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Posted on 08/28/2004 1:10:35 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Navy's Newest Destroyer, Named for Submarine Hero, Commissioned With Crew That Includes Descendent The Associated Press
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) - The Navy's newest destroyer, named for the late Vice Adm. Charles "Swede" Momsen, was commissioned Saturday with an inaugural crew that includes the submarine and diving pioneer's great-great grandson. Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Hailey enlisted three years ago after learning a ship was going to be named for his great-great grandfather, who led the daring rescue of 33 men trapped aboard the sunken submarine USS Squalus 65 years ago.
The Navy offered Hailey no promises, but he was assigned to the crew in October 2002 while the ship was under construction. The ship is due in its home port in Everett, Wash., in October.
Aboard the USS Momsen, Hailey is a weapons system computer technician. Given his family ties, he was assigned to gather photos that hang aboard the ship to commemorate Momsen and brief new crew members.
Hailey, 30, never met Momsen, who died in 1967. He said he admires his forebear, but does not try to follow exactly in his footsteps.
"Sometimes people say, 'Would Charles Momsen do that?' " Hailey told The News Herald of Panama City. "Well, I'm not him. I have to find a balance between being his (great-great) grandson and being myself."
Momsen developed the "Momsen Lung," a breathing device
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.tbo.com ...
I heartily approve! I read "The terrrible hours" and it was awe inspiring. A movie needs to made of these exploits if it hasn't already.
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