Preserving the USS Olympia - a Protected Cruiser

The USS Olympia, which fought in the Spanish American War of 1898 has been preserved and is a valuable piece of US maritime history. Unfortunately, Olympia needs $10-15 million in repairs to keep her a viable museum for years to come. She has not been out of water for approximately 40 years. If you have connections or resources to help, please contact me at 612-599-1935 or bdskon@fedex.com.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Destroyer used in missile defense test - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Destroyer used in missile defense test - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

WWII veterans group gathers for last toast - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

WWII veterans group gathers for last toast - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

US service personnel play key part in Libya campaign even as US withdraws from front-line role

The United States, which originally led the Libya campaign, has been steadily reducing its role over the past two weeks. On March 31, it handed over command and control of the international campaign to NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and shortly after that it ceased all attack missions over Libya — setting of a search by NATO for more planes capable of carrying out precision strikes against Gadhafi's forces.
NATO said Friday that the U.S. still flies one-third of the Libya operation's missions. But that refers to surveillance and refuelling missions, not to attack flights over Libyan territory.
But even though the U.S. has withdrawn its forces from the front lines of the NATO campaign, a handful of Americans serving on this French navy carrier remain at the forefront of the action.
They are members of a little-known French-American naval exchange program in which U.S. officers spend time in the French navy — known as the "Marine Nationale" — and French officers spend time in the U.S. navy.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ge0dMgJ6C25VbEY52jM_4VdGbAJQ?docId=6575644

Saturday, April 16, 2011

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (April 10, 2011) Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard prepare to entertain Navy Safe Harbor and Wounded Warrior Regiment enrollees and their families during an outdoor reception at the National Harbor. The event marks the beginning of the 2011 Sea-Air-Space Exposition, hosted by the Navy League of the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom/Released)
NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 6, 2011) Three P-3C Orion aircraft with heritage paint schemes are positioned on the tarmac next to the Navy's next generation of anti-submarine warfare and long-range maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, rear left, and the unmanned Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) aircraft, center. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist William Lovelady/Released) 

Fleet awaiting F-35 and keeping Hornets flying - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Fleet awaiting F-35 and keeping Hornets flying - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

USS Olympia - she's on the market - Hat Tip Commander Salamander

Australian Purchase of an Amphibious Ship Saves Taxpayers | Navy News at DefenseTalk

Australian Purchase of an Amphibious Ship Saves Taxpayers Navy News at DefenseTalk

First French FREMM Frigate Prepares for Sea Trials | Navy News at DefenseTalk

First French FREMM Frigate Prepares for Sea Trials Navy News at DefenseTalk

Somber events mark anniversary of Civil War - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Somber events mark anniversary of Civil War - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times Now this is history - was this about states rights? Or eliminating slavery? For the Wharf Rat - no one could justify slavery.........ever. It had to go. It took the lives of 600,000 American's.....................

Predator may have killed Marine and sailor - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Predator may have killed Marine and sailor - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

The Shooter!

One is training the other - guess which one! US Navy Photo

Army aviators get new mission following Japan quake, tsunami - Earthquake Disaster in Japan - Stripes

Army aviators get new mission following Japan quake, tsunami - Earthquake Disaster in Japan - Stripes

Danes free 18 hostages held by Somalis - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Danes free 18 hostages held by Somalis - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times YES!!!!

Among brass, relief over budget deal - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Among brass, relief over budget deal - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Navy releases names of F/A-18F crash victims - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Navy releases names of F/A-18F crash victims - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times God Bless these men and their families.......

Action on the Cai Tau River, Republic of Vietnam, 5 April 1965

http://www.navalhistory.org/2011/04/05/action-on-the-cai-tau-river-republic-of-vietnam-5-april-1965/

History!

US Navy Status

Ships and Submarines
Deployable Battle Force Ships: 287

Ships Underway (away from homeport): 154 ships (54% of total)

On deployment: 122 ships (43% of total)

Attack submarines underway (away from homeport): 32 subs (59%)

On deployment: 26 subs (48%)
Ships Underway

Carriers:
              USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - 5th Fleet
              USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - 5th Fleet
              USS George Washington (CVN 73) - Yellow Sea
              USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - Pacific Ocean
              USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Pacific Ocean

Amphibious Warfare Ships:
              USS Essex (LHD 2) - Pacific Ocean
              USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - Mediterranean Sea
              USS Boxer (LHD 4) - 5th Fleet
              USS Bataan (LHD 5) - Atlantic Ocean
              USS Makin Islnd (LHD 8) - Pacific Ocean

Two Dead in F/A-18F Crash Near Lemoore

Two Dead in F/A-18F Crash Near Lemoore

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

2 dead as Super Hornet crashes near Lemoore - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

2 dead as Super Hornet crashes near Lemoore - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times Please keep the families in your prayers.........

The North China Marines - Outstanding Read

US military capturedGermanyJapan
93,94132,260
Died while POW1.10%35.70%
Alive January 200235.50%17.40%
US civilians interned4,74913,996
Died while imprisoned3.50%11%
Alive January 200229.70%9.20%

http://www.northchinamarines.com/index.htm

The Navy and the Declaration of War in 1917

"6 April is the anniversary of the entry of the United States into World War I. How that declaration was transmitted throughout the Navy is an interesting story. Ordinarily when a President signs an important measure, the signing is attended by members of Congress who shepherded the measure through the legislative process and members of the press who are there to record the event. Not so on 6 April 1917."

http://www.navalhistory.org/2011/04/06/the-navy-and-the-declaration-of-war-in-1917/

USS Ronald Reagan ends mission as U.S. military relief efforts shift in Japan - Earthquake Disaster in Japan - Stripes

USS Ronald Reagan ends mission as U.S. military relief efforts shift in Japan - Earthquake Disaster in Japan - Stripes

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Navy Accomplishes Several Firsts During Libya Operation | Navy News at DefenseTalk

Navy Accomplishes Several Firsts During Libya Operation Navy News at DefenseTalk

Airstrikes Decimate Libya's Military Capability - Defense News

Airstrikes Decimate Libya's Military Capability - Defense News

USS Doyle Returns From Final Deployment

USS Doyle Returns From Final Deployment need to quit decommissioning faster than we replace.....................

After 67 years, Navy vet finally gets medals - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

After 67 years, Navy vet finally gets medals - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times Oustanding recognition!

Fla. lawmakers want carrier move expedited - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Fla. lawmakers want carrier move expedited - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times I support this action...........the sooner we disperse, the better. If this works on the West Coast, it is right for the East Coast as well.

What I’ve Learned. - From a Marine who's left the Corps. Read every word...

http://blog.usni.org/2011/04/05/what-ive-learned/

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Aircraft carrier may leave Japan for repairs - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Aircraft carrier may leave Japan for repairs - Navy News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Troop surge brings progress to war-torn Afghan province

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/26/change-of-command-in-helmand-province/

B-1B crew recalls epic mission to Libya - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

A B-1B Lancer takes off in support Operation Odyssey Dawn from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 27. This mission marked the first time the B-1 fleet has launched combat sorties from the continental United States to strike targets overseas.
B-1B crew recalls epic mission to Libya - Air Force News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times Even though we are partial to the US Navy, we give an 'atta boy' to the US Air Force for this mission!!

Navy books 3 warships for repairs in San Diego

Ship repair, upgrade and launch schedule

DateVesselActivity
13-AprUSS Bonhomme RichardLeaves dry dock at NASSCO
16-AprUSNS William McLeanLaunch set for NASSCO
29-AprUSS CurtsArrives at NASSCO for repairs
29-AprUSS VandegriftArrives at NASSCO for repairs
5-MayUSS BenfoldLeaves dry dock at BAE
14-MayUSS Pearl HarborArrives at NASSCO
27-JunUSS FreedomArrives at BAE
10-AugUSS Harpers Ferry Arrives at NASSCO