the horse's mouth

Silly Santa Saturday. (Video Proof Of Santa Claus.)

It's got to be Santa. Who else could rotate his vehicle like that?

I'm Dumbfounded, How Did The USS Fitzgerald Manage To Get T-Boned By A Slower Moving Ship?

Why am I dumbfounded?

Bridge watch.

Yes, I know, it was at night and the dreaded midwatch. 

The CIC.

Operators scanning for surface contacts (can you say ships?).

Starboard watch.

Aft watch.

1. How did all those folks on watch fail to see an approaching ship?
2. Was the crew tired?
3. Did the OOD see the ship and think he could cut in front of it because the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are fast and can turn on a dime?

The above video shows the capabilities of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer. So how did the USS Fitzgerald not see a slow moving ship? Like I said, I'm dumbfounded.

God rest the souls of the sailors who lost their lives.

Click here to read gCaptain's take on the incident.

Today In History. The Battle Of Jutland.

The Battle of Jutland (German: Skagerrakschlacht, the Battle of Skagerrak) was a naval battle fought by the British Royal Navy's Grand Fleet under Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, against the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet under Vice-Admiral Reinhard Scheer during the First World War. The battle unfolded in extensive maneuvering and three main engagements (the battlecruiser action, the fleet action and the night action), from 31 May to 1 June 1916, off the North Sea coast of Denmark's Jutland Peninsula. It was the largest naval battle in that war and the only full-scale clash of battleships. Jutland was the third fleet action between steel battleships, following the smaller but more decisive battles of the Yellow Sea (1904) and Tsushima (1905) during the Russo-Japanese War. Jutland was the last major battle fought primarily by battleships in world history.

Short video.

A full account of the Battle of Jutland narrated by Admiral Jellicoe’s grandson as part of the Jutland Centenary Commemorations. The 24 minute animation gives the viewer an overview of the major “chapters” of the battle – the opening battle cruiser action, the Grand Fleet deployment, the Turn Away and the Night Destroyer actions. Additionally the 1917 submarine campaign is explained as a consequence of Scheer’s decision not to risk another Fleet-to-Fleet encounter. Graphics, animation, animated maps and contemporary photography illustrate key points.

Death toll
The total loss of life was 9,823 men, of which the British losses were 6,784 and German losses were 3,039. Counted among the British losses are 2 members of the Royal Australian Navy, and 1 member of the Royal Canadian Navy. 6 Australian nationals serving in the Royal Navy were also killed.

Ships sunk

British
113,300 tons sunk:

Battlecruisers Indefatigable, Queen Mary, Invincible
Armoured cruisers Black Prince, Warrior, Defence
Flotilla leaders Tipperary
Destroyers Shark, Sparrowhawk, Turbulent, Ardent, Fortune, Nomad, Nestor

German
62,300 tons sunk:

Battlecruiser Lützow
Pre-Dreadnought Pommern
Light cruisers Frauenlob, Elbing, Rostock, Wiesbaden
Destroyers (Heavy torpedo-boats) V48, S35, V27, V4, V29

Ugly Ship Of The Day. The US Navy Welcomes A New Ship To The Fleet And It's Stealthy.

The USS Zumwalt, what a beauty! ¡Joder, Coño!

Stealthy!

Homage to Philippe Starck. Sort of....

Wow, not much below the waterline. I wonder how she would maintain stability without her array of sensors, electronics and computer controls? She looks like she would roll and become inverted in heavy seas. But what do I know? Not much, I have a degree in Architecture, not Naval Architecture. But this I do know, she sure is ugly!

Anchors aweigh, my boys!

Throwback Thursday. "Somewhere In The Indian Ocean."

Any guesses where this photo was taken?
I don't think she'll fly anymore.

Funny this whole Thursday Throwback nostalgia thing that just popped out of nowhere.

Wrecks On Wednesday.

I think someone is line for a promotion after such a fantastic display of his navigation skills. Well done, sir! Mind you, the rangers are pissed that you didn't pay the entrance fee.

Let's Go Swimming!

If you are in the Navy, I hope you know how to swim.
Let's hope that Mr. Big Teeth doesn't show up looking for a snack.

Giant Squirt Gun Fight.

Firefighting exercise at sea?
Look at the guy dangling off the crane.

Are you thiking about crossing the Pacific? Have you trained to fight fires or in damage control? How about safety and survival? You don't want to die, right? When going out into the ocean, I suggest that you prepare for anything and everthing that can go wrong. You can't always count on someone coming to your rescue.

note: Every sailor in the U.S. Navy is trained in firefighting, damage control and water survival. (Exp: No PFD, no big deal. Sailors learn how to turn their shirts or pants into flotation devices.)

Pearl Harbor. 70 Years Ago.

0610 - 220 miles north of Oahu Admiral Nagumo of the Japanese Imperial Navy ordered the 1st wave of 183 aircraft to launch. The 1st wave was lead by Lt. Commander Mitsuo Fuchida.

0749 Commander Fuchida orders attack...all pilots to begin assault on military bases on Oahu...

0753 Fuchida radios code to entire Japanese Navy "TORA TORA TORA" indicating success...maximum strategic surprise...Pearl Harbor caught unaware...

0755 Island wide attack begins...Japanese dive bombers to strike airfields Kaneohe, Ford Island, Hickam, Bellows, Wheeler, Ewa...Aerial torpedo planes begin their run on ships in Pearl Harbor...

ATTACK ERUPTS AT PEARL HARBOR

Along Battleship Row, battlewagons feel the sting of the newly perfected torpedoes specifically designed for the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor At 1010 dock violent explosions rock light cruiser HELENA on her starboard side crippling both her and minelayer OGLALA moored beside her.. On the other side of Battleship row, Ford Island, target ship UTAH also feels the sting of the torpedoes...and like the battleship OKLAHOMA begins to capsize... Light cruiser RALEIGH moored ahead of the UTAH takes measures to prevent capsizing... Commander Logan Ramsey of Ford Island Command Center sends out message for all radiomen on duty to send out in plain English "AIR RAID PEARL HARBOR THIS IS NO DRILL"...2nd dispatch orders all patrol planes to seek out enemy... Simultaneously the call for General Quarters echos throughout Pearl Harbor...each ship and their personnel in turn swing into action against the attacking Japanese...one quarter of all guns respond to the enemy...

0800 B-17's from the mainland reach Oahu after 14 hour flight...Aircraft from carrier ENTERPRISE arrive Ford Island...both caught between enemy and friendly fire...

0802 Machine guns on battleship NEVADA open fire on torpedo planes approaching her port beam...two planes hit...however one missile tears huge hole in ship's port bow...

0805 Repair ship VESTAL moored outboard of battleship ARIZONA opens fire... Admiral Kimmel arrives CINCPAC headquarters..Battleship CALIFORNIA receives second torpedo "portside at frame 110"... prompt action directed by Ensign Edgar M. Fain prevents ship from capsizing...High level bombers begin their run "on both bows" of battleship row...

0808 KGMB radio interrupts music calling for: "All Army, Navy, and Marine personnel to report to duty"... High level bombers unleash armour piercing, delayed action bombs from altitude of 10,000 feet scoring hits on battleships...

0810 Forward magazines on battleship ARIZONA suddenly ignite resulting in a tremendous explosion and huge fireball sinking the battleship within nine minutes...concussion of explosion blows men off repair ship VESTAL...

0812 General Short advises entire Pacific Fleet and Washington, "Hostilities with Japan commenced with air raid on Pearl Harbor"

0815 KGMB interrupts music with 2nd call ordering all military personnel to report for duty...

0817 USS HELM first of several destroyers to clear Pearl Harbor spots a midget submarine struggling to enter harbor...shots fired misses target...sub frees itself from reef and submerges...

0825 Using a Browning Automatic Rifle Lt. Stephen Saltzman and Sgt. Lowell Klatt shot down enemy plane making strafing run on Schofield Barracks...

0826 Honolulu Fire Department responds to call for assistance from Hickam Field...3 firemen killed...6 wounded...

0830 3rd call out for military via local radio stations...

0835 Tanker NEOSHO half loaded with high octane aviation fuel moves clear of Battleship Row and oil tanks on Ford Island... Damage reported in city...Police warn civilians to leave streets and return to their homes...

0839 Seaplane tender CURTISS sights midget sub in harbor and commences to fire..Destroyer MONAGHAN heads for intruder at ramming speed...

0840 Submarine surfaces after sustaining damage...MONAGHAN hits sub and drops depth charges as she passes...1st explanation over local radio stations. "A sporadic air attack...rising sun sighted on wing tips"...

0850 Lt. Commander Shimazaki orders deployment of 2nd wave over military bases on Oahu...

0854 Attack run begins...54 high-level bombers hit Naval air stations, 78 dive bombers hit ships in Pearl, 36 fighters circle over harbor to maintain air control...

0900 Crew of the Dutch liner JAGERSFONTEIN opens up with her guns, the first Allies to join the fight...Radios throughout the island crack out urgent messages "Get off roads and stay off.. Don't block traffic...Stay at home...This is the real McCoy"...

0930 Tremendous explosions rocks destroyer SHAW sending debris everywhere... bomb falls near Governor's home...

1000 First wave arrives back on carriers, 190 miles north of Oahu...

1005 Governor Poindexter calls local papers announcing state of emergency for entire territory of Hawaii

1030 Mayor's Major Disaster Council meets at city hall...Reports from local hospitals pour in listing civilian casualties...

1100 Commander Fuchida circles over Pearl Harbor...assesses damage then returns to carrier task force...All schools on Oahu ordered to close...

1115 State of emergency announced over radio by Governor Poindexter...

1142 As per orders by Army local stations go off the air...General short confers with Governor regarding martial law...

1146 First report of many false sightings of enemy troops landing on Oahu...

1210 American planes fly north in search for enemy with negative results...

1230 Honolulu police raid Japanese embassy...find them burning documents...Blackout to begin at night ordered by Army...

1240 Governor confers with President Roosevelt regarding martial law...both agree it necessary that the military take over the civilian government...

1300 Commander Fuchida lands on board carrier AKAGI...discussion follows with Admiral Nagumo and staff concerning feasibility of launching 3rd wave...

1330 Signal flags on carrier AKAGI orders Japanese task force to withdraw... Territorial director of civil defense orders blackout every night until further notice...

1458 Tadao Fuchikami delivers message from Washington...message decoded and given to General Short
regarding ultimatum from Japan to be given at 1300 Washington time..."Just what significance the hour set
may have we do not know, but be on the alert accordingly"...

1625 Governor signs Proclamation...martial law put into effect...

Time line courtesy of Tri-City Chapter 31,
Pearl Harbor Survivors Association

Listen to the audio of FDR's speech:

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the
United States of American was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .

Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.

Happy Veteran's Day!

To all my old shipmates, and those who have served and are serving, thanks guys.

In The Navy, The Australian Navy. [Video]

Drama on the high seas? (maybe melodrama) Should I pull out the popcorn, Joe?

Follow the adventures of "The Sea Patrol."

To My Ex-Shipmates (and Aircrew).

Happy Veterans Day!

"Fair Winds And Following Seas, And Long May Your Big Jib Draw!"

Retired Navy Lt. John W. Finn, the oldest Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died Thursday at his Southern California ranch. He was 100.

Lt. Finn enlisted in the Navy just before his 17th birthday and went on to become the first man to receive the nation's highest military award for heroism during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, according to a Navy statement.

He was the oldest of 97 Medal of Honor recipients still living.

Despite head wounds and other injuries, Lt. Finn, the chief of ordnance for an air squadron, continuously fired a .50-caliber machine gun from an exposed position as bullets and bombs pounded the Naval Air Station at Kaneohe Bay in Oahu. He then supervised the rearming of returning American planes. Continues at SF Gate.

A Word To All Somali Pirates.

Don't screw with the U.S. Navy.
You'll end up with the fishes.

The destroyer Farragut was called to the scene of a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker after the ship came under attack by three pirate skiffs. During the attack, the pirates fired rifles and aimed rocket-propelled grenades at the vessel....More

Join The Navy And See The World.

That's what every Navy tells it's recruits all over the world.
What they always fail to mention, is the rust.

Technorati Tags: crud crew, the romance of the sea, life on a ship, navy, rust

A Song That Says It All. "We Saw The Sea."

If you were in the Navy, you'll no what I mean by the headline.

RoboBoat.

PROTECTOR Unmanned Surface vehicle

BAE Systems has partnered with RAFAEL and Lockheed Martin to offer the U.S. Navy the PROTECTOR, an unmanned integrated naval combat system. The PROTECTOR has a stabilized gun and is able to conduct a wide spectrum of critical missions while eliminating unnecessary risk to personnel and capital assets.
(You've got to love those guys in Marketing with their pithy copy.)

Stealthy, fast and highly maneuverable, this unmanned vessel identifies its targets through an electro-optical system and has day and night strike capabilities. Highly autonomous and remotely controlled, the PROTECTOR can successfully operate with general guidance from a commander and operator.

The PROTECTOR's anti-terror mission module payload includes sensors and weapon systems. The search radar and the Toplite electro-optical (EO) pod enable detection, identification and targeting operations.

The weapon systems are based on RAFAEL's Typhoon remote-controlled, stabilized weapon station, capable of operating various small caliber guns. The highly accurate, stabilized weapon station has excellent hit-and-kill probability.

The PROTECTOR is mission reconfigurable through its plug-and-play design, allowing utilization of various mission modules, such as force protection anti-terror surveillance and reconnaissance, mine warfare and electronic warfare.

Technorati Tags: unmanned boats, navy

Hard-A-Port!

Some times you have to change direction fast.
Some times it works.



And some times it doesn't.
Watch and enjoy.

Via Craig.

Technorati Tags: navy, german navy crash, oops

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Pearl Harbor. 66 Years Ago.

0610 - 220 miles north of Oahu Admiral Nagumo of the Japanese Imperial Navy
ordered the 1st wave of 183 aircraft to launch. The 1st wave was lead by
Lt. Commander Mitsuo Fuchida.

0749 Commander Fuchida orders attack...all pilots to begin assault on military
bases on Oahu...

0753 Fuchida radios code to entire Japanese Navy "TORA TORA TORA" indicating
success...maximum strategic surprise...Pearl Harbor caught unaware...

0755 Island wide attack begins...Japanese dive bombers to strike airfields Kaneohe,
Ford Island, Hickam, Bellows, Wheeler, Ewa...Aerial torpedo planes begin their
run on ships in Pearl Harbor...

ATTACK ERUPTS AT PEARL HARBOR

Along Battleship Row, battlewagons feel the sting of the newly perfected torpedoes
specifically designed for the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor At 1010 dock violent
explosions rock light cruiser HELENA on her starboard side crippling both her
and minelayer OGLALA moored beside her.. On the other side of Battleship row,
Ford Island, target ship UTAH also feels the sting of the torpedoes...and like the
battleship OKLAHOMA begins to capsize... Light cruiser RALEIGH moored ahead
of the UTAH takes measures to prevent capsizing... Commander Logan Ramsey of
Ford Island Command Center sends out message for all radiomen on duty to send
out in plain English "AIR RAID PEARL HARBOR THIS IS NO DRILL"...2nd
dispatch orders all patrol planes to seek out enemy... Simultaneously the call for
General Quarters echos throughout Pearl Harbor...each ship and their personnel
in turn swing into action against the attacking Japanese...one quarter of all guns
respond to the enemy...

0800 B-17's from the mainland reach Oahu after 14 hour flight...Aircraft from carrier
ENTERPRISE arrive Ford Island...both caught between enemy and friendly fire...

0802 Machine guns on battleship NEVADA open fire on torpedo planes approaching
her port beam...two planes hit...however one missile tears huge hole in ship's port bow...

0805 Repair ship VESTAL moored outboard of battleship ARIZONA opens fire...
Admiral Kimmel arrives CINCPAC headquarters..Battleship CALIFORNIA receives
second torpedo "portside at frame 110"... prompt action directed by Ensign Edgar M. Fain
prevents ship from capsizing...High level bombers begin their run "on both bows" of
battleship row...

0808 KGMB radio interrupts music calling for: "All Army, Navy, and Marine personnel
to report to duty"... High level bombers unleash armour piercing, delayed action bombs
from altitude of 10,000 feet scoring hits on battleships...

0810 Forward magazines on battleship ARIZONA suddenly ignite resulting in a tremendous
explosion and huge fireball sinking the battleship within nine minutes...concussion of explosion
blows men off repair ship VESTAL...

0812 General Short advises entire Pacific Fleet and Washington, "Hostilities with Japan
commenced with air raid on Pearl Harbor"

0815 KGMB interrupts music with 2nd call ordering all military personnel to report for duty...

0817 USS HELM first of several destroyers to clear Pearl Harbor spots a midget submarine
struggling to enter harbor...shots fired misses target...sub frees itself from reef and submerges...

0825 Using a Browning Automatic Rifle Lt. Stephen Saltzman and Sgt. Lowell Klatt shot
down enemy plane making strafing run on Schofield Barracks...

0826 Honolulu Fire Department responds to call for assistance from Hickam Field...3 firemen
killed...6 wounded...

0830 3rd call out for military via local radio stations...

0835 Tanker NEOSHO half loaded with high octane aviation fuel moves clear of Battleship
Row and oil tanks on Ford Island... Damage reported in city...Police warn civilians to leave
streets and return to their homes...

0839 Seaplane tender CURTISS sights midget sub in harbor and commences to fire..Destroyer
MONAGHAN heads for intruder at ramming speed...

0840 Submarine surfaces after sustaining damage...MONAGHAN hits sub and drops depth
charges as she passes...1st explanation over local radio stations. "A sporadic air attack...rising
sun sighted on wing tips"...

0850 Lt. Commander Shimazaki orders deployment of 2nd wave over military bases on Oahu...

0854 Attack run begins...54 high-level bombers hit Naval air stations, 78 dive bombers hit ships
in Pearl, 36 fighters circle over harbor to maintain air control...

0900 Crew of the Dutch liner JAGERSFONTEIN opens up with her guns, the first Allies to join
the fight...Radios throughout the island crack out urgent messages "Get off roads and stay off..
Don't block traffic...Stay at home...This is the real McCoy"...

0930 Tremendous explosions rocks destroyer SHAW sending debris everywhere... bomb falls
near Governor's home...

1000 First wave arrives back on carriers, 190 miles north of Oahu...

1005 Governor Poindexter calls local papers announcing state of emergency for entire territory of
Hawaii

1030 Mayor's Major Disaster Council meets at city hall...Reports from local hospitals pour in listing
civilian casualties...

1100 Commander Fuchida circles over Pearl Harbor...assesses damage then returns to carrier task
force...All schools on Oahu ordered to close...

1115 State of emergency announced over radio by Governor Poindexter...

1142 As per orders by Army local stations go off the air...General short confers with Governor
regarding martial law...

1146 First report of many false sightings of enemy troops landing on Oahu...

1210 American planes fly north in search for enemy with negative results...

1230 Honolulu police raid Japanese embassy...find them burning documents...Blackout to begin
at night ordered by Army...

1240 Governor confers with President Roosevelt regarding martial law...both agree it necessary
that the military take over the civilian government...

1300 Commander Fuchida lands on board carrier AKAGI...discussion follows with Admiral Nagumo
and staff concerning feasibility of launching 3rd wave...

1330 Signal flags on carrier AKAGI orders Japanese task force to withdraw... Territorial director
of civil defense orders blackout every night until further notice...

1458 Tadao Fuchikami delivers message from Washington...message decoded and given to General Short
regarding ultimatum from Japan to be given at 1300 Washington time..."Just what significance the hour set
may have we do not know, but be on the alert accordingly"...

1625 Governor signs Proclamation...martial law put into effect...

Time line courtesy of Tri-City Chapter 31,
Pearl Harbor Survivors Association



Listen to the audio of FDR's speech:

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the
United States of American was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with
its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after
Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador
to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American
message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained
no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned
many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive
the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret
to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on
the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and
today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand
the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will
our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .

Source: Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.

Tags: pearl harbor, world war two

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Happy Veterans Day To My Old Shipmates. Some Photos From My First Squadron.

Ready to launch.



Bombs away.



Coming home to the bird farm.

Tags: navy, naval aviation

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