Sam Spade's San Francisco

Published since 2005. San Francisco is a city that belongs to the people of the world. Hence this blog has a global focus. The name "Sam Spade's San Francisco" refers to an exciting era in the City's history, the time of Dashiell Hammett's fictional gumshoe and San Francisco character, Sam Spade. My name is Tom Dunn and I edit the blog. I'm not as exciting as Sam Spade, but I am definitely a San Francisco character.Contact or on Twitter -- Search blog below.

Showing newest 13 of 16 posts from October 2010. Show older posts

Friday, October 29, 2010

San Francisco Day Labor Program -- workers ready now

The San Francisco Day Labor Program always has workers available for moving, gardening, painting, housecleaning, construction, event staff, set-up workers, busboys, waiters, kitchen prep workers, maintenance workers and janitors.

The SF Day Labor Program is a non-profit that connects individuals and companies with experienced laborers for temporary jobs. The Program can send workers to your home or business for as little as 3-hours or fill on-going positions.

Call or Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 12 Noon. The Program is located at 3358 Cesar Chavez Street, San Francisco

Rates are $12 to $15 per hour with a minimum of three-hours work.

- Moving
- Event Staff
- Junk removal
- Construction
- Gardening and landscaping
- Painting
- Bussers and wait staff
- kitchen prep workers
- maintenance workers
- clean-up and janitors
- set-up workers
- plumbers, electricians and carpenters
- some workers can supply trucks, vehicles and/or tools. Inquire.

To learn more go to sfdaylabor.org

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Volunteers needed to Stand Against Prop 23 and defeat the Texas oil companies in California

The Stand Against Prop 23 folks need your help making phone calls during the home stretch leading up to the election in a couple of weeks. Prop 23 is a deceptive ballot initiative sponsored by two Texas oil companies, which would effectively kill our state's global warming law and undermine California's leadership in the clean energy market.

There is an all-out effort being made to send those Texas oil companies, Valero Oil (head office: San Antonio, Texas) and Tesoro Petroleum (headquarters: San Antonio, Texas) a message: Stop trying to wreck our California environment. Keep your noses out of our business.You are Texas oil companies, not California voters, so, buzz off!

If you want to help send a message to those Texas oil companies, join the Sierra Club in a phone bank effort to defeat Prop 23.

WHAT: Stand with Sierra Club supporters in San Francisco as we call voters and tell them the truth about Prop 23 and its Big Oil backers.

WHEN: Mondays-Thursdays 6pm-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 2pm-5pm

WHERE: 85 Second Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 ()

Contact: Marie Bergen, ,

RSVP: Sierra Club's No on Prop 23 Project

Bernie Madoff's Plam Beach house sold by U.S. Marshals for $5.65 million

They sold Bernie Madoff's Palm Beach mansion last week. The U.S. Marshal's Service got $5.65 million for the property.

“Today’s sale marks another important step forward for the government and arrives at the heels of the second Madoff auction scheduled for November 13, 2010 in New York City,” said Joseph R. Guccione, U.S. Marshal for Southern District of New York.

The U.S. Marshals Service administers the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Program by managing and disposing of properties seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys nationwide. The program has become a key part of the federal government's efforts to combat major criminal activities. The Marshals Service currently manages approximately 18,000 assets with a value of more than $2 billion.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Map: the World According to San Francisco by generic

The fellow in the photo is as much a San Franciscan as anyone who ever lived. He was Emperor Norton, the man who thought he was Emperor of the United States (and protector of Mexico) and San Francisco was his Camelot.
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San Franciscans have always been a little goofy. My family is no exception. I've had family in San Francisco since the Gold Rush year, 1849, and I can assure you that plenty of my family members were missing a few screws. I believe that's true with most San Franciscans. The reason we're all here is because we're not all there.
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We look at the world through really weird glasses. So, if you're a San Franciscan, you're probably going to like this map. It's funny and it's absolutely true. This is the way we look at the rest of the world.
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This map is the excellent work of generic.
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Don't bother trying to guess what generic might be. You would be wrong because generic is unique. This is not a Zen riddle. The easiest way to understand generic is to go see for yourself at .
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I heard about this generic map from SFist, a sunny and verdant place where local gems are often found.
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Click on the map to enlarge in a separate window or tab.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

San Francisco Fleet Week: a brief history from the U.S. Coast Guard

Coast Guard Compass published an excellent brief history of Fleet Week and it is reprinted here in entirety without any editing from me:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2010

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

With contributions from Coast Guard District 11 Public Affairs.

Members of the Coast Guard honor platoon march toward Washington Square during the Italian Heritage Parade. This year's Fleet Week took place from October 7-12. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Erik Swanson.

Originating from President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet” in 1907, where 16 battleships circumnavigated the globe in 14 months, Fleet Week celebrates and honors the traditions of our sea services.

The crew from CGC George Cobb, a 175-foot buoy tender, loads the center point buoy on to the deck of the cutter for Fleet Week 2010. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Pamela Manns.

The first Fleet Week was held in San Diego, Calif., in 1935, and due to it’s success in honoring our nation’s rich maritime traditions, cities across the country hold annual Fleet Week celebrations. While the Coast Guard’s role in Fleet Week varies from year to year, it is an opportunity to showcase our operational capabilities and interact with the community we serve.

This year, Coast Guard involvement included the Cutter Active in the Parade of Ships, a search-and-rescue demonstration with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and theCutter George Cobb dropping the center point buoy for the Blue Angels air show over San Francisco Bay. Coast Guard law enforcement and Auxiliary crews also patrolled passenger ferries and conducted pier side safety and security inspections as well as providing security to spectators on the water.

Adding to the traditions of Fleet Week 2010, two Coast Guardsmen, Petty Officer Ever Nahum Bonilla and Seaman Benjamin Eschenbach, and six other military members, were sworn in as naturalized U.S. citizens aboard the USS Pinckney.

Fleet Week Search and Rescue demonstration

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, from Air Station San Francisco, hovers while the crew prepares to perform a search and rescue demonstration near Crissy Field. Coast Guard photo by PA3 Erik Swanson.

“Fleet Week honors the dedication to duty and sacrifices of the men and women of the sea services, past and present,” said Capt. Cynthia L. Stowe, commander ofCoast Guard Sector San Francisco. “Coast Guardsmen, Sailors and Marines are woven into the fabric of the Northern California community. We are dedicated to serving maritime safety and security and actively working together to enhance the quality of life in the Bay Area.”

More than one million people flock to San Francisco’s waterfront every year for Fleet Week events including parades, military assets and air shows, usually featuring the Navy’s Blue Angels.

The largest military branch in the Bay Area, the Coast Guard has more than 4,000 members serving in a variety of missions, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, inspections, aids-to-navigation, port security, illegal drug interdiction and environmental protection.

Eight members of the United States military, including Petty Officer Ever Nahum Bonilla (right) and Seaman Benjamin Eschenbach, became naturalized citizens aboard the USS Pinckney as part of San Francisco's annual Fleet Week celebration. Coast Guard photo by PA1 Rachel Polish.

Compassion gets things done, not aggression and the San José Mine, Chile rescue is a great example

Congratulations to the people and Government of Chile and to the Chilean mining industry. Congratulations also to the workers at San José Mine, the rescue team and the global team of mining and heavy rescue experts and mining engineers who came together for this one cause. They are doing a remarkable job. As this is being written five miners have been brought to the surface from 2,300-feet below.
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This is a great example of what can be done when people come together globally under the banner of compassion. We can accomplish so much more with compassion than with aggression.
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When the Dalai Lama was asked about finding true happiness he said, "If you want to be happy, practice compassion." Then he added again, "If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
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That is very good advice. Look how happy everyone is tonight!
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Compassionate people can make real change in the world. I want to vote for the compassion ticket and let compassionate people run the world.
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Wikipedia put together a very good page on the San José Mine near Copiapó, Chile. You will find just about everything you may want: the story timeline, charts, diagrams, maps, rescue technology details and a good set of links. They're updating it periodically. Find it on Wikipedia at 2010 Copiapó mining accident

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Photo: Sailors from USS Makin Island (LHD 8) march in Columbus Day Parade, North Beach, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 10, 2010) - Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) march in the Columbus Day Celebration Parade during San Francisco Fleet Week 2010. San Francisco Fleet Week highlights the history of the maritime services in San Francisco. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Torrey W. Lee/Released). Click on the photo to open and enlarge in a separate window or tab

MORE ABOUT USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8):

You may also be interested in reading USS Makin Island (LHD 8): hybrid turbine-electric warship and Global Disaster Response Platform (lots of stats, details and links about the ship)

Monday, October 11, 2010

SFPD needs your help nabbing Alan Young, the Motown Swindler

Story Update:

Alan Young was arrested at the Hide Out Bar in San Francisco. I guess Mr. Young figured a bar named the "Hide Out" was a good place to lay low and avoid the cops. Perhaps Mr. Young has been watching too many old movies.

The San Francisco Police Department had asked for the public’s assistance in catching Young who was impersonating various Motown celebrities. (Press Release 10-101) An employee at the bar recognized Young as the person identified in the press release and called the police. When the police arrived, the witness showed the responding officers the news article as well as a photograph of the suspect.

Young was placed under arrest by Officers To and Milligan from Central Police Station on several warrants for crimes committed while impersonating Motown celebrities.

Anyone that may have been victimized by Young in San Francisco, should contact Inspector Yee of the San Francisco Police Department Financial Crimes Unit at 553-1521.

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the original story:
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San Francisco Police Department is alerting the public about Alan Young who has been impersonating various Motown celebrities and then uses their status as a celebrity, to induce various “star-struck” business owners into wining and dining him, and providing hotel lodging and entertainment.

Young often walks into a business and makes false promises to utilize whatever services the business owner offers or to buy whatever products they sell. Alan Young is also known to frequent hotel bars and restaurants looking for his marks. He engages strangers in conversations and then introduces himself as a celebrity.

Most recently, he entered an art gallery and introduced himself as Motown song writer Lamont Dozier. He feigned interest in purchasing various artworks valued at approximately $75,000.00 for his alleged home in Pasadena. He asked the art gallery employee to become his buyer’s agent. He then asked the employee to write up the sale and meet him with the invoice at the bar across the street.
The employee met with Young at the bar and also brought along one of the art gallery owners who searched for Lamont Dozier online and was able to determine that the man posing as Dozier (Alan Young) was not Dozier. There was no financial loss in this particular case.

Police are advising citizens to be aware of this scam artist to avoid becoming a victim. The suspect is very clever and is described as an African American male who is 57 years old, but appears much older. He is 5’9” approximately 185 lbs. receding graying hair and brown eyes.

Anyone coming in contact with this individual should call 9-1-1 immediately. Alan Young is also wanted for outstanding arrest warrants.

Anyone with questions may contact Inspector Yee of the San Francisco Police Department Financial Crimes Unit at 553-1521.

You can also leave a completely anonymous tip for the SFPD by using Citizen Observer, an independent service to relay citizen communications to the appropriate law enforcement agency and provide other web-based community policing tools.

Coast Guard gives Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke a lesson on complexities of San Francisco Bay

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke met with representatives from the Coast Guard, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and port partners on Yerba Buena Island, Thursday afternoon.

During his visit, the Secretary toured Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco and a NOAA survey vessel and heard input from key maritime leaders.

Federal maritime leaders in attendance include, Capt. Cyndi Stowe, captain of the port and commander of Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, Sean Kelley, director of Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco, Richard Edwing, director of NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services and Gerry Wheaton, NOAA coast survey regional navigation manager.

Local, state and port partners in attendance include Heather Kerkering, coordinator Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System, Joan Lundstrom, mayor of Larkspur, Calif., and chair of San Francisco Bay Region Harbor Safety Committee, Esam Amso, of Valero Marketing and Supply Company and member of the Harbor Safety Committee, Peter Stone, chief commercial officer of Ports America SVP, Captain Lynn Korwatch, director of the San Francisco Marine Exchange, Alan Steinbrugge, project manager for PORTS representing the San Francisco Marine Exchange.

Lt. Cmdr. DesaRae Janszen , Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco chief of waterways, talks to the Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke about the VTS area of responsibility, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010. The Secretary met with leaders from the Coast Guard, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and port partners on Yerba Buena Island. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Swanson.

The Port of Oakland is currently the fourth busiest container port in the United States, and VTS San Francisco is responsible for monitoring and coordinating those ship movements in an effort to prevent accidents and the associated loss of life and damage to property and the environment.

Sector San Francisco conducts a variety of missions including homeland security, search and rescue, law enforcement, boating safety, aids to navigation and marine environmental protection with a vast area of responsibility reaching into the San Joaquin Delta, out to Lake Tahoe, north to Bodega Bay and south to Monterey.

Coast Guard Star Shines Bright Over Fleet Week San Francisco

The Coast Guard’s dual role as an enforcer and participant during Fleet Week in the Bay Area is a testament to its unique missions evident during this weekend’s festivities.

While enforcing special local regulations by ensuring a 500-yard buffer between naval ships and those on the water, Coast Guard crews remain responsive to search and rescue, port security, maritime law enforcement and also maintaining the necessary aids to navigation needed to expertly guide thousands of mariners that have surged in San Francisco Bay and surrounding waterways during Fleet Week.

USCGC Active

As a participant, the Port Angeles, Wash.-based Cutter Active sailed in formation along with Navy and Canadian ships in the Parade of Ships. A multi-mission MH-65C Dolphin helicopter demonstrated a search and rescue exercise preceding the Blue Angels’ performance. A Coast Guard contingent proudly represented the service Sunday during the Italian Heritage Day Parade.

Coast Guard: SF Bay Area's Largest Military Presence

The Coast Guard is the Bay Area's largest military presence. More than 4,000 Coast Guard men and women are based in the Bay area stationed at boat stations, a buoy tender, air station, five cutters including the Coast Guard’s newest fleet of Legend-Class Cutters, the Cutters Bertholf and Waesche, training centers, pollution response teams and regional headquarters that coordinate operations throughout California and the entire Pacific. Coast Guard men and women here perform a variety of missions, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, inspections and fisheries, aids-to-navigation, port security and anti-terrorism patrols, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, and environmental protection.

Get involved!

By the way, the Coast Guard is now hiring. They have been saving lives and guarding the coast since 1790. The Coast Guard is correctly both a branch of the U.S. military and a federal law enforcement agency. It is also the largest rescue and water safety organization on the planet. Learn more at: gocoastguard.com

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy offers a 100% free four-year Bachelor of Science program and a commission as an officer. About 80% of new Lieutenant JGs go on to grad school and work toward their Master's degree -- and in most cases grad school is also paid for by the Coast Guard -- all that for a five-year commitment. The Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut is the only U.S. military academy to which a person may apply directly. Learn more at: www.uscga.edu

Too old for the academy or active duty service? Volunteer for the nation's oldest all-volunteer military-connected maritime organization, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. America's volunteer guardians have been promoting safety, security and stewardship since 1939. Learn more at: www.cgaux.org

Supporting our local Coast Guard families

Watch this video from First Lady Michelle Obama and check out the links where you can get involved in supporting and befriending our local Coasties and their families.

Friday, October 08, 2010

USS Makin Island (LHD 8) hybrid turbine-electric warship and Global Disaster Response Platform - UPDATE

USS Makin Island is brand-new. The ship came into active service in 2010. She is the Navy's newest and most advanced Wasp-class amphibious assault ship

The Eleventh Marine Expeditionary Unit - (11 MEU) is a self-contained fighting force and humanitarian/medical response team of about 2,000 Marines. Thanks to Makin Island those Marines have a global reach and are able to take with them the fighter jets, attack helicopters, battle tanks, medical supplies, support supplies and other equipment they use.
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Makin Island's job is to transport, protect and support Marines and to serve as a Global Disaster Response Platform. Think: the world's biggest heavy-rescue squad and SWAT Team. Makin Island is Nirvana for First Responders.

World's largest and most powerful true hybrid Rescue Unit

Makin Island is homeported at Naval Base San Diego. She is a little over 840-feet long and displaces 41,000 tons. That's a light "footprint" for such a large ship and that means Makin Island can be fast. Makin Island is an advanced turbine-electric drive ship. Makin Island is a true hybrid. During the ship's transit from Pascagoula, MS to San Diego, Makin Island would have burned 900,000 gallons less fuel than a steam ship completing the same trip. That would save more than $2-million in fuel costs and spare the planet's air.

Propulsion and Power Plant

The ship's power machinery includes two 35,000-BHP LM2500 General Electric gas turbines, two 5,000-BHP variable-speed Alstom electric motors, two 16-foot-diameterRolls Royce controllable-pitch propellers and six 4,000-kW Fairbanks-Morse diesel generators. When the ship is moving at 12 knots or greater, the gas turbines propel the ship. When she is moving at less than 12 knots the auxiliary systems drive the propulsion shafts.

Inside USS Makin Island

What's inside Makin Island? There are AV-8B Marine attack jets, CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53 Sea Dragon helicopters, MV-22 Osprey helicopters, LCAC air-cushion landing craft plus whatever the 2,000-plus Marines who can call Makin Island home will need for their mission. Makin Island can carry M1A1 main battle tanks, AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles, trucks, bulldozers, humvees -- all the tools available to the Marine Corps.

Global Disaster Response Platform

But that's just half of Makin Island's story. There is also a fully-equipped and staffed emergency trauma hospital aboard with six operating rooms, a 17-bed state-of-the-art ICU and a 47-bed ward. In disaster situations Makin Island can be converted to become a major trauma hospital and surgical center able to provide in-patient care to 200 or more patients and out-patient care to thousands by dispatching medical teams aboard Marine helicopters. Makin Island is second in medical capabilities only to the Navy's two hospital ships.

When an emergency strikes the Navy can deploy Makin Island. The ship's enormous powerplant can produce electricity and provide desalinated drinking water. The hospital, air rescue, communications center and law enforcement capabilities aboard would be second to none. Makin Island would become the primary Incident Command Center and the hub for emergency relief wherever on the planet disaster strikes.

Firepower and the Bubble of Protection

To protect her Marines, Makin Island has more firepower than just about anybody wants to mess with. First, there are two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems.

Each system fires five-inch diameter supersonic missiles with enough explosive power to sink a boat, cripple a ship or down an aircraft. Makin Island's weapons fire control system can engage multiple targets simultaneously. With each missile destined to hit the bulls eye each time, that's some very serious firepower. Wherever the ship chooses to go, Makin Island can create a circular bubble of protection that easily extends out 100 miles.

Second, there are the two Phalanx CIWS defense units.

The Phalanx is a radar-guided 20-mm Gatling gun on a swivel base that can fire 3,000 rounds a minute. It simply mows down and pulverizes everything it hits and it always hits wherever it intends to hit. Holy smokes! (see of a Phalanx in action.)

And don't forget the 11th MEU. There could be 2,000 Marines aboard Makin Island and every one of them armed to the teeth and they have heavily armed attack jets and helicopters armed with smart missiles. Think: waving a stick at an angry wasp's nest. Guess what happens next.

Resources:

- Stop by USS Makin Island's website and check the news to see what's happening aboard ship today.
- That's USS Makin Island In the photo: Click on the photo to enlarge in a separate tab or window.

- More Makin Island photos here.

- You can read the ship's characteristics stat sheet here.

- Contact USS Makin Island (official DOD links for official purposes)

You may also be interested in: Navy wants 54 more copies of USS Freedom (LCS 1) to be like cops patroling world for bad guys

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Despite Massive Money Infusions, Whitman Still Trails in Polls

Despite a massive fundraising advantage, Whitman trailing in polls

Written by Chase Davis for California Watch blog

Despite outspending Jerry Brown nearly 14 to one, Meg Whitman has fallen behind in several recent public opinion polls, fresh off of two televised debates and battered by allegations that she employed an illegal immigrant housekeeper for more than nine years.

Whitman has spent more than $138 million on her campaign so far, including $119 million of her own money, according to campaign filings released yesterday. Brown, by contrast, has spent about $10 million. He has about $22.5 million in the bank for the closing weeks of the campaign.

Whitman has about $9 million in the bank but can continue to draw from her personal fortune as Election Day nears – something she may consider doing to regain ground she has lost in recent polls.

An released yesterday had Brown leading 50-43, and and polls released yesterday showed him leading 47-43 and 49-44, respectively. Each of the polling results had Brown in the lead but showed a small possibility, due to sampling error, that Whitman could be closer or even ahead. A Pollster.com on the Huffington Post website also shows significant gains by Brown, and Nate Silver of the polling blog FiveThirtyEight.com has pegged Brown as a 75 percent favorite to win.

Some private polls reportedly have him up as much as 10 points.

For their part, the Whitman campaign has downplayed the recent polls, releasing a memo by their own pollster yesterday calling the race a dead heat, with Brown holding a 43-41 advantage.

Whitman appears to be hoping that blanketing voters with advertisements will continue to allow her to define Brown and herself to an increasing number of undecided voters. She has spent between about $2 million and $4 million a week on media buys since at least early August, records show.

Original Story on California Watch blog

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Best places to watch Fleet Week 2010 Air Show and Parade of Ships in San Francisco - UPDATED!

October 7 - 12, 2010

San Francisco

WELCOME to all active duty military personnel and their families; to Reserves, Air National Guard and National Guardsmen and to all veterans; WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, Afghanistan War and welcome to our Gold Star and Blue Star families. You are America's best!

A SPECIAL WELCOME to the Eleventh Marine Expeditionary Unit (11 MEU), part of the First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) based at San Diego, and their brand-new ride, the USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

11 MEU

is a self-contained fighting force and humanitarian/medical response team of about 2,000 Marines. Thanks to Makin Island those Marines have a global reach and are able to take with them the fighter jets, attack helicopters, battle tanks, medical supplies, support supplies and other equipment they use.

Makin Island is brand-new. The ship came into active service in 2010. She is the Navy's newest and most advanced Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Her job is to transport, protect and support Marines and to serve as a Global Disaster Response Platform. Think: the world's biggest heavy-rescue squad and SWAT Team. Makin Island is Nirvana for First Responders.

The world's largest and most powerful true hybrid Rescue Unit

Makin Island is homeported at Naval Base San Diego. She is a little over 840-feet long and displaces 41,000 tons. That's a light "footprint" for such a large ship and that means Makin Island can be fast. Makin Island is an advanced turbine-electric drive ship. Makin Island is a true hybrid. During the ship's transit from Pascagoula, MS to San Diego, Makin Island burned 900,000 gallons less fuel than a steam ship completing the same trip. That would save more than $2-million in fuel costs and spare the planet's air.

Propulsion

The ship's power machinery includes two 35,000-BHP LM2500 General Electric gas turbines, two 5,000-BHP variable-speed Alstom electric motors, two 16-foot-diameter Rolls Royce controllable-pitch propellers and six 4,000-kW Fairbanks-Morse diesel generators.

When the ship is moving at 12 knots or greater, the gas turbines propel the ship. When she is moving at less than 12 knots the auxiliary systems drive the propulsion shafts.

Inside USS Makin Island

Global Disaster Response Platform

But that's just half of Makin Island's story. There is also a fully-equipped and staffed emergency trauma hospital aboard with six operating rooms, a 17-bed state-of-the-art ICU and a 47-bed ward. In disaster situations Makin Island can be converted to become a major trauma hospital and surgical center able to provide in-patient care to 200 or more patients and out-patient care to thousands by dispatching medical teams aboard Marine helicopters. Makin Island is second in medical capabilities only to the Navy's two hospital ships.

When an emergency strikes the Navy can deploy Makin Island. The ship's enormous powerplant can produce electricity and provide desalinated drinking water. The hospital, air rescue, communications center and law enforcement capabilities aboard would be second to none. Makin Island would become the primary Incident Command Center and the

hub for emergency relief wherever on the planet disaster strikes.

Firepower: Makin Island's Weapons Systems

And to protect her Marines, Makin Island has more firepower than just about anybody wants to mess with.

First, there are two

RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems

. E

ach system fires five-inch diameter supersonic missiles with 25-pound conventional warheads with enough explosive power to sink a boat, cripple a ship or down an aircraft. Makin Island's weapons fire control system can engage multiple targets simultaneously. With each missile destined to hit the bulls eye each time, that's some very serious firepower. Wherever the ship chooses to go, Makin Island can create a circular bubble of protection that easily extends out 100 miles.

Second, there are the two Phalanx CIWS defense units. The Phalanx is a radar-guided 20-mm Gatling gun on a swivel base that can fire 3,000 rounds a minute.

It simply mows down and pulverizes everything it hits and it always hits wherever it intends to hit.

Holy smokes! (see of a Phalanx in action.)

You can read the -->ship's characteristics stat sheet here -->. Makin Island is scheduled to be open for tours Saturday, Sunday and Mondayfrom 9AM-3PM at Pier 30-32 ().

Tour Makin Island

Makin Island may very likely become the hub and center for government and disaster relief in San Francisco when the Big Earthquake strikes. This is a very good time to come aboard and get to know Makin Island.

Head out to Saturday, Sunday or Monday 9 AM to 3 PM. Look for the big "8" at the base of Bryant Street and between the Bay Bridge and the Giants Ballpark. If you're driving into the area you are going to need a lot of luck to find a place to park on Fleet Week weekend. There is parking available at the Pier but it fills quickly for popular events like this.

Try parking at the City-owned Fifth and Mission Garage on Mission between Fourth and Fifth) and take the 14-Mission Muni bus down to the Embarcadero. Pier 30-32 will be a short stroll from where you disembark. You can also ride Muni Metro lightrail Line N or T.

The tour is free, but read the rules first. You will be visiting a restricted area with military security protocol in force. Understand fully that Makin Island is a sub-zero tolerance area.

That's USS Makin Island In the photo: Click on the photo to enlarge in a separate tab or window. More Makin Island photos here.

The Canadians are Coming!

And we welcome the Canadian Navy back to San Francisco this year. They are like a close family member who comes home once a year for dinner. The Canucks are always welcome in San Francisco. The Canadian Navy will be celebrating it's 100th birthday with us at San Francisco and HMCS Whitehorse and HMCS Brandon are scheduled for the Parade of Ships which will take place on Saturday about 10 AM. The Canadian ships will also be open for tour on Sunday and Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

The Coast Guard in San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay is headquarters for USCG Pacific Area Command located on Coast Guard Island adjacent to Alameda, which is itself an island in San Francisco Bay. Coast Guard Island is also headquarters for District 11. While San Francisco was once a Navy town, the hometown team for San Francisco today is the Coast Guard, and both the City of San Francisco and USCG welcome you to Fleet Week 2010. Learn more about the Coast Guard in SF Bay.

On Sunday you will be able to tour USCGC Active, a 210-foot ship that is primarily assigned to law enforcement and drug interdiction duties and is available 24/7 for search and rescue operations as well. The Coast Guard is unique in that it is both a branch of the military and a federal law enforcement agency.

USCGC Active was awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional meritorious service in stopping and arresting the crew of the Mexican fishing vessel Valera which had 5.5 metric tons of cocaine aboard. A year after that incident, Active stopped another ship, the Svesda Maru, and seized 13.2 tons of cocaine. At sea Active operates with a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter on her aft deck.

Active will be berthed at and will be open for public tours on Sunday and Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Download a hi-res photo of Active.

Although not here for Fleet Week, you may want to read about the Coast Guard's newest and largest cutters, USCGC Bertholf and USCGC Waesche. They are larger than a WWII destroyer and are state of the art ships for the U.S. military and law enforcement in the 21st century.

Parade of Ships

Take a look at the list of ships participating the the Parade of Ships. This is going to be a good year to watch the Parade of Ships coming in under the Golden Gate Bridge. the first ship is scheduled to glide beneath the bridge at 10 AM Saturday morning, October 9th.

Some of the warships will dock along or very close to San Francisco's historic Embarcadero Central Piers and will be open for free ship tours. Most ships will be open for tours on Sunday and Monday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

The 2010 Fleet Week participating ships:

USS Makin Island (LHD-8) -- will be berthed at Pier 30-32 (**see special Wednesday arrival note above**)

USCGC Active (WMEC 618) - will be berthed at Pier 27 (a Coast Guard cocaine interdiction champ)

HMCS Whitehorse (705) - Pier 27 (a Canadian Navy Kensington-class MCDV - Maritime Coastal Defense Vessel)

HMCS Brandon (710) - Pier 27 (a Canadian Navy Kensington-class MCDV - Maritime Coastal Defense Vessel)

USS Curts (FFG 38) - Pier 35 ( guided-missile frigate)

USS Pinckney (DDG 91) - Pier 35 (guided-missile destroyer) (Good luck Seaman Justin Diaz, fighting this week in Boxing Championship finals in San Antonio)

USS Pioneer (MCM 9) - Pier 35 (Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship)

USS Chief (MCM 14) -Pier 35 (Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship)

SS Jeremiah O'Brien - Pier 45 (America's last fully seaworthy WWII Liberty Ship)

PTF 26 - Pier 45 (Special Forces Osprey fast patrol boat. Vietnam version of a WWII PT-boat)

USS Pampanito (SS-38) (this WWII USN submarine will not be in the parade, but will be open for tours)

Click here for visiting hours and more ship information.

Best place to see the Parade of Ships enter the Bay

No question about it -- the best place to watch the Parade of Ships is right on top of the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk out to the middle and watch them glide into the Bay beneath you. This year the Parade of Ships is scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday. Check here for updated news -- And remember to check the weather. Bring a windbreaker even if it is sunny and warm in San Francisco. It is often windy on the bridge. If it is a foggy day bring a warm coat and a thermos of hot coffee.

Plan to walk out over the main inbound ship channel on the East (bay) side of the bridge.You are going to have to stand. Folding chairs on not permitted on the bridge. Bicycles are usually restricted from the East side of the bridge and are allowed only on the West (ocean) side. The CHP is in charge of bridge security and they can answer any questions you may have. Here are the rules for pedestrians and bicycles.

Air Show and the United States Navy Blue Angels

The magnificent U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform Friday (rehearsal) and on Saturday and Sunday. You will also see Sean Tucker and the amazing Team Oracle, and then LTC John Klatt will fly combat maneuvers in an Air National Guard F-16, plus there will be a stunning low-level fly-by of a United Airlines Boeing 747. Everybody performs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Take a look at the air show flight plan map The official USCG Notice to Boaters includes maps showing Fleet Week restricted areas.

On Friday there will be a full "dress rehearsal" Air Show. The Air Show on Saturday and Sunday will almost surely be identical to Friday's performance. The Air Show on all three days starts at 1 PM and ends at 4 PM. The Blues Angels will be the last to perform and they will make their grand entrance over San Francisco at 3 PM all three days.

Best Places to See the Air Show

1) Aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien cruising in the Bay (your best choice, but sells-out fast)

2) Aboard the Hornblower, which is offering an Air Show brunch on the Bay

3) Front row seats at the reviewing stand at Marina Green and other reserved and ticketed options

4) San Francisco National Maritime Park at Hyde Street Pier is also offering good viewing options

Believe it or not, every so often someone will ask if the air show can be seen from the East Bay. The answer is no. Take a look at the flight path map and realize that you need to be as close to that area as possible. For free viewing try Fort Mason, the and even Crissy Field, which is a little West of the center of the action, but still very good. Remember sun block, liquids to drink and really comfortable shoes. And don't forget our San Francisco ocean-edge weather. A warm and sunny day and turn into a chilly, breezy day in minutes. Be prepared just in case.

Complete Calendar of all Fleet Week Events: Click here for a complete calendar of Fleet Week events

Parking, Transit, Restaurants and More

For detailed information about parking, transportation, restaurants and other things to see and do, please carefully scan the the list of important and helpful links along the right-side border to this blog. They are carefully chosen and will be very helpful to you. Check them out.

If you have any other questions please refer to the primary Fleet Week 2010 website.

Thank you for coming to San Francisco and thank you for supporting the men and women we honor during Fleet Week. We are so happy to share our City with you this Fleet Week 2010.

Enjoy your visit!

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