USS Atlanta (IX-304, CL-104) (1970)

#otd USS Atlanta (IX-304, ex-CL-104) Sinking off San Clemente Island, California, on 1 October 1970, after being scuttled in explosive tests. She had an interesting second career after being decommissioned in 1949. In 1964 she was redesignated IX-304 her upper deck and existing superstructure were removed and several experimental structures were installed, these were intended to be fitted to the next generation of guided-missile destroyers and frigates. Atlanta would be used to test the resistance of these structures to explosions of various types. Note the A-4 aircraft on the forecastle, anyone know more about why the Skyhawk was on deck? #ussatlanta #cl104 #ix304 #navalsafari #a4 #a4skyhawk #aviationsafari #aviationpreservation #boneyardsafari