USS Mason Is Navy's Newest Destroyer Destroyer To Sail Into Port Canaveral

www.local6.com ^ | Posted: 5:40 a.m. EST April 3, 2003 | www.local6.com

[Tank-FL]

The USS Mason, the Navy's newest ship, will cruise into port past Jetty Park in what will likely be the public's best opportunity to see the vessel, according to WKMG News partner Florida Today.

** More than 4,000 people have been invited to the ceremony, among them legislative and civic leaders. The private event will be held April 12 at the Navy's Trident Pier at Port Canaveral, across the channel from Jetty Park. It is not open to the public.

[Tank-FL]

I wish I had a ticket to this event..

[billorites]

As in Jackie Mason?

[Mr. Lucky]

I'm guessing this vessel is doubly destructive.

[bmwcyle]

[pabianice]

Shot from foc'sle:

[PMCarey]

A destroyer destroyer? This will no doubt lead to a furthering of the arms race as the enemy develops a destroyer destroyer destroyer.

[skeeter]

Haze grey & underway.

[Tank-FL]

I gues you can't have two line titles?

[namsman]

A fine, distinguished and appropriate name.

See: http://www.mason.navy.mil/

[rmlew]

Nice ship. The Arleigh Burke Flight IIA's are practically Tico VLS cruisers.
However, I'm concerned that they lack the Phalanx CIWS system.

[Darksheare]

That's a little too brand new for my tastes.
It still has that 'packing crate' look to it, and the 'new ship' smell.
That, and the first crew is going to cry really hard when they get transferred off to another ship...
Plankowners and all that...

[battlegearboat]

It looks like gear adrift in that picture.

[Darksheare]

Looks like she was near completion, or newly completed and they hadn't yet cleared the decks of tackle.
I do have to admit, Arleigh Burkes are fine looking ships...

[rmlew]

Too bad they cost so much.

[Darksheare]

*Wide eyes, nodding affirmatively*
Yeah.
That they do.

[rmlew]

It seems to me that we might want to have a mix of ships including a slightly less capable (but cheaper) F100
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/nansen.htm
Or build a replacement for the OH Perry class with land attack capabilities.

[Darksheare]

That would be smart.
But..
Our frigates are in need of upgrading, as well as some replacement (OHP class. As you mentioned.)
And we do need a cruiser replacement for the Ticonderogas.
They're getting up there in years.
As are the Spruance DD's.

But, the Clinton controlled congress killed all development.
As did every Democrat controlled congress before them.
It was lucky that the SSN21 class boats got built, as well as the Arleigh Burkes.

[LibKill]

Go Navy!