(Pensacola, FL; May 25, 2023) –The former USS Texas (BB 35) is getting the makeover to end all makeovers! Texas is a New York-class battleship and the only known United States warship still afloat that served in both world wars. Commissioned in 1914, Texas was constructed during a time of rapid advances in naval architecture … Continue reading Travel Log + On the Waterfront – Drydocked!
Category: warships
On the Waterfront – A-Fording an Island
(Pensacola, Florida; Feb. 26, 2023) – Very few jobs involve hanging out underneath a 555 metric ton (nearly 612 regular ton) steel superstructure swinging over one's head, but the Navy is not just a job, it's an adventure! This adventure played out on a cold, snowy day in Newport News, Virginia, as the final piece … Continue reading On the Waterfront – A-Fording an Island
On the Waterfront – Leapfrog!
(Pensacola, Florida; Feb. 17, 2023) – I haven't played leapfrog since I was about four feet shorter than I am now; that is to say, since I was rather little. Imagine my surprise in 2010 at finding myself in a game of leapfrog, but one played with thousand-ton warships instead of schoolmates on the playground! … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Leapfrog!
On the Waterfront – Thanksgiving in Jolly Old England!
(Pensacola, Florida; Nov. 23, 2022) – I became a Yeoman (an admin clerk) when I enlisted in the Navy. I didn't know what I really wanted to do long-term, but every command has administrative personnel, so what better rate to choose in order to actually see the Navy and figure out my ultimate path? The … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Thanksgiving in Jolly Old England!
New Short Takes Video – The National Museum of the Pacific War!
New Short Takes video!! The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, preserves the boyhood home of naval hero and victorious World War II Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, as well as provides a comprehensive look into the many facets of the Pacific Theatre. Join me for a brief visit to this remarkable treasure … Continue reading New Short Takes Video – The National Museum of the Pacific War!
On the Waterfront – Sailing into History – An American Lion’s Independence Day
(Pensacola, Florida; July 4, 2022) – The amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) is now enjoying her sunset days in a Texas scrapyard, her long career over and her decks quiet until the torches begin their work. However, the Proud Lion represented the Navy—and, by extension, the United States—on many occasions throughout her history. … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing into History – An American Lion’s Independence Day
On the Waterfront – On Eagle’s Wings
(Pensacola, Florida; June 9, 2022) – I possess the oddest collection of personal connections to ships I never served aboard. Just as one example: despite numerous attempts, I never set foot aboard the carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65)—even as a mere visitor. However, every ship I did sail aboard participated in an official formation photo-op … Continue reading On the Waterfront – On Eagle’s Wings
On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst
On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst (Pensacola, Florida; April 26, 2022) – The ex-USS Ponce (LPD 15) has arrived at her final berth in Texas at the scrapper’s yard. So, it’s time for another ‘On the Waterfront’ sea story about the Proud Lion and the adventures of her intrepid crew, … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: Dolphins in the Midst
On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: The Greatest Seaman
(Pensacola, Florida; April 21, 2022) – I posted the original version of this column nearly two years ago while I was still in Washington State. However, as the Proud Lion is sailing into history now, this memory has taken up pride of place in the formation of memories gliding along the channel for the Grand … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing Into History: The Greatest Seaman
On the Waterfront – Sailing into History: Meeting the Proud Lion
(Pensacola, Florida; April 7, 2022,) – There are moments when disparate threads of unrelated events are woven into a brand new cloth upon which the tapestry of our stories will forever be embroidered. USS Ponce (LPD 15) was one such moment for me. Many unrelated threads from my childhood, my college days, and my early … Continue reading On the Waterfront – Sailing into History: Meeting the Proud Lion
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