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, October 30, 2011

USS CALIFORNIA SSN 781 - welcome to the Fleet! Wharf Rat was there!

Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) salute during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781).

World War II submarine veteran Joe Cox, right, passes the long glass to set the first watch during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781).

Approximately 2,500 people attend the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) at Naval Station Norfolk.

NORFOLK (Oct. 29, 2011) Approximately 2,500 people attend the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) at Naval Station Norfolk. California is the eighth Virginia-class submarine and will be homeported in Groton, Conn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric C. Tretter/Released)