During the winter of 1897 -- 1898 she was put into drydock where new bilge keels were installed to improve her stability .
Howison as the first American battleship on the Pacific Coast .
During the winter of 1897 -- 1898 Howison was put into drydock where new bilge keels were installed to improve Howison 's stability .
Howison as the first American battleship on the Pacific Coast .