“We claim this hallowed ground for peace and for healing. We claim it in affirmation of our strongest belief as a people: that every life is precious.” – Robert S. Gates, Sept 11, 2008 An unbelievable and memorable day – and those words hardly do justice. I was there for the re-dedication ceremony of the…
Some number of years ago I had the honor of making the acquaintance of a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. A young seaman then stationed on the battleship Nevada, he related his story, his memories. And as he talked about the aching beauty of that peaceful Sunday morning – of standing at quarters…
“I’ll take ‘Space’ for $100B Alex” “Russia, South Ossetia, Georgia and the ISS.” “What is – How the US could find itself locked out of the ISS after 2010 Alex” Russia’s invasion and occupation of South Ossetia could have far reaching effects off world. In a scenario strikingly reminiscent of the movie, 2010, increased tensions…
So Hanna arrived and dumped 12+ inches in a little over 8 hours: We’re under one of the red spots…(wx station at nearby school reporting 26.8″ – can’t be right…) Between rain bands… The Good: Didn’t have to mow the lawn Half the SJS fleet got a brushless car wash PMS for 7-year old sump…
Since the program began, Aegis BMD has been concentrated on the West Coast and with the FDNF. Now, however, two more ships – this time on the East Coast, have undergone the modifications and one, the USS RAMAGE (DDG 61) has begun a deployment with the SM-3 Blk1a missile onboard (full article here): “She is loaded,”…
Those of us who spent anytime in Hampton Roads became intimately familiar with the “joys” of two significant landmarks – the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the more recent cousin, the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel. The HRBT, as it is called in polite company, is the link from Norfolk to the Peninsula, unless, of course,…
The mid-1950’s were a fascinating time in aircraft development in the US. The famous “Century Series” was well underway with participation by almost all of America’s premiere aircraft manufacturers, a series of X-planes were pushing the boundaries at a remote desert lake-bed only recently renamed for one aviator who gave his life while testing a…
Blasting, billowing, bursting forth With the power of ten    billion butterfly sneezes Man with his flaming pyre Has conquered the wayward breezes Climbing to tranquility Far above the cloud Conceiving the heavens Clear of misty shroud… – Moody Blues, Higher and Higher Growing up we were insatiable in our appetite for anything related to…
Red Flag has always been a varsity exercise and in recent years, it has seen increased participation from allies and friends. This year has been no exception with Brazil (F-5s), Sweden (JAS-39 Grippens), France (Rafales) and Turkey F-16s) among the many participants. This was in addition to the usual USAF, USN and USMC participants. Notable…
First, the official press release: Missing WWII Pilot Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 2nd Lt. Howard C. Enoch…
