We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:50:31 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2012 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Or how a retired artilleryman found himself traveling to Mexico to help repatriate a US WWII Fletcher-class destroyer back to the United States. "In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth." No, that's going a bit *too* far back I think. This is a blog post, not a Bill Whittle essay. Hmmmm. So, what do Jonah Goldberg, torpedoes, Destroyers, Mexico, and I have in common? During the March Upcountry, the campaign was being followed on the National Review Online blog, "The Corner," a blog started by Jonah. I was emailing Jonah comments and observations on what was going... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html Mon, 24 Jul 2006 12:14:48 -0600 Damn the torpedoes! Four bells!! p. 356 The Compact History of the Civil War, COL R. Ernest Dupuy and COL Trevor N. Dupuy, US Army (RET) ISBN 0-446-39432-7 1993 softcover edition Dunno if SE Morison ever wrote about the Battle of Mobile Bay. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48443 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48443 Sat, 29 Jul 2006 03:05:32 -0600 The Crimson Permanent Insurance!]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48384 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48384 Thu, 27 Jul 2006 19:03:39 -0600 I believe Farragut's actual wording was "Disregard the torpedo's, full flank speed'. Which is fun to mutter in a business meeting, because you can be relatively sure no one will have a clue what you just said. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48363 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48363 Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:01:55 -0600 Welcome to Mobile. I represent Ross Maritime / Albatross Maritime, the ship agent for the LST 325 and her arrival into Mobile. If I can be of assistance, please contact me. My office is located on the Alabama State Docks. Carl Black tel 251 432 1611 agency@rossmaritimeusa.com http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48327 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48327 Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:43:13 -0600 Well, another WWII ship sails into Mobile! Last one was the LST 325 on Jan 10, 2001 (currently homeported in Evansville, IN). Mobile is a great town for welcoming these old ships and will treat you right for the duration of your stay (the LST 325 called Mobile home from 2001 to October, 2005). Just don't let Bender Shipyard work on the Rodgers (unless you check their work at the end of every shift). Welcome back to the states USS John Rodgers!! -- Crewmember USS LST 325 Ship Memorial http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48302 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48302 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:36:39 -0600 Well, now I wish I'd thought to bring one... mebbe one of the vets will bring one out for when we bring her into port... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48301 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48301 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:24:07 -0600 Ohh Any bets on there being a picture of that DD flying the JOLLY rodger? I wants one I do .... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48300 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48300 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:08:22 -0600 I want to see the picture of that DD as the 'JOLLY RODGER' flying the skull and crossbones...... and don't EVEN try to tell me someone didn't think of it and hide a few pictures of such on the high seas... On a related note.. what do you think of US privateers (ie Corp money) bounty hunting priates? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48299 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48299 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 21:52:26 -0600 Dammit! About the only time I wish I blogged! Heh! Where is she being refitted John? I would love to check the old girl out. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48293 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48293 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:24:34 -0600 Figures. I take a long weekend, and the Armorer adds a Fletcher-class destroyer to his collection... In all seriousness, John, pass along our thanks to Mr. Brewer for his hard work. We need touchstones like this to remember what we are - and it's so much the sweeter to save one like the Rodgers, one who has so many stories to tell. I look forward to your reporting. (P.S. go ahead and post all the gory details about destroyer development. I'll read 'em.) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48288 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48288 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:41:56 -0600 Way back in the day, I was stationed with Submarine Squadron Fourteen at Holy Loch, Scotland. Our CO was an O-6, but we referred to him as "Commodore". http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48287 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48287 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:51:30 -0600 p.s. He is not a computer user which is why I ask about other methods of contact...thanks http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48283 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48283 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:57:37 -0600 My Dad is a tin-can vet, Navy League member, and lives in Mobile, and I would love to get him on the cutter. How can I contact you about this? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48282 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48282 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:54:40 -0600 The Navy refers to senior officers, not field grade, and it does start at O5. The grade of Commodore was resurrected, retired again, and has now returned (hopefully without further damnfoolishness) as Rear Admiral of the Lower Half (RDML) which wears one star. Commodore is now used exclusively as a courtesy title for a DESRON commander or in reference to the members of the funk/soul band originally comprised of Thomas McClary, Lionel Richie, Milan Williams, Walter Orange, William King, and Ronald LaPread. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48278 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48278 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:03:13 -0600 We're in Pensacola, 45 miles from Mobile. Having blogged Oriskany's final days, how nice to be able to report on one that stays afloat! Consulting the calender to schedule a road trip... {:^) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48275 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48275 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:31:54 -0600 http://www.proboat.com and thanks for doing this story. Is the shipyard still in business? Many of these old yards have been lost over time and this has left us with a very small number of yards that can build military ships.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48250 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48250 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:54:40 -0600 John, I blog from Mobile and would love to be there. Check my blog, and, if you think I'm up to snuff, gimme the info. I think that ship would look great parked right upside of the Alabama. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48249 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48249 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:53:56 -0600 This day has been a long time coming. WB has worked his tail off to get to this day. I just wish my work schedule would allow me time to be in Mobile when she docks and meet the ship mates behind this Historical event. The rest of the ships will follow in the near future.. Dan BTC Texas http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48247 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48247 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:39:23 -0600 Honestly... they might be. I think they're open 24 hours. scary buncha drunk cajuns.... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48217 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48217 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 07:40:18 -0600 Hrmm...may have to try that. I wonder if they are open at 7 am? And before anyone gets strange looks, I'm working nights. So 7 am is my bed time currently :) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48213 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48213 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 06:56:16 -0600 BS, AFBrother was stationed at Barksdale in Shreveport during the Gulf War, and a few years after. I got to visit him once, in April right after the war. I was amazed at how many engines needing repair filled the hangar. No trip to Shreveport and Bosier City is complete without a trip to your local Daiquiri Express! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48204 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48204 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 22:20:34 -0600 City of Shreveport but unless I pay for a Lloyds Martime Registar microfiche I'm not having much luck. You have anything in your extensive library by chance? I do have a picture. Was trying to get it all together for my Live from Shreveport post. But no luck. Now the verdammt thing is driving me crazy while I dig for info on it. Surprisingly even the Chamber of Commerce out of Bossier hadn't heard of it! Maybe I should E-mail Clive Cussler, heh.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48193 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48193 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:20:27 -0600 Let me see where I am at come 10 August, sir and I'll drop you an E-mail. I know I'm tentatively scheduled to be in Louisiana until August 31st with a garunteed date of August 14th. If we meet the latter only it would be a cinch for me to hop a rental car over to Mobile from here after the Project. Especially as my next destination appears to be Raleigh, NC anyway. I'll get with you once I have a field of view. Too soon to tell for sure as I just got here last night. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48192 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48192 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:16:59 -0600 [enter Neffi] Bayonet? Huh? Where... oh, it's just that old self-mutilation thing John occasionally indulges. Too farking kool, Armorer!!! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48189 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48189 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:52:30 -0600 *not* a bayonet people! Sheesh! ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48188 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48188 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:34:55 -0600 I had something clever to say but I lost it along with half a cup of coffee with that last comment. John: This is SO cool. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48184 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48184 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:00:46 -0600 Can't help it. When I heard "John of Argghhh" and "Fletcher-class destroyer" together the first things to pop into my head were "Minnow" and "three hour cruise." http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48183 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48183 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:42:14 -0600 Dates have to be flexible. Since she's under tow, she could get delayed transiting the Canal as well as sidetracked by weather. She survived Typhoon #2 during WWII, we'd hate to lose her in the Gulf of Mexico! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48182 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48182 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:32:53 -0600 possible. Have to see if I can cut away from work long enough to do it. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48181 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48181 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:23:34 -0600 MajMike - I think I understand - don't discuss our military history vis-a-vis the Mexicans... with the Mexicans. They might take umbrage. I'll probably steer clear of emi/immigration, too. And property taxes. Those torque *everybody*. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48179 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48179 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:12:15 -0600 Comrades, Yup.... you had to be an 0-5 (Commander) in order to get the scrambled eggs on your bill.... The Navy also has an interesting rank called "Commodore". Essentially, it's only used in wartime. A Navy Captain (0-6) who is eligible for flag-rank may be given a single-star and breveted to the rank of Commodore instead of Rear-Admiral. He gets all the prks and responsibilities of the Rear-=Admiral, but still gets paid as a Captain (0-6). Many times, those eligible are referred to as Commodore in peacetime, as a sign of respect, although to all outward appearances, he is just another Captain. My last tour was on the staff of a Commodore who headed up Patrol Wing Five. Respects, AW1 Tim http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48177 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48177 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:12:36 -0600 oh, sweet! enjoy! (and don't mention Vera Cruz...) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48172 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48172 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:04:01 -0600 San Diego sailor is smiling :) I'm going to forward this link to my buddies at work...active duty and retired military. Thanks! Brian http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48171 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48171 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 13:50:57 -0600 I dunno. Sailors? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48166 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48166 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 13:32:59 -0600 Great stuff. 'cept you make an statement that used to be a bone of contention. From my days Regular Navy, I recall that while Army, Marines and Air Force 0-4s (as in Majors)were field grade, in Navy, 0-4 LCDRs were not field grade (you made field grade as an 0-5 or full commander). Or at least LCDRs didn't get the cool stuff on the brims of their covers. Is that still right? D http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48159 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48159 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 12:55:36 -0600 USS Kidd in Baton Rouge last year and you will have plenty to hold your interest and attention. They already have a great museum and restored ship in the river. Plenty of pictures please ! ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48153 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48153 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:34:55 -0600 Well, I'm probably not going to be able to make it Mobile... mebbe we should send Princess Crabby. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48152 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48152 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:31:38 -0600 That is so damn cool, John. Yeah... I'm jealous. (of course, I'm jealous of anyone who gets to go to Mexico, then to Mobile, AND hang out with cute lil' Coasties...no matter what the reason is) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48151 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48151 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:28:32 -0600 This is VERY Cool. Good to see it not going to the breakers. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48149 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48149 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:01:50 -0600 Way cool! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48148 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/07/a_series_of_fortuitous_events.html#comment-48148 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:43:35 -0600