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Sunday, July 31, 2011

MARYLAND MY MARYLAND


She Rose From The Ashes Of Pearl Harbor
HER 16-IN GUNS KNEW NO REST UNTIL THEY HAD AVENGED THE ATTACK THAT SOUGHT TO DESTROY HER.

One of the ghosts of Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor in WW II, battleship Maryland (BB-46) lived
to strike at the Japanese again and again. Under attack a hundred times during the war, the famous
old ship was reported sunk by the Japanese on three different occasions. But, with indomitable spirit, “Old Mary” or “Fighting Mary” as she was affectionately called by her crew, could not and would not be deterred. Battle-damaged three times in the course of ten months, the heavy slugger was on her way to strike again when the Japanese surrender was officially announced.

She was certainly the "Fighting Mary"....and she lived up to that name....if there was a battle her and her crew were eager to take part and throw there weight around.....of which she was excellent in doing.

So...here is her story....somewhat of a long one....but after you get done with it...I'm sure you'll feel mighty proud.  Just click on the below title and up will pop the 13 page story that hopefully will keep your eyes glued to the ole computer.





Saturday, July 30, 2011

HISTORY OF THE SHIPYARD "MARE ISLAND"


The title of this article pretty much says it all about what this short story is all about.  

One of the most interesting items I find in the history of a 'place' is "How did such a slab of land acquire its name?"  Well this one is a bit unusual on how this 'name' came to be attached to this 'island'....and then once acquired, the name stuck and was never changed.

Anyway this piece has some excellent pictures in it and I believe it is a fairly interesting tidbit of Naval history that needs to be told.

So if you wish to read this short little slice of history....just click on the below title.



Thursday, July 28, 2011

CATAPULTS COME OF AGE


The other day I was at the library digging around for some material for a subject or two that I wished to write about.  Well I like to go deep into the basement of the facility where the light is not so good...and for some it is somewhat ghostly feeling.  Anyway I go there and right away I get engrossed in a few books or articles of naval history...and before I know it the day has passed me by.

This is what happen to me on this article....I happened on to it and thought it would offer some of the readers some 'insight' to the history of the 'Catapult' that is something in awe everytime I see a jet depart from those flattops.

This article may not be to the liking of everyone ....it may be a tad too detailed....but it was an article that was written back in the mid 50's and it does provide the reader with history on this device...and how it all came about.

What I found most interesting was putting myself in the shoes of these pilots that was part of the first experiences of getting this device "up and running."  Can you just imagine how many times that plane they were on....did not make it up as high as desired......hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....them guys had guts!!!!

Anyway Mr. Reader...if you'd care to give this article a going over....just click on the link below and it will take you right to the rather long .pdf file.

CATAPULTS COME OF AGE

Hope you enjoy!!!

cshortridge73@gmail.com


Sunday, July 24, 2011

USS PRESIDENT IN ASHES ?


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Now here is a battle you don't wish to skip over....it is interesting.....as well as informative of what actually took place in this last and final sea battles of 1812.

I'm sure it will hold your interest.....so if you'd care to give it a go....just click on the link below:




GAVE THEIR LIVES TO SAVE OTHERS


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The above is just the face page of what is to me a very sad but honorably story that I'm sure was experienced  many times during the Wars of our countries.  To read one of these 'hero' stories of our brave men reflects on all that took place that we have never heard about.

I am not going to go give an intro into this article, other than to say I do believe that once you read and digest this article it is certainly a time to take a minute and try to relate to what these men of the faith gave up so other souls could possibly "live" and hopefully enjoy there remaining life.

If you'd care to read the article just click on the below link



Friday, July 22, 2011

THE USS OREGON (BB-3)


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In the biggest race of her life....the USS Oregon (BB-3)....a first rate battleship of the Spanish-American War...was Victorious!!

The Oregon made a very long trip of 14,700 miles....all in 68 days....and all this time pounding into the waves....pushing...pushing ...in her remarkable hast to get back to home port.....then without any engineering repairs....other than taking on coal....she headed to Santiago de Cuba where she took part in the battle with the Spaniards.....and done very well.

Don't forget this was all done in 1898....where equipment was not what we have today...to sail thousands of miles without breakdowns and having to come in for drydock maintenance.

So if you'd care to give this one a 'read' well I would certainly encourage you to do so.....a tad of naval history that most with interest in the U.S. Navy should be aware of.

Just click on the below link to the article


Hope you Enjoy the article


Thursday, July 21, 2011

PAY AND PRIZE MONEY IN THE OLD NAVY, 1776 TO 1899

Money To Be Made

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This particular article maybe about as 'dry' as a powder puff to read for some.....but....yes there is always a "but" isn't there.  But if you've ever wondered what the Captains, Admirals, etc...etc...as well as the Navy crews got paid in the old Navy....well then this article is for you to let your eyes dance over the words.

Actually you would not believe what some....[few] ...of the high ranking brass got when they capture vessels of the enemy....for the time period we are talking about this was HUGE amounts of cash.  And if you can read this...and it holds your interest.....it has a "ton" and I do mean a "ton" of info on the pay scale of the Navy crews of the Old Navy.

I'll leave it at that....let you decide for yourself if you wish to give it a go....if so just click on the link below


Enjoy

Monday, July 18, 2011

USS BOGUE AND THE SINKING OF U-1229


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The USS Bogue... sailed from Norfolk and aboard her was Composite Squadron Forty-Two (abbreviated that to VC-42) and they all [the Escort Carrier, as well as destroyer escorts] on a demonstration to show "two big wigs", which were aboard the carrier....on how it is possible to be a sub-killer carrier.

Well the Bogue already had a record of two digits...so the pilots was extremely eager to show these two high ranking office jockie officers....one from the Navy and the other from the Army....just how it is done.

So this article is explaining what the carrier captain, whom was also the "big boss" of the task group, wanted to provide an example of "how it is done"

Well he got his chance.  You see the VC-42 was en route to replace another task group....but before the Bogue and her escorts could get to the area and replace this other task force.....a U-boat had made and attack and sunk a destroyer...so they needed to get there in a hurry.

So...this is there story of just how they search...and search and finally the pilots did in fact spot the sub.....end result was

So if you wish to give this one a read....you'll be right in the 'know' on how it was done....and the two "high rankers" was impress!!!!

Just click on the below title:


Hope you enjoy the article

Friday, July 15, 2011

"DRONE" SHIPS

From the "Secret List"
PROJECT "STINGER"
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The following is about a U.S. Navy project that during WW II was classed as "Secret"....as was many projects and programs at the time.  In and around November of 1949 this particular project that was buried in some file somewhere in the bowels of WW II history the "Secret" part was removed.  This project was so named at the time "PROJECT STINGER".

This project consisted of unmanned, radio-controlled vessels loaded with high explosives that were launched against the enemy harbors and beaches.

Drone ships, ranging in size from cargo vessels, capable of carrying up to 7,000 tons of explosives, to small amphibious sea sleds, had been prepared as a surprise before the end of WW II, so says the U.S. Navy.  Their only operational use, however, was in the 1944 invasion of southern France, where drone LCVP's (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel)...such as the vessels in the picture above.... were used against several invasion beaches.

In the un-veiling of "Project Stinger" it was hinted at, by the Navy, of the possible use of television in amphibious operations, including opposed landings.  Now don't forget this is 1949 folks.  But, 'Yea there is always a 'but' isn't there.  The Navy still at that time would not release an official comment on the current use , if any, of television in such operations, but the Navy did state the following at the release of this secret data:
"The larger ships in the (Project Stinger) program could be equipped with television camera, mounted to give the distant operator a full view of what lay ahead of the drone.  The same television transmitter could also flash to the operator a view of the drone's compass, and a card indicating the speed of the ship, taken from the propeller shaft speed"


Drones would be controlled from specially designed and equipped command ships, which lie well off shore screened from beach defenses by planes, destroyers, landing craft and rocket ships, and, in large operations covered by the heavy guns of battleships and cruisers lying even further off shore.

Ships assigned to the 'Stinger' one-way missions, it was stated in the release were to be guided into enemy beaches to be sunk and exploded in the best positions to demolish underwater defenses and clear a channel for landing craft, thus saying lives of American fighting men at the cost of the ships and explosives.

Smaller craft in the program were developed for a variety of purposes, such as amphibious vehicles which could fight on land through radio directions.

At the time the latest of these 'smaller craft' were produced exclusively for the program, and these were then known as x-craft.  These small sea sleds hulls known as salamanders, powered in water by conventional propellers and on land by tank-type treads, were capable of speeds over seventeen miles an hour in water and over fifteen miles an hour on land.  There was several of these units some called different names....but most were similar of the design below:

What the Navy done was load these puppies full of about 1,200 pounds of explosives, and then direct them from the water onto the beach, and then explode them among the enemy's land defenses.  The operator could start, stop, turn, slow and speed up completely under a remote control program.

Other craft equipped and tested for the "Stinger Program" included destroyer escorts, PT's or motor torpedo boats, and all the varieties of LVT's...[Landing Vessels Tracked].

Virtually all the vessels in this secret program could, at the will of the remote operator, drop buoys which would mark the scent of their destruction and thus, for the guidance of the following craft, the location of the channel blasted in enemy defenses.  Larger vessels also could drop depth charges when desired with out detonating their entire explosive charge.

Also to avoid the dangers possible if the enemy seized control of or destroyed the control vessel most of the drones were equipped with a mechanism which automatically detonated them if the proper radio signal was not receive from the control craft for a specified period of time.

I'm not sure just how long the "Stinger Project" was developed after WW II....but I'm sure if one was to dig into it, and turn over enough rocks I'm sure something would crawl out and reveal itself.

Hope you enjoyed reading a tad of naval history

cshortridge73@gmail.com   cshortridge@comcast.net

U.S. NAVY'S 'FIRST' HOSPITAL BOAT

THE 'RED ROVER'

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Back a few years....well I guess it was more than a few....it was during the Civil War era there was a great need for medical attention up and down the Mississippi.  This was mainly due to the epidemic communication of disease on both sides of the conflict.  These diseases for the most part was linked to several things....Vaccination was slow; sanitation and hygiene were fairly poor.  Actually these many diseases that both sides were dealing with claimed more lives than gunshots....yep that is a very true statement!!!

So this is somewhat how the "Red Rover", a side wheel steamer, that was built back in 1859, and eventually came into being the 'first' Navy Hospital boat.

She was gathered up after being abandoned and was converted to a hospital boat.....the ole girl was given a separate operating room...fully equipped.....even an elevator....and much, much more.

Well I won't go into the whole story with this 'intro'...  If this seems as if it may be something that interest your reading....well just click on the link below.....and up she'll pop.


Hope you enjoy the tad of history

Thursday, July 14, 2011

THE NAVY'S COLOSSAL CRANE

YD-171, "HERMAN THE GERMAN"

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Surrendered by the Germans, this monster floating crane stands 374 feet high and can lift the equivalent of 283 cars at the same time.
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Now folks here is "the crane of all crane's".....at least in it's day it was.   
Actually this U.S. Navy Crane.....was one of four built in Germany during the war....one of the four was awarded to the U.S. under the authority of the Tri-Partite Naval Commission.  One of the original four was sunk.....another I believe went or was suppose to go to the Russians, but this one was not completed by the end of the war.  The other two, used at Kiel by the Germans was for submarine construction and repair, were taken over by the British.

So....it was officially....at least when the U.S. Navy received it....YD-171....or better known as 

My article gives you some insight on just how "BIG" this ole girl was....also goes into 'some' detail on how they [the U.S. Navy] had to get her across the pond to our Pacific Coast.....not a small feat.

Then once here.....ok...now how in the world do we put this thing together???

The article is not a long one....has some excellent picks that I hope will provide the reader of just how big this ole girl is.  If you'd care to 'give it a go'....just look above and click on her name in "red": "Herman The German" and up will pop the article.

Hope you enjoy the read


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

CAPTAIN HEALY AND HIS PARROT 'POLLY'


Ole Michael Healy was one of the most controversial captains of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service.  His actions in the 'Bear'
in 1895 provoked a high-profile investigation that led to his downfall - but ole Healy managed to keep his greatest secret hidden from everyone.....until the very end.
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Captain Michael A. Healy of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service is, to para phase Winston Churchill, a mystery wrapped in an enigma.  One writer has noted that Captain Healy was an "American tragedy.

Ok so ole Capt. was a miss-understood dude....well I would venture to say he was more than miss-understood......he was just one "mess up dude"...
Anyway folks if you'd care to give this yarn a good going over, and possibly reading about a tad of history all you need to do is just click on the below link....set back and sip a tad of some good 'port' and enjoy!

Enjoy!



Friday, July 1, 2011

LAST OF THE MIGHTY MIDGETS


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The U.S. Navy spared no expense in saving the lives of its Marines and Sailors during WW II. This philosophy was the underlying reasoning for the development of a small (158.5-ft) craft, which had an extremely shallow draft and was armed to the teeth. After a bitter experience at Tarawa Atoll, the LCS (L) was born to give continuous fire support for the landing forces all the way to the beach and beyond.

This is the story of how 130 new ships (Mighty Midgets) joined the fleet for this specific purpose and we look at one in particular - HTMS Nakha. Many years after the conclusion Heavily armed converted LCI’s, the last original gunboat variant of these wartime landing craft is now on display at a San Francisco museum.  Conclusion of WW II, the United States granted the LCS (L)-102 to Thailand as part of the Mutual Defense Agreement.   Ironically, the Royal Thailand Navy Nakha is the last of that original 130 vessels,and now has been returned to American soil to become a museum ship at Mare Island,California. However, its precursors began at Tarawa Atoll.

The "Mighty Midget Story".....you can read about by clicking on the below link.

LAST OF THE MIGHTY MIDGETS

cshortridge73@gmail.com  

Hope you enjoy the article