Baltimore, Maryland – Cleanup efforts are in full swing following the recent tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. A massive crane known as the Chesapeake 1000, the largest on the East Coast, plays a crucial role in the removal of the wreckage.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg described the crane as a giant floating crane on a barge that is challenging to comprehend due to its sheer size. Named “Chessy,” the crane can lift up to 1,000 tons and has been involved in numerous significant projects over the years, including a covert CIA operation during the Cold War.
In 1968, the CIA utilized the Chesapeake 1000 to recover a sunken Soviet submarine in the Pacific Ocean that was believed to contain nuclear weapons and sensitive information. The crane played a vital role in the construction of a new deep-sea ship, the Hughes Glomar Explorer, which was disguised as a mining vessel and owned by reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.
Despite facing challenges and unauthorized leaks, the CIA managed to complete part of the mission, which was confirmed years later in a partially redacted report. Todd Bennett, an associate professor of history, emphasized the technical complexity of the operation, highlighting the crane’s importance even today in the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released a plan to address the wreckage and clear the Patapsco River, acknowledging the evolving nature of the situation. As efforts continue, the legacy of the Chesapeake 1000 serves as a testament to its enduring impact on historical and current operations.