Wharf Rat's Home - A Shipmate Who Never Made it to Sea.

'It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'

Preserving a piece of US Maritime History - invaluable

The USS Olympia is a cruiser that fought in the Spanish American War in 1898 and has been preserved in Philadelphia. She's a one of a kind ship, a national historic monument, and in danger. She needs approximately $10-15 million in repairs to keep her a viable museum for years to come. If you have the resources, or connections to those resources, please consider helping. (full disclosure - there is no financial benefit to me to ask the question - we need to save this ship for posterity). Please contact me at 612-599-1935 or bdskon@fedex.com if you have additional questions.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Marines to Test MV-22 Air-to-Air Refueling this Summer

MV-22 as a refueling tanker?

The MV-22B Osprey may soon be used for air-to-air refueling.

"If approved, this would help the U.S. military's quick response force react to catastrophes worldwide, from humanitarian crises to attacks on America's facilities, senior officials say.
This gives "numerous options" for the Marine Corps aviation to refuel its airplanes, such as the F-35 attack jet, says Col. Kevin Killea, who oversees Marine Corps aviation requirements. The stealthy, long-range fighter jet known as the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter would have the benefit of refueling from an MV-22, which would be "autonomous to the Marine Corps."
"So I don't have to ask anyone to use them. I know I always have them, so I can plan to do that, and that's a pretty good certainty," Killea says.
Commanders of deployed Marine Expeditionary Units currently have to send a request to a higher command for a tanker to refuel its jets. Using MV-22s would bring that responsibility in-house for the MEU to save complication and time.
The MV-22's speed and range also allows it to keep up with modern, stealthy aircraft, such as the F-35. This new capability would extend the range of the JSF from 450 miles to 600 miles, Marine officials say."