The dream was given form and fire on April 12, 1981 with the launch of STS-1, the world’s first reusable spaceplane — the Shuttle Columbia. At the controls were a crew of only two, Astronauts John W. Young, commander for the mission, and Robert Crippen (both Naval Aviators) for this first “test flight” which would…
More from Norman Polmar on the USNI: THE NAVAL INSTITUTE IN CRISIS Dear Friends and Colleagues, As you know, the Board of Directors–for now–has withdrawn the proposed change to the mission statement that would have made the Naval Institute an advocacy organization. Unfortunately, the battle is not over. The majority of the Board still seeks…
There is a saying in politics that if you really want to find out what is going on, follow the money. The current Chairman of the USNI Board of Directors has cited the need for the Institute to gain financial stability as the prime motivator behind their actions leading up to the mission change. Following…
As explained by an industry leader: The Fukushima Daiishi Incident h/t: “a nuke” (self-described…)
Announcing the 137th Annual Meeting of the US Naval Institute: More than ever we need you there, in person, at the meeting. I’m going and have registered – registration is free (but required) for USNI members. See you there. w/r, SJS P.S. Don’t forget to vote – while the Board of Directors may have stated…
Today’s post comes by way of AT1 Charles Berlemann, Jr. Currently assigned to VAQ-135 (World Famous Back Ravens), he enlisted in 1998 and has made five deployments (see “Postcards from Deployment”). Interested since 1995 (Charles calls himself an “unofficial member), he joined the Institute in 1999. We have maintained correspondence for a few years now…
Guest post tonight folks from CDR Turk; read, think, write – debate. See also the Navy Times article, our work is far from over. Keep the faith – SJS The revolt of the USNI members against the ballot initiative to change the mission statement of the Institute has had an effect. It is interesting to…
Folks that have been following these postings for the past half-decade have pretty well figured I’m old school about a few lot (everything if you ask the scriblets… – SJS) of things like Planes Cars and firearms Well, today was a little more old school as we took the M1 to the range for…
From the official announcement: In a special meeting on March 17, the Institute’s Board of Directors agreed unanimously to delay any change in the Institute’s mission statement whatever the outcome of the balloting. The Directors agreed that a wide-ranging and fully open debate led by the membership will provide the guidance needed to shape any…
In the beginning there were the following offerings: – From Europe: Dassault Rafale (France), Saab Gripen (Sweden) and Eurofighter Typhoon (EnglandUK/Germany) – From Russia: Mikoyan MiG-35 – From the US: Lockheed-Martin F-16IN and Boeing F/A-18E/F (initially not invited but still bid by Boeing) 126 aircraft – 18 initial direct purchase, the remainder local manufacture under…
