Bostonmaggie

Stuff You Should Read

2009-11-23T10:05:00.004-05:00

Ok, from Friday
USNI has my Marine writing about Tarawa
20 November 1943; Keep Moving

From Sunday
At the Castle Argghhh!!!
Tarawa

From today
USNI has My Pirate Guy in his blogosphere debut
RPG’s vs fire hoses: place your bets

Also from today, the Solomon's Blog Project continues at USNI & Steeljaw Scribe
22nd
The Solomons Campaign: The Bougainville Invasion, November – December 1943(Part I)

Once you finish reading the Solomon's Campaign post, if you are hooked there is a lot more where that came from. This particular post is the 16th entry. Go here, scroll to the bottom and there are links to the previous 15 parts.

No Matter What Else Happens

2009-11-22T18:49:00.002-05:00

This day won't ever be anything else to me.

November 22, 1963

Capt. Richard Phillips thanks Sailors of USS Bainbridge DDG96

2009-11-21T21:35:00.002-05:00

091119-N-8907D-134 NORFOLK (Nov. 19, 2009) Capt. Richard Phillips, former Captain of the container ship MV Maersk Alabama, publicly thanks Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) for his dramatic rescue at sea. On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Navy SEALs positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge opened fire and killed three of the pirates who were holding Phillips hostage. Phillips was later rescued by the crew of the Bainbridge. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)

Robbing the Naval Institute (Don't Tell Anyone)

2009-11-19T20:26:00.015-05:00

As I mentioned.....this is a secret. You have to swear you won't tell anyone. Ok? Alright.So we drive away from the main campus up a hill around the United States Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium. It's very picturesque, set into the hill, overlooking the main campus and the Severn River. At the top of the hill is Beach Hall. Beach Hall houses the US Naval Institute.

The USNI was founded in 1873 to create forum for the exchange of ideas. If you are into history and the Navy (and the Marines, lol) what's inside is absolutely wondrous!

Every issue of Proceedings magazine......books, you can't imagine how many books.....photographs being preserved......and.....it's the home of the USNI blog! In this pic you see Capt. Edward L. Beach, Jr., USN, who wrote "Run Silent, Run Deep" (which I think I still owe an overdue fine for at the Charlestown Public Library). In 1999 when the Naval Institute dedicated its new headquarters it was named Beach Hall to honor the contributions of Captain Beach and his father Captain Edward L. Beach, USN, who served as the Institute's secretary-treasurer.

The public can visit, by appointment.....I snuck in the back.

I was awestruck walking through the stacks. Taking in everything in the glass front cases. Originals of Tom Clancy's "The Hunt for Red October" Multiple editions of "The Bluejacket's Manual". Copies of "Warrior's Rage"; "Japanese Destroyer Captain". A treasure trove of artifacts from the storied history of the United States Navy.

We entered a room with nothing but photographs and looked at pics of baseball players visiting the Navy just before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

At one point we walked out onto the second floor balcony you see here. The view is lovely and I am told it is the place to see the Blue Angels when they are in town. So much stuff that it was just beyond my ability to take it all in. And ships. Destroyers, carriers, frigates, PT boats. Everywhere pictures of ships. Photographs, prints, paintings of ships.

Along the way, books started piling up in my arms -

Something from the Marines. Admiral Nimitz - Shrink wrapped for freshness?

So many books!

And magazines too.

In Love and War: The Story of a Family's Ordeal and Sacrifice during the Vietnam Years by Jim & Sybil Stockdale. A book that's been on my wish list for a while.

Mister Roberts & Destroyer Captain! You can't even imagine my excitement.

So, this is why it was a good thing there was a vehicle handy! I could have hauled all this loot back off campus if I had to.....but I'm glad I didn't have to!

If you have the chance to visit, don't pass it up. The blog is a must read. You can follow the Naval Institute on Twitter too.

Remember.....you promised..........mum's the word!

Sunday Morning In Annapolis

2009-11-19T19:18:00.004-05:00

So, Sunday morning my alarm goes off at 0900 and I bounce right out of bed because I am so excited about what the day holds for me....ANNAPOLIS!

I got up and started pulling out clothes and sending text messages. I was hoping that my "Pirate Guy" could join us for breakfast. He was moving slow and expressed that he would rather have breakfast in bed. I sent a text suggesting he check under his bed for Cheetos because that sometimes works for my sons. Oh well.

Mary suggested "Chick & Ruth's Delly", so I hopped in the shower so we could get going. Once dressed and ready to start walking, we checked back in with "Pirate Guy". Still not ready, so we decided to walk around Dock Square. It was a perfect day, much warmer than normal. Again, I was struck at how much like Newport Annapolis is.

We walked all around until we decided that we needed breakfast...."Pirate Guy" or no.

There wasn't as much of a wait as we had thought, considering the crowd outside. I guess that's because the staff is so efficient. Do you know that every morning they recite the Pledge of Allegiance there? On weekends it happens at 0930.....sorry, I was in the shower.

I had the Annapolis cheese steak omelet...yummmmmm.

Then it was back to Mary's to grab a vehicle and we were off to the Naval Academy! You can walk on campus with an ID, but because we were connected, we drove on. This was a very good thing as I will explain later.

Again, I really can't overstate how lucky I think I was that the weather was soooooo perfect.

Also, I lucked out in having Mary for a tour guide. We share so many interests that she already knew what I wanted to see and I was never bored. And even thought I love my sister Grace, she always has us running. Mary let me saunter....that is my fav speed.

As we drove around Mary pointed out different locations and related them to incidents in her life. Then we headed up to the US Naval Institute.

OK, now....we are going to move on to the next part....and you are all sworn to secrecy.

USCG - Guantanamo Bay Patrol

2009-11-19T14:54:00.002-05:00

The news is always full of "Guantanamo Bay".....how about a different view?

This Should Explain Some Things

2009-11-18T20:33:00.003-05:00

I am the football that my mother is carrying across Washington Street. See? I was always this much trouble.

Saturday Night in DC

2009-11-18T19:31:00.004-05:00

After we cleaned up from serving dessert we did what Milbloggers do best.....we repaired to a bar for the AAR!!

We picked the bar in the hotel that Molly & Katy & Laughing Wolf were staying in - different rooms! Minds out of the gutter!

That was where I got the scoop on the plans for phase III of Cooking with the Wounded. Go read the details and you will be as excited as I am. This is going to be great!

Then I hopped in the rental car and followed Mary to Annapolis. Mary was very generously putting me up for the night. When we got close and started up and down some of the narrow, one-way street, I felt right at home.

Once I was parked in what I am sure was a coveted private parking space right in the historic downtown area - I called out "Hey! I'm back in Charlestown!" The area very strongly resembled the neighborhood around the Training Field or parts of downtown Newport. Very charming.

I was given a bedroom with lovely antique furniture and a waist high bed that had I had a few more drinks.....I wouldn't have been able to climb into, lol!

But I was able to climb on in....probably moments before I fell asleep on my feet!

You can donate to "Cooking with the Wounded" by following the link and donating online. Or you can mail a donation to -
Soldiers' Angels
Cooking with the Wounded
1792 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104
You can also join their group on FaceBook and help spread the word.

USS Constitution Renovations

2009-11-18T19:20:00.001-05:00

Bakers without Borders

2009-11-18T10:15:00.003-05:00

Picking up where we left off yesterday.

Saturday evening after we finished up with the cook-out and packed up ConcreteBob's truck....it was time for dessert. All afternoon Molly and Katy of Yellow Bowl Bakery had been tormenting us with descriptions of what they brought. Now let me be specific. When I say "brought", I mean what they pulled the extra seats out of their minivan, loaded it up and drove TEN hours to offer dessert to the wounded warriors of Malogne House and their families and the staff. It was quite the undertaking.

So we went inside and watched these two dynamos start churning out treats. Cakes and cupcakes were frosted on site. I mentioned to Mary it was like our own episode of "Cake Boss" but without the turmoil. Everyone was so happy and upbeat. Molly and Katy made it look easy and laughed and joked with people as they worked.

After a few moments of stunned silence Mary, Olga, Lisa and I shook ourselves and jumped in to help. We unwrapped blueberry oatmeal, pumpkin and Kentucky Bourbon pies - nearly twenty of them. We started cutting carrot cake and coconut sheet cake. There were chocolate chip cookies, brownies, little red velvet cupcakes with real butter cream frosting. Some people wandered in, overwhelmed by the sight. When anyone tried to take just one thing, I would admonish them to "Take a plate, we're going to load you up!". Mary was beside me cutting the "Texas sheet cake". We were curious, so Mary tried it....and she was hooked! I only needed to look at her face to know I wanted some too. After that we were pushing Texas sheet cake hard! You know it had to be awesome for someone from Boston to praise something named "Texas" anything!

Some people hesitated at the door and I would just yell over "Come on over here!" Believe me, it would have been a crime for anyone to miss this! There were little kids whose faces lit up when they saw the cookies and tiny cupcakes.

I tried to tell people I made it all, but Mary, Lisa and Olga kept correcting me and pointing out Katy & Molly.

Once the lines thinned out, we went and sat with some very happy people. In particular, I liked talking with Sam, a young man who has family in Massachusetts that he will be visiting for Thanksgiving.

ConcreteBob was filming and if you are his friend on Facebook, you can see a four minute video of the setup. In the video you see one of the carts that hotel bellmen use to move luggage.....it was full of empty bakery boxes. That's how much stuff these generous and thoughtful young ladies hauled in from Indiana.

Again I would refer you to LaughingWolf's great write-up at BlackFive.

I had such a good time hanging with my peeps, meeting people from blogs that I have known online, and meeting people at Malogne house. The wounded warriors, their families and caregivers were all so welcoming. It was embarrassing to be thanked. Seriously, it was our pleasure.

This was phase II of "Cooking With the Wounded" follow the link and read about phase I. Then you will want to help raise funds for phase III!!! I want to go!

Real Navy Chiefs

2009-11-18T09:57:00.002-05:00

Some fun from the AO Shack where they know IYAOYAS

Real Chiefs...

Real Chiefs think Ensigns should be seen and not heard and never ever be allowed to read books on leadership.

Real Chiefs don't own civilian clothes.

Real Chiefs have CPO Association Cards from their last five commands.

Real Chiefs don't remember life before they were a Chief.

Real Chiefs Wedding Proposal: "There will be a wedding at 1000 hours on 29 October, be there in whites with your gear packed because you will be a prime participant. "

Real Chiefs favorite national holiday is CPO Initiation.

Real Chiefs believe that in the Navy every day is a holiday, every meal is a feast, every payday is a lottery and every muster is a family reunion.

Real Chiefs favorite breakfast is shipboard SOS.

Real Chiefs don't know how to tell civilian time.

Real Chiefs call each other "Chief."

Real Chiefs greatest fear is signing for property book items.

Real Chiefs dream in Navy Blue, White, Haze Gray and occasionally khaki.

Real Chiefs have served on ships that are now war memorials or tourist attractions.

Real Chiefs get tears in their eyes when the "Chief" dies in the movie "Operation Pacific."

Real Chiefs don't like "Certified Navy Twill" (CNT's). "Wash khaki" is the ONLY thing out of which to make a uniform.

Real Chiefs can find their way to the CPO Club while blindfolded on fifteen different Navy bases.

Real Chiefs have pictures of past ships in their wallets.

Real Chiefs only own ink pens that have "Property U.S. Government" printed on them.

Real Chiefs never volunteer to get mandatory flu shots.

Real Chiefs have a permanent curl in their forefinger.

Real Chiefs don't order supplies, they swap for them.

Real Chiefs favorite quote is from the movie Ben Hur, "We keep you alive to serve this ship."

Real Chiefs think excessive modesty is their only fault.

Real Chiefs hate to write evaluations, except for their own.

Real Chiefs turn in a four page brag sheet for their evaluation.

Real Chiefs always say their last ship was their best ship.

Real Chiefs know that the black tar in their coffee cup makes the coffee taste better.

Real Chiefs are proudest when one of their former strikers makes Chief.

Real Chiefs idea of heaven: Three good PO1's and a Division Officer who does what he is told.

Real Chiefs think John Wayne would have made a good Chief if he had not gone soft and made Marine movies.

Real Chiefs use the term "Good Training" to describe any unpleasant task. Scraping the sides of the ship is "Good Training." Having to sleep on your sea bag in the parking lot because there was no room in the barracks is "Good Training."

Real Chiefs teach their children that the highest attainment in life should be in becoming a Chief.

Real Chiefs can never fathom why a Chief would even consider accepting a commission.

Real Chiefs think "Crepes and Quiche" are a gay Hollywood couple.

Real Chiefs rather hitchhike than own an imported automobile, truck or motorcycle.

Real Chiefs keep four sets of dress khaki uniforms in the closet in hopes they will come back.

Real Chiefs love their mothers mainly because she has a son or daughter in the Navy.

Real Chiefs believe that the only thing to make life more complete is if he/she had been born in a naval hospital.

Real Chiefs are always right and they know it. In the impossible hypothesis that a subordinate may be right, the former still applies.

Real Chiefs do not regard an officer's rank and title as the measure of his or her competence.

Real Chiefs are the only people who can make the title "Ensign" sound like a four letter word.

Real Chiefs are always "The Chief" - even in shower shoes and a towel.

Real Chiefs will tell you that they are always a part of the answer, never the problem.

Real Chiefs will always say, "Let me do it for you, Sir," and then promptly assign someone to do it.

Real Chiefs don't sleep; they rest.

Real Chiefs are never late; they are detained elsewhere.

Real Chiefs never leave work; their presence is required elsewhere.

Real Chiefs never eat sliders at mid rats.

Real Chiefs don't eat quiche, and they can't pronounce it or spell it.

Real Chiefs never read the newspaper in the mess; they study current events.

Real Chiefs play cut-throat Hearts, not Poker; and never, ever Bridge.

Real Chiefs never play a sport where the ball doesn't come back by itself (bowling - yes, golf - no, tennis - never).

Real Chiefs call their spouses WIFELANT or WIFEPAC, or CINCHOUSE or CINCFAM.

Real Chiefs are at sea when their kids are born. ["You have to be there to lay the keel but not to launch them."]

Real Chiefs always say, "Morning," never "Good morning," except when they are getting ready to get underway.

Real Chiefs never eat off of the ship. They know the best food is in the Chiefs' Mess.

Real Chiefs are hated by Supply Officers who take inventory after the Real Chief pays a social call.

Real Chiefs don't write in cursive, except for their paycheck signatures.

Real Chiefs think that the easiest day at sea is tougher than the worst day on shore duty.

Real Chiefs don't make coffee.

Real Chiefs know that you can never, ever, at any time, at any location, sea or shore, or under any circumstances, be allowed to run out of coffee.

Real Chiefs never wash out their coffee cups, rinse maybe, but never wash unless they know that it has been pissed in.

Real Chiefs have a coffee pot next to their desks with an intravenous tube running into their arms.

Real Chiefs have a Goat Locker.

Real Chiefs never vacation; every day on the ship is a vacation.

Real Chiefs think that "sensitivity" is a control knob on a radar or sonar console and that's all it is.

Real Chiefs have the heart of a little boy ... kept in a jar on the desk.

Real Chiefs' think that remote control is a PO1 on the other end of a walkie-talkie.

Real Chiefs know that you don't need a computer to sail a ship, especially when the power is out.

Real Chiefs think that a seven-course meal on liberty is a baked potato and a six-pack of beer.

Real Chiefs never go on liberty with their juniors; they conduct training sessions.

Real Chiefs never have wine on liberty; it better be brewed and it better be cold.

Real Chiefs can name at least fifteen bars in Hong Kong, but know that the best bars are across the bay in Kowloon.

Real Chiefs have tattoos; otherwise, how would they remember what a great time they had on liberty?

Real Chiefs have a "Zippo" that has been everywhere and still works.

Real Chiefs have tattoos on their forearms that would force them to keep their cuffs buttoned at a church picnic.

Real Chiefs take eighteen year-old idiots and hammer them into Sailors.

Real Chiefs know that the term "All hands" means "All hands."

Real Chiefs don't have to command respect; they get it because there is nothing else that you can give them.

Real Chiefs are expert at choosing descriptive adjectives and nouns, none of which their mothers would endorse.

Real Chiefs have rows of hard-earned, worn, and faded ribbons, but know that ribbons don't make you a Sailor.

Real Chiefs are matured like good whisky in steel hulls over many years.

Real Chiefs aren't the kind of guys you thank; monkeys in zoos don't spend a lot of time thanking the guy who makes them do tricks for peanuts.

Real Chiefs are the standard by which you measure all others.

Real Chiefs were educated at the other end of an anchor chain from Copenhagen to Singapore.

Real Chiefs never excuse being late, not helping a shipmate, or running out of coffee.

Real Chiefs never spill a drink.

Real Chiefs never drink and drive because you might hit a bump and spill a drink.

Real Chiefs never go to sick call.

Real Chiefs have to go out and bring everyone back.

Real Chiefs know that you never wrestle with a pig because you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.

Real Chiefs never argue with an idiot because people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Real Chiefs observe everything, but admire nothing.

Real Chiefs know that they will always get what they in-spect, not what they ex-pect.

Real Chiefs agreed with John Wayne when he said, "Life is tough! But it's tougher when you're stupid!"

Real Chiefs know that no sailor is completely worthless, because worst case, they serve as a good bad example.

Real Chiefs know that there's no help program like a self-help program.

Real Chiefs will tell you that, "If you are going to do something stupid, at least be smart about it."
Real Chiefs can write up anyone they want.

Real Chiefs are the ultimate paradox. On the one hand they don't give a crap, but on the other hand, Real Chiefs are very careful and precise.

Real Chiefs can find the best bar in any port by dead reckoning.

Real Chiefs paint their houses Navy Grey with their addresses taken from their favorite hull number.

Real Chiefs have a red and green buoy at the end of their driveways.

Real Chiefs eat lightning and crap thunder.

Real Chiefs consider a hurricane to be good sea trials.

Real Chiefs are the Navy.

Real Chiefs think that Ensigns, like diapers, should be changed often and for the same reason.

Real Chiefs know that once a job is fouled up, anything done to improve it only makes it worse.

Real Chiefs assume nothing is so simple that it cannot be misunderstood and they act accordingly.

Real Chiefs view land as a mere hazard to navigation.

Real Chiefs never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

Real Chiefs never take the advice of someone who has not had their kind of trouble.

Real Chiefs know that if it is stupid but works, it is not stupid.

Real chiefs will tell you that you can survive on charm for about 5 minutes, after that, you'd better know something.

Real Chiefs know that assumption is the mother of all screw-ups.

Real Chiefs never assume, they get the facts.

Real Chiefs do not confuse efforts with results.

Real Chiefs will give you three choices in any situation; change, accept, or leave the Navy.

Real Chiefs think multi-tasking is done in the shipyard head reading a newspaper.

Real Chiefs know that prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance.

Real Chiefs know that every part of the Chief's initiation is an important part of becoming a Chief and don't need to question it.

Real Chiefs know bull when listening to it, and are able to sell bull when spreading it

Annapolis Is My Kind Of Town!

2009-11-16T19:25:00.003-05:00

Are you surprised? You shouldn't be!

Seriously, it was a fabulous weekend. Just another reason to say I love flying by the seat of my pants. The whole thing was decided pretty much Friday afternoon.

Friday night I left home and drove to the hotel Priceline found for me in Wilmington Delaware. I had looked at the map and figured I had about 5 hours or so worth of driving time in me. I cut it closer than I thought because I was driving in and out of rain squalls. I got there at 4 am totally exhausted. When I got into the room, there was a moldy smell, but it wasn't the bed, so I didn't care! I had set the alarm for 9 am, but really couldn't move until 10 lol. the moldy smell turned out to be the shower curtain, so I left it closed and put a towel on the floor. Even though I was running late, I still strayed to the business center to check email and send out invitations to various people to "FIND ME" in DC/Annapolis.

Back on the road and headed for Walter Reed. ConcreteBob, Laughing Wolf and others were having a cookout at Malogne House and I was going to make an appearance......Princess Crabby-Scullery Wench. The DC area is like Boston, something is always under construction, so I was right at home! I made it by 1 pm.

Malogne House seems like a small hotel plunked down on the grounds of the enormous hospital complex that is Walter Reed. I walked through to the patio out back. there were several seating areas with large gas grills built into brick walls. They were furnished with nice heavy patio furniture and protected from the weather by sturdy tents. I saw LW & Bob talking with two young ladies in chef's whites. It was my pleasure to meet Katy & Molly of Baker's Without Borders - their part in the day will come later.

I got to meet Gunn Nutt who was ably manning (wo-manning?) the grills and churning out burgers and hot dogs. Bob had finished making chicken on the other grill with his famous BBQ sauce (that is never made with any Heinz products, lol) and was working on cooking yellow squash and onions.

At first the number of volunteers overwhelmed the guests they hoped to serve. But over the course of time, we got to feed quite a few people. Carter, Dayna and Lisa dished up burgers, dogs, chicken, beans, the aforementioned squash and onions, potato salad and other snacks.

Shortly after my arrival, Mary Ripley showed up and we were joined at the hip for the rest of my stay! More fun than I can tell you.

We got to meet Olga, whose comments at the Castle Argghhh!!! I have been reading for a while.

It was a dreary day, but the volunteers working the line and the cheerful people who came through the line made up for the less than stellar weather.

I guess they usually get a bigger crowd, but it turns out that quite a few people had hopped a charter to Vegas for the weekend. So we just made people eat more food and pack some to take with them!

Laughing Wolf has a great write-up at BlackFive.

Ok, next post - Bakers Without Borders!

A Weekend Adventure

2009-11-13T19:49:00.005-05:00

I'm off again for the weekend.

Heading to DC

I'll be in DC on Saturday.

I'll be in Annapolis Sunday.

Why Annapolis? Oh, I don't know................what could the attraction be?
******
Update 1030 14 NOV - I beat most of the rain coming up the East Coast by driving down to Wilmington Delaware last night. I got a last minute deal on Priceline for a DoubleTree in the downtown area. I called it perfectly, when I got off the exit I realized that I had hit my limit for driving. When I got into the room I smelled something moldy. It was 0400 so frankly when I realized it wasn't the bed....I didn't care, lol. It was the shower curtain, so I just left it pulled to the side and put the extra towel on the floor.

When the alarm went off I called ConcreteBob and said "I'm in Wilmington, Delaware...if I don't get up and shower I won't make it. Tell me to get out of bed."

Frankly, who knows what he said in that southern drawl, but I got up.

Showered, ready......heading out for the last leg to DC for my adventure with Bob and some others.

A Townie Responds to Complaints About Old Ironsides

2009-11-12T15:58:00.007-05:00

As noted in another post, some random couple who live in the Charlestown Navy Yard want some peace and quiet.

You see, they bought a condo smack dab in the middle of a historical site, in close proximity to a United States Navy commissioned warship. Not just any warship, mind you, but America's Ship of State - USS Constitution.

Like any commissioned ship in the United States Navy, the officers and crew carry out "Morning and Evening Colors" every day. Except that the Sailors of Old Ironsides do it better than any other crew (no offense to other ships I have been aboard, I love you all....but someone has to come first).

There have been several articles in the local newspapers and on the websites of local TV and radio stations. Comments in most places have been largely supportive of the ship and her crew. This is very gratifying. What has also been nice, is the fact that this support comes from both "Townies", Charlestown natives and "Toonies" people who have moved into our very insular neighborhood since gentrification began in the 70s.

One of the comments left in the article "Officers cool to softer Ironsides" was particularly funny for it's ribbing of the "Toonie" attitude.

A Townie response to the USS Constitution Cannon reverberation
After reading the recent article in the Boston Herald (Nov 7, 2009), concerning the sonorous cannon volleys of “Old Ironsides”, I have come to the conclusion that is time for the “Townies” (indigenous natives) to cut some slack toward the “TOONIES” (Newbies).

We must try to assuage the anguish of our Navy Yard gentry. The very thought of the magnificent U.S.S. Constitution disrupting a wine and cheese soiree by shattering their crystal goblets and Merlot bottles, unnerves me, as it should you.
The “TOONIES”, (we need these people), are richer, smarter and more sociable –just ask them--.
Yup, they’re the ones writing out a check in the express line at our local supermarkets or using their debit card to purchase a cup of coffee in a crowded donut shop.

They love to have their dogs do their business at town parks especially the parks with “No Dogs Allowed” signs displayed everywhere. These people are not selfish or elitists, “TOONIES” just have a different set of rules.

In light of recent complaints about cannon fire and halyards clanging against flagpoles at our “Fireman’s Park” on Bunker Hill Street, I would like to propose five suggestions to bring the “Townie” and “TOONIE” together.

1. We should dismantle the Bunker Hill Monument coarse by coarse and place it on the deck of Old Ironsides. This would be a “two-fer”, there would be about a 17’ foot overhang, but we could just push the extra granite blocks into Boston Harbor. This would allow for more sunshine and open space. We could use this area to start our own vineyard or perhaps an upscale soccer stadium – NO scoreboards Please ! A special “TOONIE Vote” would decide on the new location of the Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument.

2. Remove all the deceased in the ancient Phipps and Bunker Hill St. burial grounds. This space can welcome pet cemeteries, were love ones could gather on Sunday with a “Bloody Mary” and a Croissant.

3. Level the historic “Training Field” and start construction of a ten story “Starbucks” complex with the first floor dedicated as a day care center for future “Thurston Howells”.

4. Marshmallow Fluff should be smeared on all flag poles over five feet. The flag poles should also be surrounded by twenty feet of mulch to allay the clanging and soften the blow should these “staffs of honor” topple in bad weather.

5. Finally, all ball fields should be removed from the “Neck” and the “Oiley”. This land is much too valuable for athletics alone. We must develop these waterfronts for future ““TOONIES”” even as the Townie young are forced to head north up Rte 93 to search for affordable housing. “TOONIES”” and “Townies” can live together. History and tradition do not have to be adhered to.

I have to go now, there is a BMW car alarm screeching through my apartment. Oh God! It just cracked my domestic beer bottle.

A concerned Townie,
Fred Ezekiel
Charlestown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is just some gentle teasing. As I said many of the complaining couple's neighbors have expressed scorn for the whiners. Townies and Toonies alike have laughed at this ridiculous complaint. But as a Townie.....I had to laugh when the link came to my email with a note to my cousin Chrissie to "Make sure Diane sees this!" Thanks for the smile Zeke!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember - you can go here and sign a petition to show support for USS Constitution's officers and Sailors as they carry out this and other fine Navy traditions.

One Square Mile - continued

2009-11-12T10:24:00.002-05:00

The Boston Globe has published the companion piece for the video below.

Veteran tells ‘their stories’
by Kevin Cullen

Please click the link and read the story.

This is well deserved recognition for Bill Durette's tireless work. Charlestown owes Bill a debt of gratitude for preserving this history.

2009-11-11T14:35:00.001-05:00

One Square Mile

2009-11-11T14:30:00.004-05:00

The video in the post above goes with this post. But when I try to put them together, you can't view the video. So click on both, it won't kill you!

From today's Boston Globe - "One Square Mile”

This is a short video highlighting Charlestown's contribution to the war effort during WWII.
Bill Durette of the Charlestown Historical Society does a great job pulling together stories, people and artifacts to keep this important history available. This is also a good time to direct you to Bill's essay on Veteran's Day/Armistice Day from last year.

When George Kenneally is speaking at 1:45 to 1:49 in the vid you can see a pic of my Uncle Danny over his right shoulder.

Tomorrow the Globe will run a companion piece.

Abusing a Hero's Memory

2009-11-10T16:57:00.003-05:00

I am very unhappy with Norman Fulkerson.

Mr. Fulkerson has an agenda. That's fine, but he is dishonoring a hero's memory to achieve his goal.

And his timing is pretty poor, too.

Mr. Fulkerson's views are aired at the website "Tradition, Family and Property". I won't be linking. He is free to have these views and I am pleased to live in a country where he can exercise his right to free speech at that website.

However, Mr. Fulkerson has written a book about Col. John Ripley, USMC where he takes certain facts and twists them to forward his agenda. Now we are on the other side of a line.

This article outlines the family's concerns regarding Mr. Fulkerson subverting the memory of their father to his own end.

War hero's family calls book a 'dishonor'

Please read the article and consider spreading the word in email and blogs that this is one book that should not be on any bestsellers list.

Not the birthday gift appropriate for this day, is it?

Not mentioned in the article are the many odd things about Mr. Fulkerson's interactions with the family. These include his request to spend time in Col. & Mrs. Ripley's bedroom following the death of Mrs. Ripley this past September. He had additionally requested to view Mrs. Ripley, alone, in the funeral home after her passing. (Mr. Fulkerson & Mrs. Ripley never met.) He also asked the family that he be given Col. Ripley's Navy Cross that had been awarded for his actions at Dong Ha.

Mr. Fulkerson ignored the family when they pointed out an inaccuracy involving Col. Ripley's son's (John Michael Ripley) name. In my opinion, that was because accuracy is not a concern.

I feel we should do what we can to keep this man from capitalizing on the honored memory of Col. Ripley.

There are certainly better ways to remember this Marine, today on the birthday of the US Marince Corp.

Happy Birthday to the USMC!

2009-11-10T12:03:00.006-05:00

There is a great post over at USNI Blog that you shouldn't miss.

"Happy Birthday, Marines!" by UltimaRatioRegis ('The king's final argument')

And from a new Navy blog, "The Pressures of Time..." there is this -

"234th Marine Corps Birthday"

I was teasing one of my Sailors and I said "Did you kiss any Marines today? It's their birthday." He said he'd leave that to me. Then the conversation turned to the Fort Hood incident and I pointed out an excellent post, also by URR "Cowardice, Not Blindness"

"Dang! Who wrote that shit?" says the BMC. I explain that it is my Marine. "Give that Marine a little MORE than a kiss then."

USS Constitution - America's Ship of State!

2009-11-10T01:08:00.003-05:00

November 9, 2009

USS Constitution Designated America's Ship of State

CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD, Mass. -- On October 28, USS Constitution became America's Ship of State.

"USS Constitution's primary mission will remain education and public outreach, and any Ship of State functions will be an adjunct to the ship's primary mission," noted the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2010 in section 1022. "It is the sense of Congress that the President, Vice President, executive branch officials, and members of Congress should use the USS Constitution for the conducting of pertinent matters of state, such as hosting visiting heads of state, signing legislation relating to the armed forces, and signing maritime related treaties."

USS Constitution's 71st and current commanding officer, Cmdr. Timothy Cooper, could not be more excited about this law signed by President Barrack Obama, after the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the bill earlier in October.

"I am really proud - and humbled - to a part of this honor," Cooper said. "USS Constitution has always been the most visible reminder of the beginnings of our Navy. Now, USS Constitution is a visible reminder of America, and all that we stand for."

USS Constitution was launched into the Boston Harbor on October 21, 1797. In her years of active service, from 1798 - 1855, the three-masted wooden frigate fought in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Today, Old Ironsides' is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, has a permanent crew of 73 active duty U.S. Navy Sailors, and is visited by nearly half a million people every year.

The origins of Old Ironsides' status as America's Ship of State were in July of 1997, when then-Cmdr. Chris Melhuish, USS Constitution's 65th commanding officer had a vision for the future of the ship, shortly before he took command.

"The idea struck me after Cmdr. Michael Beck [USS Constitution's 64th commanding officer] challenged me to create my vision for the ship, following his vision, which was to sail the ship for the first time in 116 years, for USS Constitution's bicentennial."

The status of the ship had inherently changed after that historic sail, and USS Constitution should no longer be thought of as a pierside museum exhibit, recalled Melhuish, who retired at the rank of captain, in 2006.

"The best description of the ship was 'Ship of State,'" he said. "That was the vision, and then began the long process of translating that vision into a concept."

In October of 2006, he laid out that concept on paper, which was endorsed by the Congress of the Naval Order of the United States, and by Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.
Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy sponsored the bill in 2008, but it did not make final passage into the National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2009, which would take another year.

"The people of this country, through Congress, have done the right thing, which should have been done in 1815," said Melhuish, referring to a National Intelligencer article that appeared then.

"Let us keep 'Old Iron Sides' at home," the newspaper author opined, shortly after USS Constitution won a string of victories against her British adversaries in the War of 1812. "She has, literally, become a Nation's Ship, and should be preserved. Not as a 'sheer hulk in ordinary' (for she is no ordinary vessel); but, in honorable pomp as a glorious Monument of her own, and other Naval Victories."

"One hundred and ninety-four years later, we have recognized our greatest ship," Melhuish said. "I'm very, very happy about that."

To learn more about USS Constitution, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution.

My Saturday - LPD 21

2009-11-08T20:15:00.008-05:00

So I got up before dawn yesterday to be sure I was where I needed to be at 1100. The drive was an absolute breeze! The Intrepid Museum was incredibly easy to find and parking was a snap. I was in line at 0945. I must say, I was really impressed with myself.

There I was ready for the commissioning of USS New York LPD 21, the Navy's newest war ship.

I had a white ticket....next time I have to find out who has the prime color and fix my tickets, lol! I was directed to the building behind the ship where we watched the ceremony on big screen TVs. But it was all good because I was sitting with 9/11 families; Sailors who had been aboard USS New York's previous incarnation BB-34; and former crew members of the USS Intrepid.

I had some great conversations with people around me while we waited for the ceremony to start. There were a few texts with the Ogre as he tried to figure out where I was and how to get to me.

Then the ceremony began and I was reminded that I was in New York, big time! I was watching the different guests being introduced and appreciating the difference in the level of applause. Gov Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg got a polite amount. But Hillary got this buzz of excitement, especially from the two women in front of me and the woman beside me. I smothered a giggle (yeah, I know, I am an asshat). I gave props to all my Sailors...the CNO, the SECNAV and my friend VADM McCoy. Then someone who got universal love from this crowd....General James T. Conway Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps!

Hands down General Conway was the best and most moving speaker. I felt bad for Sec Mabus because he had to follow those remarks.

I enjoyed all aspects of this - setting the watch.....having Dotty England call on the crew to man our ship and bring her to life....the flyover.

Now this was the great part of being where we were, behind the ship, on the second floor. When the crew manned the ship, they were right in front of us outside the expansive glass along the entire wall.

The other plus of our spot was that immediately afterwards we were brought downstairs and allowed straight onto the ship.

It was a perfect day to be topside on the Navy's newest fight ship. There is nothing like walking around a Navy ship and having the crew proudly show her off.

I went everywhere I was allowed. That was the problem with losing the Ogre, I would have been brought to more places. LOL

But you know, the bigger thing for me is who I meet.

I met the CO. Is there anything more fun than shaking someone's hand on what is likely one of the best days of their lives? I congratulated him and thanked him for sharing his day and ship with us. Then I mentioned the Ogre and asked if he ran across him, to throw him off the ship. CAPT Jones laughed and said he would.

I enjoyed hearing the excitement in the voices of the crew members as they told little anecdotes about how New Yorkers were treating them when they were on liberty.

I spoke with family members of the crew and watched fathers give their children tours.

Of course, if I wasn't hanging, waiting for the Ogre to surface I would have missed a few things. Generally, I am not a "people-watcher". I am pretty oblivious most of the time, moving around in my own little bubble. But there hit a point yesterday where I just had to stand still. All that climbing, coupled with no sensible meals.....lol, tea and a donut at 6 am doesn't really last through the whole day of running around New York and USS New York.

So I was standing near the place people were entering the ship. The crowd was thinning. Tours were scheduled to end at 1600 and this was just before. And on comes six FDNY jakes in various working uniforms. There had been a heavy FDNY presence all day, but they were in dress uniforms.

Well, I temporarily overcame my extremely shy nature and went up and introduced myself. I told them that there was some debate out there as to whether or not a warship was the best use of the 7.5 tons of steel recovered from ground zero. I absolutely loved the response! Slightly belligerent - "Of course it's a good use! What else would you do with it?"

There was something about watching those guys standing there, hands on hips, surveying the scene. Something immensely satisfying about their approval. It was a variation on this pic playing out in front of me.

Brady, Rob, Hollywood.....it was my absolute pleasure to have met you yesterday.

To the person who got me the ticket, thank you for a really wonderful day. Someone asked how I came to drive down from Boston for this. I explained that someone in the Navy thought I was someone....and that I really wasn't, but I wasn't going to let on because this stuff was too good to miss!

Sometimes, I Could Just Explode

2009-11-08T16:14:00.004-05:00

***UPDATE*****Go here and sign a petition to express your support for Old Ironsides, her officers and her Sailors. There is also a spot to leave a personal comment. Be nice! I was (it only hurt a little)*****
I want to take these people and shake them and say "Really? You really think anyone should listen to you?"

Perhaps this is why I was not on the short list of people suggested to the CNO to handle this matter?

It seems there are a few very selfish people living in the condos near USS Constitution.
‘More disruptive ... than you might have imagined’
From the article -

“We offer a few ideas for consideration:
A reduction in the size of the battery charge would help.
In the morning, a reduction in the National Anthem volume would help.
On Sat and Sun, would you be open to eliminating or delaying the morning salute to say 9am?
As a final note, we had guests . . . and let them know to expect the morning salute. Nonetheless, they were very startled by the volume and concussion of the salute ceremony.”

Seriously?

Fortunately, it appears that this couple is among a teeny-tiny minority

"Charlestown residents make noise over cannon protests"
My friend and fellow Townie, CDR Gillen, former commanding officer of USS Constitution puts it in perspective and shrugs them off with a laugh. He also raises my point in this -

“It’s stirring up a hornet’s nest. Just think of the uproar there will be if they stop, and all the people who are patriotic and concerned will be fuming,” he said.

You know it Bob!!

Honestly the Navy knew what they were doing when they sent the unflappable CDR Cooper to handle this instead of me. Bravo Zulu Tim and as they say "God love ya!!"

Tone down the National Anthem??? All I can do it shake my head and take solace in the fact that most commenters to the articles in the Herald & the Globe laugh at these people.

Lessons Learned - LPD 21 Version

2009-11-07T22:29:00.003-05:00

I have a ton to blog about.....but I am wiped out from the driving. So we'll just have a quickie.

Every adventure has a lesson(s) learned. Today's was -

NEVER LET GO OF THE OGRE ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS ON HIM!!!!!

The Ogre - an uber SWO and SailorBob fav - built LPD21 down there in Avondale. I was thrilled that I would get to see him. I called when I was at the ship and left voice mail - "I'm here! Find me!"

We exchanged a few texts prior to the ceremony while he tried to figure out where I was. Afterwards as we filed out of the building he called "Where are you at?" I need an interpreter for these calls! I looked around and said "Baby, I don't know where I am!" Then people in the line explained which building and where we would be on the pier when we turned the corner.

Well....he found me. He looked so handsome all dressed up! So we stood there hugging each other, I was so excited. He told me he had to find one of his bosses - Sugarman? LOL, I don't know. I said I'd be in line and on the ship....

Then he was gone!

I wasn't thinking, I should have said I'd go with him. He ended up leading some super tour. I asked around and everyone I talked to knew just who he was - but I was always one step behind. It was like a scavenger hunt.

Then the damn NG people whisked him off to some impromptu meeting. I was tempted to demand his room key and go to his hotel for a nap and try to meet for dinner. But I was too tired.

Now there will be a list of demands for the next christening/commissioning he is involved in.

So that was my lesson learned....once he grabs my hand, I should never let go!

USS New York (LPD 21)

2009-11-06T20:32:00.002-05:00

I have to be up very early tomorrow to head down to New York. I thought about going tonight, but my plans got away from me (yeah, yeah what a surprise).

As we say here in Boston "It's no word of a lie that I am wicked excited."

Despite telling me several times that he was not going, I found out today that the Ogre is already in New York. So I will try to hook up with him once I get there.

I'm not completely sure where I am going or where I am going to park....so I really, really want to find the Ogre and make myself his responsibility.

You can watch the festivites on FoxNews. For more info on the commissioning go here.

More Support for #TeamNavy Project Valour-IT

2009-11-05T11:22:00.002-05:00

Small Wars Journal has crossed over to help Team Navy

"Now Hear This..."
Posted by SWJ Editors on November 5, 2009 11:00 AM

We really, really, try to avoid inter-service rivalries but will make an exception in this one case – because it is for a really good and noble cause, we were asked to help out Team Navy and we like underdogs. Via e-mail from Project Valour-IT shipmate Maggie......

Thank you, I appreciate this very much!

OK....you're reading this....what are you going to do??
Go here and donate to Team Navy for this great cause. Then email this to all your family and friends!