Mr. Actions, I’d like you to meet Ms. Consequences:
Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter vetoed plans to commission the Makin Island, the Navy’s newest and most powerful warship, in San Francisco in 2008 because of a perception that the city is anti-military.
Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. J. Michael Myatt, chairman of a high-powered committee that was to support a commissioning ceremony for the Makin Island, said he has been informed that the ship would not be commissioned in San Francisco, as scheduled, but in San Diego.
Myatt said he had been told that the Navy was concerned about San Francisco’s refusal to provide a homeport for the retired battleship Iowa, which would be turned into a museum, and for the city school board’s decision to abolish junior ROTC training in San Francisco high schools.
Perhaps we’re stretching the point just a bit to call an amphibious assault ship – no matter how “transformational” – the Navy’s most powerful warship, but never mind. I don’t know what a commissioning ceremony brings into a town in the way of good times and outside revenue, and yah, if you asked me I’d say we were being just the teensiest bit petulant, but there it is. I know that there are plenty of folks in The City who support the fleet and the forces, and San Francisco’s naval history is both rich and proud. But like those middle eastern “moderates” everyone is always talking about, the San Franciscans who believe that military folks aren’t murderous myrmidons aren’t the ones who thrust themselves in front of microphones once they get elected to the local school board, telling the poor children – and their parents – what they will and won’t be allowed to do in their spare time. If the regular folks can’t be bothered to bestir themselves to make their own noise when the other kids in the neighborhood start banging spoons off their high chairs, you’d forgive us maybe for thinking we weren’t welcome, up there.
But’s that’s all right. Come on down south, Makin Island – Sandy Eggo will be proud to have you.
Didn’t like it. In fact, the last two were really bad.
SECNAV…direct hit.
Madam Speaker…on fire, damaged but still afloat.
Lex,
I was part of a ship commissioning once (out of the 5 I served aboard), and it is a BIG deal for the City that hosts the event. DECATUR commissioned in Portland, OR, and it was a weeklong event, and while I’m sure it wasn’t the Nike Air Jordan Sales rep convention type money in the Cities coffers, it did help out the local economy. Portland is a class act for a city, they actually appreciate us. So, as a sad local to the idiots in SF (I work on the outskirts for a large Evil Conservative Oil Refinery), I say what comes around, goes around. They are due for much more, with the lifestyle they facilitate, and their in your face malfeasance to the Military. BZ to the SECNAV!
and another thing, the McCampbell (referenced in the story) is a Guided Missile Destroyer, not a Frigate (we stopped making those when I was a Second Class), damn, their paper cant even get the technicals right!
re -”..the Navy?
re -”..the Navy’s most powerful warship”
Not yet but soon. It’s coming.
b2
I think the Blue Angels should start giving that city a pass on their annual schedule too. SF has been free-riding for far too long.
Looks like frequent commenter here Michelle was right – http://www.neptunuslex.com/2006/11/28/agreeing-with-gavin-newsome/#comment-29367.
Grass roots efforts DO take root sometimes.
I applaud the SECNAV’s decision, and Kris/Michelle’s words. It gets tedious for the military community to hear nothing but down-putting from the populace it’s charged to protect, defend and aid. Not going to SF, is actually a morale booster for us, as it shows the military is finally standing up for itself, rather than sitting mute while serving as a punching bag for the left. BZ.
“Grass roots efforts DO take root sometimes.”
In that case Kris, you should definitely be taking a bow. For some reason it always seems easier to either either rant verbally or at your computer, then to put pen to paper and actually express your opinion to the people who matter. Which you did.
Big BZ to SECNAV ( I knew I liked that guy)…and Lex, B2, that “most powerful” thing don’t really mean the ship’s plant (do you count the 70,000 hp from the GTEs or the 10,000 hp from the drive motors?); it’s all them Marines she’ll be haulin around…plus the LCACs below and flighty things up top to get boots on the ground.
Oh Michelle, I could and never would take a bow for that letter. As I said before, it was a compilation of thoughts from all commenters on Lex’s original post – I just organized them and sprinkled in some “ass whoopin’” of my own, to go with everyone else’s. And I seriously doubt “our” little letter had anything to do with the decision.
I’m with Jordan in #8 above – bravo to the military for saying “enough” to the hate-mongering and moonbat ideaologies. They are taking a harsh stance and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Semper Fi – indeed.
Regarding Decision by SECNAV on the Commissioning of USS Makin IS,..away from San Francisco, As a Native San Franciscan, Former Navy and President San Francisco Navy League,.. I wholeheartedly agree!! San Franicsco is a Navy town,. always has been,..The Support by the people is just tremendous! Just Look at Fleet Week turnouts!! However,… Since arriving back to my home town, “The City by the Bay” as a young sailor from Vietnam in 1967, I was always amazed by the downward trend of the quality of the elected politicians in and around our fair city. Even though the Navy and the other branches(Coast Guard excepted)have long since departed,along with all those jobs and infrastructure,Fleet Week is Still a big money maker for not only the City but for all those other businesses around the bay.It is time for the rest of the bay area to stand up and speak out against those questionable Elected persons,. and take back thier/our town! Until then,… Money talks! Lets go spend it where the climate is,.. well, more friendly!
Hats off to SECNAV!!!
BTW been meaning to say, your first line Lex,
Mr. Action meet Ms. Consequences
Love it! Perfect fit – may they have a long and happy life together…. and figure out together how the world really works.