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08/23/2006: "Show Some Pride!"

I was fortunate enough to have been born between wars - too young for Viet Nam, too old for Iraq - so I never had to face the prospect of military service. I've always had a great respect for anyone who serves the flag, particularly those who voluntarily choose to serve. As someone who has spent a lot of years on the water, and have seen a lot of naval vessels up close and personal, I have a particular fondness for our Navy.

Recently, I saw a picture of the carrier Kitty Hawk posted in a military newsgroup and was amazed to see the poor condition of the ship. I understand that 63 is an aging ship, and that we're at war, but it was disappointing to see this much rust (click on the pic to see what I mean). Hell, they're not even in a war zone ...

The Navy has always depended on discipline for its success. Many times, technology has been declined in favor of a well-disciplined crew, since that's something you can count on in a fight. Now I realize we're only talking about ship maintenance here, but discipline is discipline. Many generations of naval personnel learned the concept of discipline at the business end of a mop (hence the nickname "swabbie") or a paint brush. If this most basic of tasks is allowed to slip by the officer corps, what else is slipping? If nothing else, the crew should have a little more basic respect for the tools upon which they depend for their safe return home.

C'mon fellas - break out the scrapers and brushes and make the old girl proud!

Replies: 1 Comment

On Wednesday, August 30th, Tony Grey said:

After having gone to sea for years on many steel hull vessels, you should be proud it doesnt look a hundred times worse. For a 63 year old ship it looks really good. To make that carrier look any better than it already does would be alot more complicated than you realize, and it would take the vessel out of commission while it was being worked on. I think you have a little more basic respect for the people who are in charge of the "tools" which they depend on to defend this nation. I know the sailors on that carrier wouldnt be to happy with you if they heard you say. Next time the vessel is in port you should go talk with them about your concern for the astetic condition of the carrier, or volunteer to help with the upkeep. Then you will realize how rediculous of a blog that was. You obviuosly are a yuppy private boater.