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
Wilco.
Wonderful pix, Jeff! Thank you so much for posting them, and sharing your experiences with us!
It was one of the first few that never got the VLS cells. Still extremely capable and I am glad it is there and ready should the need arise.
Yes it was.
My bad on contacting you folks. I will do so nexct time we make the trip. Sorry I didn't do so this time.
Thank you for taking the time to look at the thread BP. It was my pleasure. Really a great trip...just needed more time!
That's the Ohio SSGN! With the added capability of embarking two SEAL teams.
"Tom Clancy, in his first non-fiction book Submarine, invisioned a scenario of a submarine-launched Tomahawk missile attack on Iranian military targets. These missiles were launched by two VLS-equipped (Vertical Launch System) Los Angeles class attack subs. In their VLS tubes, these subs can only carry 12 missiles (I belive each sub also launched Tomahawks from their torpedo tubes). Now imagine one platform capable of launching nearly 13 times the VLS capability of each sub!"
With exception of the Carter/Clintoon years, increasing the destructive firepower potential of each ship has been a US Navy goal for 4 decades.
Good for you, keep her battle ready! I actually think the Ohios should be brought back, even an aircraft carrier can't deliver the ordnance that a battleship can.
See my post 24. I feel similarly about all the Spruance class ships that have been decommmissioned. They are still world class and very capable, 15 or more years of service life left in them. We have already scrapped or sunk (in naval exercises) quite a few of those.
Yeah, I can't believe my old Adams class, the Barney DDG-6, is not ready to roll out and serve. I mean it's keel was laid just like yesterday or something. What was it, '59? haha. I think the Germans still have one in service.
So that is where they put the Indy. I was stationed onboard her from 82-84. We were a workhorse and the JFK got all the credit/news.
Very pretty pics. Mrs. Head is easy on the eyes too.
Good to see pics of the USS Ranger. Spent 2 years onboard her, in the MarDet. Grand ole ship. Looks like she is still in good shape.
I see from your pictures you got up to the rainforest area on the penninsula. My father lives in Sequim, which is such a nice place.
Thanks for posting. I was stationed there on the Bainbridge CGN-25 back in the late 70's. In the morning I would drive in the dark and fog and as I approaced the base the mothballed battleships New Jersey and Missouri would start looming up with just a few standing lights showing. I always got a chill and still think it was one of the most beautiful vistas I have ever seen.
There were several WWII vintage aircraft carriers there. I remember that one of them had trees growing on the flight deck.
Thanks for the report and the pics. My cousin from Lemoore is visiting next weekend. He'll be heading out come early next year on his 5th tour.
I live in Poulsbo, about 20 miles north of Bremerton. Too bad you didn't get to see the Trident Missle base which is about 1 mile west of here on the Hood Canal. Lots of submarines and missles to shoot at bad guys. I didn't see if you also got to see Keyport, which is about 3 miles south of here. It's where all the topedos are maintained etc and has a excellent Underwater Warfare Museum(I am told), guess I should get out and see the sites myself
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