25 Comments

Glory Days indeed. Rest well, shipmates and a big broadside of Full Bore.

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Preference was given to coal fired BBs for the US contribution to Grand Fleet to reduce logistical strain. Coal didn't have to be imported.

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In addition to the people, the photograph shows a portion of the magnificent silver service presented to a battleship by the namesake state. My mother described a reception she attended, probably on the USS Mississippi, where the silver service was used. The USS Arizona silver service is/was displayed in the Capitol.

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I look at those men from over a century ago, and I'm reminded of the sailors I've served with. There's always cords of memory that come down.

My ustafish had elements of the silver service from our predecessor battleship on display in the wardroom. As a bluejacket, I only went in there when it was required.

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That's why I had a little giggle with the photo above.

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Bet you they were being watched against petty theft!

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When the ship is asleep and the crew turned in and a mid watch is stood, or it’s holiday routine, is always a fine time to marvel at the artifacts.

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We had some nice stuff on the mess decks as well relating to our namesake state, but I was always told stay out of officer's country unless invited.

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I used to violate that etiquette on occasion while on watch. "Just making my rounds sir."

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I wasn't anywhere near my rounds was the problem!

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Hear, hear!

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Grandfather enlisted in 1908 and had a career all over in the Navy to 1928. Served on USS Mississippi and his personnel files show a visit to Gibraltar in 1915 before US entered war. USN wanted him back for WW2 but he had a sweet gig at USN Newport RI. Fascinating photos of China, Philippines and even Japan in the 1920's.

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Slightly O/T. Folks, take photos, print and id them on the back. People who aren't even a glimmer yet will want them.

CDR, thank you for sharing your heritage.

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I've tried to incorporate all the information I can into the old photos I've been scanning. Names of people, places (including exact address if I know it), dates. For those that I took, it's pretty easy since I remember when and where I took them. For those that I inherited from my grandparents it's a bit trickier, but social media sites are wonderful resources.

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USS Texas is still around, the only dreadnought veteran of WWI. Arkansas and Texas served together in both wars, Both in the Atlantic and Pacific during WWII.

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Come on Texas!

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Shes been in drydock for quite a while getting lots of overdue hull work done, and I think theyve just reflooded it for leak testing a day or three ago. She looks fantastic!!

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HUZZAH for Grandpa Salamander!

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This story never gets old.

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I have a copy of a photo of Arkansas at anchor in Hampton Roads from my grandfather's WWI photo album taken shortly before it departed for Great Britain on July 14. 1918. Too bad I can't copy/paste into your comments!

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We certainly thank them for their service. God bless.

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It's good to remember those that went before us

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Both of my Grandfathers went to France in that war. Maternal Grandfather was enlisted in the Air Service; we have a number of photos from that time, many that he took. Paternal Grandfather saw combat in Field Artillery; we have a few photos of him, but also have artifacts; spurs, a canteen and most importantly his pistol and trench knife. He died when my Dad was an infant. We have a great letter of condolence from his Brigade commander.

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They were men and sailors and giants.

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CDR Sal, I realize you may not see this post, but if you happen to be reviewing the "archives," I just happened to catch the tail end of the Dick Powell movie "Shipmates Forever" on TCM. It provides a Hollywood glimpse into the Navy (and Naval Academy) of 1935., which in and of itself is rather interesting. I like old movies (talk about time capsules!) and this one is enjoyable (notwithstanding my own personal and family ties to West Point). The climax of the movie is set on the USS Arkansas during the midshipmens' senior cruise, and there is some underway footage of what may, in fact, by the Arkansas (in its old WWI era configuration). You might want to check it out....

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