Free Republic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Austin (LPD 4) was decommissioned Sept. 27, during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, ending more than 41 years of naval service. “We are one of the oldest, best ships in the fleet and its time to turn over the watch,” said Cmdr. Kevin Flanagan, Austin’s commanding officer. Commissioned Feb. 6, 1965, Austin was the first LPD class ship built, and the lead ship in its class. The ship was involved in the nation’s space program as the recovery ship for Apollo 12, and part of the recovery for Apollo 14...

With all of the hubbub about President Bush's National Guard service, where is the outcry for Kerry to sign SF-180 to authorize the release of ALL of his records? The news media has given Kerry a pass of incredible proportions. As the prospective Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces, I think that it is high time to really see ALL of Kerry's Official service record. I want to see his OERs (not OETRs). I want to see his complete medical records. I want to know what actions the US military took subsequent to his 1971 testimony - since...