Speaking of the Mexican Navy -

We weren't the first or only group to set their sights on the USS John Rodgers to bring her home to the US.

There are several reasons why Ward and Beauchamp Tower Corporation were successful. One of the things I owe you is the story of how that all came about.

But two of the key things that convinced the Mexicans that we were serious was our willingness to spend the money, in travel and in prep (The trip down there had to have cost $15K, at least, and that was the second trip Ward has made) *and* perhaps most importantly, our intent to highlight the Rodgers' service to Mexico as the Cuitlahuac.

And when we showed up - with the documentary film crew - they had confidence that we were not just blowing smoke to get the ship.

Here's a shot of the film crew, Rob Harshbarger on the far left and John Nowak on the far right. They're setting up for one of the interviews we did with the Mexican sailors.

While they were doing that, I went up on the foredeck of the Quetzalcoatl/Voegelgesang and took what is one of my favorite shots of the Cuitlahuac/Rodgers.

I admit, there were times when it was damn hot and I was approaching muscle failure from schlepping heavy stuff around - but one had only to walk to the bow and look forward to see why we were there.

To keep the Rodgers from looking like this.

Or being a reef. Though I guess burial at sea is a good end for a warship...