Posted on 09/16/2005 10:33:08 AM PDT by Jeff Head
Note: Click on any of the pictures in this report for a larger image.
Over the 2005 Labor Day weekend we drove from Idaho to Bremerton, WA to visit my daughter and son-in-law (active duty US Navy) and our two grandsons. A secondary reason was to take a look at the US Navy reserve fleet there in Bremerton and to see any current US Navy vessels in the yards.
The trip over was very beautiful and pleasant. There is a lot of very beuatiful scenary between Idaho and Washington. Here are some pictures of some of that scenary.
Once we arrived in Bremerton, we greated and spent time with our daughter and her family, including the birthday celebration of our four year-old grandson.
We were able to spend a good deal of time down by the water, which is somethiong I always enjoy. Here are some good views across the Sound to Seattle...which is just about close enough for yours truly.
Now, for the principle reason and point of this post. There in Bremerton, to the west of the Naval Shipyards, is the anchorage for the component of the reserve fleet harbored there. The ships are older, but still very modern and capable by the rest of the world standards. Here are some pictures I got of those naval ships...awaiting faithful service if ever required.
The US Naval reserve fleet there in Bremerton represents several frigates and destroyers, an AEGIS cruiser, three full deck aircraft carriers, and several amphibious and support ships. Those ships alone, if in service, would be more powerful by themselves than the naval capabilities of over 90% of the other nations in the world. The United States maintains a significant number of such anchorages for reserve fleets around the United States. Many of those ships are in mobilizaton category B status, meaning they are mothballed for reactivation in times of crisis. Others are awaiting disposal and categorization, either for sale to foreign allies, foru use in naval exercises, or awaiting scrapping. .
On this trip, as an added bonus, we were able to observe two US Navy front line vessels, the USS John Stennis and USS Ohio, in port undergoing maintenance and significant upgrades and refit at the Bremerton Naval shiptards. I got several pictures of them and here are a couple.
Thanks for taking the time to share this family trip with us, and the pride we have in the UNited States military and the loyal men and woman who works so hard to defend our liberty and the fundamental moral values that define our way of life, and all of those who give so much of themselves to maintain and serve that cause.
Jeff Head
Idaho, USA
Author of the THE RISING SEA DRAGON IN ASIA
I need about two weeks in such a place. Next trip...I am told I will get a couple of personal tours on board active front line naval vessels.
FYI. It was a great trip.
I made the same trip to Bremerton some time ago too. Odd to see a carrier mothballed with an aircraft still on the deck.
Glad you had a nice trip here to WA!
Awesome pics. Looks like a great trip!
That's awesome. Truly wonderful. I personally volunteer on refurbishing and maintaining the USS Texas (BB-35) Museum ship. She's old, but still incredible to learn about. I can only IMAGINE what the Bremerton fleet is like, in comparison.
Thank you oh so very much for sharing this with us and "taking us there" through pictures as well! You have a mighty fine family, my friend!
Those SSGNs are going to be powerful platforms. The Ohio is about to put to sea and I believe the Florida is right on her heels...and will even be fully commissioned as such prior to the Ohio.
Great report, Grampa.
Reports like this age. Ships that were coming on line or just in the fleet are now in the Reserve.
It was interesting and I was surprised to see it when I downloaded the pic off my digital camera and examined it in full resolution. That was why I pointed it out. I have no idea why it is on deck.
Great pictures! Keep us posted on your return trip and personal tours.
Dang! You should have let the Puget Sound chapter in on your trip. We could have said hi. Hard to believe that an AEGIS cruiser like the Vincennes is mothballed.
It was a great trip. Most wondeful to see the daugter, her hubby and the grandkids...but made all the better by the beautiful weather and the clear view of those marvelous ships.
Awesome!
As a child, I made many visits to the Battleship Texas. I was raised in the country northwest of Denton (which is north of Dallas) but my grandparents and other relatives on my Mom's side lived in and around Houston so we made a lot of trips down there.
You are very welcome AG...and thanks for the compliment regarding the family. They sure more than make up for whatever I lack.
These can't be real. It's not raining. ; )
(It's beautiful here, yes...infested with leftists, but physically beautiful nonetheless.)
Yep...I know exactly how you feel. But they (particularly those carriers) are still very capable and I am glad they are there. I fear we may need them to hold the line and bridge the gap should things go south with Red China.
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