Commissioned in 1895, the USS Olympia is recognized as the oldest steel warship still afloat today. It gained prominence for its crucial role in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898, where Commodore George Dewey famously commanded the ship to engage the enemy. Additionally, Olympia served a significant role in military tradition by transporting an unidentified US serviceman's remains to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921. Today, the ship is preserved as a museum exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, allowing visitors to explore its historic interior, including the engine room and weaponry.
Commissioned in 1895, the USS Olympia is not only the oldest steel warship still afloat but also famed for its victory at the Battle of Manila Bay.
In 1921, Olympia honored US soldiers by transporting the unidentified remains of a serviceman to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marking a poignant moment in military history.
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