Free Republic

On its mission to field a 355 ship fleet, the US Navy has been looking at what it has in storage to help make that goal a reality. Even the carrier USS Kitty Hawk has been put forward as a possible candidate for regeneration, although the reality of what it would take to truly make such an endeavor successful puts it firmly in the unlikely category. But the seven Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates now sitting in mothballs tell another story. Now Secretary of Navy Richard Spencer is saying these ships could be regenerated very cheaply and without any major...

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Obama administration is buying into an ambitious health care initiative in Oregon, announcing Thursday that it's tentatively agreed to chip in $1.9 billion over five years to help get the program off the ground. Oregon hopes to prove that states can save billions on Medicaid without sacrificing the quality of health care. Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber's plan would invest in preventive care to keep patients healthy so they don't need expensive hospitalizations.

Taiwan plans to buy 'four warships from US' Taiwan plans to purchase four warships from the United States as part of the island's efforts to modernise its forces and offset the perceived military threat from China, local media reported on Sunday. The defence ministry briefed President Ma Ying-jeou on the proposed arms deal during a meeting last month and is prepared to set aside the budget next year, the United Daily News said, without specifying the cost. The ministry declined to comment on the report. If finalised, the arms deal will increase to 12 the total number of such warships...

Navy enters twilight era of its once famous frigates By Gary Robbins Originally published 1:22 p.m., June 8, 2011 When it first took to the seas in the late 18th century, the U.S. Navy sailed frigates that became famous for their speed and maneuverability, and for the cunning of their commanders. More than two centuries later, the commanders are just as cunning. But the modern Navy is steadily phasing out the last of its frigates to make room for littoral combat ships, a new type of vessel designed to be faster and more versatile than the ships it will replace....

Former U.S. Naval Ship Sails to its New Homeport in Pakistan (Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued March 25, 2011) The Pakistani warship, the PNS Alamgir, officially departed from Naval Station Mayport after several months of refurbishment and the training of its personnel on 21 March. It is scheduled to arrive at its home port in Karachi, Pakistan 53 days from now. The PNS Alamgir started its life as the USS McInerney (FFG-8), an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate. Pakistan acquired it from the U.S. under the Department of Defense Excess Defense Articles program because the U.S. Navy planned...

Salem, OR (LifeNews.com) -- The number of assisted suicides in Oregon has increased 30 percent in the last two years and euthanasia activists themselves may have provided the reasons why. It appears members of Compassion & Choices have infiltrated the hospice system and are urging patients to kill themselves.LifeNews.com reported on the increase earlier this month, but a Compassion & Choice press release last week provided an interesting take on the report.The group said that "nearly 100% of terminally ill individuals using the law in 2008 were enrolled in hospice.""Hospice enrollment among those using the Act increased to 98%,...

A memorial illustration for Trooper Steven R. Smith of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.