January 2, 2007
The good news that I mentioned on New Years Eve...
...but didn't follow-up on yesterday. I was waiting for the pictures.
The BAM Cuitlahuac/USS John Rodgers no longer belongs to the Mexican Navy. She's back under the US flag, as the property of the Beauchamp Tower Corporation.
Here she is getting ready to leave her berth at the naval base.
This has been a long time coming - I know we thought we'd have her here in September or October but three things intervened.
1. Bureaucrats in two governments.
2. The loss of an investor (paying for the tow, not that it mattered short term because of item 1)
3. The Mexican elections.
When I say bureaucrats, I should be clear that does not include the Mexican Navy, who have been consummate professionals during this process.
DD574 has been made ready for her transit of the canal, and arrangements are being finalized for her trip back to the US Gulf Coast.
Here's something that's not been seen in a while - a Fletcher-class destroyer on the move. She may not be moving under her own power... but she's feeling the water move around her hull in ways it hasn't in 7 years.
Inbound to her new berth - it almost looks like shes moving on her own.
That said - we've still got one big hurdle.
There's still one set of government bureaucrats to push the final paperwork through. The ones in the US.
And I apologize to those of you who I was sending emails to about updates - I've lost the addresses.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
A viable alternative (given the extent of the stasis field which normally surrounds US bureaucrats) is to wait for the first high tide after Global Warming and you'll be able to row the Rodgers to Leavenworth...
by
BillT on January 2, 2007 1:39 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
August 13, 2006
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...
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Yup, being a reef ain't so bad. I would love to go down on Sara.
They say her hangar deck ain't so deep that you have to study and practice for years to learn how to get there. Arkansas is there, too, just upside down.
by
Justthisguy on August 13, 2006 10:44 PM
Thanks, JTG. The PG-17C just imploded.
by
John of Argghhh! on August 14, 2006 5:53 AM
Sir: I was writing about the wrecks at Bikini Atoll. The only double-entendre I intended was the one about going down on Sara. (toga)
That was rather mild, I think.
When I wrote about the hangar deck, I was thinking about nitrogen narcosis, and how long one can stay at whatever depth, and still survive and come back to the surface.
On looking at what I wrote, though, I must admit it seems kinda naughty. Snork!
by
Justthisguy on August 15, 2006 12:29 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
August 4, 2006
Large Mosaic of the Rodgers.
For you destroyer fans out there, here's a mosaic I made of the Rodgers at dockside. It's not perfect, I know. Sue me. I'm not paid to be a photographer...
If you snatch it for a website, link and credit, please.
Just "right click and save as" the links below.
Low-res
Hi-res
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
"It's not perfect, I know. Sue me."
What's wrong with it? Looks pretty good to me, and I'm fairly picky about this sort of thing.
by
hdw on August 4, 2006 8:19 AM
I searched, and only found one join area, and that was cleaned up really well. I'd say you did an awesome job, John!! What a great image and reminder for you :-)
by
Barb on August 4, 2006 9:02 AM
Good job John! My Dad loves this stuff, he was a TinCan Sailor in Korea. I've been printing out some of this stuff for him...my Mum won't let the "Internets" in the house, lol.
by
Maggie on August 4, 2006 9:20 AM
Woo-hoo! A four-stacker!
Cheers
by J.M. Heinrichs on August 4, 2006 1:09 PM
The Fletchers, when seen in there close to original configuration, were the best looking of the Tin Can Fleet hands down. This is great. The only thing that would be better would be if she was returning under her own power.
by DE644 on August 4, 2006 1:54 PM
Do you know if any Gearing Class Gray Ladies have\will be saved & restored as well?
by
Dwight on August 4, 2006 2:28 PM
Dwight - the USS Joseph P. Kennedy is in the hands of the fine folks at Battleship Cove, Massachusetts. We are bringing some stuff back for them (not a lot, admittedly, as there wasn't much to bring back that was moveable) from the Voegelgesang (the ship next to the Rodgers in the pictures).
DE644 - I agree. When I think destroyer, it's a Fletcher in my mental image.
by
John of Argghhh! on August 4, 2006 4:04 PM
Thanks for your help John! I also got smarter with another Google Search, and found a 2nd restored Gearing - the USS Orleck at Orange, TX. Good Luck with the Rodgers' Project.
by
Dwight on August 4, 2006 4:27 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
Bringing the Rodgers Home, con't.
When Ward dived to check her hull, I reported that he found her in very good shape. Her anodes were present, there was sufficient depth under her keel for them to function properly, and there was little to no corrosion - and what corrosion pitting there was along the hull was at her waterline from the 20-odd years she spent in mothballs with the US Navy before being given to the Mexican Navy in 1972. She had some barnacle growth on her rudders and screws, and the odd patch here and there - which the Mexican diver said resulted from worn paint for the rudder, and improperly mixed paint for the hull. I have no earthly idea. Sounds good to me.
That said, the Cuitlahuac has been berthed in storage-pending-disposition for nigh unto 5 years now. If you looked at the satellite picture, you'd have noted that in that pic she was outboard of the Gearing she sits next to, but when we arrived, she was inboard. Good for us, we didn't have to cross-deck the Quetzalcoatl every time we needed to move things around - but it means she's been moved. And, as we discovered, not always gently - whether as a result of weather or the tugs moving things around.
On the second day, wandering around taking pictures I saw this ding on her port side, forward, just under the bollards. The upper scrape in the picture is just below deck level. The hole is pretty high. But - it's still a hole, and we were concerned about the condition of the nearby hull frame.
So, we changed our work schedule a bit and went destroyer-spelunking in her forward spaces. The hole is in a storage locker just ahead of the CPOs Mess. Nice long gash, about a foot and a half, but the frame was fine. Nothing a sledgehammer, welding rod, and a patch won't handle nicely.
Disappointing, sure - but we're going to repaint her and have to do far more work to fully get her back to her WWII configuration. This is a relatively quick and easy fix. The shape of the dent and rupture served to keep rainwater from entering, as well, so we didn't even have a standing water corrosion problem in the locker. Yellow card foul, not a Red!
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Damage is in the "Bosn's Locker" where assorted rope, awnings, etc were stored.
Not so gentle nudges from tugboats can poke holes into the thin skin of the old destroyers. That, plus pride, made most tin can sailors try to avoid using tugs except in bad circumstances. (Not having any power is a pretty good reason to use a tug, though....)
Nice mosaic- one of them old "four stack" destroyers, but nothing a bit of photo shop couldn't fix....
by
John S. on August 4, 2006 8:56 AM
Hey, not *my* fault the Quetzalcoatl was outboard! No, wait, she's a Flearing FRAM III cat-hulled destroyer! Yeah, that's it!
by
John of Argghhh! on August 4, 2006 11:46 AM
Who knew you know real football well enough to make allusions to the color cards for fouls?
by JimC on August 4, 2006 1:39 PM
*Real* football.
Heh.
I'll consider the source.
by
John of Argghhh! on August 4, 2006 4:04 PM
John,
The hole will be patched before towing?
BC
by
BC on August 5, 2006 12:22 AM
Just how thick was the shell plating of that ship, to start with, before electrolysis, corrosion, chipping and painting etc.?
I have a personal interest here, as I'm contemplating welding up a 30' steel ketch as a place to live in.
(Sunbird, designed by Russell McNab, ppg 146-148, inclusive, Gerr, Dave, "Pocket Cruisers for the Backyard Builder", Camden, Maine, 1987)
Gerr writes, "...Her hull is made up of 1/4-inch and 3/16-inch plate. In a boat this size, plating that thick makes *Sunbird*'s hull seemingly indestructible. It is unlikely that any collision or grounding would cause real damage."
Gerr also hints that thicker steel is easier for amateurs to weld, though harder to bend.
I've done a small bit of arc welding, years ago, courtesy of a generous neighbor.
(got me a real nice doorstop sculpture and another thing or two)
by
Justthisguy on August 5, 2006 1:29 AM
BC, yes.
JTG, I dunno.
by
John of Argghhh! on August 5, 2006 7:28 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
July 31, 2006
I'm back home.
Sigh.
That was fun. Exhausting, but fun.
Home is the sailor, home from sea:
Her far-borne canvas furled
The ship pours shining on the quay
The plunder of the world.
Home is the hunter from the hill:
Fast in the boundless snare
All flesh lies taken at his will
And every fowl of air.
'Tis evening on the moorland free,
The starlit wave is still:
Home is the sailor from the sea,
The hunter from the hill.
Truly, her last full crew. If things work out, next time we take a picture like this it will be in Mobile Bay, and include survivors of her WWII & Mexican crews, with the Rodgers all spiffed up in her new duds!
Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows »
*In front, kneeling, left to right, Brewers Banditos - John Donovan, John Kowakowski, Ward Brewer, Ensign Sergio Fourzan, our liaison officer, who surrendered his week to us (his time graciously donated by Captain Jimenez, the Flotilla Ops Officer, who is standing under the tube of Mount 1), Ken Guiles, Jeremy Byers and Sean Quigley. Jim Nowak and Rob Harshbarger were taking the pictures, and suffered the fate of photographers... not being *in* the picture.
« Secure this line!
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Welcome home, BG.
Enjoy the long and untroubled sleep of honest men.
by ry on August 1, 2006 1:13 AM
Welcome home, young man. What took place in Mexico, I hope will be the spring board for the ships that Ward needs for his project for training First Responders in Terrorism off the ground. Once again, the Rodgers will be the leader of the pack. I hope that the storm brewing, will not hinder the arrival of the USS John Rodgers back home. MR. Storm Magnet is at it again..
by
Dan Howell on August 1, 2006 6:34 AM
Great Job Boss - Well Done.
by Boquisucio on August 1, 2006 6:42 AM
Awesome story, awesome picks, big guns, and margartia's
Hell whats not to like about this?
Get some rest sir!
by
BloodSpite on August 1, 2006 6:44 AM
Welcome home. Good job.
by
Maggie on August 1, 2006 6:49 AM
John,
Welcome back! Thank you for working so hard to preserve a little bit of history.
by fdcol63 on August 1, 2006 7:59 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing the final result of your work, John. It'll be way kewl to watch the documentary!! What a great project to be involved with.
by AFSister on August 1, 2006 9:25 AM
John has obviously been seduced by the gray side. Thanks for your whole team's efforts to preserve a slice of history. Can we call you shipmates now?
Remember- Sailors have more fun....
by
John S. on August 1, 2006 9:54 AM
Welcome back! Come visit me where you are always welcome.
by
kristen on August 1, 2006 10:11 AM
You guys are truly doing God's work. Fletcher's are real beauties. One thought - has any one on your team discussed docking, blasting and painting at a shipyard in the US? I mention this because of lead paint. I would think the spaces inside the skin of the ship have lead paint (along with asbestos) and also the hull coating and/or undercoating might be lead based. Removing it is expensive and time consuming due to US enviromental statutes. I work at a USN ship repair facility and we recently began an overhaul of a navy barge from the 50's that had some asbestos and a lot of lead paint. It was a headache and cost big $$$ to get the barge blasted and the abestos remove (Rodgers is probably full of PCB's in the electrical system too). Might be cheaper to do the exterior of the ship and the interior spaces you plan on opening to the public in a Mexican yard where enviromental controls might be less stringent and therefore less expensive. Not trying to tell anybody how to suck eggs, just offering a thought.
by WESTPAC Warrior on August 4, 2006 5:20 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
End of the road, Trip 1, Bringing the Rodgers Home
We're packing now to head to the airport and home. It will be a long day, as I'm routed via Charlotte...
I've shown you the condition of the Cuitlahuac/Rodgers, which was really pretty good. Just to make that point clear... here are some shots, without the flash, that give you a better sense of what we were working through in the bowels of the other destroyer - the ex-USS Voegelgesang - when we were taking usable parts for the Rodgers or trading purposes.
The heartbreaker, for me, is that this beautiful instrument is going to go to the bottom of the ocean. Sigh. I wish we'd had the tools to at least get one section of her for display.
But it's not all bad - I got to get my twin 40's working... mechanically - no firing locks, no ammo. The Mexicans knew better. Who talked?
I scrounged the missing seats, found most of the missing cranks, replaced all but two of the missing spiders - and made sure they could all train and elevate, breeches worked, etc. They are, of course, not shootable, but other than that... I'm happy.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
DAMN!
They're gonna scuttle that huge instrument? What a shame. It does look rather large and difficult to remove though. DARN!
Safe travels, John!
by AFSister on July 31, 2006 8:56 AM
Too bad you didn't bring a b-i-i-i-ig suitcase; a twin 40 would look mighty nice on the donjon...
by Neffi on July 31, 2006 9:05 AM
Just gimme a crowbar, and this little Rican will pry it out like a set of hubcaps on a Lincoln.
by Boquisucio on July 31, 2006 9:24 AM
John, you look very at home between those twin 40's. Great reporting. I am sorry you are returning today and the stories stop. Get some linament.
by JimC on July 31, 2006 9:31 AM
What you are looking in the 3rd and 4th pictures is a MK 1A fire control computer. My first job in the Fire Control gang on USS Henry W. Tucker DDR875 in 1955 was to run the daily tests on the this mechanical work of engineering art.
John Shaffer CWO3 USN Ret
Fire Control Gunner
by
John Shaffer on July 31, 2006 11:31 AM
What you are looking in the 3rd and 4th pictures is a MK 1A fire control computer. My first job in the Fire Control gang on USS Henry W. Tucker DDR875 in 1955 was to run the daily tests on the this mechanical work of engineering art.
John Shaffer CWO3 USN Ret
Fire Control Gunner
by
John Shaffer on July 31, 2006 11:31 AM
What you are looking in the 3rd and 4th pictures is a MK 1A fire control computer. My first job in the Fire Control gang on USS Henry W. Tucker DDR875 in 1955 was to run the daily tests on the this mechanical work of engineering art.
John Shaffer CWO3 USN Ret
Fire Control Gunner
by
John Shaffer on July 31, 2006 11:31 AM
Can anyone tell me what's in the 3rd and 4th picture?
just kidding, John- the Castle Echo catches ALL of us. Thanks for the info!
by AFSister on July 31, 2006 12:25 PM
That last picture brings new meaining to the phrase "gun tub." ;-)
by
74 on July 31, 2006 6:38 PM
74: Shame on you!
JoA: Do you need a second? (You'll have to find yer own surgeon.)
Just kiddin', but I hear you can still get away with it in Paraguay.
Sorry, sometimes I think about the ex-brother in ways of which my lawyer would not approve. There seems to be some crosstalk into my other thoughts.
To delope, or not to delope; that is the question.
by
Justthisguy on July 31, 2006 8:31 PM
Bugger deloping, JTG- put it through the heart! You might not get another chance... ;)
by Neffi on July 31, 2006 9:08 PM
Very cool 40's, John. That's the same as we had on the M42 Dusters. Looks likes they did a little modification to the loader. Would make it very difficult for a cannoneer to load while firing, which kinda defeats the purpose. Nice setup anyway. Wouldn't mind playing with THAT pair......
by 1sg keith on July 31, 2006 10:15 PM
Oh, Neffi, I've written at other places (maybe TheHighRoad.org was one of them) that I'm *theoretically* in favor of bringing back duelling, but then I remember the many times I've been horribly rude to people who nonetheless let me live.
I do admit to having some 18th-century feelings about that, uh, genetically similar person I have referred to. I will and shall, of course, observe and obey all of the laws of the State of Florida and the United States of America in my dealings with that, uh, "person."
However, "Die Gedanken sind frei!" and I'll continue to think whatever evil nasty thoughts I like, about anybody.
by
Justthisguy on July 31, 2006 10:30 PM
You look very much at home by those guns.
by
Trias on July 31, 2006 10:33 PM
1sgt Keith- Thanks for your service. The large chutes folded up above the gun are (I believe) chutes that are folded down prior to firing. They guide the fired cases out away from under the mount where they may pile up and jam something. Facilitates housekeeping to be able to throw the fired brass overboard. Navy guys like to keep things "ship shape", you know...
by
John S. on July 31, 2006 11:11 PM
Amen, Trias, and let's not ask him what he was thinking.
Unless he chooses to share, and then of course we'll be all over him.
In a polite, sensitive, understanding way.
Snork.
Nah. That ain't right, either. JoA is playing Mr. Fellers, Major League baseball player and 40mm gunner, gittin' them Kates and Judys before they can git him.
Or something.
I dunno.
by
Justthisguy on July 31, 2006 11:15 PM
If we're talking the large chutes sticking up top - those are indeed the feed chutes. The ejected empties come out of tubes at the base of the mount and pile up around the base of the mount (which is geared inside, I assume to minimize jamming issues but I'll leave that to Sailors who manned these guns).
They are indeed larger than the chutes on the Duster. They're meant to hold more in readiness for firing.
Unless I missed something (and it's late, I might have).
by
John of Argghhh! on July 31, 2006 11:16 PM
JTG, mostly, I was reveling in how smooth she worked in train and elevation - especially once I freed up the bearings in the hand grips, and was just enjoying the side to side motion while someone saw me and took a picture.
It had nothing at *all* to do with the fact there was a HIP flying by, and all my career those were... targets.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 31, 2006 11:47 PM
"a HIP flying by, and all my career those were... targets."
Bwahahahaha.
I can see the film version now.
"Feed me! And for Gawd's sake bring me a cold 'ritta!"(cue heroic music and wind machine)
by ry on August 1, 2006 1:09 AM
HAHAHHAHAHA!!!
Ry nailed it. Oh man... can't you just see our Drunken Sailor/Armorer, taking a swig o' 'rita and then taking a swipe at the HIP?
LMAO.... now *that's* good television!
by AFSister on August 1, 2006 8:29 AM
Not to throw a wet towel on things, but didn't twin 40s turn out not to be so effective against kamikazee attacks during the Okinawa campaign?
On the other hand, there's the the story of the destroyer crew -exasperated by Flying Crysanthemum pilots who dived on the first ship they saw, usually a destroyer or destroyer escort on radar picket patrol- who put up a giant sign on the side of their ship saying JAP PILOTS: TASK FORCE 52 THIS WAY!, with a huge arrow under it.
by
Casey Tompkins on August 1, 2006 9:55 PM
I don't know about any of those stories, nor do I care.
Those guns were put under my charge.
There was a MI-8 flying by.
I had fun.
'Nuff said.
by
John of Argghhh! on August 2, 2006 7:49 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
by
John
on
Jul 31, 2006
»
Confederate Yankee links with:
Ultimate Gun Blogger
»
CDR Salamander links with:
Post-retirement interservice transfer
July 30, 2006
Bringing the Rodgers Home
Yesterday was spent dismounting what we would out of the Gearing. We also negotiated with the guy scrapping the old minesweeper - if take off the watertights from the Gearing (doing the Mexican gov't a favor, since they have to be removed anyway before they sink her as a reef) he'll trade us for the WWII watertight doors we need for the Rodgers (she's missing a few) and however many extras we can load on her to bring back as trading materials.
Ward dived her hull with the Chief Instructor of the Mexican Dive School here. A little knot of a man with 25,000 hours in the water. Ward has 1400 hours, and is a decent diver - but he was as a babe next to this man. Her hull is in excellent shape, from bow, to strakes, to sea chests, to screws, to the rudder. We're very pleased!
We spent a lot of time in dark, close, unlit spaces, avoiding the ones with exposed asbestos, and swimming in PCB-laden rainwater...
Regretfully, there's a very nice lathe in the hangar on the Voegelgesang we're going to have to leave behind.
To make up for that - we're going to bring home one of the Voegelgesang's gyros. We'll not manage the whole housing - but we will get the gyro itself (enough of a load to carry up the ladder, believe me!).
We got tired enough that yesterday, trying to remove bolts so we could remove a large indicator gizmo from the CIC, I handed off a wrench to Ward to finish removing this bolt... and watched him promptly start to tighten it.
I tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Um, dude - if you don't mind terribly, we'd like to re-move, not re-tighten this bolt we just spent 20 minutes on..."
Since I'm at the point of muscle failure from schlepping myself and my 100 pound bellypack up and down ladders, my major activity for the day will be taking off the broken sights on the 40's and swapping them with intact sights from the 40's that were removed recently from the Voegelgesang, so that all my 40mm's will have complete spider sights with the little optical portion that's missing from almost *all* the 40mm's you see in displays. After that - I will try to get a few of the gear racks from the Fire Control Computer.
The other thing we have to do is go through the Rodgers and mark and secure all of her spaces, marking them as dry and secured (this is for the tow crew's benefit, and saves us a little money).
So, I get to play with computers and guns all day while the youngsters will be schlepping the doors around an crawling all through the Rodgers.
Then it's home - and fight the last minute battles in the War of the Bureaucrats and then Sweating the Tow.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
John,
We have really enjoyed this tale of rescuing a damsel in distress and the pics. This is a history lesson both of her past and future.
Thank you so much for this!
We had fun looking at the pic of the fire control computer and guessing what it was before we read the post. I see a whole new slew of "Whazzis?"
posts from you as a result of this excellent adventure.
You are such a gentleman.
heh.
by Cricket on July 30, 2006 10:03 AM
YAY!
You're bringing home gyros! I love gyros- grilled pita, sliced meat, fresh tomato and onion slices, and that yummy cucumber dressing.... MMM MMM GOOD!
:-)
by Were-Kitten on July 30, 2006 11:25 AM
I wanna know what deranged mind named a ship of war "Birdsong". That's just *wrong*.
Ooo, gizmos! Shiny!
by
Bad Cat Robot on July 30, 2006 12:16 PM
The wall behind you (lite head picture) looks like a bunch of oversized Ipods stacked together...
Seriously though, every time I read an article about the ship the Pirates of the Carribean song (from the ride) starts playing in my head.
Have fun!
by
Brad on July 31, 2006 12:20 AM
BCR: Concur on the "Ooh! shiny!"
Armorer: Didya get the tool kit to work on the 'puter? Reputedly, it's at least as funky as the main machine, itself, with flashlights on stalks, and socket wrenches on the end of crankshafts with bevel gears, and such-like.
Dang! I am now going to find my CD player and put on an appropriate Sousa march, to wit, "The Glory of the Yankee Navy."
by
Justthisguy on July 31, 2006 1:02 AM
Re: the toolkit. Sadly, no. I suspect the Mexican Navy didn't use the computers. But now that you raised the subject - I'll ask.
I can see how they'd be needed. I tried my darndest to get at least a chunk of shiny, toothsome goodness out of there, but was stymied by hex bolts in conventionally inaccessible places.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 31, 2006 7:42 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
July 29, 2006
This being the day it is...
... here's something for the Denizennes.
I'll see if we can't talk the Mexicans into letting us have one of these (hey, they've got *several* of them...) I think it would make a good Choklit Cannon for the Inner Bailey.
Today will be spent with Ward and a Navy diver diving the ship to get a visual of her hull, rudder, and screws.
The rest of us will be crawling through tight spaces making sure nothing heavy is loose, or valuable and fragile (like light fixtures) are laying around loose and breakable.
Most of my day will be taking apart (and photographing same) the Fire Control computer on the Gearing - identical to the one on the Rodgers. I don't think we'll get it out (much less reassemble it) in a usable fashion - but there's no reason to send the computer to the bottom with the Quetzalcoatl when she assumes her final duty as a reef in November.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
I hope that this is not SWEAT on the BOSS. He must have spilled his ice tea at lunch. What day will you guys be leaving to bring her HOME? What about the Sperry Gyro from the other ship, can you get that? Sound powered phones, battle lanterns, ships wheel, anything from the bridge, galley, ward room ,any dish ware. Boy what a ship to strip. Have fun....
by
Dan Howell on July 29, 2006 7:26 AM
Happy Birthday, handsome love! Have a glorious day doing stuff that I know you are just loving!
by
Beth on July 29, 2006 7:43 AM
Just not fair. When Dennis, Chris, Joe and myself did the ship strip in Beaumont, we never looked that good after getting off the launch that took us to the ships. We got the NASTY job..Oh well, we have fun getting all of the prizes for WB. Did I tell you, WB, that it took us about 2 hours of blood, sweat and where's the rest of the help, to get the Sperry gyro down 4 levels of narrow, steep stairs to the container on the fantail. What fun we had, huh Dennis Mc..
by
Dan Howell on July 29, 2006 8:30 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
July 28, 2006
Bringing Home the Rodgers
USS John Rodgers and Crew, 1945.
BAM Cúitlahuac and crew, 2006
by
John
on
Jul 28, 2006
»
Confederate Yankee links with:
Turtle Eggs and Cannons
Walk on a romantic beach... while bringing home the Rodgers
Last night I got to walk a romantic Pacific beach looking for sea turtles coming in to lay eggs.
With a Mexican Admiral, Rear Admiral Uribe.
The Mexican Navy have been wonderful hosts. They host us for lunch, which is excellent, and has little in common, except in generalities, with what passes for Mexican food back home. Some nice *hot* stuff. And guacamole to die for. And, as Ward found out... some verra nice ladies. (No, SWWBO, I didn't win anything at the raffle, so I am still chaste)
Anyway, Captain Jimenez is eager to show us the good side of the Navy and the city of Lazaro Cardenas, the state of Michoacan, and, of course, Mexico. It's been fun to see something other than Ciudad Juarez, and someplace that isn't built to accommodate gringo touristas.
This includes the proper way to drink *good* tequila.
Last night, Captain Jimenez arranged a trip to the beach, to see the sea turtles coming in to lay eggs.
I've never done anything like that. Captain Jimenez, who is our host down here was there with his wife, Violeta, and son, Abraham. Admiral Uribe's wife also joined us.
Add in Brewer's Bandits.
And a detail of 8 Mexican Marines. In full battle rattle. Weapons, night vision, helmets, fully loaded vests, black uniforms, which was cool with former Marine John Nowakowski - who hung with his bros.
They were there to provide security. Mebbe we were also bait...?
Naw - when Captain Jimenez went to check out the beaches earlier that day, the local police told him that there had been poachers looking for both turtle eggs *and* tourists to rob. The good Captain didn't reach those lofty heights by not appreciating that getting the Admiral and his American guests involved with poachers would be a Bad Thing.
The Marines routinely patrol the beaches at night during spawing and tourist (there's a difference?) seasons, so we didn't have to feel too guilty about ruining these guy's Thursday night plans. All we did was change the location of their Thursday night plans. Which was to patrol the beaches. Well, they did get to nursemaid 8 Americans, two senior Naval officers and their families.
That Admiral and his wife completely kicked my butt. We went about a mile and a half, along the wet, sandy beaches, and Your Correspondent, while managing to *mostly* keep up with a killer pace, did lag behind as age, decrepitude and Good Living demanded their due.
If, when we reached the end of that walk, they had turned around and headed back (rather than having the vehicles meet us) I would simply have sat down and said, "So, this is where I die. Nice place. Smells funny though."
That didn't happen. My legs ached, my back ached, and I sweat gallons, but the heart didn't explode, so SWWBO isn't small-time comfortable from the insurance.
We didn't see any turtles, but we did see a clutch of eggs being gathered by Mexican officials who move them from the public beach to locations where they are more likely to survive.
We got done and back to the hotel at 2345. And today started at 0700. And today was a looooooooooooong day.
More on *that* later.
But rest assured - even though I'm grinning here in one of my 5" gun mounts (this being mount 5, all the way aft)...
We're still working! Here I am with Ken Guiles disassembling a Mk4 20mm (made by GM, by the way - and the photo is by Rob Harshbarger).
Even a *cold* boiler room in Mexico in July is a *hot* place.
Trust me. I didn't hit heat exhaustion - but I drank 5 liters of fluid and only, um, er, ah, "voided" about a coffee cup's worth of, well, y'know.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
That's you in the third picture?
His wife kicked your butt too? Gee that's not good for the ego. Please tell me the turtles didn't outpace you.
Ok I better stop now. Like I can talk anyway.
by
Trias on July 29, 2006 8:14 AM
I barely remember it, being about 5 years old and half asleep at the time - but my grandfather wakened us up in the middle of the night to watch a sea turtle lay her eggs on the beach. The grandparents managed a hotel called the Sea Bonae (that's Grandma Peg and car in front of the hotel) on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale when I was a child. A whole pile of family was visiting, and Grandpa came in and woke us all up to go watch the event. He even sat each of us little ones on the turtle's back for a moment - she was oblivious, of course. Thanks for the reminder :-)
by
Barb on July 29, 2006 10:31 AM
Great way yer working on yer #82#21 Boss, I mean.
But seriously, them Oerlikons need some serious lovin'; and there's no one else better qualified to give 'em some.
by Boquisucio on July 29, 2006 2:36 PM
Great stuff! Kewl on the turtles and eggs and the exercise.
by Cricket on July 30, 2006 10:10 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
by
John
on
Jul 28, 2006
»
Confederate Yankee links with:
Turtle Eggs and Cannons
Bringing the Rodgers Home
Today, we'll be documenting her condition in detail to start generating the shipyard work orders to restore her to her WWII configuration.
My piece of all this, the armament, is in great shape, so today we'll be dismounting and disassembling her 20mm guns. She has four, one mostly complete, and three in varying stages of cannibalization.
So, mostly today what I'll be doing is stripping stuff from the Gearing-class that sits next to her - the one destined to be a reef in November - for stuff we can use on the Rodgers (we need four watertight doors, for example) and stuff we can bring home for trading material.
And mebbe something that will fit in my luggage...
Say hello to our Pretty Woman from a different perspective than yesterday:
\
And for you Destroyer aficionadoes out there - hi-res (right click and save as, please)
More to come. I'll have to tell you about my romantic walk along the beach with a Mexican Admiral...
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Very nice.
by
hdw on July 28, 2006 8:40 AM
John;
Look for the Navigator's Balls. I'm sure they would fit in your check in luggage and make for quite an interesting conversation keepsake.
You may need to rent a strong young man to haul your bag, once packed, but...once the ROGERS is pier side, I'm sure they won't be needed as spares.
Don't forget to tell us how lovingly you will treat the 5" 38s and 40mms....but please keep it family friendly.
by
Curt on July 28, 2006 9:08 AM
What a time capsule! Totally stock topside circa 1945, stick mast, no hedgehogs, Mark 12 and Mark 22 antennae on the director! But the Armorer really wanted us to note that the old gal still has her bloomers on!
by
John S. on July 28, 2006 10:22 AM
What a time capsule! Totally stock topside circa 1945, stick mast, no hedgehogs, Mark 12 and Mark 22 antennae on the director! But the Armorer really wanted us to note that the old gal still has her bloomers on!
by
John S. on July 28, 2006 10:22 AM
Just the balls? Hell, I want the whole binnacle! Hope the Rodgers finds a home on the Gulf Coast, I'd love to see her.
by Byron on July 28, 2006 10:35 AM
John,
Scrounge up all the 5" practice rounds and propellant cans you can find. Nothing is so lonely as an empty magazine on a tour ship.
Bruce
by
bc on July 28, 2006 12:41 PM
Hey, just wondering which Gearing class John Rodgers is next to. My dad was XO on one back in the early 70's.
by
Chef Mojo on July 28, 2006 3:24 PM
John, let me know if by chance you see a Mexican Navy ocean going tug the Kukulkan (A-52) down there. I don't know where she is home ported, but she is the last ship I was ever on that is still in active service. Launched in 1942 as the USS Molala (ATF-106). I served aboard her from '75-'78, when she was transferred to Mexico. Molala had the distinction of being the only Fleet Tug to shoot down an enemy plane of the 238 that were built. She shot down a Japanese Zero in '43 with her manually trained 3"/50. I really loved the old girl and am happy to know she is still going strong at 64.
by
74 on July 28, 2006 5:10 PM
We're trying. The Mexicans still have this gun in service.
We have found five practice rounds of a type I'm not familiar with.
I've seen the all wood. The wood and steel, and the all metal, all of which have the full profile of the rounds.
What we did find 5 of is what I assume is the practice round for when the lifts were used. This one represents the casing only, and has a rubber pad on the end where the projectile would be.
We're talking to the Mexicans about other stuff they have available, as well.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 28, 2006 7:07 PM
I'll ask. I don't know. Her name in Mexican service was Quetzalcoatl.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 28, 2006 7:19 PM
I've not seen her (but there are ships on the other side of the base we haven't seen). I'll ask. With that kind of record (for a tug) I'm sure Ward will put her on his list of "Ships to Acquire."
We're doing well down here building relationships with the Mexicans.
They've got more ships coming out of service, and they're interested in what we're doing - because we're going to highlight her Mexican service in the museum (we videoed interviews with former crew today) and they really appreciate that. The Admiral and several other officers have used the term "historic" because they're used to us taking stuff back and erasing the Mexican side of things.
We're going so far as on 16 September every year we'll run up the Mexican flag and hang panels with her Mexican Navy name and badge on the funnel - where it is now.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 28, 2006 7:25 PM
Quetzalcoatl used to be DD-862 USS VOGELGESANG. Darn, I was hoping it was DD-863 USS STEINAKER.
by
Chef Mojo on July 29, 2006 6:40 AM
You're correct, Chef (I know you checked). We dived the Rodgers today, and while standing around the sterns waiting for the divers to come up, you could see Voegelgesang in steel letters on her stern.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 29, 2006 2:45 PM
Hi,
I read this with great interest. I am the assistant curator of KENNEDY DD850, which is Vogies sister ship. Anyway you guys could help us out in getting some parts off Vogie before they are lost? Did anyone check the CIC, SONAR, ASW, and gun mounts on Vogie to see what condition they are in? Any help or contacts is much appreciated. We , in turn, would be willing to help you in trade, etc. We visited ex-Steinaker in March and were told Vogie was in Cardenas btunever got chance to see her.
Thank for any help and feel free to email.
Rich
by
Rich Angelini on July 29, 2006 10:20 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
by
John
on
Jul 28, 2006
»
Chapomatic links with:
Link Dump 28 July
July 27, 2006
Um, sweetheart? Honeybunch? Sweetiekins?
Can I put this in the living room?
A fine product from Ford.
The Fire Control Computer.
Pretty please?
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Whats the Mark? I don't think its a 56, 33 maybe? Ah for the days of tangent cams and vacume tubes
by Old Fat Sailor on July 27, 2006 8:48 PM
LOVE THE CRANK!! Reminds me of the M13 ballistic computer on the M60A1... hey, it worked, OK?!
Get some, GunBunny!
heh
by Neffi on July 27, 2006 8:49 PM
Good gracious you can probably see the capacitors in those little windows.
Didn't someone once say never trust a computer you can't chuck out the window?
by
Trias on July 27, 2006 8:57 PM
This is a mechanical computer, Trias. More in common with Babbage's Difference Engine than what's on your desk.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 27, 2006 9:02 PM
Wow a precursor like the old decoders. That's worth it alone.
by
Trias on July 27, 2006 9:17 PM
This is the Mark IA fire control computer used in all the WW2 DDs. The Mark 1A is the size of a large desk and uses a horizontal reference from the stable element, and compass direction and ship's heading from the gyrocompass, and speed from the pit log. Fire Controlmen (no not the guys with funny hats and hoses) manually add in other info like target range and bearing from the fire control radar/optical rangefinder, and target course and speed (or derive it from successive range and bearing inputs). Then the truck load of mechanical gears and analog gizmos concealed in the computer begin to twirl and dance and make other dials and needles spin until they are "plot set" with the fire control solution. The computer generates the correct train and elevation setting for the gun mounts, and time of flight for setting the fuzes. And, it conctantly updates those as the target and the firing ship maneuver. Ah, for the smell and glow of 15 pounds of SPDN powder pushing 54 pounds of love into the sunset at 2600 feet per second. Arrggghhh! Report when on station ready for call for fire!
by
John S. on July 27, 2006 9:18 PM
Yeah, but how accurate is it with punt guns?
by
cw4(ret)billt on July 27, 2006 9:36 PM
Aw, Sweetheart, it won't fit through the door. Too bad!
by
Beth on July 27, 2006 10:27 PM
Do you honestly think a door problem will stop him?
by
Trias on July 27, 2006 10:50 PM
A *ahem* test firing for range accuracy will fix the door problem :)
by
BloodSpite on July 28, 2006 12:17 AM
Snerk! C'mon fellas, do/did your SO's let you down that gently, or did they just shriek "No, you flaming idiot!" and the discussion ended there?
Of course, if we ever *do* a remodel that opens an outside wall of the house...
by
John of Argghhh! on July 28, 2006 7:27 AM
My Glorious Bride 2.0 (tm) has developed a unique method of letting me down. She looks at me with this perfect imitation of a thousand yard stare, makes a cross between a grunt and a snicker sound and walks off.
by
BloodSpite on July 28, 2006 7:34 AM
BS... that's a trademark for women, you know. We have the "hmphf" look down pat.
by AFSister on July 28, 2006 8:03 AM
If you've got a sliding glass door, they' go in nicely. I suspect you can probably turn the fire control comuter on it's side too.
by
Ryan Gill on July 28, 2006 10:19 AM
They got it *in* there through watertight doors narrower than household standard and it can go *out* through those same doors--and fit through a household standard.
One. Piece. At. A. Time.
by
cw4(ret)billt on July 28, 2006 12:11 PM
I don't know John. It just doesn't look like a Living Room accessory to me.
More like something for your den, if you have one. If not it seems like the perfect excuse to add a den just so you have a place to put it.
Hmmm... maybe an 'upstairs' addition so you can add some other goodies to go along with the fire controller...
by KCSteve on July 28, 2006 12:35 PM
Hey, couldn't we fit that in the garage? Right next to the Lawn Tractor de Argghhh!. A few additions and it's a bar for the garage.
Nope, I don't have a valid CDL anymore so I can't do it on a flatbed(plus I can't see for chit anymore). Maybe Brab could do it?
by ry on July 28, 2006 1:31 PM
These were NOT brought in thru the watertight doors, but installed during construction. To replace one, you cut an 8 foot by 10 foot hole in the side of the ship, and remove the interior bulkheads and equipment in the way. Then the cranes and riggers magically move heavy things in impossible directions and your computer is where it belongs. Assemble rest of ship parts back where they were. Figure about 2 weeks minimum.... at least that's how long it wook when we changed out ours on DD-844 in 1967.
by
John S. on July 28, 2006 5:25 PM
I suspect it will be *really* heavy so one would need much trust in the builder for an upstairs job. One also suspects turning it on the side will break it.
by
Trias on July 28, 2006 5:27 PM
What John S. said. The three ton weight, as Trias notes, is also rather a problem.
Besides, Ward told me I can't have it, and the one on the Gearing next to the Rodgers has been looted for the other Gearing still in service.
Sigh.
Then there's the prime tourist time weight embargo on the luggage, too.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 28, 2006 6:54 PM
So then, John (D. or S., either way): just to ask a dumb question, this is an analog computer, yes?
Also, did the destroyers use these computers when executing fire support for invasions, such as the Emmons at Normandy? Or was that direct fire?
Magnificent history you don't normally get to see.
by
Casey Tompkins on July 29, 2006 2:12 AM
Oh MAN is it an analog computer! It has ball-and-disc integrators, and differential gears, and three-dimensional cams, etc, out the wazoo, usw! Gene Slover (an old Fire Controlman) has a Web site with copies of some of the original Navy training literature, including some of the math. Even dumbed-down a bit for sailors, said math still made my brain hurt when I tried to follow it. "Oh yeah," (thinks me) "angles don't add like vectors, and maybe if I drew it..."
by
Justthisguy on July 29, 2006 12:49 PM
Hmm...don't think the Mrs. will approve? How about a different approach...
From the galley: "Honey, look: a new kitchen! Now we can sling hash for 50!"
Is there a briefing room? "Look: a new living room with lots of seating!"
Capt Quarters: "A new guest bedroom!"
Intercom system: "Now we can talk to each other anywhere in the house!"
Is there a steam horn? "Our own tornado siren!"
Compass, sextant, little things: "Look: accessories!"
Don't give up just yet...there are possibilities to explore!
by Blackhawk on July 29, 2006 1:41 PM
Simple answer..."No, you will shoot your eye out."
(Can't believe no one thought of that response.)
by Mythilt on July 29, 2006 2:34 PM
Mythilt - At least he can't stab himself with it.
Besides, Beth is one of the few wives who would probably *not* say that!!
by
Barb on July 30, 2006 11:39 AM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
Bringing the Rodgers Home
She's a Pretty Woman.
'Nuff said.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
WOW! John... that's awesome! What an incredible journey.
by AFSister on July 27, 2006 2:22 PM
There really is something to be said for older women ...
I envy you, sir.
by
mike mariani on July 27, 2006 2:46 PM
I envoy you guys. Maybe I could be the one next time. There would be REAL Sailor on board.. I know HT's did all of the work keeping them floating, but I can still dreammmmmmmm.. have safe trip home with the PRETTY WOMAN.. Dan
P.S. is she WB's new girlfriend????
by
Dan Howell on July 27, 2006 2:53 PM
Very nice pic there. It's good Mexico got use of it for it might have otherwise rusted out or gotten scraped.
PS. Can you take Hawaii on the way out? I think I've tripped intel. [hides]
by
Trias on July 27, 2006 3:14 PM
Check the Number 5 Turret to see if Maggie's dad carved his initials on the vent shaft.
by
cw4(ret)billt on July 27, 2006 3:33 PM
So that's the girl which I fed some Greek 5"/34 BLP's a few years back. I finally get to meet her.
by Boquisucio on July 27, 2006 3:38 PM
Actually aren't they 5"/38's?
by Boquisucio on July 27, 2006 3:43 PM
too bad the 5" guns have to be disabled. Couldn't yall keep her in bermuda or somethin and hire out offshore cruises to test fire the weaps?
by anon on July 27, 2006 4:01 PM
Brings back memories... sitting in the anchor windless, just starting to nap... and some deck ape lets loose of the anchor!! Sounds like the whole bottom of the ship is coming up throught the room!! LOL
by
MM2 on July 27, 2006 4:46 PM
CW4(ret)billt
It is not a Turret, it is a 5" gun mount. The proper designation is Mount 55. Geeez, army guys! Turrets are only Main Battery on cruisers and battleships.
by DE644 on July 28, 2006 9:45 AM
DE644 - Nawww. A revolving *armored* structure containing one or more guns is a turret.
But *this* boat has a gun mount, and a mighty spruce-lookin' one it is, too...
by
cw4(ret)billt on July 28, 2006 12:24 PM
CW4(ret)billt
Whether it is armored or not does not define if it is a turret or mount. Nothing in the Navy of this vintage is a turret on a DD, DE, they are all mounts. The difference is on how it is mounted to the ship and all of the turning gear that is below the main deck. On a mount the turning ring is at the main deck level on a turret it is below the main deck and rotates the turret and the barbet.
by DE644 on July 28, 2006 1:40 PM
DE644 - Heh. After years of suffering people calling my beloved howitzers "tanks" because they had a gun in a revolving turret... I can now empathize with both sides.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 28, 2006 7:11 PM
Wow - she looks to be in incredible shape. May I have this dance?
by Michael Staton on July 28, 2006 10:04 PM
Whatever,--- those noisy 'shooting things' saved the days on the 'picket lines'
by John on July 29, 2006 6:48 AM
Whatever,--- those noisy 'shooting things' saved the days on the 'picket lines'
by John Miller on July 29, 2006 6:58 AM
John - you've apparently not spent much time among fanatics...
The guys who count stitches on seams of uniforms and pronounce them "farb" even if you can't tell any difference from 1 inch away...
The guys who starve themselves to skeletons, so they can portray "late war" Southern soldiers.
Or, as in the case of this herd... counting coup on terminological faux pas...
by
John of Argghhh! on July 29, 2006 2:48 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
by
John
on
Jul 27, 2006
»
Confederate Yankee links with:
Bringing the Rogers Home-Day 1
»
MilBlogs links with:
USS John Rodgers/BAM Cúitlahuac
»
The Bow Ramp links with:
Ohhh, Pictures !
Bringing home the Rodgers.
We're in Lázaro Cardenes. We were met by a Captain and Lieutenant from the Mexican Navy, and we're off to lay eyes on the Rodgers, and have a "Welcome to Lazaro Cardenes" lunch with the Mexican Navy.
And, importantly, I have access... which means tonight... PICS!
Meet our motley crew...
Brewer's Banditos.
Ward Brewer -Captain
Ken Guiles - Number 1
John Donovan - Gunnery Officer
John Nowakowski- Chief Engineer
Sean Quigley- Able Seaman
Jeremy Byers - Able Seaman
Jim Nowak - Chief Photographer's Mate
Rob Harshbarger - Intel Officer
We're a patchwork crew, come to take a look at the Cuithuiloc/John Rodgers for the first time. All *any* of us have seen of her are old photos and the relatively current satellite shots. Not a sailor among us, either. What's up with you swab-jockeys, anyway? We've got a retired Army guy, retired Air Force guy, OIF veteran, a former Marine, a firefighter, two camera guys...
We're hoping she's a Pretty Woman... a down-on-her-luck, long-in-the-tooth chick who will clean up nicely.
We're prepared for a pretty bad initial impression. Rust peeking out from faded, peeling paint. Water in some of her compartments, the depredations of rodents.
But she was very well cared for by the Mexicans for the 30 years she was in service with them, so we're confident that her basic structure is sound. Oh, she's had some cosmetic surgery here and there, trying to keep up with all the young chicks, what with their missiles, slick radar suites and stuff.
She's had her 20's removed, had her stern cleaned up by losing the depth charge racks and the splinter tubs the 20's used to sit in. Her balcony gun mounts on the funnels are gone, and she's had her torpedo tubes tied removed.
But she's got her 5 inch/38s, all five of 'em. And she has something all these new chicks don't.
A war record. Where she went close inshore for shore bombardments and stuck her neck out to defend the big girls from the Kamikazes.
Those new chicks? Of sure, some of them have launched missiles at targets they can't see... but how many of them have just steamed back and forth, pounding away, emptying their magazines against something that shoots back?
*That's* why we want to bring the Rodgers home.
We want to take better care of her in her dotage than the VA does with her flesh and blood crew.
We can't fix, nor fund, the VA.
But we can fund and fix a home for DD-574, the USS John Rodgers.
This is gonna be kewl.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Just one very minor snark- she has 5"/38's, not 5"/34 caliber guns. I would have thought a long time gunbunny like you would have known that.
by
Art Barie on July 27, 2006 12:16 PM
i'm looking at the satellite shot now, but i can't figure out which boat is the one you are on. go out and wiggle one of the antennae so i can tell.
by
MajMike on July 27, 2006 1:50 PM
Art, leave me alone. I did that *on camera* with the documentary guys. Fortunately *that* will get edited out!
Brain fart.
by
John of Argghhh! on July 27, 2006 2:13 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
July 26, 2006
Bringing the Rodgers Home, Day 1
No pics with this post, sadly. I'm having some technical issues with the wireless, and don't want to have my little hard drive touch this network, since who knows who else is touching it?
We all made it, though some of the baggage didn't (mine did). We move on tomorrow to Lázaro Cardenas and will get our first look at the Rodgers, after puddle-jumping our way there in the morning.
The Mexican Navy is picking us up and taking us straight to her. Pics tomorrow, one way or another, I promise!
This is a nice airport - though you can see why some locals the world over aren't fond of American commerce... McDonalds, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Cinnabon, etc, all filled with people.
The most startling thing to this midwesterner is how few Mexicans at the airport look like the Mexicans we see at home. These guys look very European-US, with a sprinkling of the kinds of faces I'm used to seeing at home or I saw when I was stationed in San Antonio and California. Says something about the structure of the immigration problem.
I find I'm doing okay with spanish commerical signage as far as reading it. Get into details and I'm reaching for a Babelfish. But nothing is helping understand spoken Spanish. These deaf english-german trained ears haven't been up to it.
The documentary film crew we brought down are doing some initial interviews (I'll get roped in later).
I gotta go, there's a line for this computer (I already spent a half-hour wading through the day's mail).
I'll check in again tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Reporting As Ordered, Sir! »
Well you know, if the only Americans I ever came accross came from some hovel in the depth of Appalachia, my impression of Gringos might be somewhat askew, wouldn't it?
by Boquisucio on July 26, 2006 9:38 PM
Glad that you guys got there safely. I hope that you find you luggage pretty soon, cause WB will NOT let use any of his stuff.. Who would? hahaha-- Will be waiting for the pictures...
by
Dan Howell on July 26, 2006 9:50 PM
Interesting observation about the Mexican "look", John. Equally as interesting counter by Boq. I've only been to Mexico once, for a day, and I really don't remember noticing those kinds of differences. I was in Cozumel. I wonder if it's a regional thing.
by AFSister on July 27, 2006 8:17 AM
Great to hear all made it safe, sorry about the baggage - call it WB luck. Be safe and smooth sailing!
by Michael Staton on July 27, 2006 10:24 PM
« Dismissed, Soldier!
© Pamela Bobik
