There is something mesmerizing and fascinating about large ships. When visiting ports and coastal cities, I love to sit and admire the ships out in the ocean. These ships all have a purpose, a mission, and a story. There is one ship that was once expensive, stunning, and unique. It was the USS Plainview. This was the United States Navy’s first hydrofoil research vessel and was named after the cities of Planview, New York, and Plainview, Texas. However, today, it doesn’t fly across the ocean waters. Rather, it sits abandoned on mudflats near Astoria, Oregon.

Highlighting the beautifully eerie work of Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo, discover more fascinating abandoned locations across America in our Vacant Series. These unique man-made structures have been left abandoned and are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

On May 8, 1964, construction began on the USS Plainview in Seattle, Washington, by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company. It took over one year to complete and $21 million to build, which is equivalent to approximately $80 million today.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
This was no small ship. The ship was 210 feet long and weighed 320 tons. It featured two General Electric LM1500 free-turbine turbo-shaft engines and could reach speeds up to 50 knots. It could also rise more than 10 feet as it flew across the water on just three struts. During hull-borne operations, it used two diesel engines.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
In 1968, this vessel became known as the “The biggest fastest flying boat yet” by Popular Mechanics.
In 1969, the Navy vessel was officially placed in service and was sponsored by Mrs. John T. Hayward. The ship conducted long-range experimental programs, evaluated design principles of hydrofoils, accessed tactics and doctrines for hydrofoils, and determined the possible uses of hydrofoil operations.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Throughout the years, the USS Plainview stayed busy, with approximately 268 hours of traveling on its foils.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
This navy ship was used for nearly ten years, but on September 22, 1978, in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the USS Plainview was decommissioned. Two days later, on September 30, 1978, it was struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
The ship was eventually sold to a Tacoma company, and partial scrapping of the ship began in 2004.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
As of April 10, 2019, the USS Plainview sits on mudflats on private property near Astoria, Oregon. While you cannot visit the ship in person, simply viewing images of this large vessel is eerie and chilling.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
It is certainly a reminder of times past and untold stories.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo

What are your thoughts on this abandoned navy ship in Washington? Did you know this ship existed near Astoria, Oregon? What are some of your favorite abandoned places in Washington to visit? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. Discover even more spooky places in Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America. 

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