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Showing newest 13 of 38 posts from July 2010. Show older posts
Showing newest 13 of 38 posts from July 2010. Show older posts

Monday, July 19, 2010

Amver and Coast Guard save sinking fishing boat Tanya Rose


From Coast Guard News — Monday, July 19, 2010

U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue crews from Honolulu and Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) partners are assisting a vessel taking on water approximately 475 miles north of Kauai.

Photo of the Tanya Rose courtesy of Homespun Honolulu

Coast Guard watchstanders at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center here received a distress call at 6:30 a.m. from the captain of the fishing vessel, Tanya Rose, who reported the engine room was taking on water.

A Coast Guard aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point launched an HC-130 Hercules aircraft at 7:45 a.m. to establish communications and drop water pumps to the Tanya Rose. JRCC search and rescue coordinators immediately issued a radio broadcast asking for any AMVER vessels in the area to assist. The crew of the container ship Csav Rahue responded to the call at 7:30 a.m.

The Csav Rahue crew will arrive on scene approximately 11:35 a.m. The aircrew will remain on scene until the Csav Rahue arrives.

The weather conditions were reported to be 15-knot winds and six to 10-foot seas.

No injuries have been reported.

AMVER, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. With AMVER, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond.

For more information about AMVER, please visit www.amver.com
on Monday, July 19, 2010 0 comments

Saturday, July 17, 2010

President Obama blasts Republicans for blocking tax breaks to create jobs


President Obama blasted Republicans in the Senate who are blocking unemployment insurance and small business tax breaks to create jobs -- even as they push for permanent, massive tax cuts for the richest Americans -- in his weekly address. The President called on Congress to stop their procedural maneuvers and allow for a simple up or down vote on expanded unemployment insurance and additional tax cuts and lending for small businesses.

The weekly address is only five minutes long and you can watch it by clicking the start arrow in the center of the video image.


http://www.whitehouse.gov/

For more in formation go to: www.whitehouse.gov


on Saturday, July 17, 2010 0 comments

Friday, July 16, 2010

USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC 722) gets new boss -- Capt Douglas Smith assumes command




For updated information about USCGC Morgenthau's involvement with the Carnival Splendor incident, please see: Carnival Splendor becomes Carnival Dud as engine-room fire results in big Coast Guard response and quick end to cruise -- UPDATED


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The original July 16, 2010 story:
From coastguardnews.com -- ALAMEDA, Calif. – Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau is held a change of command ceremony Friday in its homeport of Alameda. Rear Adm. Timothy S. Sullivan, Coast Guard Pacific Area Deputy Commander served as the presiding official for the ceremony.

Capt. Anthony R. Gentilella relinquished command to Capt. Douglas J. Smith as Commanding Officer of Morgenthau during a time-honored military tradition, which transfers total responsibility, authority and accountability of the unit from one individual to another.
Capt. Smith became the Commanding Officer of Morgenthau in July 2008 during a Change of Command ceremony that took place in the Republic of Singapore.
Capt. Gentilella is reporting from the Naval War College in Washington D.C., where he attended the Coast Guard Senior Service School.
Morgenthau is a 378- foot high-endurance cutter that routinely deploys for patrols in the Bering Sea and as far south as Central and South America. In the Bering Sea, Morgenthau performs search and rescue operations, as well as fisheries boarding’s to protect the abundance of fish in U.S. waters. In the Southern Pacific, Morgenthau’s mission primarily focuses on preventing illegal immigration into the U.S. and supporting the Coast Guard’s counter-narcotics mission. Patrolling the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, Morgenthau has traveled more than 47,000 nautical miles throughout Capt. Smith’s tenure.
In 2008, Morgenthau traveled to Southeast Asia to assist, train, and teach law enforcement techniques to naval forces in the East Asian littoral. During a drug interdiction patrol off the Coast of Mexico in early 2009, Morgenthau seized $32 million worth of cocaine. Over the last year, Morgenthau deployed on two Alaska patrols encompassing 148 days away from homeport. Morgenthau conducted search and rescue cases and fishery enforcement boardings in some of the most challenging environmental conditions during these two patrols. Today, Morgenthau continues to set the standard in accomplishment of the Coast Guard’s traditional missions as well as those that have gained significance in the wake of the September 11th attacks and the emergence of the Department of Homeland Security.
About the photo: Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau, home ported at Coast Guard Island here, transits under the Bay Bridge April 28, 2008. The ship's crew is to take part in two international training exercises, Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (CARAT) and South East Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEA-CAT.) (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Seaman Caleb Critchfield)

on Friday, July 16, 2010 0 comments

SF Hotels doing better. Occupancy and room rates are up


According to San Francisco Business Times the hotel business in San Francisco is improving according to two standard benchmarks. The occupancy rate is up and the average daily room rate is up -- more guests paying higher rates.

Here's the report from :

In May 2010, San Francisco hotels saw their average daily room rates climb for the first time in 17 months.


A San Francisco hotel room cost an average of $158.42 in May 2010, a 3.8 percent increase over the $152.68 the average hotel charged in May 2009, according to a new report from PKF Consulting.


Hotel occupancy in the city climbed to 82.5 percent for the month, a 10.4 percent increase over May 2009 occupancy of 74.7.


San Francisco hotel occupancy has remained pretty strong throughout the recession, but its rates have plummeted, which has caused so much strain at hotels around town. While this rate gain by no means begins to recover lost ground — hotel rooms averaged $190.46 in May 2008 — it is the first real sign that hotel rates might indeed grow for the full year.


For the first five months of this year, hotel rates in San Francisco averaged $149.21, a 4.4 drop from the $156.08 average hotels were able to charge in the first five months of 2009. Citywide room rates were their lowest in December 2009, when they averaged just $132.81 a night.


Photo credit: Although San Francisco has a long history of wild rides in the City's many hotels, the sign in this photo was from the Palace Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. Courtesy of Northeast Auctions.

on Friday, July 16, 2010 0 comments

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Barbara Boxer talks about Muni and the new CCSF Phelan Loop


Senator Barbara Boxer sent out a message to San Franciscans yesterday in which she talks about San Francisco Muni and the new Phelan Loop bus facility to be constructed by the main campus of City College of San Francisco (CCSF).

Here's the letter:

Last week the U.S. Department of Transportation announced new investments in California mass transit that will create jobs, reduce commute times, and improve air quality.

DOT will provide nearly $19 million for four California regional bus services, including more than $6.8 million for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Phelan Loop Bus Facility Project.

Building the Phelan Loop Bus Facility paves the way for landscaped open space, new retail space, and new affordable housing – all next to public transportation and within walking distance of both a major transit hub and San Francisco City College.

The upgraded transit infrastructure will be a key component of a Muni transit system that is expected to grow from today’s 700,000 weekday boardings to more than a million weekday boardings by 2030.

I am so pleased that the Department of Transportation has funded this vital project. This investment will create jobs in construction, transit, and nearby retail; reduce commute times for both buses and private automobiles; and improve air quality by helping get more people out of their cars and onto an improved transit system.

Learn more at: boxer.senate.gov and barbaraboxer.com
on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 0 comments

Mohammed Odaini released from Guantanamo Bay Prison by Federal Court Order



The Defense Department today released a short statement announcing the release of Mohammed Odaini (also known as Mohammed Hassen) from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay. Here it is just as I received it:

The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of one detainee from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Yemen.

On May 26, 2010, a U.S. District Court ordered the release of Mohammed Odaini from custody at Guantanamo Bay. As a result, the Department of Defense has transferred him to his native country. In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer Odaini at least 15 days before his transfer.

The suspension of Yemeni repatriations from Guantanamo remains in effect due to the security situation that exists there. However, the Administration respects the decisions of U.S. federal courts, which ordered the release of Odaini. As with all transfers, the U.S. Government will work with the Yemeni Government to the fullest extent possible to implement appropriate security measures.

Since 2002, more than 595 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, Georgia, France, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.

Today, 180 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay.

on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 0 comments

Coast Guard remembers crew of CG-6017 with ceremony in Sitka -- new photos


This just in from U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Public Affairs:

Coast Guard remembers crew of 6017
.

Photo links below

SITKA, Alaska – Coast Guard Air Station Sitka hosted a memorial service for the aircrew of Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter 6017 Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell, Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Robert J. Papp and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael P. Leavitt, along with many members of the community attended the service to show their support for the three men who lost their lives.

The crew of the Sitka-based rescue helicopter was transiting from Air Station Astoria, Ore., to Sitka Wednesday morning when it went down in the waters of La Push, Wash. One of the four crewmembers was taken to a Seattle hospital after the helicopter went down.

“Our service, Air Station Sitka, the family and friends are all shocked by these events,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp. “Of all the events we face in life, the loss of a husband, brother, shipmate is the most difficult. We all gather here today to morn together and help the families with their loss.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the families of the fallen Coast Guard aircrew can do so with the Coast Guard Foundation at Coastguardfoundation.org, or by calling or Lt. Brooks Crawford at .

For still imagery from the ceremony, please click on the links below.

SITKA, Alaska – A portrait of Lt. Sean D. Krueger is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots in front of the stage inside the hangar at Air Station Sitka Tuesday, July 13, 2010. A memorial service was hosted by Air Station Sitka for the crew of Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter MH-60 6017. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

SITKA, Alaska – A portrait of Petty Officer 1st Class Adam C. Hoke is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots in front of the stage inside the hangar at Air Station Sitka Tuesday, July 13, 2010. A memorial service was hosted by Air Station Sitka for the crew of Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter MH-60 6017. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

SITKA, Alaska – A portrait of Petty Officer 2nd Class Brett M. Banks is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots in front of the stage inside the hangar at Air Station Sitka Tuesday, July 13, 2010. A memorial service was hosted by Air Station Sitka for the crew of Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter MH-60 6017. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

SITKA, Alaska – Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Robert J. Papp speaks to a crowd who attended the Memorial Service for the crew who were lost when Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter MH-60 6017 went down of La Push, Wash., Tuesday. July 13, 2010. More than 1,500 people attended the memorial service that was held inside the hangar at Air Station Sitka. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

SITKA, Alaska – Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski hands a flag to one of the family members who lost a relative when the Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter MH-60 6017 went down near La Push, Wash., Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

SITKA, Alaska – A Coast Guardsmen plays taps in respect to the three lost crewmembers who lost their lives when Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter MH-60 6017 went down near La Push, Wash., Tuesday, July 13, 2010. The music was played as a conclusion for the memorial service held at the Hangar at Air Station Sitka. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

Read the original at USCG D-17 Public Affairs

Also see: Names, photos and Memorial info for lost crew of CG-6017

on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 0 comments

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Sunday in San Francisco -- Hornblower and Lovely Martha -- love on San Francisco Bay


It was another remarkable Sunday on San Francisco Bay. From my vantage point near the Port of San Francisco office which is near the Ferry Building, I watched a delightful impromptu parade this morning.

The California Hornblower

About 11:30 this morning the California Hornblower backed out of its berth with a full compliment of Sunday Brunch guests. I've seen the Hornblower many times since it came to San Francisco Bay. It's really quite a grand ship and we need to stop every so often and give it a nod.

California Hornblower is 183 feet in length and has three decks for dining and entertainment. The ship can seat and serve hot dinners, cooked by Hornblower's chefs on board, for as many as 600 guests.

Hornblower offers a variety of dinner, brunch and cocktail cruises on the Bay. Champagne brunch cruises start from $76 and dinner-dance cruises start at $99

Another thing I like about Hornblower Cruises: they make their corporate offices in the Santa Rosa, a 256' ferry built in 1927 that served Southern Pacific Railways on their Golden Gate Ferries Line. The Santa Rosa is berthed right behind the San Francisco Belle, which the company also owns and operates.

The Lovely Martha

The Lovely Martha is as real San Francisco as it is possible to get. If you know someone visiting the City and they ask for a cruise recommendation, tell them about Lovely Martha. Lovely Martha berths at Fisherman's Wharf.

I saw the Lovely Martha this morning, puttering a long with a deck full of tourists. Those people were getting one of the best tours available on the Bay. There are bigger tour operators, but few that are as fine as Captain Frank.

For three generations, the Rescino family has delighted anglers on their San Francisco sport fishing boats. Captain Frank was a deckhand in training for his father, Nick Rescino, when he was six just years old. At the age of ten, Frank was handling the deckhand duties on his own. In 1972, Frank got his skippers license, and when his father retired, he became the skipper of the completely refurbished Lovely Martha. The Lovely Martha fishing experience combines three generations of local fishing knowledge, with one of the best equipped, cleanest vessels of the fleet. Captain Frank is very involved in the local community, sponsoring several youth fishing programs, such as the SFPD youth fishing program. Call Captain Frank at or contact Captain Frank online at www.lovelymartha.com

Delta Z-Drive

Every day of the week, Sundays included, are good for spotting tug boats on the Bay. Today was no exception.

If you like tug boats, you will almost surely know what a Delta Z-Drive tug is all about. It's not unusual to see them on the Bay and their berth is on the Embarcadero not far from Teatro ZinZanni. If you want to know more about these amazing machines, go to: USCGC Sherman, a Crowley Cycloidal Drive, a Zeppelin and my sweet, sweet SF Bay

Golden Gate Park Band

For the past 128 years the Golden Gate Park Band has been providing the people of San Francisco with free concerts every Sunday afternoon at 1 PM. I left the docks in time to take the N-Judah lightrail out to the Park for today's concert. Today Michael Wirgler, Music Director and Conductor, led the brass band in a tour of French composers.

The concerts are free and take place at the Music Concourse, which is between the deYoung Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. Todays concert was fabulous.

The National AIDS Memorial Grove

The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a sacred space in Golden Gate Park. It is a place to be quiet, to be respectful, to be in the moment and to be gentle. People who disrespect this sacred space really make me angry.

Today I saw that some absolute idiot had gone through the garbage can in search of something. All the garbage was scattered by the side of the can. I wish I had caught the slob in the act.

Like the Cowardly Lion from the Land of Oz said, "Why, I'd thrash him from top to bottomus! (as the Lion, singing, skips merrily down the trail, we hear: "[singing] I'm afraid there's no denyin' / I'm just a dandy-lion / A fate I don't deserve / I'm sure I could show my prowess / Be a lion, not a mouse / If I only had the nerve.")

Anyway ... it's a childish thing to act badly in the Grove.

The Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest is a special little area in Golden Gate Park. It's not the kind of place that can stand a lot of heavy foot traffic, so if you don't know where it is, you likely don't live in San Francisco. I mention this special little area, also a very spiritual place, because today someone came along and put little piles of wild birdseed on the stone blocks in the little forest. The stones, by the way, came from a 13th century Cistercian monastery in Spain.

It was a wonderful thing to bring all that birdseed and feed the little folks of the forest. They appreciate your generosity and the Earth blesses you and so does the Universe. Thank you, whomever you are.

Riding the 43-Masonic

I'm a reasonably regular 43-Masonic rider and I want to mention that it is my observation that most of the drivers on the 43-line are extremely good drivers. They handle their vehicles very well, keep their eyes scanning, keep their focus on the job they are doing and stay alert to what passengers are doing.

The mood of the City right now is to blame workers for the City's problems and Muni drivers are getting blasted. I want to give credit to these drivers because they deserve it. They are doing a difficult job very well. Thank you, 43-Masonic drivers.

And that was my Sunday in San Francisco -- another day in the grandest City on Earth.

Photo of the National AIDS Memorial Grove by Brian Lum
on Sunday, July 11, 2010 0 comments

San Francisco Giants Law Enforcement Appreciation Night and Firefighter Appreciation Night 2010



San Francisco Giants
Firefighter Appreciation Night
Friday, July 16, 2010 -- New York Mets play the Giants at 7:15 PM
Buy Tickets

What could be better than Giants baseball on a Friday night? How about a chance to say thanks to the firefighters who keep us safe every day, and a special-edition Lou Seal bobblehead? The Firefighter Appreciation Night ticket package includes a ticket to the game in the Firefighter Appreciation section and a one-of-a-kind Lou Seal Firefighter bobblehead. Firefighters will be honored in a pregame ceremony, and proceeds from each ticket sold will be donated to the SF Toy Program. Buy your ticket now and show your support.


San Francisco Giants
Law Enforcement Appreciation Night
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 -- Chicago Cubs play the Giants at 7:15 PM
Buy Tickets

2009's Law Enforcement Appreciation Night saw a record amount of money raised for the Bay Area Law Enforcement Assistance Fund and the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation. Let's see if we can do even better this year! Like last season, ticket proceeds from this event will be donated to BALEAF and CPOMF. Special event ticket holders will receive access to the pregame tailgate, a seat in the Law Enforcement Appreciation section, and a Giants/Law Enforcement themed gym bag. There will be a pregame ceremony on the field to honor officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty during the past year. Come out and show support for the people who put their lives on the line to protect us every day!

San Francisco Giants website
on Sunday, July 11, 2010 0 comments

Amver Tribute to Coast Guard CG-6017 crew plus Memorial information


From the Amver Blog - - -

The Amver family sadly lost three airmen from United States Coast Guard helicopter, CG-6017, from Sitka, Alaska when their aircraft crashed on July 7, 2010.

This passage is for them. I saw it inscribed on a granite overlook on the Hudson River in New York City. The author is unknown.

 Who can sail without wind
Who can row without oars
Who can say farewell to a friend
without shedding a tear

I can sail without wind
I can row without oars
I can not say farewell to a friend
Without shedding a tear

More information here:
Details, names, photos, service records and suggestions on how you can help the families of our Guardsmen victims at: Names. photos of crew killed in CG-6017 MH-60 Jayhawk -- plus memorial information

About Amver:
Amver, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. Learn more at www.amver.com
on Sunday, July 11, 2010 0 comments

COAST GUARD FOUNDATION LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING DRIVE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES OF CG-6017 GUARDIANS IN HELICOPTER TRAGEDY
A Special message from the Coast Guard Foundation:

The Coast Guard Foundation announced Friday, July 9, 2010, a fundraising drive for its emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund in response to the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crash off the coast of La Push, Washington this past Wednesday, July 7th, that claimed the lives of three servicemen. The crewmembers of CG-6017 were based at Air Station Sitka, Alaska.

The Coast Guard Foundation is seeking financial support for the Family Disaster Relief Fund. This fund provides immediate assistance to the families of the fallen crewmembers as they deal with this tragedy, and will provide comfort for other Coast Guard families who find themselves in similar devastating circumstances. The Coast Guard Foundation also seeks support for the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships for the children of Coast Guard members who perish in the line of duty. Six children lost their fathers in this tragedy and the Foundation will provide scholarship funds to each one to assist with higher education expenses.

To make a contribution to the Family Disaster Relief Fund, the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund or the CG 6017 Memorial Service Fund, please visit our donation page here. You may choose an area of support from the drop down menu on the donation form.

More information here:

For the complete report of the CG-6017 crash, the names and photos of crewmembers and more ways you can help the families of the victims go directly to: Names, photos of crew killed in CG-6017 MH-60 Jayhawk announced by U.S. Coast Guard -- plus Memorial info

on Sunday, July 11, 2010 0 comments

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Oakland targeted by anarchists: they're really domestic terrorist punks


Most of the 78 people arrested in Oakland after the Mehserle verdict announcement were not from Oakland. They were dedicated punk anarchists who came into Oakland for the sole purpose of destruction. They had no or little interest in Oscar Grant, Johann Mehserle or the City of Oakland. They were in Oakland only to wreak havoc and to destroy.

Armed for destruction

OPD Chief Anthony Batts said some carried backpacks with Molotov cocktails, sawed-off baseball bats and bottles filled with urine and feces. Chief Batts told the San Francisco Chronicle, "The organizers of the event did exactly what they said they were going to do. They held a peaceful protest, but you could see anarchists among the crowd early on. These are people who treat Oakland as if it is a playground they can come to and destroy," the chief said.

Many of the peaceful demonstrators seemed to understand that. TV news reported that one group of Oakland teens heckled and shouted down a masked person and yelled at him to leave.

Oakland teens stand up against masked anarchists!

Wow. Good work. The young people of Oakland stood up for their City and shouted down the anarchists. Good for Oaklanders! This may be the birth of a new respect for their City. Let's hope such is the case.

Call them what they are: domestic terrorists!

I would like to see legislation introduced to define these anarchists as domestic terrorists, because that is precisely what they are: terrorists who come to our home towns with the purpose of creating terror among the citizenry and with the clear intent to destroy other people's property. Then the cowards sneak out of town.

During the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, in the last days, anarchists and terrorists flooded into the streets of the once great capitol of the Western World and began eating away at the City from the inside. That is precisely what these masked punks are doing and they must be stopped.

Define them as terrorists and let's go after them .Let's take the battle right into their faces and let's do it now!

Chief Anthony Batts -- Oakland's best hope

As for my advice to Oaklanders, stand behind Chief Batts. You finally have a police chief you can depend upon. Too bad Oakland has a mayor and a city council who want to cut police officers -- the already too-thin blue line that preserves civility from chaos.

on Saturday, July 10, 2010 2 comments

Friday, July 09, 2010

USCGC Sherman, a Crowley Cycloidal Drive, a Zeppelin and my sweet, sweet SF Bay


For years I've been going down to the docks. I prefer the working side of the Bay - over by the Bay Bridge - where all the action can be found. For example, here's what I saw this morning sitt'n on the dock of the Bay:

First the Sherman

A little after 11:30 this morning the USCGC Sherman (WHEC-720) came gliding into the Bay on its way home to here in San Francisco Bay. The Sherman is not a little boat. The Sherman is the size of a World War II Navy destroyer. In fact, USS Laffey, one of the most famous of WWII destroyers, is 376' long. The Sherman is 378' in length.

On March 17, 2007 Sherman stopped the Panamanian motor vessel Gatun about 20 miles off a Panamanian island. Gatun was loaded with 20 tons of cocaine with an estimated retail street value of $600 million. The seizure was the largest drug bust in US history and the largest interdiction at sea. See this of 40,000 pounds of Cocaine being offloaded by the crew of the Sherman.

Sherman is a highly decorated cutter and has more than 40 years of service. Sherman has a crew of about 160 and they just came home to their families from an extended tour of duty. Welcome home, Sherman!

More about the Sherman and the drug bust:

The Crowley tug that travels backward

A bright red and white Crowley tug with cycloidal propulsion leisurely chugged along stern-first. The tug was traveling completely backward and was doing it with absolute ease. It was quite a sight.

There are some absolutely fascinating tugs working on San Francisco Bay. The new Z-Drive tugs have propellers contained inside a housing that can rotate beneath the hull a full 360 degrees. They can turn in space. The pilot sits high in the center of the vessel and operates the tug with a joystick -- and think about the power he controls -- twin Cat 3608 engines are common. They produce enormous power, some as much as (or more than) 7,000 horsepower.

Bay-Delta Maritime use the Z-Drive system on San Francisco Bay. Here are some specs for the newest tugs operating on San Francisco Bay. Here is a YouTube video demonstrating the .

The Crowley tug I saw uses the Voith Schneider Cycloidal Propeller system, which is equally revolutionary in design. These tugs are the super Harleys of the Bay.


Here are some great photos of BayDelta tugs operating on San Francisco Bay.

The Airship floated and bounced along above me

The airship's current customer is Farmer's Insurance and the huge airship (not a blimp: blimps are soft rubber-like bags. Zeppelins have rigid frames beneath a rubber-like skin) was floating around making sure everyone in the City saw the Farmer's Insurance advertising. I'm sure they succeeded.

The Zeppelin is 246' in length and is powered by 3 200-hp engines, but even so it was sometimes fighting the gusty wind over San Francisco Bay. The Zeppelin is operated by Airship Ventures, and yes, they will take you up for a ride.

Then I left the docks and went to lunch.

Living in San Francisco! Ain't it grand!

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That great photo of the Bay is from Wikimedia Commons and you can go here to download a high resolution image.

Voith-Schneider Propulsion  -- learn more at: The Edda Fides is a 1,000-bed Floatel with Voith Schneider Propulsion System
on Friday, July 09, 2010 0 comments
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