160806-N-TH437-095 WASHINGTON (Aug. 6, 2016) After weathering the elements for more than 20 years, contractors clear away loose dirt around the base of the 6-inch, 30 caliber gun from the U.S. Navy battleship Maine at the Washington Navy Yard. The Maine attained infamy when it was sunk in Havana Harbor, Cuba, being the catalyst of the Spanish-American War in 1898. The Naval History and Heritage Command contracted WLCC to perform extensive conservation work on the gun to preserve it for future generations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Lockwood/Released)