View Full Version : One Chapter Ends.... Another Begins
The USS Midway opened to the public yesterday, 7 June 2004 after a 12 year struggle to secure her as a floating museum in San Diego, CA.
I want to take this opportunity before I ship out for the grand opening to thank some of the many people that made it all happen.
Alan Uke for the vision and persistence to see this endeavor through from start to finish. Scott McGaugh for his tireless effort to get the word out and promote the ship and museum. Admirial's Mixson and McLaughlin for their support and leadership. Pete Clayton for the superb job of delivering the ship to San Diego and overseeing the transformation from warship to museum and saving Midway history whenever he can. Special thanks go out to all of the many shipmates and Midway fans that have sent me photos, memorabilia, and news of the ship through the years making CV41.ORG what it is today.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the many volunteers. Capt. Chuck Smiley, Bill Purcell, Theresa Randall, Robert Anderson, Bob Hartman, Bill Hayes, Vic Zambrano, Rick Kitterer, Jeanette Olivera, Terry Erickson, Vic Vydra, Dan Rush and crew from the USS Vinson, crew from the USS Nimitz, and many many more. Without the tireless effort from all of you this would never have happened. Kudos to each and every one of you.
So, this ends the long chapter from decommissioned warship to monument, tip of the sword to indefatigable sentry, her bow pointed to sea where she belongs, but can no longer go. Her duty now is to serve as a reminder of 47 storied years of front line service and the dedication of the many thousands that served as her crew. That's pretty good duty. http://bushwhacked.net/forum/images/smilies/patriotflag.gif
Billntwrk
06-09-04, 09:51 PM
Greetings All!
Today, Eagle03 arrived with Lovely daughter and Lovely wife. Your intrepid photog and scribe exchanged good natured hugs with Buzz like we were old friends for decades. Then after a couple of minutes, it struck me...Buzz and I had never actually met! At least in person. I have spoken with him on the phone, exchanged mass amounts of email and instant messages. But truth is, I had never seen him in person. That did not stop us (Troy, Ramon Purcell the Photographer and myself) recognizing him instantly. It was like seeing a long lost buddy.
SO, we get Old Buzz checked in with the Vets Desk after getting him the VIP entrance to the Museum. (He walked up the Museum Staff entrance his tickets were worthless much like the will be, forever) We shuttle him to the FLight Deck for the ceremony honoring crews from the "Marathon Deployments of the '80's" and he takes his seat, not knowing lies in store.
Scott Mcgaugh (Author of Midway Magic amd SDACM Marketing Director), after the choir has finished, starts his spech by giving out standard back ground than mentiones he want's to hear from a few Sailors from that Era. Guess who he had a MIC delivered to? Old Eagle03! Scott gave Buzz a great send up, talking about how Buzz kept the dream alive for years with his website. So, what does Buzz talk about? NORPAC...GO Figure. LOL
Afterwords, Buzz/family and Troy go on more touring, get some more food and water for the little one (BTW, SH
he is absolutly adorable...Smart too, Always hid behind her Momma when ever us Airdale sailors got anywhere near her! CHuckle) What's the song???Momma, don't let your Babies grow up to be airdales...
We capped the afternoon off by introducing Buzz to the Flight Sim owner. Seems Buzz is going to get a *Freebie* in exchange for publicity.
Finally the day was done. Buzz's wife was tired, the little one was tired and it was time to close down the Museum.
For the record, I am sending Buzz lots of Pics to upload, Troy has Pics by the tons and Buzz is Snapping away like a playboy photographer on his first assignment.(Sorry, it was the best analogy I could come up with on short notice and being tired as I am.
I will let Buzz pass along his own comments, observations.
Bill Persell
Billntwrk@yahoo.com
The USS Midway opened to the public yesterday, 7 June 2004 after a 12 year struggle to secure her as a floating museum in San Diego, CA.
I want to take this opportunity before I ship out for the grand opening to thank some of the many people that made it all happen.
Alan Uke for the vision and persistence to see this endeavor through from start to finish. Scott McGaugh for his tireless effort to get the word out and promote the ship and museum. Admirial's Mixson and McLaughlin for their support and leadership. Pete Clayton for the superb job of delivering the ship to San Diego and overseeing the transformation from warship to museum and saving Midway history whenever he can. Special thanks go out to all of the many shipmates and Midway fans that have sent me photos, memorabilia, and news of the ship through the years making CV41.ORG what it is today.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the many volunteers. Capt. Chuck Smiley, Bill Purcell, Theresa Randall, Robert Anderson, Bob Hartman, Bill Hayes, Vic Zambrano, Rick Kitterer, Jeanette Olivera, Terry Erickson, Vic Vydra, Dan Rush and crew from the USS Vinson, crew from the USS Nimitz, and many many more. Without the tireless effort from all of you this would never have happened. Kudos to each and every one of you.
So, this ends the long chapter from decommissioned warship to monument, tip of the sword to indefatigable sentry, her bow pointed to sea where she belongs, but can no longer go. Her duty now is to serve as a reminder of 47 storied years of front line service and the dedication of the many thousands that served as her crew. That's pretty good duty. http://bushwhacked.net/forum/images/smilies/patriotflag.gif
Hi Midway Fans :thumbsup:
The New Updated website is up and running. Its Looking great too.
Ckeck it out :laugh:
Midway Magic is alive and well!!!!! :thumbsup:
My Congratulations to everyone involved in making it happen. :cool:
If Your not having fun, Just go visit the Midway Museum!!!!! :p
Billntwrk
06-12-04, 12:46 AM
Greetings Friends,
Today was another very busy day on the ship. A National Day of Mourning saw the museum exceed opening day numbers! I kid you not.
Chuck Cavanaugh, a frequent contributer to this site was aboad and got to meet Troy Prince, Buzz and family, "NAvy Bob" Bob HArtman and "Rander" Bob Anderson.
After the day was done, the museum closed, we all headed over to a local Pizza Parlor in Little Italy. When "No Joy" was called, we all piled into our vehicle and headed over to Buzz' hotel and had a Pizza Party, pool side. It was good to catch up and re-hash the same stories told thousands of times over the years. Imagine the surprise of the wives when it turns out that we were not B.S.'ing anyone. In fact Our wives discovered we were telling the sanitized, PG-13 version. Tonight they got the R/NC-17 version.
Buzz explained the meaning of being a "Molly B" Boy. We explained, in depth some of the tricks pulled on boot camps, etc. You get the idea.
We are over 14,900 visitors thru friday. TO tell the truth, we (Museum Staff and Vol's) are a littel nervous about what the week end holds.
Buzz will be hitting the ACFT restoration hanger tomorrow (Sat) and his poor wife is convinced that she has lost her husband foe the next few weeks. He has so much work to do regarding this web site. He also has a many exciting announcements to make. I will leave those to him.
RigTheBarricade
06-12-04, 11:54 PM
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to say how good it was to finally meet all of you, (except Buzz... :( ) I was really glad to finally meet Troy Prince, Robert Anderson, Bill Purcell & Bob Hartman. Robert & Bob, in my haste I forgot to get pictures of the both of you: :cry: , send me one if you get the chance. Bill, you may be a photographer, but I think your old Chief was right, deep down you're an AB and this is a good thing.
It's absolutely incredible what you guys have done with that ship since she arrived. Not to mention the work that CDR Clayton has put into making her one step shy of being able to go to sea. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting CDR Clayton and he is without a doubt one of the finest and hardest working men I have ever met. For those of you who have yet to visit, please take the time to seek out CDR Clayton and let him know how you feel. This man works endless hours for what at times seems like no reward. Let him know that his effort was worth it. :worthy:
Vic, I did'nt get your last name, but thank you for taking the time that you did for my wife and I. You made a sixteen year dream for her come true and I will forever be in your debt.
I would also like to thank Craig up in Flight Deck Control. Look for the guy wearing the red Aviation Boatswain's Mate hat, he's a kick in the ass. After we were talking to that group in Flight Deck Control, as the tourists filed out a man came up to me, shook my hand and thanked me for my service to the country. One by one his three sons came behind him and did the same. In the three years that I served and in the sixteen years since, I always had pride in what I did. But up until that moment, I don't think the true import of it ever really hit me. While civilians may be a bit silly sometimes, there are alot of them out there who care and respect us for the things that we did, and for that, I thank them.
I noticed that the Peace-Niks did'nt bother coming out on the second day, hmm, must be union rules...
We got about 500 pics plus some video that I hope to have up soon to share.
Thanks everyone, you made the drive to San Dog very worth it.
:thumbsup: JOB WELL DONE :thumbsup:
Billntwrk
06-13-04, 04:30 AM
Rig,
SO now ya wanna be a photog? 500 pics in two days. Sorry, now I will have to go out and take another 40-50 per day over my next three shifts! :laugh:
Any way folks, I had the pleasure of meeting Gene and his lovely bride.
He's right, the San Diego Peace coalition did not come back the next day. However, after reading Gene's post, I am reminded of an interesting fact that I failed to mention in previous post's. I watched the peace protester's with MAC and another member of the museum staff. ABout an hour later (This is a genuine *No Shi++er, I swear!*) I saw one of the activists wondering around all doe eyed and in awe. He actually came aboard for a tour. I remember this because I discreetly shadowed the person, thinking they might try to launch a paint atack or similar act of civil disobedience. He was like any other tourist, wandering around, head set on, following the map and enjoying himself.
Like MAC said the day of the protest's... God Bless em' (talking about the protesters).
MAC reminded me that we served so that such folks could protest in a free and open country. Heck, if ya think about it, we made out on the deal. We got 13 bucks out of the deal :thumbsup: .
Rig,
SO now ya wanna be a photog? 500 pics in two days. Sorry, now I will have to go out and take another 40-50 per day over my next three shifts! :laugh:
Any way folks, I had the pleasure of meeting Gene and his lovely bride.
He's right, the San Diego Peace coalition did not come back the next day. However, after reading Gene's post, I am reminded of an interesting fact that I failed to mention in previous post's. I watched the peace protester's with MAC and another member of the museum staff. ABout an hour later (This is a genuine *No Shi++er, I swear!*) I saw one of the activists wondering around all doe eyed and in awe. He actually came aboard for a tour. I remember this because I discreetly shadowed the person, thinking they might try to launch a paint atack or similar act of civil disobedience. He was like any other tourist, wandering around, head set on, following the map and enjoying himself.
Like MAC said the day of the protest's... God Bless em' (talking about the protesters).
MAC reminded me that we served so that such folks could protest in a free and open country. Heck, if ya think about it, we made out on the deal. We got 13 bucks out of the deal :thumbsup: .
Hi Midway Fans: :p
Bill: even the protesters are God's children too. so even they have to come and visit us from time to time.
I came home from vietnam only to hear protesters At San Francisco International Airport. Only one person shook my hand for my work on board the USS Enterprise off the Vietnam coast and she was a stewardess for United Air LInes and brought me a free drink. on my flight to San Diego :beer:
When we take the enlistment oath we are defending ALL the citizens of the United States of America. no matter if they fight along side us or stay home and protest.
:thumbsup:
If your not having fun: you're not doing it right :!!!:
RigTheBarricade
06-13-04, 10:35 PM
While they may all still be Gods children, it's kind of like having your dog crap on your shoe. You still take care of and love him, but you really want to put a cork in his ass... :Fight:
While they may all still be Gods children, it's kind of like having your dog crap on your shoe. You still take care of and love him, but you really want to put a cork in his ass... :Fight:
Hi Midway Fans :nuts:
For Buzz and Troy: The Black Aircraft you saw on the 5th and 12th left this morning (14th) onboard the USS Lincoln CVN-72, It was parked aft of the Island pointing toward the landing area.
RigTheBarricade
06-14-04, 10:26 PM
Dude,
I know it's a new era, but it's still the same crap, different day.
I'm still trying to smile about though...
:)
Hey shipmates! We're back and I'm trying to get caught up, photos arranged for uploading, and my trip report!!! The worst part of a vacation is coming home, I'm convinced of that. Anyways, just wanted to let you all know we made it back and that photos and info will be coming real soon.
Hey shipmates! We're back and I'm trying to get caught up, photos arranged for uploading, and my trip report!!! The worst part of a vacation is coming home, I'm convinced of that. Anyways, just wanted to let you all know we made it back and that photos and info will be coming real soon.
I visited "our" ship last saturday. When I set foot (well, wheels) aboard the aft elevator I did manage a salute before I cried. Thanks to every one who made this all possible. I would have liked to meet everyone who has contributed in whatever way to making "our" ship become truly a historical monument. I put several miles underme exploring what ever I could and then I just sat..............looking..........thinking........ .....remembering. and yes, watching the crowds.............sure were a LOT! will perhaps get to meet in person next year.........Roger Oxley, USS MIDWAY 76-78
Hi Roger, sorry I missed you. I tell you, I was spinning like a top from all the folks I was trying to meet. I missed RigTheBarricade too. :(
Here is my trip report. Sorry it's so boring. :laugh:
<h3>Wednesday - 9 June 2004</h3>
We arrived at San Diego around noon and got to the ship around 2:00 after checking into the hotel and grabbing a bite for lunch. Bill Purcell met us at the pier and found us parking near the brow. Troy Prince of <a href="http://midwaysailor.com/">MidwaySailor.com</a> and San Diego photographer/CV41.ORG contributor <a href="http://www.rcpphoto.com/">Ramón Purcell</a> were also with Bill. Troy had been enlisted to help out as a Saftey/Security volunteer and was decked out in the same red shirt/hat as Bill. This would come in handy Thursday as we were able to use his position to gain access to compartments in the 02 level.
We chatted a bit on the pier as if we'd been long lost shipmates though I had never met Bill before and had only met Troy last January for the Bay Crossing. Troy and I had been in contact via e-mail since 1997 when he was still in the Navy. Bill and I had served on Midway at the same time, but worked in different departments.
Bill hustled us up the the Flight Deck before the day's "Tip of the Sword" program was to begin honoring Midway's sailors and service during the 1980's and 1990's. This was my first look and walk up the easy access stairway or "Bunny Slope" as it's called. I was really worried how this would look since they carved into the flight deck to create it. It's actually pretty cool because you get a great view of the sponson area that you never got before, however it's not my preferred way to get up to the roof. Give me the ladders any day. By the way, none of the ladders from the hangar to the flight deck are open to visitors, though I was able to use a couple of them with Troy or Bill as an escort. Up on the roof Bill introduced me to retired Admiral Mac MacLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer of the Museum. I also got to chat a little with Scott McGaugh, SDACM spokesman and author of "<i>Midway Magic</i>". I had met Scott for the first time during the Bay Crossing and he had sponsored my boarding pass for the ride.
Scott started the program by mentioning Midway highlights from the 80's and 90's including the collision with the Panamaniam Freighter <I>Cactus</I> and Midway's record performance and lead role in Desert Storm. He then handed the mic over to Mac where he went on to tell us what had been done to the ship in the last six months and all the great additions planned for the near future. When he was done Scott took back over. In what was probably the biggest surprise of the trip he had some great compliments for me and my website and asked if I would stand and tell a story about Midway. Mac came out of no where and slapped a mic in my hand. I felt like I had been shot with a tazer. I thanked Scott for the kind words and stumbled through a story from one of the NORPACs I was on. That actually segued well into another sea story from a shipmate who was aboard during Operation Frostbite in 1946.
After the program I slapped Bill and Troy a few times for not warning me. Then we went down to the hangar bay to check out all that had been done in the last six months. It's truely an amazing transformation. The AIMD Jet Shop has been converted into the "Jet Shop" gift store. I was happy to see the Jet Shop mural is still there. On the fantail the hush house has been removed and there is now a Cafe there. It really is set up well though they could use a few kid's items on the menu.
With Troy leading the way we checked out the starboard aft sponson, which I can thankfully say is now closed for the dumping of all trash. *LOL* We went over to the Mach Combat area in Hangar Bay 2 and it is very impressive. I really didn't have much detail on the combat flight sim area prior to my trip and my expectations weren't very high. Folks, this is one awesome setup. There are two rows containing 12 flight sim stations in which you sit in front of a screen with HOTAS gear (Hands On Throttle and Stick) all networked together. The displays are very nice and the graphics are top notch. There are also three cockpits modeled after F-4 Phantom II's and a side by side cockpit. Dave Kinney, president of Mach Combat explained that the system uses his own code and that it's designed to give civilians the closest thing to a real combat flight sim experience they can find. Dave let me tour his spaces in the 02 level and there he's converted the old VA-115 Maintenance Control room to a pseudo prep area for "squadron pilots" to don flight suits prior to receiving a preflight briefing in the Ready Room (the old air intel space I believe). Dave is set up to support virtual squadrons that fly with or against each other. I was hoping to get a quick 10 minute ride, but it never materialized. I was either too busy at the time, or the sims were packed. Look for a Mach Combat website and my photos to be posted soon.
We took a quick tour through the aft mess decks (they've enlarged the ladderway and made it shallower) and then pretty much called it a day. All of us were beat from a day of air travel.
<h3>Thursday - 10 June 2004</h3>
Melanie and Kelsea wanted to spend time at the pool, so I headed out to the ship to get some 02 Level photos and access to the Island before the crowds arrived. Troy and I helped Scott set up the sign-in table for Midway Vets. It was right next to the old VA-115 AQ and Powerplants shops so I took a peek in the old AQ shop. There was about 4 inches of water on the deck, so I just looked in and snapped one photo. The cover to the vent that we used to keep the SSG's was now bolted on. No way to check if they were still there, but I doubt they are. Went up to the Island from there to visit Pri Fly, Captain's Bridge, and Chart Room. I was able to get quite a few good photos before the tours began coming up. Ran into docent Bob Hartman who has contributed to CV41.ORG and the Ready Room Five project. Bob and his wife were kind enough to give us free admission passes to the San Diego Zoo. I can't thank Bob and his wife enough for their generosity and hospitality. That goes for all the folks we ran in to.
From there we checked out the old Eagle Line Shack, Ordnance Shop, Maintenance Control, Upper Berthing, IM-3, and Ready Rooms on the 02 level. Also checked out the AIMD berthing area that is open to visitors. They have a rack and locker sealed in plexi that contains items that were found in the berthing areas after decommissioning.
Up on the flight deck we checked out bow area that was fenced off for free access. Note, I said "was". By Saturday it was down. No one was using the area and all it did was prevent the rest of us from accessing it unless we departed the ship and came up the "freebie" brow. I wouldn't be surprised if SDACM didn't use that for ammunition to pull the fence down. Speaking of fences, the entire flight deck is surrounded by one and I was worried that it would be a huge distraction. It's not. You really don't notice it that much.
The program Thursday and Friday honored Midway Veterans. Again, it was hosted by Scott and Mac who did a great job relaying Midway history and explaining the future of the museum.
<h3>Friday - 11 June 2004</h3>
Friday we went to the San Diego Zoo in the morning and had a great time. It really is as great as it is made out to be. I'll have photos of our trip there posted to my personal photo album soon.
I got to the ship in the early afternoon and got to finally meet <a href="http://www.cv41.org/gallery/chuck_cavenaugh">Chuck Cavanaugh</a>. Chuck was a photographers mate and has contributed many great photos to CV41.ORG. Chuck was with SDACM volunteer Brian Peller who was in the Weapons Dept around the same time Chuck and I were aboard. Brian has been helping restore the #3 Engine Room, but today he was working in Safety/Security. We toured the LOX plant prior to going up to the flight deck for the daily program. Brian and Chuck told me their stories from the collision with the Cactus and the damage done to the LOX plant.
Troy, Chuck, and I went aft to the volunteer offices and found Karl Zingheim. Karl is one of the ship's curators and model builders. He showed us projects we was working on and the large collections of model kits he has that will be used to outfit the giant scale carrier models they plan on builing and displaying in the old AIMD spaces.
Up on the flight deck I finally got to meet Pete Young, ex-VA-115 BN and fellow <a href="http://intruderassociation.com/">Intruder Association</a> member dispite me forgetting to call him. Pete and I have been corresponding on sponsoring Ready Room Five for Intruders and VA-115 and we feel the goal is obtainable.
During the program I ran in to <a href="http://bushwhacked.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&forumid=39">Midway Forum </a>member Dylumph. I really wanted to spend more time chatting and meeting his Dad. Sorry I missed you shipmate! Hope you and your Dad had a great visit. After the program I ran back to the hotel to pick Melanie and Kelsea so I could get back in time for a tour of the #3 Engine Room. I also got to see the Main Engine Control Room, Ship's Store, and finished up photographing the aft mess decks. Brian also gave us a look at the SAS cage and told us some cool stories about it.
We originally were all going to meet somewhere for dinner, but when the line was too long we decided to grab pizzas and hang out at our hotel's pool. Excellent call on the pizza by Chuck. Bronx Pizza was best I've had in a long time. We BS'd around the pool until they kicked us out around 10:00.
<h3>Saturday - 12 June 2004</h3>
We took Kelsea to a puppet show in the morning after stopping by Chuck's to pick up a cruisebook (Thanks Chuck!). After that I went to the ship to meet Robert Anderson (Rander) and Bob Hartman (NavyBob) for a tour of the Restoration Hangar on North Island. Bob was too busy to get away so Rander and I went alone. The Lincoln had pulled in over night and had loaded a strange fuselage aboard. Troy had seen it earlier that week and thought is was an old YF-23. I've compared my photos with pics of the YF-23 and I don't think it is. To be honest, I don't know what the heck it is. *LOL*
Rander and I got to the hangar and it was closed. I shot a few photos through the gate, but that was as close as I got. We did get over to the gateguards and got photos of the display aircraft there.
Rander dropped me back off at the ship and I went aboard one last time to say some good byes and get photos of things I missed earlier. One of the spaces was flight deck control and there I ran in to Craig "Packrat" Brown. Craig was in VA-115 with me. I had run into him last January after the Bay Crossing and it was great BS'ing with him again and remembering old Eagles stories. Craig has also made a pledge to the Ready Room Five campaign. Thanks Bud!
That was the last time I was aboard during our trip. It was an amazing and draining experience. There are a few things that can be tweeked for improvement, but considering it was opening week I don't think you could ask for more. Attendence was much greater than what was planned. Daily visitors were at or over 3,000 every day and I believe it was over 4,200 each day of the weekend.
What was done well? Just about everything. My list of improvements and changes is small. They really need a changing table at least in the women's head. Laying your kid down on non-skid isn't an option. According to Melanie there is plenty of room in the head for just a plain table which would suffice. Also, it would be nice if the Cafe on the fantail had some items for kids even if it's just a PB&J. Lastly, shirt selection in the gift shop. Every shirt I found that I wanted wasn't available in XL.
I think the audio self tours were a huge hit. Docents were all very friendly and happy to talk to any visitor about anything. Modifications made to ship to accomidate ez access were all done very well. I was worried they would be distractions and they really weren't at all. There is already a great selection of static display aircraft and you won't believe the excellent work that has been done on them. They look better than fresh from the factory.
Finally, I have a list of folks I want to thank and I apoligize up front if I forget anyone. It was a long hectic week! *LOL* So, in no particular order... Vic Vydra, Bill Purcell, Troy Prince, Bob Hartman, Mac McLaughlin, Scott McGaugh, Robert Anderson, Brian Peller, Chuck Cavanaugh, Chuck Smiley, Dave Kinney, Karl Zingheim, and especially Pete Clayton. Thanks to all of you and the many other SDACM and Restoration Hangar volunteers that have made the USS Midway an amazing place to visit. I can't wait to see what you all have to show in the future!
Billntwrk
06-16-04, 06:02 PM
It just occured to me...We let this wing nut on board daily, No Charge and yet we did not get one hour of Volunteer effort out of him! GO Figure. Next time Shipmates, I will have his arse in a hat and standing a post! :)
Seriously, Buzz was and will always be an Honored Guest. Troy has same status.
Dumping a bunch more photos on Buzz, Troy and now Rigthebarricade. I want to go slow so these folks can absorb all that they are being hit with.
Bill
Well, I did volunteer a little here and there and Troy took photos to prove it, but you're right. It probably didn't add up to an hour. BTW, kudos to Troy for all the volunteer hours he put in. I wasn't there Monday and Tuesday, but I guess he spent a lot of both days guarding El 2 to make sure no one had an accident until the permanent fence was installed. He also did a lot of work securing hatches and boundaries..... and re-securing them.... Way to go Troy! :thumbsup:
RigTheBarricade
06-16-04, 08:41 PM
O.k. guys,
I thought about letting this one fester for a bit, but I'll be the nice guy. :D
The strange aircraft that you've seen on the Lincoln are full sized movie props...
They're shooting a film that I believe is called "Stealth" aboard ship. ;)
I wonder just how many of you were drooling... :laugh:
Rander and I actually brought this up as a possiblity. As wierd as it looked there was no way that if it was a legit bird they'd be loading it aboard in broad daylight. I guess I won't get in trouble then if I post this.......
RigTheBarricade
06-16-04, 09:08 PM
Yeah,
I think it's safe to post the pic. A couple of us saw it, but AMS1 Rush was over from the Carnival Vinson to see some of us and told us about the movie thing. Shame, we were originally hoping it was something we could use on Bin Laden... :what:
dylumph
06-17-04, 06:34 AM
After typing for an hour and losing it for some reason unknown and loging in 3 times I'm gonna try one last time to say what a great time I had with my dad in San Diego last week. My fingers hurt!
dylumph
06-17-04, 06:36 AM
Oh yeah, Thanks Rander for the advice at Miramar. It worked!
After typing for an hour and losing it for some reason unknown and loging in 3 times I'm gonna try one last time to say what a great time I had with my dad in San Diego last week. My fingers hurt!
Dylumph and Rander. Try deleting your cookies for bushwhacked.net. That fixed the same problem for me.
Dylumph and Rander. Try deleting your cookies for bushwhacked.net. That fixed the same problem for me.
Hi Midway Fans
The following is an excerpt that I found on the USS Intrepid website. They restored the “crews mess” and outsourced it to McDonalds to serve “chow” to the daily visitors.
On your visit be sure to have a snack in our newly completed restoration of the original Mess Deck where the ships 3,000 crewmen ate Navy chow around the clock. The area has been restored into a fully functional cafeteria complete with food service by McDonalds. Plan your day around lunch in the Mess Deck and feel like a part of the crew. :nuts:
How can McDonalds serve real crews chow? What happened to authentic Navy delicacies like
Sh*t On a Shingle, Fried Seagull, Roast Beef served at lunch, dinner and midrats, and who could forget Fried Rabbit ( Mobile Chernobyl actually had this on the menu). How about Hockey Pucks and Sliders on cold metal trays?
One mans opinion :thumbsup:
If YOUR not having fun; YOU’RE not doing it right!!!!
RigTheBarricade
06-20-04, 08:03 PM
Rander,
They're just trying to give you the experience of being in a modern shopping ma... I mean aircraft carrier. Give 'em a few months and they'll have a Starbucks aboard just like the Carnival Vinson!
Oh yeah, Thanks Rander for the advice at Miramar. It worked!
Glad you and your dad were able to get in will try to get over there and get some pic for the cv41 website
:thumbsup:
...Give 'em a few months and they'll have a Starbucks aboard just like the Carnival Vinson!
Tell me you're shitting me? :worry:
Next I'm gonna hear there's a Cinnibon on the the Reagan. :what:
Hi Midway Fans
....
How can McDonalds serve real crews chow? ...
Soak everything in JP-5 overnight? :!!!:
RigTheBarricade
06-21-04, 01:48 PM
Tell me you're shitting me? :worry:
Next I'm gonna hear there's a Cinnibon on the the Reagan. :what:
LOL :rolleyes:
No, it won't a Cinnabon, probably a Brach's candy store selling Jelly Belly's... :p
LOL :rolleyes:
No, it won't a Cinnabon, probably a Brach's candy store selling Jelly Belly's... :p
My Dear Midway fans :p
The Ravishing Ronald CVN 76 will be in Sun Diego on July 23. Mark yor calanders and save your Pesos and we can disguise our selves as a tour group and ask for a tour of the ship.
:thumbsup:
If your not having fun You're not doing it right
Hi Midway Fans :nuts:
For Buzz and Troy: The Black Aircraft you saw on the 5th and 12th left this morning (14th) onboard the USS Lincoln CVN-72, It was parked aft of the Island pointing toward the landing area.
For Buzz and Troy The Black Aircraft noted above and in one of Buzz's pics, was returned to NAS North Island on June 21st when the USS Lincoln CVN-72
pulled in and offloaded it. The aircraft has been dissassembled and returned to the movie studio. It did have an F/A-18 landing gear setup under it to make it mobile. I heard from coworkers at NADEP, that the Navy gutted out an F-14 years ago and sold it to a movie studio for a possible move shoot. I
am not sure which mopvie maybe Topgun and Maybe for some shots in the TV series Jag :thumbsup:
RigTheBarricade
06-26-04, 08:30 AM
Hey everyone,
COMNAVWIFELEFTCOAST found this on Navy News Service:
ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (NNS) -- USS
Abraham Lincoln welcomed aboard more than 80 people from Columbia Pictures and Backbreaker Films, actors Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Sam Shepard and director Rob Cohen for the filming of the major motion picture, "Stealth," in June.
Abe's flight deck hosted 12 squadrons for carrier qualifications and the film crew, along with a 53-foot-long futuristic stealth fighter named "Talon."
"Filming a major Hollywood movie during flight (operations) is a very tricky and different thing," said Cohen. "This is real life out here, and it's amazing that the Navy is allowing us to be here and bring our own aircraft on the ship."
Cohen also acknowledged the Navy for allowing the current movie to see the light of day. "I'm very grateful to the Navy for this. The Navy passed every page of the script, so they feel good about it, and I feel good about what this film will say about the Navy."
In the film, Navy officials decide to use an unmanned version of the "Talon," but when one of the planes begins attacking friendly forces, Navy pilots are called in to save the planet from artificial intelligence.
Although the plot may sound far-fetched to some, Cohen found out firsthand that filming aboard Lincoln is very real.
"I have a deeper appreciation for what (the crew) does on the Lincoln," Cohen said. After spending his first night aboard the warship, Cohen had a startling experience that awoke him from a sound sleep.
"They primed the catapults about two in the morning, and I thought, 'Oh my God, we've been torpedoed!' I jumped so high out of my bunk that I hit my head on the shelf," he said.
Adjusting to life on the 97,000-ton carrier also proved to be difficult for some of the cast.
"I've been lost every day," Biel said. "I still can't get to my room. I have to ask people all of the time just to help me find the bathroom, but it's been incredible how helpful everyone has been."
Biel, who plays Lt. Kara Wade, the only female pilot in the stealth squadron, also expressed her appreciation for the hard work of Abe's crew. "You really have no idea how hard everybody works until you come on to a carrier," Biel said. "The teamwork on this ship is absolutely amazing."
Teamwork seemed to be the word of the week, as both the movie and ship's crews worked together to complete the ship's mission and lend a hand in the production. Abe Sailors were given numerous opportunities throughout the week to be extras in the film and share the spotlight with the Hollywood lineup. Donning float coats and cranials, the Sailors, producers and actors looked alike on the flight deck as the cameras rolled.
"In my 16 years in the Navy, this is one of the top things I've done," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Anthony Whetstone, of Abe's safety department.
Whetstone, an Alexander City, Ala., native, was an extra with a speaking role during one of the production's night scenes, and was grateful to have such an opportunity. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me before," he said.
Foxx, who plays the role of Lt. Henry Purcell, said Abe's crew was a big help during the filming and commented on their hard work. "This really changes your perspective on things, when you get a chance to see from the ground up how hard these men and women work," he said.
"The crew was really down to Earth," Whetstone said. "I was surprised to find out that they were just like us."
Whetstone's thoughts seemed to be echoed by Abe's crew throughout the week.
Meanwhile, the film crew couldn't seem to give enough praise to Lincoln Sailors.
"Thank God for these decent people that are on this ship doing the job they do," Cohen said. "I have a deep appreciation for Sailors and what (they) do for people like me who live in the freedom
(they) secure."
Hi Midway Fans :)
This is a Aircraft Restoration Hanger update :hehe:
General notes: The Midway Museum opened with 8 fully restored aircraft on board and 3 in the restoration process. The 3 in restoration are the C-1A, SH-2F, and F-4S #2……. The Museum is trying to get a T-2 Buckeye, a F-9F Panther and at least 2 more Helicopters…… Museum officials report record attendance averaging nearly 3,000 per day with a high of just over 5,000 on
Sunday June 20th. Bob Solomon and Rich Eby will share aircraft maintenance responsibility onboard……On board spaces, C-150 on the hanger deck and the island aft compartment are now stocked to perform aircraft maintenance onboard Midway.
Aircraft Status
SNJ: The hanger crew is in the process of fabricating hardware to accommodate a tail hook on our SNJ-5. The San Diego Aerospace Museum has contributed the hook itself, at it is being modified to fit our SNJ.
F-14: The Alpha Probe on the front of the Nose Radome, was bent during the respoting process,
And will be repaired shortly.
A-7: The shuttle attach mechanism keeps getting disconnected and a more permanent lock down process is being explored.
C-1A: Corrosion control is nearing completion as far as we can go in the hanger. The aircraft will be moved outside to unfold the wings and corrosion control them. The interior restoration is on hold for now pending receipt of a restoration specification. This task may be completed on board.
The condition of the interior lends itself to restoration as most of the furnishings are available but need considerable refurbishment.
SH-2F: All that remains remains are curved glass panels for the sides of the aircraft. The Museum is trying to obtain them from the Manufacturer or from a local plastic fabrication firm.
Cost is higher than anticipated and alternatives are being explored. The rotor blades have been spread in the hanger to assess and achieve the proper folding and stowage arrangement for display.
F-4S #2 The Museum has solicited aid form NAS North Island AIMD to mount two new main tires
on our bird prior to moving it in the hanger. Once the C-1A comes out the F-4S goes in.
E-2C cockpit: We are still accumulating instruments and working on the pilots and co-pilots seats.
The unit will be turned over to a simulation contractor for development of a working exhibit. Design of a transporting device is still under consideration.
Uh-1B Huey: Someone ripped off one of the gattling guns this past week. The Museum is trying to locate it and have it replicated. Plans are underway to fabricate 2 facsimile m-60 30 cal machine guns to mount on top of the outriggers. They will have to be substantial and mounted securely in light of the gattling gun incident.
Tow Tractor #1 Was taken to the Ground Support Equipment Division of AIMD for engine idle, overheating and brake problems.
Tow Tractor #2 onboard Midway, has had all of the hydraulic fluid removed from the engine and it is working fine now. The brakes are still a little spongy and another brake booster hopefully will cure the brake problems.
Welcome aboard new restoration hanger volunteers Sam Messer, Dan Monahan, Norm Tuttle
Dale Dawson, and Rich Eby.
Special thanks to Jim Redfield who provided nearly all of this information.
:thumbsup:
If YOUR not having fun; YOU'RE not doing it right!!!!!
Billntwrk
06-27-04, 01:14 PM
Folks,
I cannot say this enough. There was never a vehicle on the flight deck known as a Tug. So again, to Bill Hays and all others in the Aircraft Restoration hanger...I say this. What you call a Tug is actually known as a Tow Tractor.
When ya call it a tug, you confuse most flight deck folks. We also called certain models of the Tow Tractor, *Huffer's* The huffers were used in the start up procedure for the acft.
So, repeat after me. There are no Tugs, Only Tractors. There are no Tugs, Only Tractors. There are no such things as tugs, only tractors.
Billntwrk
Folks,
I cannot say this enough. There was never a vehicle on the flight deck known as a Tug. So again, to Bill Hays and all others in the Aircraft Restoration hanger...I say this. What you call a Tug is actually known as a Tow Tractor.
When ya call it a tug, you confuse most flight deck folks. We also called certain models of the Tow Tractor, *Huffer's* The huffers were used in the start up procedure for the acft.
So, repeat after me. There are no Tugs, Only Tractors. There are no Tugs, Only Tractors. There are no such things as tugs, only tractors.
Billntwrk
And a horse by another name is still a horse, Bill if you look closely at those Tow tractors you will notice they are gasoline powered and the TA-75 tow tractors(to be politically correct) are LAND or ASHORE based tractors. They are all the museum could get for our use. Nearly all of the tow tractor relics we got were obtained from NAF EL Sweato, and getting any of them to run at all is a miracle. ;)
However those of us aircraft maintainers not to be confused with shipboard airdales, will use whatever we can get to move an aircraft when one needs to be moved. be it a forklift a tow tractor or a jeep.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
RigTheBarricade
06-27-04, 08:52 PM
Guys, guys, guys...
All right, lets look at a few things here and put this to bed. :Peck: First & foremost;
A) Tugs are defined as: "Vessels used to tow brand new aircraft carriers home when they break down and PACFLT has to call upon USS Midway to go on station after only 30 days (if your lucky) and finish the job while the aforementioned 'aircraft carrier' spends the next 6 months to 2 years in the yards fixing whatever the problem is. :o
B) While the deck tractors of contention may be gasoline vs. diesel powered, they can accurately reflect the ship. It is only a minor detail. Hell, arresting gear wires should'nt have to be T.P.'d, aircraft carriers should'nt roll, A-6E Intruders should'nt be configured to fire Sidewinder missles while flying AirCap because the newest Strike Fighter in the inventory (made by Mattell) can't keep it's friggin' wheels underneath it and instead decides to take a dump on the deck; and lastly, Engineering types should not, repeat NOT be given command of aircraft carriers! :nuts:
If we can do all of these things and not sink the ship, then I think that we can use a gas powered tow tractor. Besides, how do you know that we have'nt done it in the past? Hmmm... :nolike:
C) And this one really gets me; if Billntwrk is a Photograhers Mate, albeit one on the flight deck, how the hell does he know so much?!?
Damn! You would almost think that the guy was an AB or something. :Poke:
Hmmm...
Billntwrk
06-28-04, 02:19 AM
Gentlemen,
It matters not, whether the Tractor is gas or diesel. Point is, it is a tractor. The Vehicle on the ship is a tow tractor. It uses tow bars attached to the Nose gear of ACFT.
The vehicle at the hanger is a tractor. And Like Rig said, t Tug is and has always been, what the statesiders used to get back home because they were too broke dick to even limp home.
In COnclusion, The SDACM has no TUGS. If we did, I suppose we could more it on the other side of the parking lot against those pilings.
Personal for Rig. My father was an AB, My God father was an AB, All my best friends were AB's. I ran the roads with the World Famous V-1 ( :worthy: ) Dawgs!
:smokin:
Billntwrk
I wanted to take a min and share my fav photo. But in addition as we used to say in the Navy "gollee" u airedales sure are fussy about terminology; reminds me of the SMAA's smackin me when I called MIDWAY a "boat" and I was "their" yeoman! Best wishes to all and thanks for the great photos , Roger Oxley
Guys, guys, guys..
B) While the deck tractors of contention may be gasoline vs. diesel powered, they can accurately reflect the ship. It is only a minor detail. Hell, arresting gear wires should'nt have to be T.P.'d, aircraft carriers should'nt roll, A-6E Intruders should'nt be configured to fire Sidewinder missles while flying AirCap because the newest Strike Fighter in the inventory (made by Mattell) can't keep it's friggin' wheels underneath it and instead decides to take a dump on the deck; and lastly, Engineering types should not, repeat NOT be given command of aircraft carriers! :nuts:
C) And this one really gets me; if Billntwrk is a Photograhers Mate, albeit one on the flight deck, how the hell does he know so much?!?
Damn! You would almost think that the guy was an AB or something. :Poke:
Hmmm...
Hi Midway Fans :)
Gene all you have to do is ask a yellow skirt(as we squadron folks used to call them) and they will tell you they know every thing!! Even if they don't they think they do!!!!!
let'see Bill said his dad was an AB, His godfather was an AB, It must be in his blood, after they threw him outta the yellow skirt locker he had to have cried on someones sholder and they let him the PH rate. A long line of Purcell Family men served the navy as AB's only to end with Bill as he became a much storied photographer of the Midway Museum And all for free too.
Thanks Bill for all the Great pics of Midway!!!!!
:thumbsup:
Work is for people who dont FISH!!!!
I wanted to take a min and share my fav photo. But in addition as we used to say in the Navy "gollee" u airedales sure are fussy about terminology; reminds me of the SMAA's smackin me when I called MIDWAY a "boat" and I was "their" yeoman! Best wishes to all and thanks for the great photos , Roger Oxley
Hi Midway Fans :D
Well I did it, I went back to my posting, News from the Aircraft Restoration Hanger and changed tug to tow tractor just to be politically correct as we all are sailors at heart.
Roger: not all of us are fussy about terminology. Depends on where you go and who you talk to wether a tow tractor is a tug or not. But for our little forum here whe'll use tow tractor as that is what it is. Back in the days of yore it only took 10 blue shirts to push a WWII fighter on the deck. With the latest state of the art fighters ( the tomcat comes to mind) weighing 72,000 pounds at takeoff 10 blue shirts and 10 squdron people and 5 more yellow skirts and you might just budge it a little like for a push back on the cat.
Roger Your welcome on the photos I for one was only to proud to document the Midway and aircraft for those living a distance from Sun Diego.
:thumbsup:
If YOUR not having fun: YOU'RE not doing it right!!!!!
RigTheBarricade
06-29-04, 10:07 PM
"gollee" u airedales sure are fussy about terminology;
Yes, we are! :D
It's terminology...
Without it, someone in CINCLANT might read this and send out a tow tractor to drag the "E" home the next time she breaks down!
God help everyone once we finally find something totally insignifigant to complain about! :p
Hi Midway Fans :D
Wishing everyone a happy 4th of July :rolleyes:
:thumbsup:
Don't drink and drive
If YOUR not having fun; YOU'RE not doing it right
ttprince
07-06-04, 07:11 PM
Rander and I actually brought this up as a possiblity. As wierd as it looked there was no way that if it was a legit bird they'd be loading it aboard in broad daylight. I guess I won't get in trouble then if I post this.......
Here's some close-ups and info, courtesy of the Navy Newsstand (http://www.news.navy.mil/index.asp):
http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_040618-N-6817C-098.jpg
Pacific Ocean (June 18, 2004) – A fictitious jet aircraft for the upcoming Columbia Tri-Star motion picture "Stealth," sits on one of four steam-powered catapults on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). "Stealth," starring Jessica Biel, Josh Lucas and Jamie Foxx, is due to be released next summer.
http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_040618-N-8497H-031.jpg
Sailors assigned to the Air Department division aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), moves a fictitious jet aircraft during recent filming of the motion picture Stealth.
http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_040618-N-6817C-089.jpg
A scene for the upcoming Columbia Tri-Star movie Stealth is filmed on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
It has a long, slender and slightly humped shoulder area and almost the exact same tail fins. Here's a couple of shots of a YF-23 for comparison:
http://www.voodoo.cz/yf23/b/yf2310.jpg
http://www.voodoo.cz/yf23/b/yf2311.jpg
Hey, from my split second glance of it on the pier at NAS North Island as Rander was whipping around the curve by the NEX, it sure looked like a chopped up YF-23 to me! :shrug:
Oh well, it looks like it might be a pretty cool movie though! :p
Rander and I actually brought this up as a possiblity. As wierd as it looked there was no way that if it was a legit bird they'd be loading it aboard in broad daylight. I guess I won't get in trouble then if I post this.......
Remember this post? Look what's making it's way around the net. :laugh:
courtesy of Bucko
F/A-37 Talon (http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/planes/q0192a.shtml)
Remember this post? Look what's making it's way around the net. :laugh:
courtesy of Bucko
F/A-37 Talon (http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/planes/q0192a.shtml)
That would make a great dead load! Heads up on the bow while firing no loads!!!! :beer: :!!!:
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