Yankees tie Phillies on Pettite's rbi single. Weather and night improving.

Rich. I proposed zazzle stamps but they didn't interest the commissioning committee. The price was a bit steep. I even suggested a limited number of covers with zazzle stamps. It is different working with a committee and not our small group. I can't count how many discussions I had describing postmarks and killer bars. I had expected a greater interest in the project but it is a small piece in a big picture. Not sure who will be the principal speaker. My bet is the president.

Larry

The event will be the first time a U.S. Navy warship has been commissioned at Seal Beach.

No date given in first article. Have to search more.

:-)

Stamped 1500 covers tonight. About 500 an hour or between 8 and 9 per minute. Reminds me when we had to lick stamps. Usps had no water activitated stamps. The philatelic window at ny gpo always had definitive first class water activated stamps. Now you have to order by mail. I need to stamp another 3,500 covers and postmark 5,000. 10 hours to stamp the covers and I estimate 25+ hours postmarking them with the fancy cancel and with the ship's postmarks.

Steve, great cover of the month and member of the month thanks for digging. You tell important stories.

Larry

Washington (CNN) -- A crew member aboard a U.S. Navy ship accidentally fired a machine gun into the Polish port city of Gdynia on Wednesday while cleaning the weapon, Navy officials said Friday.

Three rounds were fired from an M240 machine gun into the town but no injuries or damage were reported, officials said.

The gun, aboard the USS Ramage, a Navy destroyer, is used to defend the ship in close combat.

"We continue to wait for an announcement of the Commissioning date. The day could be as early as 16 January or as late as 20 March. As soon as we receive the announcement we will send the information to you."

WASHINGTON - The folks in Lantana, Florida think the Postal Service would have to be nuts to close their post office and they are trying a coco-nutty way to prove it.

Lantana's post office is one of more than 350 being studied for closure and residents have been mailing coconuts to Postmaster General John Potter along with requests that he spare their office.

It costs about $4 to mail a coconut, and postal officials said they have received a few hundred of the tropical nuts, which are being donated to a local food bank.

Officials had no comment Thursday on the future of the Lantana office.

The San Clemente crash was a helicopoer and Coast Guard C-130 is what I heard on the radio as I got up today.

Petty Officer Henry Dunphy says the Navy reported the crash at about 7 p.m. Thursday. The helicopter went down about 17 miles east of San Clemente Island, the farthest south of the Channel Islands.

Coast Guard and Navy vessels are searching for the helicopter.

Dunphy didn't immediately say how many people were on the helicopter or release any other details on the crash.

And, USS SPRINGFIELD covers with OSCs and C.O. CCs on the back. These covers were cancelled at Sprinfielfd, IL on 2/12/09 with a pictorial commemorating Lincoln's 200th birthday. Nice Combo cover. Will definately send one of these to Greg for inclusion in the NCM when I get them colored up.

Also received some covers back from Washington D.C. today with 150th Annv. of T.Roosevelt's Bithday. Geeez! I sent those out way last year! Oh Well, better late than not at all.

Feds Balk at Laffey Upgrade
2009 October 24
tags: Charlestonby Mike Burleson

Not good news for “The Ship that would not Die“, currently in drydock in Charleston, but the destroyer Laffey has faced tougher foes. From the Post and Courier:

Patriots Point banked on $20 million in federal funding to offset the more than $9 million it borrowed from the state to save its sinking warship Laffey. Now the federal money is off the table, and the clock ticks toward time for the attraction to repay the state loan. Plus, the Laffey’s repairs could incur unanticipated costs. And Patriots Point doesn’t know where it’s going to put the ship when that work is finished.

The state Treasurer’s Office, which made an impassioned plea for the loan funds over the summer, seemed undaunted by the new circumstances. “The loan is due in December 2011, so they have this year and they have next year to secure funding in the federal budget,” said Deputy State Treasurer Scott Malyerck. “If it ends up with nothing in the budget this year, they have next year. Everyone’s still kind of confident we’re on the right track.”

The Patriot’s Point Museum is hard hit by the economy, with its star attraction the carrier Yorktown also in dire need of repairs and under pressure from the USN, as we pointed out the other day. If you’re ever down this way, please be sure and drop in. The nostalgia here is just overwhelming!

Associated Press - October 21, 2009 7:35 AM ET

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (AP) - The U.S. Navy has told a South Carolina museum it needs to repair the aircraft carrier Yorktown or make plans to dispose of the rusting ship.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant has gotten a letter about the World War II-era ship from the Department of the Navy.

Officials with the Patriots Point Development Authority estimate it would cost more than $100 million to put the carrier in dry dock and repair it.

Authority executive director Dick Trammell says he doesn't want to dispose of the ship but doesn't have the money to fix it.

Trammell says the repair estimate doesn't include money to do the dredging and other work to move the ship.

He says the ship is not in danger of sinking.

Thanks Rich & Greg!!!

C.O.P.E.

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN CVN-72

20th Commissioning Anniversary Postmark

FPO AP 96612-2872

WORLD Japanese Destroyer Hits South Korean Ship Kyodo News via Associated PressBy HIROKO TABUCHIPublished: October 28, 2009 TOKYO - A Japanese navy destroyer collided with a South Korean freighter in the waters off southern Japan on Tuesday, setting off fires on both boats and injuring three crew members.The collision was the second in less than two years involving a Japanese navy ship and a commercial vessel. Last year, another Japanese destroyer smashed into a fishing boat off eastern Japan, killing two fishermen in an accident blamed on poor surveillance and steering by the destroyer's crew.Japan's defense minister, Toshimi Kitazawa, swiftly called a news conference to apologize for the accident and said the government would investigate."It is extremely regrettable that the destroyer, Kurama, has been in a collision, causing everyone concern and inconvenience," Mr. Kitazawa told reporters. "We will quickly find out what caused the accident."The 5,200-ton Kurama was traveling through a narrow strip of water between two of Japan's four main islands - a major shipping route - when it struck the container vessel, the Carina Star, according to Japan's Defense Ministry.Televised images from the scene showed a burst of yellow flames rising from the destroyer's bow. A crew member on the destroyer sustained minor burns, and two more were being treated for smoke inhalation, the ministry said. There was damage to freight but no casualties on the South Korean freighter, which was traveling from the South Korean port of Pusan to Osaka in western Japan. Firefighters had extinguished the fire on the freighter by late Tuesday, and the flames were largely under control on the Kurama, which had about 150 on board. It had been on its way to its home port of on the island of Kyushu after participating in a naval review on Sunday off Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo, where it was boarded by the deputy prime minister, Naoto Kan.In the accident last year, the destroyer Atago struck and sunk a tuna trawler off Japan's eastern coast in February, killing two and triggering a public outcry. The navy chief of staff was fired and two officers were charged with professional negligence after the collision, which a government investigation blamed on poor surveillance and flawed teamwork by night-duty officers.

Should be a good pitchinbg match-up this evening. That being said it will probably be a hitter's game.

From the Navy News Service

1864 - Steamer General Thomas and gunboat Stone River destroy Confederate batteries on Tennessee River near Decatur, Ala.
1882 - Orders issued for first naval attache (Lt. Cmdr. French Chadwick sent to London).
1933 - The development of the PBY Catalina flying boat is begun by awarding the contract to the Consolidated Aircraft Company

Also got some pictorials for the Harper's Ferry Raid/150th Annv. from Harper's Ferry, W.V.

Midrat time. Ice cream with the dog.

From the Navy News Service

1864 - Lt. William Cushing sinks Confederate ram Albemarle with a spar torpedo attached to the bow of his launch.
1922 - Navy League of the United States sponsors first annual celebration of Navy Day to focus public attention on the importance of the U.S. Navy. That date was selected because it was Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.
1943 - First women Marines report for duty on the West Coast, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
1944 - Fast Carrier Task Forces attack Japanese shipping and installations in Visayas and northern Luzon.
1967 - Operation Coronado VIII begins in Rung Sat Zone.

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.

NOTE: This is the preliminary list, I am soliciting corrections, additions, etc. to this list!

USS Jimmy Carter SSN 23 5th Anniversary 02/19/2010 Groton

USS Toledo SSN 769 15th Anniversary 02/24/2010 Norfolk

USS Albany SSN 753 20th Anniversary 04/07/2010 Norfolk

USS Alabama SSBN 731 25th Anniversary 05/25/2010 Groton

USS Miami SSN 755 20th Anniversary 06/30/2010 Groton

USS Providence SSN 719 25th Anniversary 07/27/2010 Groton

USS Maine SSBN 741 15th Anniversary 07/29/2010 Groton

USS Tucson SSN 770 15th Anniversary 09/09/2019 Norfolk

USS Columbia SSN 761 15th Anniversary 10/09/2010 Groton

USS West Virginia SSBN 736 20th Anniversary 10/20/2010 Groton

USS Pittsburgh SSN 720 25th Anniversary 11/23/2010 Groton

USS John C. Stennis CVN 74 15th Anniversary 12/09/2010 Norfolk

As of 10/26/2009

Thanks for input from Dieter Lange and Wolfgang Hechler. If you see an error here or an omission, contact me so corrections can be made as soon as possible, and not carry into next years proposed pictorial cancels

The destroyer JS Kurama collided with the South Korean container ship Carina Star on Tuesday night in the Kanmon Strait near the southern main island of Kyushu and both were engulfed in flames, a defense ministry spokesman said on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.

One Kurama crew member was slightly injured, the official said.

Public broadcaster NHK said none of the South Korean ship's crew members were injured. It also said the Japanese ship's bow was damaged.

TV footage showed orange flames rising up from the vessels in the dark. The collision site is about 530 miles (850 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo, between Kyusu and the western end of the Honshu main island.

The Kurama was on its way to its home port of Sasebo on Kyushu after serving as the flagship for the country's triennial fleet review Sunday at the port of Yokosuka.

Last year, a collision between a destroyer and a tuna trawler off the coast of Chiba, near Tokyo, left two fishermen dead. That accident triggered an uproar in Japan, where many people harbor pacifist sentiments and remain sensitive to anything related to the military.

Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa quickly held a news conference and apologized for the accident.

"We deeply apologize to the people for causing concerns," he said. "We will quickly find out what caused the accident."

Kitazawa said the government has set up a taskforce to investigate the collision.

USS OLYMPIA 25th Anniversary Station

Postmaster / Philatelic Services

900 Jefferson Street SE

Olympia, WA 98501-9998

For more information about the cosmetics policy and other Navy uniform matters, go to

http://www.npc.navy.mil/commandsupport/usnavyuniforms.

Amazing!

From the Navy News Service

1921 - In first successful test, a compressed-air, turntable catapult, launches a N-9 seaplane.
1922 - Lt. Cmdr. Godfrey de Chevalier makes fhe first landing aboard a carrier, USS Langley (CV 1), while underway off Cape Henry, Va.
1942 - USS Hornet (CV 8) was lost and USS Enterprise (CV 6) was badly damaged during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Island.
1944 - Battle of Leyte Gulf ends with Navy carrier and U.S. Army Air Forces aircraft attacks on the retreating Japanese ships. U.S. forces sink many Japanese ships, including four carriers, three battleships, 10 cruisers and nine destroyers, for a total of 26 capital ships.
1944 - Special Task Air Group 1 makes last attack in month-long demonstration of TDR drone missile against Japanese shipping and islands in the Pacific. Of 46 missiles fired, 29 reached their target areas.
1950 - U.S. Amphibious Force 7th Fleet lands 1st Marine Division at Wonsan, Korea.
1963 - USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN 619) launches first Polaris A-3 missile from a submerged submarine, off Cape Canaveral, Fla.

For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- An updated Navy cosmetics policy effective Nov. 1 defines requirements for female Sailors who wish to undergo permanent cosmetic procedures.

Female Sailors may get permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, lipstick or lip liner starting Nov. 1, but only after submitting a request to their commanding officer and reviewing the costs and health risks associated with the procedures.

Tattoos??

I'm not down on cops at all!!! Nor was I slurring ALL cops...just those that don't do what they are suppose to do. I have three close friends that are cops. Lighten up, my posting was not directed at anyone personally or all cops in general.

Great cover of the month from Trenton. Nice write up. Her bell is in the Naval Operations Center (fka Reserve Center) at Fort Dix. I didn't know that two Medals of Honor were awarded to her crew members soon after commissioning. Another of our four stack CLs.

Rich, Great extract from an old LOG. Covers don't complaint and prefer if you look at them without food or drink on the table.

Larry

WHO's WHO AND WHY IN USCS - from Bulletin No. 3915 May 1934.

Harry E. Klotzback, USCS No. 82. I began collecting U. S. Naval postmarks covers in the fall of 1927 and endeavored o cover all of the ships in commission at that time. My interest in this branch of cover collecting was the result of my reading an article on them in the Southern Philatelist by. Dr. Wm. Evans. My collection numbers over 3000 different covers, representing approximately 200 ships that have been decommissioned and 250 that are in commission. Born 1889 on Feb. 4 at Philadelphia and have collected stamps since boyhood days. Life member American Philatelic Society and member of other local organizations and the Philatelic Journalists of America. Member Commodore Perry Lodge I.O.O.F. Have edited "Marine Postmarks" in STAMPS since Nov. 1932, the oldest column on this subject that has continued without interruption.

Thanks for keeping the backlog full.

Thanks for the tip. He just got back home, so I will contact him.

I need some scans for an article I just received for the Log.

Anybody know who collects this material?

Rich - With my background I have never been picked either but it has always been criminal cases. Up here if it is a civil case anyone from the governor on down is eligible.

Greg C: There is no Santa Claus!

Rich H: I pass up trip to west coast, the Nutmeg
state anytime so some Pennsylvania farmer can have first crack at Coast Guard covers. Besides
I got some new used beer coasters.

In 193 days I will be back in NY.

Roger. That is the military rule. Article 31 ucmj is broader than the fifth ammendment. A suspect has to be given his/her warnings when interrogated once a suspect. A civillian gets a Miranda warning only when subject to custodial interrogation. Larry

Rep. Michael McMahon, a Democrat, sent a letter Thursday to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus asking that the Navy’s next destroyer be named for Lt. Vincent Capodanno, who was serving with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in 1967 when his unit came under attack by the North Vietnamese. Under heavy fire, the “grunt padre” gave last rites to wounded and dying Marines and was killed trying to help a wounded corpsman.

The Navy already named one warship for Capodanno — a Knox-class frigate that served from 1973 to 1993, then was sold to Turkey in 2002.

From the Navy News Service

1944 - The Battle of Leyte Gulf, a series of separate battles, begins with attacks on Japanese ships.

1983 - Terrorist bombing of Marin
e barracks at Beirut airport in Lebanon kills 241 members of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit.
1983 - Operation Urgent Fury begins in Grenada, West Indies.

For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.

Oct. 23 and STILL NO OCT, LOG!

Rich. Angels and Phillies are worthy advesaries. I'm glad Pettittie ans sabathia will pitch this weekend. They shouldn't lose the next two games. But it is October baseball. Larry

Rich. Angels and Phillies are worthy advesaries. I'm glad Pettittie ans sabathia will pitch this weekend. They shouldn't lose the next two games. But it is October baseball. Larry

Scroll to First Look: 2010 U.S. Stamps and click.

Service members were rappelling down a rope from the helicopter to the USNS Arctic around 8 p.m. Thursday off the Virginia coast near Fort Story when the crash happened, Navy spokeswoman Lt. J. G. Megan Issac said.

The cause of the crash was being investigated.

A second helicopter took the injured people to a hospital for treatment. None had life threatening injuries, Issac said.

Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Phil Rosi said the training exercise involved the two Army helicopters and members of a Naval Special Warfare unit.

Names of the dead and injured and their service affiliations were not immediately released.

The Arctic has returned to Naval Station Norfolk and the damaged helicopter remained aboard the ship.

USPS needs to drop the Service from their name.

Larry, there is an interesting article in Sea Classics about the "USS Recruit" built in Union Square in NYC in 1917, a wooden mock up, abbreviated version of the USS Maine BB-10. It was used as a recruiting tool with tours. Torn down in 1920. Some neat photos of the "ship".

Dan NBC is better than NBB = Nothing but bills.

Best, Larry

http://www.austal.com/go/news-and-images/video?A=LCS2

Brof

Thank-you for your suppoort of this "copy and paster"

I want to believe the Navy News Service, but like any other news service it is not alway 100% accurate.

Don

Now that the Independence has finished its builder’s trials, Navy inspectors will come aboard later this year for acceptance trials before the ship is finally delivered. Rear Adm. Bill Landay, the Navy’s program executive officer for ships, has said the latest schedule calls for the Independence to be delivered before the end of 2009 and be commissioned sometime early next year.

From the Navy News Service

1797 - USS Constitution is launched at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. The ship is now the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.

1842 - Commodore Thomas Catesby Jones, commander, Pacific Command mistakenly seizes Monterey, thinking the United States has gone to war with Mexico.

1942 - A British submarine lands Capt. Jerauld Wright and four Army officers at Cherchel, French North Africa, to meet with a French military delegation to learn the French attitude toward future Allied landings.

The Navy will commission the amphibious assault ship Makin Island, Saturday, Oct. 24, during a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony at North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado, Calif.

Makin Island is named for the daring raid carried out by Marine Corps Companies Alpha and Bravo, Second Raider Battalion, on the Japanese-held Makin Island, in the Gilbert Islands, on Aug. 17-18, 1942. The raid was launched from the submarines USS Nautilus and USS Argonaut and succeeded in routing the enemy forces based there, gaining valuable intelligence. Twenty-three Navy Crosses were awarded for actions during the raid, including to the raid's leader, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Evans Carlson, and executive officer, Marine Corps Maj. James Roosevelt (son of President Franklin Roosevelt). Marine Corps Sgt. Clyde Thomason was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism during the raid and was the first enlisted Marine to be so honored during World War II. One previous ship, a Casablanca-class escort aircraft carrier (1944-1946), has borne the name Makin Island, and received five battle stars for World War II service.

Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Silke Hagee, wife of former commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael Hagee, will serve as ship's sponsor. In the time honored Navy tradition, she will give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Makin Island is the eighth Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Second only to an aircraft carrier in size, LHDs embark, transport, deploy, command and fully support an expeditionary unit of 2,000 Marines. Makin Island can accommodate three landing craft air cushion, a squadron of AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, and a full range of Navy/Marine Corps helicopters and amphibious vehicles to perform sea control and limited power projection missions.

Makin Island is the first Navy amphibious assault ship to replace steam boilers with gas turbines, and the first Navy surface ship to be equipped with both gas turbines and an auxiliary propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects over the course of the ship's lifecycle to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, further demonstrating the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

Makin Island is fully equipped with command, control, communication, computers and intelligence systems for flagship command duty. The afloat capability of Makin Island's medical facility is second only to the Navy's hospital ships. The ship is armed with two NATO Sea Sparrow surface missile systems for anti-air warfare protection, two rolling airframe missile systems and two Phalanx close-in-weapons systems mounts to counter threats from low flying aircraft. Six missile decoy launchers augment the anti-ship missile defenses.

Capt. Robert Kopas, born in Cleveland and raised in Phoenix, is the ship's commanding officer. Built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Miss., the ship is 844 feet in length with a 106-foot beam, and has living areas for nearly 3,200 crewmembers and embarked forces.

Upon commissioning, the ship becomes a member of U.S. Pacific Fleet as part of Amphibious Group Five and will be home ported in San Diego.

Ready for recall?
See Navy Times

Headlines
Panel to look at JAG manning levels
Congress wants to create a panel of outside experts to consider whether the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps has enough lawyers.

he Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain said on Tuesday that guided missile cruiser USS Anzio stopped the skiff after a brief chase in the Gulf of Aden.

Waters in the area are used by ships headed for the Suez Canal and are also infested by Somali pirates and smugglers. U.S. forces have dubbed the stretch of the Indian Ocean the "Hash Highway."

The Navy says the seizure occurred October 15, while the Anzio was leading a multinational anti-pirate task force in the region. It says the drugs have a street value of $28 million, and could have helped fund insurgents in Afghanistan.

It is the Garden State for ll the fertilizer that was dumped there.

From the Navy News Service

1843 - Capt. Robert Stockton on Princeton, the first screw-propelled naval steamer, challenges British merchant ship Great Western to a race off New York, which Princeton won easily.

1915 - Submarine Base at New London, Conn is established.

1944 - Secretary of the Navy orders African-American women accepted into the Naval Reserve.

1987 - Iranian oil-drilling platform used for military purposes is destroyed.

I was going to lead a tour to Lemon Creek when john holland tested his first boats. There is a bit of submarine history in nj. Lemon creek is on staten island on the south shore facing sandy hook.

Hervey included a letter explaining that my package of covers was found when equipment was being replaced at the main PO. The folks at the main PO passed the covers on the Hervey for return to me. Nine years; now that is what I'd call "Snail Mail"!

If you have not received the printed Log and would like an eLog, let me know and I can e mail you one.

Any reports from the regional. Pregame time for the Yankees. Cold and wet again.

By Andrew Scutro - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Oct 16, 2009 13:37:54 EDT

The attack submarine Virginia left its Groton homeport Thursday for its first full deployment. No further information about where the ship is headed or exactly how long it’s expected to be at sea was available from Submarine Group 2 in Groton.

Virginia, the first of the Navy’s newest class of attack boat, was commissioned in October 2004. It was declared operational in March 2007. It has been out on several short deployments, but not the full six months or more that’s standard in the undersea fleet.

Thad sorry I missed you this am. Larry

USS NEW YORK zip is FPO AE 09579-1721 unless it was changer recently.

1917 - USS Cassin (DD 43) is torpedoed by German submarine U-61 off the coast of Ireland. In trying to save the ship, Gunner's Mate Osmond Kelly Ingram becomes first American Sailor killed in World War I and later is awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism. He becomes the first enlisted man to have a ship named for him, in 1919.

1948 - First women officers on active duty are sworn in as commissioned officers in regular Navy under Women's Service Integration Act of June 1948 by Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan: Capt. Joy B. Hancock; Lt. Cmdr. Winifred R. Quick; Lt. Cmdr. Anne King; Lt. Cmdr. Frances L. Willoughby; Lt. Ellen Ford; Lt. Doris Cranmore; Lt. j.g. Doris A. Defenderfer; and Lt. j.g. Betty Rae Tennant.

1957 - USS Lake Champlain (CV 39) reaches Valencia, Spain, to assist in flood rescue work.

1960 - USS Patrick Henry (SSBN 599) begins successful firing of four Polaris test vehicles under operational rather than test conditions. Tests are completed Oct. 18.

1965 - U.S. Naval Support Activity Danang Vietnam established.

The still photos was something to see. Too bad there were no stills in 1946 of the hospital. I would want to see a video. My family lived not too far from the yard briefly in the mid 1940's.

Larry I liked the story about Father Jake. I enjoy watching ship launchings particulary sidways. I am still disappointed not seeing the USS Indepedence hit the water as a kid. My had had tickets and I was looking for a big splash

Said should read sailed

Has anyone received covers from the T-AKE ships other than Lewis & Clark?

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 797-09
From DOD
The Navy announced today the decision to deploy the USS Freedom (LCS 1) in early 2010 to the Southern Command and Pacific Command areas ahead of her originally scheduled 2012 maiden deployment. According to Navy leaders, Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are needed now to close urgent warfighting gaps.

"Deploying LCS now is a big step forward in getting this ship where it needs to be – operating in the increasingly important littoral regions," said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. "We must deliver this critical capability to the warfighter now."

The USS Freedom will have an immediate impact on fleet readiness and global reach as an asset with unique combat capabilities and the ability to meet littoral tasking not previously seen in the modern cruiser or destroyer fleet.

"The Navy plans to build a considerable number of littoral combat ships which will form the backbone of our future fleet," said Adm J. C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, charged with executing the early deployment. "The sooner we integrate them into our fleet, the sooner we can incorporate them in the order of battle. This deployment offers a golden opportunity to learn by doing. Employing the USS Freedom in theater two years ahead of a normal timeline allows us to incorporate lessons that can only be learned in a deployment setting more quickly and effectively in the LCS fleet integration process."

In evaluating options for deploying the USS Freedom earlier than originally scheduled, the Navy took into consideration several key factors including combat systems testing, shakedown of the ship systems, and overseas sustainment with a new concept of operations and crew training. To facilitate the early deployment, the Navy adjusted the USS Freedom testing schedule, prioritized testing events needed for deployment and deferred others not required for the missions envisioned during this deployment. The USS Freedom recently completed Industrial Post Delivery Availability 2, which also supported an early deployment.

No Log in western Pa. yet either.

Has any on received anything from USS Truxtun DDG 103.. sent for FDC and a later mailing and nothing.

The USS New York, built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center site, is heading to its namesake city.

The warship left the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's yard in Avondale Tuesday. The Navy will officially commissioned it in New York in early November.

played tourist today. drove Pacific Highway north along California Coast - went to Hollywoon, Santa Monica and got stuck in the 60's at Venice Beach with old hippies and head shops.

Heading home to Florida in the morning.

My wife's family fled and ultimately found a home in the Ottoman Empire. The irony of all this is that the only people speaking Ledino Spanish today are the Sephardic Jewish descendents of the exiled Spanish Jews. Most of the historical records of 13th and 14th century Spain are written in Ledino which most Spanish speaking people today cannot read. The present government of Spain has paid, and is paying to have Ledino-speaking and reading people come to Spain to read their records and translate them.

The saddest part is that one cannot tell the Columbus Day is a holiday. Like most holidays it has become a shopping day. The only people I know that go out of their way not to celebrate this day are Native Americans.

Don't you love history!

Stewart. Thanks. I merely provided some encouraging words. It was your idea and hard labor. No better source for Magic Carpet material. Congratulations.

Giants beat Oakland. It was an embarrassing game to watch. Al Davis needs to give control someone else.

The show ends in 1.5 hours, then down come the exhibits, dinner and rest before going home in the morning for several of us.

Mullen Praises 'Powerful Legacy' During Ship Commissioning

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the man for whom USS Wayne E. Meyer guided-missile destroyer was named during the ship's commissioning into the U.S. Pacific Fleet here today.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, leave the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer after the ship's commissioning ceremony at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 2009. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
"I can think of no finer name for a warship than USS Wayne E. Meyer," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said during the 58th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer's commissioning here today. "For it is the name of the chief visionary of the Navy's surface fleet."

The ship's motto is "One Powerful Legacy," and the late retired Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer can be said to have left exactly that in the Navy. Meyer is described as "the father of Aegis," for his role in leading the development of the Aegis Weapons System now used aboard 100 Navy ships.

Meyer abhorred mediocrity as much as he cared for the Navy, and he attended the commissioning of every ship using the Aegis platform in since that of USS Bunker Hill in 1986, Mullen said.

"It is sad, but almost fitting, in a way, that the first commissioning muster Wayne Meyer misses is that of his namesake," he added.

Meyer was 83 when he passed away Sept. 1, 2009.

Originally conceived as a match for the Soviet blue-water navy, Aegis ships have become invaluable for uses beyond deterring Cold War foes.

It was an Aegis ship that recently patrolled at the ready off the coast of North Korea. Another supplied humanitarian aid to the citizens of the former Soviet republic of Georgia during military strife last year, and Aegis ships will continue to provide air defense for expeditionary and carrier strike groups around the world, Mullen said.

"Admiral Wayne Meyer's brainchild has become an enduring staple of our fleet because the system has been able to evolve, to flex to our defense needs as they change over time," Mullen said. "Underpinned by solid systems engineering, ... its enduring capabilities are speed agility and adaptability."

The U.S. shares the Aegis weapons system with the Japanese, Spanish, Norwegian, South Korean and Australian navies.

Mullen said he sees this as immense progress to what he used to call the "1,000-ship navy." This is "a global maritime coalition of good neighbors who use the sea to unite instead of divide," he said.

"Because confronting and overcoming the challenges we face today -- whether piracy, narco-trafficking, weapons of mass destruction or terrorism -- will take all of us: all hands, all services, and all partner nations," the admiral said.

The Aegis ships surely have their virtues, but their true worth always will be in their crews, Mullen said.

"The way that Aegis ships have been conceived, built, tested, and deployed is as much a testament to an engineer's mastery of technology as it is to our sailor's versatility," he said. "The Aegis ships are made to see, control, and defend. Aegis sailors are made to multitask."

Stopping short of offering the Meyer's crew career advice, Mullen chose to share a anecdote from his own career.

"Let me just say that every time we'd meet, Admiral Meyer was fond of telling me that my career peaked, as a captain, the day I left command of [USS] Yorktown," He said. "Now, Yorktown is down the Delaware a bit, in the process of being scrapped.

"[Wayne Meyer's] career, however, is still going strong as we commission this ship today," he added. "Each and every one of you in Meyer's crew has the great honor of getting the chance to live up that name. May you discover and employ the leadership, determination, ingenuity, and perhaps the stubbornness that goes along with it."

Navy Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, also attended the commissioning. He reinforced the importance this crew would have as the USS Wayne E. Meyer's first.

"You will man the most capable warship in the world," Roughead said. "You will sail under the name Wayne E. Meyer. No naval officer in recent history has distinguished himself as a visionary, as an innovator, and as a leader, as did Wayne Meyer.

"Even though he only left us a short time ago, his spirit will live on in this ship and in the spirit of the officers and sailors who will serve for generations to come," Roughead added.

Meyer's wife, Anna Mae, is the ship's sponsor and a Philadelphia native. She christened her husband's namesake from Bath Ironworks Shipyard in Bath, Maine, on Oct. 18, 2008.

Navy Cmdr. Nick A. Sarap will command the ship, which will call San Diego home. It carries a crew of 370, and measures in at 509-feet, 5-inches in length. It carries the 100th Aegis weapons system built and delivered by Lockheed Martin.

The ship incorporates a helicopter hangar facility into the original design and can carry two SH-60B/R Light Airborne Multipurpose System MK III helicopters. Guided-missile destroyers operate independently and in conjunction with carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups.

Mid-rats will be served at the usual time.

October 15, 2009

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Blueback submarine with a special celebration in the OMSI lobby on Thursday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m. The anniversary event will feature historic Blueback memorabilia and an opportunity for guests to share their favorite memory of the USS Blueback, either as a submariner or a visitor. Free submarine tours will be available 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Additionally, the U.S. Postal Service will be providing a special USS Blueback commemorative cancellation postmark and setting up a temporary postal station at OMSI. This event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided.

About

USS Blueback (SS-581) was a Barbel-class submarine in the United States Navy. She was one of three in her class, the last diesel-electric propelled submarines built by the United States Navy. They incorporated numerous, radical engineering improvements over previous classes and were the first production warships built with the teardrop-shape hull and “attack center” within the hull rather than a conning tower in the sail.

Blueback is the common name for the Sockeye Salmon. When the Blueback was commissioned, submarines were named after fish. Since the 1970’s, most U.S. Navy submarines have been named after cities or states.

Blueback earned two battle stars for her Vietnam War service.

SAN DIEGO, Ca. - The Navy formally established Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 in San Diego. The flagship for CSG 1 will be the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), currently homeported in Newport News, Va. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) will round out the strike group.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Ted "Twig" Branch, CSG 1 will be a San Diego-based operational command and will report to Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

"We are excited by the opportunity to establish this new command and bring the power of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group online in support of our nation's defense," said Branch. "I'm also very happy to bring this capability, along with the men and women who make it possible, to the great city of San Diego."

Carrier Strike Group 1's first mission is expected to be a transit around South America in the spring of 2010 as Vinson relocates to its new homeport of San Diego.

In support of the nation's maritime strategy, CSG-1 will help promote regional partnerships, deter crisis, project power, promote maritime security, and provide humanitarian assistance or disaster relief within the U.S. Pacific Fleet's 100 million square-mile area of operations.

The Navy took redelivery of Vinson July 11, 2009, following the successful completion of the ship's midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

USS Carl Vinson is the third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News and is undergoing a four-month post-refueling shipyard maintenance period to prepare for its transit to San Diego.

From the Navy News Service

1812 - A boat party under Lt. Jesse D. Elliott captures HMS Detroit and Caledonia in the Niagara River.

1842 - Commodore Lawrence Kearny of USS Constitution addresses a letter to the Viceroy of China, urging that American merchants in China be granted the same treaty privileges as the British. His negotiations are successful.

1950 - The 1st Marine Division commences embarkation at Inchon for landings in Wonsan, Korea.

1961 - USS Tulare (AKA 112) and USS Princeton (CVS 7) rescue seamen from an American and a Lebanese merchant ship, which were aground on Kita Daita Jima.

For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.

39 conventions is a ton Dave. This is my 12th.

Women could begin serving aboard Navy submarines as early as 2011.

A Navy spokesman at the Pentagon told The Kitsap Sun it's preparing a notification to Congress, a necessary administrative step.

Lt. Cmdr. John Daniels says women officers could begin training as early as next year.

Many of the women could be sent to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, home to eight Trident ballistic missile submarines and two cruise missile subs. Six other Tridents and two more cruise missile subs are based at Kings Bay, Ga.

Daniels says the conversion to mixed-gender crews would begin with Tridents because of their size - 560 feet long with a beam of 42 feet.

Women have been allowed to serve on Navy surface ships since 1994.

I would be happy to personally write a letter about Groton PO if someone will give me specific details about the situation (concrete examples of poor service, the more detail the better).

You may send them to me at:
highlandglenn(atkuhncom.net.

What's to lose? 44 cents?

Again, just a thought.

Somali pirates attack French military vessel
By ELAINE GANLEY, Associated Press Writer Elaine Ganley, Associated Press Writer 1 hr 27 mins ago
PARIS – Somali pirates in two skiffs fired on a French navy vessel early Wednesday after apparently mistaking it for a commercial boat, the French military said. The French ship gave chase and captured five suspected pirates.

No one was wounded by the volleys from the Kalashnikov rifles directed at La Somme, a 3,800-ton refueling ship, said Rear Admiral Christophe Prazuck, a military spokesman.

La Somme "was probably taken for a commercial ship by the two small skiffs" some 250 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, said Prazuck.

"They understood their mistake too late," Prazuck said.

One skiff fled, and La Somme pursued the second one in an hour-long chase.

"There were five suspected pirates on board. No arms, no water, no food," Prazuck said.

France is a key member of the European Union's naval mission, Operation Atalanta, fighting Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden. It has aggressively tracked and caught suspected pirates and handed over at least 22 to Kenya. An additional 15 suspects were brought to France for prosecution after allegedly seizing French nationals' boats.

President Nicolas Sarkozy called for tougher action against piracy last year after dozens of attacks.

From the Navy News Service

1884 - The Department of the Navy establishes the Naval War College at Newport, R.I.

1940 - The fourth group of eight U.S. destroyers involved in the Destroyers for Bases Deal are turned over to British authorities in Halifax, Canada.

1943 - In the Battle of Vella Lavella, three U.S. destroyers attack nine Japanese destroyers to stop evacuation of Japanese troops from Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands.

1958 - USS Seawolf (SSN 575) completes a record submerged run of 60 days, logging more than 13,700 nautical miles.

1962 - USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25), the Navy's first nuclear-powered destroyer, is commissioned.

1997 - NASA Astronaut Cmdr. Wendy B. Lawrence returns from mission with STS-86, when Space Shuttle Atlantis docks with Mir Space Station. The mission began Sept. 25.

2009 - U.S. Navy discontinues Mid-rats to conserve funds for fire power and other fighting assets.

Think about you said - the PO is in deep trouble - read poor management - therefor why would they think of something simple like that?

Has anyone tried writing a letter to the PMG outlining specific complaints about the service in Groton?

Getting an alternate PO is certainly an option, but why not also try to "fix" the problem PO. From my limited work in a local PO, my observation is that if the PMG sent a message down the line through local supervisors, the Groton Postmaster would shape up quickly.

Just a thought.

MAYPORT, Fla (NNS) -- Family, friends and military gathered aboard Naval Station Mayport Oct. 5 to bid safe farewell to USS McInerney (FFG 8) as they set sail for their final deployment.

The McInerney will be the first gas turbine propelled ship to complete 30 years of service during their six-month deployment. All other ships of this kind have decommissioned prior to accomplishing this significant milestone.

According to McInerney's Command Master Chief, CMDCM (SW/AW/SCW) John T. Lawry this milestone pleases more than just the ship's current crew and the Navy.

"The pride I feel to have served on a warship with the history that McInerney possesses is indescribable. This ship was commissioned before anyone currently serving on her was in the Navy, and before many of her Sailors were even born. This accomplishment is a great testament to all who have sailed on her that this ship has performed at high levels for this long," said Lawry.

People not serving aboard McInerney felt that same pride about the ship's many years of success.

"I have watched this ship pull in and out of this harbor for years," said Neptune Beach local, "Buzz" Wilks. "I never get tired of watching ships leave full of Sailors, full of our country's angels setting out to serve, but nothing makes me happier than seeing them return home, and this one is going to come back having served this great country for 30 years. Now that's really something."

Lawry said the ship and its crew have many accomplishments, but he does have one that stands out.

"The accomplishments of any warship, let alone one with 30 years of service are so numerous and lengthy that I would do injustice trying to name them all. The accomplishment that stands out most to me during my tour would be the first capture of a SPSS (Drug Sub) by the crew while on deployment in 2008. Our combined efforts resulted in legislation being created to help stem the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and its allies," said Lawry.

The SPSS or self-propelled semi-submersible vessel Lawry referred to was carrying an estimated $107 million worth of cocaine that never hit the streets of the United States. Lawry said it is always great to take part in something so significant but the goal of every deployment is always bigger, it's always about safety.

"If you asked me what the goal of the deployment is I would answer that it is to bring back everyone we left with to their families and loved ones. Everything else that we accomplish as a team just makes my job that much more satisfying – but our primary goal whether it's for deployment, or just for a day, is to bring everyone home safely in the same condition or better than when we left."

Lawry's pride goes beyond the accomplishments of the ship and of its future milestone; his pride is in the crew.

"It is hard to describe my feelings for this crew and the growth they have shown as a whole during my tour aboard. We have been faced with so many challenges in such a short time it's seriously mind boggling. Watching these young men work together and put aside differences to accomplish something that was a huge undertaking is especially gratifying. I am proud to serve as the command master chief of such a hard working and professional group of individuals all who strive to improve and grow on a daily basis."

As McInerney sets out to unknown obstacles and achievements, people walk away already awaiting their return.

Looking forward to Viking serving cheese tonite.

50th Anniversary Station

USS BLUEBACK SS-581

USPS / Philatelic Services

PO Box 3480

Portland, OR 97208-3480

Wait to mail in your covers.

What was the postmark on Larry Briend's cover to you? Can Briend have found a way to contact you from where he is? He was always very good at getting interesting covers. I wouldn't be surprised if he started a USCS chapter where he is now.

Q3. What is the difference between launching and christening?
A3. Modern shipyards, such as Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, move the LPDs from the ways (the actual construction area ashore) into a floating drydock and then launch the ship by submerging the dry dock without ceremony. Christening, the traditional breaking of the bottle of champagne across the bow, or in the case of San Antonio Texas sparkling wine, continues as a ceremony.

· LPD 17's christening occurred 19 July 2003.
· LPD 18's christening occurred 20 November 2004.
· LPD 19's christening occurred 15 January 2005.
· LPD 20's christening occurred 15 July 2006.
· LPD 21's christening occurred 01 March 2008.

Got a cover from USS Pittsburgh in 1918. She had a big outbreak of the Flu that killed a fair number of the crew. Nice Type 1 cancel.

Got a cover back recently that had been sent by Larry Briend. Think he's been dead nearly four years.

Larry

I looked this information up in a Mare Island book yesterday. Oddly enough, at a show to day I found a cover from HMS Liverpool postmarked Vallejo, Calif October 1941, the home of Mare Island.

Has anyone heard anything about Windows 7?

We are having a fall like day here today. One of the first.

The Catfish at Cracker Barrell was not same prepared cajun as last week, and flat but it was ok. I bought a DVD "This Is Your Life" at the general store.

Interesting cooking advice. Generally, I'm a fan of barbaqued fish in foil with water or other liquid.
Larry

sprinkling it with soy sauce or Tamari but I wonder if the these sauces will burn the fish or ruin the flavor altogether on the grill.
Beer sounds good. Tamari works well baked.

From the Navy News Service

1799 - Washington Navy Yard is established.
1842 - The sloop, Concord, wrecks with the loss of three lives in the Mozambique Channel.
1939 - Foreign ministers of Western Hemisphere countries agree to establish a neutrality zone around the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North and South America to be enforced by the U.S. Navy. The zone is established at a Congress of American States meeting in Panama.

Regards to the salmon, use white Balsamic vinegar, and salmon steaks, fillets work also.
Riesling ,or Gurtzenwiemer which I always miss spell wrong. Tonight I am going to the Craker Barrel for Catfish and Hashbrown Caserole, Hmmmmmm good!

Speaking of food: how about receipes as cachets to attach new naval cover collectors.

sir(also Sir)   • noun 1 a polite or respectful form of address to a man. 2 used to address a man at the beginning of a formal letter. 3 used as a title before the forename of a knight or baronet.   — ORIGIN reduced form of SIRE.