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.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

U.S. Ship Escapes Major Fire Damage

US Navy DDG escapes major fire damage

'A fire aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer in the final stages of construction may not have seriously damaged the ship, said one source familiar with the incident, although an investigation has yet to be completed.

The accident took place May 20 aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Spruance (DDG 111) at the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.

"In the course of routine propulsion gas turbine engine tests, a system failure occurred resulting in a fire within one of the engine uptakes, or stacks," said Chris Johnson, a spokesman for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Washington. "The fire was extinguished and there were no personnel injuries."
Johnson provided no other details, other than to say an investigation has been started.
A spokesman for Bath Iron Works declined comment, deferring questions to NAVSEA.
A photo on the Colton Co. website showed flames leaping from the after portion of the Spruance's after stack. The ship, according to the website, "sustained extensive damage when the engine controls failed during a test and poured fuel into a hot engine." '