It would appear that I have not been open in my discussion of my daily adventures recently. There was a time during the initial days of my post-grad life where I wondered if I was going to maintain a consistent purpose for this blog. I know that I originally created my first non-xanga blog as a way to get over my loss of Kathleen but later I lost my purpose after I had told her how I felt about the situation and moved on. This was partly reflected in the missing 2-week gap in that blog between my last meeting with her and the start of writing daily journals of my thoughts for the Spring Semester. I was apprenhensive of having the same problems, but I have decided that this blog will be used to express my thoughts and interests of my life in the "real world". However, only trusted friends will have access to my more intimate thoughts and feelings since I have decided that I will write for myself, and only for myself. I will not resort to the pandering and superficial entries that have plagued the blogging culture thanks partly to Xanga.
Today for Memorial Day, I met up with Will Mon, Will McG and Jehangir to tour the visiting ships that are in New York for fleet week. The two ships we visited at Pier 88 Manhattan were the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and the USS Anzio (CG 68).
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
Amphibious Assault Ship – Wasp Class
USS Kearsarge returns to New York City, having served as the primary Navy unit participating in the 1995 New York City Veteran’s Day activities, which marked America’s tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Kearsarge is the fourth ship in the history of the U.S. Navy named for Kearsarge Mountain in New Hampshire. The name is one of only two United States ship names mandated by Congress to be used more than once.
The largest of all amphibious warfare ships, amphibious assault ships resemble a small aircraft carrier in that they are capable of launching and landing helicopters and certain other types of aircraft. These ships also contain a well-deck, enabling the use of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and other watercraft to support U.S. Marine ground force amphibious operations. With a length of 840 feet, a beam of 106 feet and a displacement of 40,500 tons fully loaded, Wasp Class amphibious assault ships can reach speeds of more than 22 knots.
Embarked in USS Kearsarge is Rear Adm. Garry Hall, Commander, Amphibious Group Two. USS Kearsarge is commanded by Capt. Joseph Sensi, Jr. and has a ship’s company of more than 1,100 Sailors. Homeported in Norfolk, Va., USS Kearsarge is berthed at Manhattan Pier 88.
USS Anzio (CG 68)
Cruiser – Ticonderoga Class
USS Anzio is named after a World War II battle in which 28,000 Allied forces lost their lives. Ticonderoga Class cruisers are multi-mission surface combatants, capable of supporting carrier battle groups and amphibious forces, operating independently, or serving as a flagship for a surface group. Cruisers are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles giving them additional long-range strike mission capability. With a length of 567 feet, a beam of 55 feet and a displacement of 6,900 tons fully loaded, the cruiser can reach speeds of more than 30 knots. Homeported at Norfolk, Virginia, Anzio has a ship’s company of some 400 Sailors and 33 Officers. USS Anzio is commanded by Capt. Perry Bingham and is berthed at Manhattan Pier 90.
Highlights of the tour were having the opportunity to practise firing an M16 Assault Rifle and a Baretta, exploring a hovercraft, APC and tank in addition to having a full tour of both warships. I enjoyed learning how to properly hold and aim with a pistol and assault rifle =D
After the tour, Will McG had to leave early while Willmon, Jehangir and I visited the newly-opened Apple Store on 5th Ave. There, I tried out the new iBook, accessed the Internet and toyed around with various floor models. For dinner, we ate at the Heartland Brewery where I ate Buffalo meat for the first time as well as trying out their award-winning "Farmer Jon's Oatmeal Stout". After dinner, Jehangir and I had an intense dicussion with Willmon about the follies of short-term trading in the stock market and the importance of long-term investments and diversification.