel. Since Destroyers are generally larger and longer than the other ships that travel the river, they will likely have a harder time navigating the narrow bends, low bridges, and intense river traffic that is common in this area.
Deep drafts are also a major factor to consider when navigating the Mississippi. Destroyers are designed to travel in deeper waters and will draw more water than the other river-going vessels, so if the river is too shallow there could be navigational issues. The Mississippi River is not always consistent with the depths it offers; depending on the season, some areas of the river can be dangerously shallow, which would make it difficult for a Destroyer to pass through.
Finally, the Destroyers must pass through a set of locks on their way up the Mississippi. The locks are designed to help vessels of larger sizes pass through sections of the river by controlling water levels. However, since the locks are designed for smaller primarily civilian ships, they can be dangerous for Destroyers to maneuver in and out of due to their size and the additional stress they will put on the locks.
Implications
Since there are a number of potential issues that could arise if a Destroyer attempts to navigate up the Mississippi, it is generally not recommended to do so. The shallow depths and difficult navigation could put the ship and its passengers at risk, as well as damage the river and its environment. In addition, if the vessel does not have the right clearance or permission to pass through the locks and bridges, it could be dangerous and expensive to attempt.
It is possible, however, with the right amount of planning and caution. If a Destroyer is planning to travel up the Mississippi, they should make sure they plan their route and double-check the depths of the river beforehand. In addition, they should take into account the time it takes to maneuver through the locks, as this can be a slow process.
Finally, they should make sure they have the right documents and clearance in order to be allowed to proceed. It is paramount to check the laws and regulations of the Upper Mississippi, as some states may have policies that prohibit or limit the travel of large military vessels, such as Destroyers.
Why Sail a Destroyer Up the Mississippi?
There are a few reasons why a Destroyer might choose to sail up the Mississippi. One of the main reasons is for military training exercises. The Upper Mississippi can provide the Navy with a safe and suitable environment to conduct operations and practice maneuvers. It also gives the crew an opportunity to practice their navigational skills as they travel up the river.
In addition, sailing a Destroyer up the Mississippi can provide a unique way to show-off their capabilities and allow the public to witness its agility and power. It is a great opportunity for the crew to gain public recognition and appreciation for their work.
Finally, navigating the Mississippi provides the crew with a chance to explore the river’s history and its natural beauty. The Mississippi River is one of the most important water systems in the United States and has been an integral part of our nation’s history. Sailing a Destroyer up the river provides a unique perspective of both present and past and is an experience that is unlikely to be forgotten.
Conclusion
We know now that Destroyers can travel up the Mississippi River, but it is not something that should be taken lightly. There are a multitude of considerations that must be made in order for the voyage to be successful and safe. But for those who are willing to take on the challenge, the Mississippi can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.
