August 2013 - The Stupid Shall be Punished

Should We Attack Syria?

With an American submarine reported to be among the assets on standby for a possible attack on Syria, and the President announcing that he'll ask Congress for authorization for such an attack, I figure we should discuss how Congress should vote. Normally...

Published Sat, Aug 31 2013 3:35 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

A Submariner Looks At Fifty

"Once you're over the hill, you start to pick up speed" has always been one of my favorite pithy greeting card sayings. As I turn 50, I realize I have no problem with this birthday, as I also had no problem with turning 40. (It was 30 that...

Published Mon, Aug 26 2013 9:30 AM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

PCU Minnesota Video

The shipyard released a propaganda video from a recent PCU Minnesota (SSN 783) media availability : It's not too bad. I would have liked to have seen more shots of the screens on the Virginia -class boats, but I was most happy to see a crew in poppy...

Published Thu, Aug 22 2013 12:16 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

The KOG

A ship's checklist for a visit from then-VADM Rickover has been floating around: Preparation Checklist for VADM Rickover USS (Ship’s Name) (Date) MEMORANDUM From: Executive Officer To: All Officers Subject: Preparation for VADM Rickover, USN The following...

Published Mon, Aug 19 2013 3:09 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

SSBN 730 (Blue) COB Masted, Relieved

From the Navy website : The Blue Crew chief of the boat (COB) of the Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) was relieved of his duties Aug. 15 after being found guilty of violating Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military...

Published Thu, Aug 15 2013 8:21 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

Indian Submarine Suffers In-Port Explosion, Duty Section Feared Lost

Indian Kilo -class submarine INS Sindhurakshak (S63) suffered a series of onboard explosions shortly after midnight local time, and is apparently sunk at the pier. This article says that duty section of 18 men, including three officers (one the XO), has...

Published Wed, Aug 14 2013 6:17 AM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

USS New Mexico Returns From Deployment, Makes News

USS New Mexico (SSN 779) returned from her maiden deployment today; here's a video of the return: The homecoming even made the national news ! I've always had a commitment to discuss submarine issues that make the national news, so I figured I...

Published Tue, Aug 13 2013 1:17 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

When A LT(j.g.) Gets A "Good Idea"

Navy Times has an article about a proposal on the USNI Blog from LT(j.g.) Zack Howitt to recognize the skimmers doing Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) missions. Excerpt from the initial blog post : Of all the missions the Surface Navy does, Ballistic Missile...

Published Sat, Aug 10 2013 2:23 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished

USS Miami To Be Decommed

From The New London Day (may require premium access): The Navy notified Congress on Tuesday it plans to stop repairing the USS Miami and remove the submarine from the fleet. In April, the Navy discovered additional cracking on board the submarine, which...

Published Tue, Aug 06 2013 4:07 PM by The Stupid Shall Be Punished