'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.
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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...
Friday, January 31, 2014
Fair Winds
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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. |
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
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...
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Hagels Navy
Hagels Navy
Uh...........the article is solid, but this is the marching orders of the Obama Administration - make no mistake about it.
They grow dependency..............and cut protection (defense).
Gotta love the modern welfare state....................it's not sustainable.
Uh...........the article is solid, but this is the marching orders of the Obama Administration - make no mistake about it.
They grow dependency..............and cut protection (defense).
Gotta love the modern welfare state....................it's not sustainable.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Navy, Pentagon battle over LCS future
The Future of LCS - A Good Read

Wharf Rat has endorsed a new frigate for years - I'd take these ships AND a frigate, but not these ships on their own.
Wharf Rat has endorsed a new frigate for years - I'd take these ships AND a frigate, but not these ships on their own.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Decisions on the Future of the LCS Program
Signficant Shipbuilding Decision Announced Today

FYI - Wharf Rat supports this decision. Now build a frigate..........................
FYI - Wharf Rat supports this decision. Now build a frigate..........................
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Multimedia - Photo Galleries | New London and southeastern Connecticut | The Day newspaper | www.theday.com
Multimedia - Photo Galleries | New London and southeastern Connecticut | The Day newspaper | www.theday.com

The guy in white - the COB. I know - because I was directly below him in control.
The guy in white - the COB. I know - because I was directly below him in control.
Multimedia - Photo Galleries | New London and southeastern Connecticut | The Day newspaper | www.theday.com
Multimedia - Photo Galleries | New London and southeastern Connecticut | The Day newspaper | www.theday.com

Wharf Rat was on the boat last week for a 48 hour underway.
Wharf Rat was on the boat last week for a 48 hour underway.
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