The crew of the USS Aries Hydrofoil Memorial were elated when they acquired a special service landing craft vessel through the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP). Originally, a hauling vessel for the Army Corp of Engineers, this 30-plus year-old craft was deemed surplus by the federal government and granted transfer to the Memorial in May for $7,000.
Located at the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers, the USS Aries Hydrofoil Memorial is a museum that includes the namesake of the organization, which was the last hydrofoil ship used by the United State Navy. Among other displays are boats and barges that are located on a historical Army Corp of Engineers boat manufacturing facility.
When the special service vessel became available on GSAXcess, a letter of intent, along with a letter of support from MOSASP, was submitted, which ultimately lead to the property being allocated to the museum. The vessel will be used for museum operations.