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.

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Saturday, February 1, 2014

CDR Salamander: Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander: Fullbore Friday: This FbF is a little of a tease ... and something to keep you humble. So, you think you have had an eventful career? Benchmark these bo...



USS Donald Cook Departs Norfolk for Permanent Station in Rota, Spain

USS Donald Cook Departs Norfolk for Permanent Station in Rota, Spain

Friday, January 31, 2014

Fair Winds

1/31/2014 Forrestal to Depart Philadelphia for Scrapyard
from : NAVSEA Office of Corporate Communications
PHILADELPHIA - The decommissioned aircraft carrier Forrestal (AVT 59) is scheduled to begin its final voyage, Feb. 4, weather permitting, when it will depart Philadelphia on its way to a ship dismantling and recycling facility in Brownsville, Texas.
The ship will be towed down the Delaware River, along the eastern seaboard, and across the Gulf of Mexico to arrive at the All Star Metals facility. The best opportunity for viewing the departure will be from publicly accessible areas along the Delaware River.
The Navy awarded a ship dismantling contract to All Star Metals of Brownsville on Oct. 22, 2013, and All Star Metals subcontracted with Foss Marine Towing to tow the ship to its final destination.
The first of the "supercarriers," Forrestal was launched Dec. 11, 1954, by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., and commissioned Sept. 29, 1955.
Forrestal was decommissioned Sept. 11, 1993, after more than 38 years of service. On June 16, 1999, the Navy announced the ship would be available for donation to an eligible organization for use as a museum or memorial. However, no viable applications were received and the vessel was removed from donation hold in December 2003 and redesignated for disposal.
In October, the Navy competitively awarded a contract to All Star Metals for the towing, dismantling and recycling of conventionally powered aircraft carriers. Under the terms of the contract, the company will be paid $0.01 for dismantling and recycling ex-USS Forrestal, which is the lowest price the Navy could possibly have paid the contractor for the work.
The Navy continues to own the ship during the dismantling process until the ship has been fully dismantled. The contractor takes ownership of the scrap metal as it is produced and sells the scrap to offset its costs of operations.
Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships is responsible for delivering and sustaining the fleet's littoral mission capabilities. Consistent delivery of high-quality warfighting assets, while balancing affordability and capability, is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

CDR Salamander: Watch the money .... and your back

CDR Salamander: Watch the money .... and your back: It is funny how clear a person's priorities can be seen - or what is or is not important displayed - by what they decide to spend thei...

Monday, January 27, 2014

CDR Salamander: Hide your women and free-range chickens!

CDR Salamander: Hide your women and free-range chickens!: Ahhh .... from the mouths of babes ... ... there is an enormous hulking beast of a warship docked in Eureka right now. Our breathless 99...