Procurement: August 13, 2003

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The last World War II era aircraft carrier, the former British HMS Vengeance, is available, in working order, for $4.5 million. Launched in 1944, the 12,500 ton ship was one of twelve Colossus class light carriers. It saw service in the British, Australian and Brazilian navies. The Brazilians decommissioned the ship in 2001, having replaced it with a newer and larger carrier. If a buyer cannot be found, the carrier will be sold, for a lot less, for scrap. Ship brokers are trying to interest British coastal towns to buy the ship for use as a war memorial and tourist attraction. Many British sailors who served on the Vengeance are trying to raise money to save their ship, the last of its kind.