U.S. Navy warship will have to be lifted off Philippine reef

By Brad Lendon, CNN

Updated 2006 GMT (0406 HKT) January 25, 2013

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The stern of the USS Guardian, the last piece of grounded ship, is removed by a crane vessel on Saturday, March 30. The U.S. Navy minesweeper became trapped on a reef off the western Philippine island of Palawan on January 17. The Navy has pledged to clean up debris and restore the reef as much as possible.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – The stern of the USS Guardian, the last piece of grounded ship, is removed by a crane vessel on Saturday, March 30. The U.S. Navy minesweeper became trapped on a reef off the western Philippine island of Palawan on January 17. The Navy has pledged to clean up debris and restore the reef as much as possible.
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A crane vessel lifts the bow of the USS Guardian on Tuesday, March 26.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – A crane vessel lifts the bow of the USS Guardian on Tuesday, March 26.
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The crane vessel pulls the bow off the ship on March 26.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – The crane vessel pulls the bow off the ship on March 26.
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The crane vessel removes a hull section on Wednesday, March 27. The U.S. Navy expects the Guardian to be completely removed from Tubbataha Reef by mid-April, an official says.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – The crane vessel removes a hull section on Wednesday, March 27. The U.S. Navy expects the Guardian to be completely removed from Tubbataha Reef by mid-April, an official says.
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The U.S. Navy and Philippines authorities are working to dismantle the ship.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – The U.S. Navy and Philippines authorities are working to dismantle the ship.
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Brandon Berry grinds through steel in the engine room in preparation for removing machinery.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – Brandon Berry grinds through steel in the engine room in preparation for removing machinery.
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The USS Guardian's funnel section is lifted Tuesday, February 26, as a task force works on removing equipment.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – The USS Guardian's funnel section is lifted Tuesday, February 26, as a task force works on removing equipment.
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The USS Guardian rocks in the waves on February 8.
Photos: Photos: End of the USS Guardian
End of the USS Guardian – The USS Guardian rocks in the waves on February 8.
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