The first two Sacramento AOE's used Iowa class engines from Kentucky . Theoretically there are still many higher ranking naval personnel that know how the power plant works.
Regarding the remainder of the ships, I feel what you say is accurate. 61, 63 and 64 would likely be cannibalized to get New Jersey operationally fit. She's in the best shape overall because she was used (and maintained) the most, and she's in drydock now furthering that maintenance. She's also got a new deck and can cannibalize many modern weapon systems from the Ticos and JFK in Philly.
I understand that Crane Naval Weapons Station (IN) has gotten rid of all its spare 16/50 barrels. (Remember that the navy found all those brand new 16/50 barrels built for the Illinois and Kentucky sitting in the Norfolk NSY in the late 70's. And that this contributed largely to the decision to reactivate them.) And I think the Washington Naval Shipyard Ordnance Facility has vacated and removed all the equipment needed to rebuild/reline the 16/50 barrels. And all the 16" ammo would have to be demilled and remanufactured. Plus when the Iowas were reactivated in the 80's the navy found it necessary to scrap the three Albany class CG's, and the Canberra to get spare parts for the engines and other pieces of equipment. Keep in mind that almost all the components of all the systems (water/sewage/electrical/air conditioning) aboard them is 70+ years old. And not much of it has spares or direct replacements available. And the navy has no more older ships available to scrap now to get more spares.
Maybe possible by cannibalizing the 61 63 and 64 to get the New Jersey activated but probably not worth the cost nor effort. This is unfortunately the reality of bring them back. Much and all as I too would like to see them active again.
Recently read that adminstratedly the Iowa and Wisconsin have had their status changed
from museum ships to decommissioned warships.
They havent been moved from where are on display.
Aren't they too old to be reused?
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