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.

Friday, March 11, 2011

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/11/massive-7-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-japan/

Unbelieveable event. So what happens now with the US Navy?

1. The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Battle Group was just reported to have arrived in the 7th Fleet. What timing. Her 4.5 acres of flight deck and approx. 17 helo's will absolutely be used.
2. Clearly the USS George Washington will deploy from Yokosuka
3. USS Essex LHD 8 will also likely deploy with her Ampibious Ready Group to assist in the efforts
4. USS Abraham Lincoln? She arrived on 3/10 in Hawaii. She will be on standby to help should there be damage in HI from a tsunami. The real question is - will she be turned around to go help in the Pacific basin? I doubt it, but it wouldn't be the first time that's happened
5. The USS Boxer Ampibious Ready Group. She was reported to be in the Pacific Ocean - so look for her to be tasked to assist where necessary
6. The Japenese Navy - they have at least 2 big deck amphibs (helicopter destroyers) that will likely get underway with Seahawks to assist in rescue and relief.
7. Just as we did with Haiti - the United States Navy within days, and hours will be all over this. Military Sealift Command ships will be dispatched to assist - each one with supplies and helo decks on their sterns
8. The US Air Force will like dispatch tons of supplies with a mix of C-17's, C-5's, and C-130's. They have without a doubt the most capable airlift capability in the world
9. Private carriers - FedEx, UPS, Evergreen Air Cargo, etc. will likely offer up lift to get supplies where needed
10. USS Enterprise and USS Carl Vinson - both in the 5th Fleet. Does the US Navy move the Vinson to help? The CNO has committed to 2 carriers in the 5th Fleet 9 months out of the year. The Vinson is on the tail end of her deployment and she is a Pacific Fleet carrier. My money is that she gets tasked to help.

This is a all hands on deck situation. Pray, pray, pray.