Posted on 03/20/2003 12:46:07 AM PST by Mr. Silverback
This thread is in tribute to the ships of the US Navy and the pilots of my beloved United States Air Force who fired the first shots in The War of Iraqi Liberation.
USS Cowpens
Cowpens is an Ticonderoga Class Aegis Cruiser. She is named after a battle in which only 300 colonials defeated a much larger and better trained force of British troops in the Revolutionary War. Her motto is "Victory Vindicates Liberty."
USS Bunker Hill
The Bunker Hill is also a Tico cruiser. 
As you can see, they've done this sort of thing before.
USS Milius
This Arleigh Burke destroyer is named for a Captain who stayed at the controls of an OP-2E Recon Neptune as it went down in flames, ensuring the crew would have a chance to bail out. This saved eight lives and he was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his valor. This act of self-sacrifice inspired the ship's motto: "Others Before Myself"
USS Donald Cook
The Cook is named for a Marine who distinguished himself with numerous brave acts after being captured by the enemy during the Viet Nam War. The ship's motto, "Faith Without Fear", is a tribute to Cook's faith in his God and country, and the courage they inspired in him. Colonel Cook was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
Looks like they share my love of the mailed fist!
USS Cheyenne
Cheyenne is a Los Angeles Class attack sub, named for the capital of Wyoming.
USS Montpelier
Another Los Angeles sub, named for the lovely capital of Vermont.
And last, but not least...
F-117A Nighthawks
It has been confirmed by Fox News that laser-guided 2000lb bombs were used in the "decapitation" strike earlier tonight.
Could this be the very "pickle" we tried to drop on Saddam's crotch? (just kidding, it's a training bomb)
Saddam to one of his staff members: "That's funny...do you hear a whistling sound?"
Smooth kills, courtesy of your United States Air Force.
Coincidentally, this ship was named for a Revolutionary War battle very loosely portrayed in the movie "The Patriot."
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