Warbird Information Exchange

August,

Bananas! That is all.

thanks,
Ryan

As a volunteer on the USS Yorktown, I walk those decks almost on a weekly basis. I have accompanied many grizzled veterans who have returned to see the ship they served in many years ago, and to again experience the sights and smells (yes, a lot of the smells are still there) they lived with in their younger days. The stories they tell and the experiences they recount are what makes saving this ship a worthwhile endeavor.

I see many young kids come on board with stars in their eyes and dreams of being Navy pilots when they grow up. This is what makes this ship important, and makes every dime spent on her upkeep worth it.

Walt

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If God had intended airplane engines to have horizontally-opposed cylinders, Pratt & Whitney would have built them that way.

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Ok the question is what to do to preserve the Boat/Ship/Fort/Airplane/etc etc

I see it as no different from a situation of the parent of a special needs child.
After the arrival of the item, whether it be an aircraft carrier or a baby, a trust fund needs to be set up that will be invested in a rational, conservative basket of investments that will grow over time and provide funds for the proper care.
The time to put money into a fund is hopefully at the beginning, with hopefully large donations being made while everyone is still excited about the new arrival.
In the case of an inanimate object such as a boat, museum, etc. a percentage of the funds generated by ticket sales, etc. should be be placed in the fund. Local businesses such as power companies, hardware, paint and engineering firms should be courted as sponsors if possible.
It would be nice if the State, the US Navy or large shipbuilding firm could be induced to provide matching funds for needed large ticket repair work.
Had a reasonable fund been established when the ship was delivered then repair work now and in the future would not be such a problem.
It is not to late if the right people in the community with wealth, influence and social standing can be persuaded to get involved.
just my .02

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All I did was press this red button here...

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I was on the Yorktown last year doing a survey of their Corsair. The guys and gals working at Patriots Point are doing a good job with what they have. I saw sections of the ship that really needed help. The aircraft up on deck range in condition. You have to take into consideration that, like when I was there, the humidity was epic and the air briny as all get out.

Why don't they use some low security prison labor or community service to maintain stuff like this... I mean if you are wearing a ball and chain you wont be tempted to go overboard.

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Andrew King
Air Museum Director with no Museum to Direct
Open to Suggestions

WOW!!! I have posted some treads that have caused serious dialogues!!! Not with a bad intention, i have just posted them with the idea just to communicate what i think must be seen by the interested ones, not to cause other kind of arguments. any way, sometimes is good to see you talking like that!!

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Hey at least it's better than posting nothing but a bunch of redundant links and LIFE photos ... [/quote]

I agree completely!

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You would, as most trolls do. [/quote]

I'm not a troll. Far from it. At least I try to contribute something other than other people's photo collections.

Slow start with a strong finish.

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Always looking for WW2 Half-Tracks and Parts.

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Interesting analogy...especially as the parent of a special needs child. I did set up a trust fund and any time I have a couple of extra bucks, I put it in the account. Likewise, any financial gifts from relatives, etc., go directly into the account. I have to admit, it is tempting to want to raid the account, especially when things are tight, but I've never done it. I imagine organizations probably have the same good intentions, and then when things get tight, they borrow a little from the trust fund with the intent of replacing the funds as soon as possible, but instead head down the slippery slope.

Ultimately, it is probably going to take Federal Grants to save this ships over the long haul, or perhaps even turning them into National Parks. That would open up a LOT more resources to be brought to bear in preservation. I'd be comfortable with the National Park Service taking these ships over. The work they've done on many Civil War battlefields is exemplary. Unlike a lot of other government agencies, the NPS seems to be able to do a lot more with a lot less and they seem to be willing to listen to outside opinions.

Mark,

A question about the Hornet. Is the salinity of the Bay less than than say the berths of the Yorktown and other ships that are in harbors actually situated on the Ocean?

I know that the old Reserve fleets at Mare Island and Suisun bay were partially chosen because of the introduction of fresh water from the Napa River and Sacramento River/Delta.

On a personal note. Somewhere in my parents house in the Bay Area i have a WW2 Cruise book from the Hornet. The last cruise. The first page has a pic of "Mom" Chung. The thing is I have never been able to ID the Sailor it belongs to. It is inscribed to a MR Elliot. But I was not able to find him in the Cruise book.

At one time I thought about donating it to the Museum but figured they must have lots of them.

If I think about it, and if you would like, I can see if I can scan any pics of your Dad the next time I am in the Bay Area.