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, December 18, 2011

The Official Ships Crest of the Fast Attack Submarine MINNESOTA

Maroon and Gold represent the University of Minnesota
Blue in the anchor links represent the color in the Minnesota state flag
The 3 stars in the anchor links represent the three ships named MINNESOTA
The star in the helmet represents the North Star
The blue in the background in the state represents the lakes of Minnnesota
The Latin states 'From the North Star, Power' (or Strength)
The Walleye in the bow represents the state fish of Minnesota
The Viking represents the Scandinavian heritage of Minnesota, as well as a seafaring lineage
SSN 783 means 'Ship, Submersible, Nuclear' - hull number 783

The MINNESOTA will christen in November 2012, and commission in fall, 2013.