June 03, 2007
At this site you can find a list of all the equipment aboard the USS Wasp. And here you can peruse the pictures taken by someone else who visited the ship, The irony, from the pics I recognize that they were they guys who were standing in line behind me. It is a small world.
Below are a few of my own. First up are the BLUE ANGELS IN FORMATION. This is what they looked like to me as they passed overhead during that day's memorial ceremony.
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June 01, 2007
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May 31, 2007
The USS WASP (LHD-1), which is the lead ship of a class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships. This Navy-Marine Corps team's amphibious warship, has as its primary mission the support of a Marine Landing Force. USS WASP and her sister ships are the first specifically designed to accommodate new Landing Craft, Air Cushion for fast troop movement over the beach and Harrier II (AV-8B) Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing jets which provide close-in air support for the assault force. LHD-1, which is 844 feet long with a beam of 106 feet, also accommodates the full range of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, conventional landing craft, and amphibious vehicles.
To carry out its primary mission, USS WASP has an assault support system that synchronizes the simultaneous horizontal and vertical flow of troops, cargo and vehicles throughout the ship. Two aircraft elevators service the hangar bay and flight deck. Six cargo elevators, each 12 by 25 feet, are used to transport material and supplies from the 100,000 cubic foot cargo holds throughout the ship to staging areas on the flight deck, hangar bay and vehicle storage area. Cargo is transferred to waiting landing craft docked within the ship's 13,000 square foot, 266 foot long, well deck. Helicopters in the hangar bay or on the flight deck are cargo-loaded by forklift.
For the comfort of the 1,075 crewmembers and 1,600 embarked troops, all manned spaces and berthing areas are individually heated and air conditioned. Onboard recreational facilities include a state-of-the-art Library Multi-Media Resource Center with Internet access, a weight room, arcade machines and satellite television capabilities.
USS WASP's two steam propulsion plants--the largest currently in operation in the U.S. Navy--generate a total of 400 tons of steam per hour. The propulsion system develops 70,000 shaft horsepower, powering the ship to speeds in excess of 22 knots. USS Wasp was built using more than 21,000 tons of steel, 400 tons of aluminum, and 400 miles of electrical/electronic cables. The WASP weighed more than 27,000 tons when moved onto the Ingalls Shipping floating dry-dock on July 30, 1987 for launch on August 4, 1987, becoming the largest man-made object rolled across land. [Pictures and information courtesy of the U. S. Navy.]
Tomorrow: The Men & Women of the USS Wasp [Yes, a litttle eye candy for my blog brothers and sisters].
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May 29, 2007
The ship I remember the most, and not only because of its impressive size, was the beautiful ship below - The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). It was just a few years old when it sailed down the mighty Hudson along with its sister ships, but its newness was not what captured my heart. What swept me off my feet was seeing the the tender message written across it's platform, "I [heart] NY" by a formation of sailors standing at attention. Now that's impressive! They didn't even know us and yet they loved us. That message was displayed every time they visited NY for an official celebration. The picture below was from its Fleet Week visit in July of 1999.
So why am I telling you landlubbers about this ship? 2 reasons: It was decommissioned 2 months ago and will not be returning to NYC; as a result, my love affair with this impressive vessel is forced to be over. [sniff, sniff]
I now must find a new love. So to fill my hearts void, and see how lucky I could get [figuratively, I'm not that easy!] I went in search of a new love this past weekend. Yes folks, I trolled the piers for a bit of wanderlush. But more about that tomorrow. For today, enjoy the view!
Side conversation: Hey blog daddy, what happens to ships when they're decommissioned? And do crusty old sailors suffer the same fate? Inquiring minds want to know.
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A poem to honor those who gave their lives for our country.
Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
'Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
~ Anonymous
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November 11, 2006
It's never been easy living in some of these countries, especially given the basic cultural and political differences. I had been living in Chile for only a few weeks when the brutal Pinochet took control over the government through a bloody coup de etat. It was a place where fear reigned everywhere, even inside your home. Walking on my way to school one morning I saw the government security squads, known as the Caravans of Death, arrive in their black jeeps. They had begun to break down the doors randomly into peoples homes. A friend of my fatherÂ’s who worked at the embassy had instructed the American families that were members of my father's church on what to do in the event we were ever caught in one of Pinochet's dragnets. My father took it one step further by having us all wear a single dog tag imprinted with our personal information that would enable American authorities to help us should we ever get separated or lost our parents.
more...
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Oddybobo's decision - our Chief Judge and executioner of all internet related decisions on this blog: "I didn't count Tink, she wasn't really a vote, I split RSM's vote (just to shake things up a bit) cause he voted for Army and Marines in one post. So I gave each 1/2. So I have declared Air Force the winner by 1/2 point! I really didn't think you'd mind. Besides, there can be no recounts! *snicker* This was fun. And this year everyone's a winner!" more...
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(I'm not saying I can find one, that was, well, a bit ago...)November 10, 2006
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November 02, 2006
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May 20, 2006
These rights didn't materialize out of thin air, they weren't obtained by a simple "Declaration of Independence"; they were hard fought for, and earned with the blood, sweat and tears of many in our nation. I, for one, will never forget all they've done at home and overseas, to ensure that basic human principles are safeguarded and observed wherever we may be.
Today I salute our self-sacrificing and brave, men and women of our armed forces.
Originally posted on 5-21-05
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May 12, 2005
Bono of U2 lost a journal full of lyrics when they were on their first US tour. He was about 20 years old at the time and was devastated by the loss of his journal. He never got it back - so somwhere out there are some lost U2 songs that would probably be worth millions right now. Just to let you know, it happens to the best of us, and our best work is never inhibited by our loss and is probably yet to come.
Thanks! That helped a lot as I was starting to feel blue again! I also received a sweet letter today from one of my military correspondents. Sometimes I wonder if the letters I'm writing make a difference in anyone's life and if I should continue writing. Then along comes a letter like this, which makes me realize that I really have nothing to complain about, and my effort in writing these letters is making a world of difference for a few. He writes:
Dear Michele:
It was so good to get your letter. The men and I really enjoyed the jokes in the printout you sent to me. I read a few of the jokes and a portion of your letter to the men before we went out on patrol. I then gave them the added incentive that I would read the rest when we returned to base. YOU really made our day. I'm still sporting the biggest grin as I write this.
As promised, as we were having our dinner, I began to read them your jokes. Before long we had gathered a crowd of over 50 men, some who were banging on the tables roaring with laughter. When I was done, every single soldier within ear shot was sporting a big smile and chuckling to himself. I posted your letter on the board afterwards and a few other soldiers went over and began to read and laugh out loud. So now your letter has the potential to amuse and delight a whole camp.
You have no idea how much I and my men look forward to your letters. You are an angel of mercy and humor at a time in our lives when humor or brightness is seldom found. Every single soldier wanted to give you their personal thanks by sending you a note or letter, but I declined to share your address as I didn't have your permission. Of course, part of the reason was pure selfishness, your letters make me the most popular man in camp, and I'd like to keep my status as such. Plus, I get the added bonus of having the double pleasure of reading you twice. First, to myself and then, once I get the timing of the jokes right, to my men. Hope you don't mind?
Well, I must be going as I have a number of reports to file. I will be writing you a more personal and detailed letter soon. In the meantime, know that we send you our deepest gratitude for your dedication and support of our efforts.
Capt. Bruce
Its a wonder that they don't space out the jokes and read a few each day. I'm funny but not that funny. These are jokes I cut and paste from sites around the internet. Who would have thought that sending a few jokes would make a difference in the quality of life of a group of men.
Today's moral: Our actions are like the ripples in a pond!
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January 26, 2005
Although I was horrified at the destruction, I was calm though extremely angry. They had managed to achieve their well touted objective and hit us in the very public and spectacular way they had sworn to do. As I helped people evacuate, I instinctively knew their would be other simultaneous attacks and made them aware of it. Shortly after the towers were hit we got word that the Pentagon was hit. I knew the Congressional bldg, which sits atop a hill, would be an easy mark and probably next. Knowing how this would all play out in Europe, a very small part of me hoped a high profile target would have been hit, such as the Congressional Bldg, because that way there would finally be no doubt in anyone's mind that war had been declared on the US and they had come to our soil to do it.
That day I made a resolve to no longer be politically silent and make a concious effort to educate as many people as I could to the dangers of this Muslim sect, which is now known as Salafism. It was then that the following quote by President Kennedy came to mind:
" Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bare any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge and more. "
I started with socio-political email discussion groups, electronic bulletin boards, email distribution lists... anywhere I could post links to let people read stuff on their own so they could be educated on the terror that's been plaguing our shores since the clinton administration. It was my jihad for the friends I lost!
What prompted this entry? My incredible anger with PBS' recent Frontline report on Al Qaeda’s New Front” (view the program online via the link or in a repeat telecast on January 28th) This broadcast was supposed to provide answers on: “Why European Muslims are becoming radicalized; [and] why Americans should be concerned.”
My knee jerk response to their intro: European Muslims turning extremists has been going on since the mid-80's, IT IS NOTHING NEW!
Almost from the start I was infuriated with the Frontline broadcast because I could see how they were laying carefully the bullet points, via statements made by interviewees, bringing up well known facts and intelligence made public within the last 2 years, all to show how the world blames the US led war on Iraq for Al Qaeda's expansion and itÂ’s terror cells going global.
To be fair, they did quote from Al Qaeda's manifesto, which I had already read a partial translation via a site on the web. However, in the past year, at the NETWAR blog of Spanish journalist Juan A. Hervada, I have also linked to other documents which date back several years. Knowing this, I believe Frontline mislead the viewers on more than one occasion. Especially by not pointing out that the manifesto (calling for Jihad against the US) was published online long before the Cole bombing.
A subsequent political treatise or analysis, published by Al Qaeda and quoted by Frontline, indicated that Al Qaeda had analyzed the strength and weakness of the US and itÂ’s allies and points out how Spain, "the weakest link in the chain", would be a perfect terror target to begin destroying the European Union and the European American relations. What Frontline failed to mention was that this document was published online in it's original arabic before the US entered Iraq.
The footage of interviews by members of the Spanish Parliament, along with terrorism experts from France, Italy and extensive quotes from Michael Scheuer, who recently resigned from the CIA after being ‘outed’ as the author of several anonymous books including Imperial Hubris. only served to prove Frontline's point - that terror has gone global since the US set foot in Iraq. WRONG, Bin Laden has been anti-American for over 20 years now!
Frontline's broadcast made me so angry I considered cutting off my financial support of their childrenÂ’s programming. Instead I wrote a letter today to the PBS President, the showÂ’s producerÂ’s and to 2 key members on their National Board making them aware of this show's bias. On their own website it is clear when these documents were available, however, in the broadcast it seems that these were published as a direct result of American troops going into Iraq.
I definitely am glad that people may now be more aware that the Salafist Muslims want Americans of all faiths, and in particular Christians and Jews worldwide, dead; and with us our religious ideology. Yes folks, they want us dead. All of us! You, me, and every member of your extended family. They want us dead as nails, dead as wood. They want Salafists to rule the world once again, as they did once before, for more than the 1000 years, during the middle ages.
For these Salafists, the only true religion is their particular brand of Islam. American, and European moderate Muslims are expendable as they do not observe Salafism, and anyone who does not follow their beliefs will be put to death! These are Not my words, it is theirs. Salafism does not endorse democracy or democratic principles, instead it endorses itÂ’s own brand of totalitarianism which goes against everything we are trying to achieve in Iraq.
DonÂ’t believe me? Do your own research. Start with the links from Frontline and work from there till you get to read Al QaedaÂ’s online manifesto and political treatise on your own. The translations I read were in French and Spanish from 2 independent sources (I wanted to make sure they were accurate). If you wish to read them in that version drop a comment and IÂ’ll pass along the links.
Their words: ‘they will stop at nothing until [we] are all dead’. You owe it to yourself to understand why someday that might come to pass for you or one of your loved ones. At least then, you won't have to wonder and ask why as some of my co-workers still do.
Denial and blinders are powerful tools that only serve Al-Qaeda's purpose. That's the main reason they only strike against us intermittently. They wait for complacency to set in and the Peaceniks to take over the rhetoric on their behalf! They have shown, that when the peace rhetoric dies down it's time for another strike. Well, I for one am not going to go down without a fight. I will fight them much as our forefathers did, with the pen and the rhetoric. I may not be able to yield a gun or a sword in battle, as our brave soldiers are doing, but I can be just as impactful as they terrorists by informing and educating people to their deadly and intollerant religion. Yes, that's my Jihad.
My Jihad is one borne from the ashes of my friends who died in the towers on 9-11, and from the remnants of the destruction they created in my beloved city. This Jihad is one that reflects the values and morals of a country that holds steadfastly to freedom and to all the democratic principles its birthed. This fight, though long from over, is one that I intend to see through to the end.
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October 20, 2004
I promise, you will not be disappointed. Thanks.
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October 19, 2004
You see, I began writing and sending these brave men and women letters since they were first deployed. Most donÂ’t have time to write backas they work long days, in challenging environments that when they finally do get back to their bunks itÂ’s to take care of themselves and get ready for the next day. This company finally received a short assignment in Kuwait.
As a company, they decided to write back to thank me for the care boxes I've sent them this past year. Each letter touched my heart in a special way. I for one donÂ’t take their service lightly, being the direct recipient of their efforts. So, I decided to share a portion of a letter, from the leader of their company, whom I will refer to as Major Ken. I think he sums up eloquently why this is the right war at the right time!
We are here in Iraq for a one-year tour and the time is flying past. There are so many good things happening and as I write this letter the interim government is preparing to meet tomorrow morning to begin preparation for the upcoming elections. I am grateful to be a part of the process and after being here last year IÂ’ve seen a dramatic change in the country already.
Although this is my second deployment, my time here this year continues to be rewarding and challenging. The soldiers are working very hard daily to give the interim government a chance to get started.
It is hard to give you a glimpse of what a day looks like for the average soldier. Of course every soldier gets food and we are eating well. The heat is a challenge, but the biggest struggle is being away from those we love and away from the freedoms we have grown to take for granted while in America. Each day soldiers put their lives on the line to make a difference here, so that freedom can be won for the people in Iraq. A freedom that other nations neighboring Iraq fear, because then their citizens will be inspired and emboldened, also calling for freedom. It is a great mission, but one that is difficult to see when your out fighting on the streets of Baghdad. Unlike what is reported in the media, our fighting with the enemy is rare or infrequent. The enemies of freedom donÂ’t want to face us directly so they leave explosives on the roads to detonate as our vehicles pass by, killing soldiers and innocent civilians in the process.
Your packages, prayers and letters of encouragement continue to make a difference in our everyday lives. I have shared with my soldiers your letters, which have inspired them to write to you directly. Whether you realize it or not, your prayers, letters and gifts of kindness have gone a long way toward helping Iraq become a free nation. Please continue to pray for these great troops, as their spirit is fortified with your prayers.
Today I visited one young soldier in the hospital that just lost his arm to a grenade last night. He was positive, upbeat, and grateful just to be alive. His attitude was contagious and that thankfulness just permeated the room where he was seated. IÂ’ve experienced the resiliency of the American soldier on so many occasions since my arrival that you as American can be truly proud of your nationÂ’s soldiers. Thanks for your continued prayers and I hope you can visit us at Fort Hood, Texas, so we can thank you in person, and also let you experience the proud tradition of the First Team someday.
Maj. Ken
Dear Michele...
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August 17, 2004
Sgt. Galvan reported for duty recently. Please take care of him and watch over his family.
Thank you.
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August 02, 2004
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July 14, 2004
I decided to post this interesting letter that was sent to Michele to counter the nasty anonymous letter she and Sgt. Hook received via email. I also thought it was nice that a soldier on leave, would decided to go to NYC, just because he wanted to see for himself where this war began. When Michele met with PFC Jon, she showed him pictures of the early days after 9/11, and took him around the area affected by the collapse of the towers, and how the lives of New Yorkers were affected. He was surprised to see the extent ot the damage up close and personal, much which is still under construction many years later.
Having only seen negative media reports on TV, he took Michele's advice to come to NY to see and learn for himself, what Americans really think of the war, and to see how biased the media really is. Well, he got the shock of his life on his last day here, after putting on his uniform and checking out of the hotel to go back to Iraq. Here's the letter he sent when he got back.
Melissa
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Dear Michele,
It was a true pleasure to finally meet you after months of receiving such uplifting correspondence from you.
Sorry I didn't write sooner, but I was busy as soon as I got back to the camp, telling as many soldiers as I could about my trip to NY and the incredible experiences I had.
I have to tell you something very heartwarming, which you told me would happen if I wore the uniform. When I was walking around in Times Square on my way to Port Authority to catch my bus to the airport, people, strangers were coming up to me, thanking me for what I was doing in Iraq. I could not go more than a few hundred feet without someone stopping me and thanking me. It was an experience I'll not soon forget.
It's actually one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me in my short life. I now know that New Yorkers love their soldiers, I felt it with every handshake and hug. Please keep writing as I want to share your uplifting letters with the men in my platoon. While I was gone, they all missed your "messages from back home", they are what keeps us going day in an out. You are an incredible woman and one I will not soon forget.
Hope all is going well with you. Look forward to hearing from you.
PFC Jon
Friends,
We urge you to counter that negative message Sgt. Hook received, by supporting the following organizations in order to make a tangible POSITIVE difference in this world. They are: Books For Soldiers, and the USO.
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