The PC Police and the Safety Nazis

Sometimes I believe nobody can equal the United States Army when it comes to CYA safety practices and banning things just because SOMEONE MIGHT be OFFENDED.

Then I see stuff like this and realize we are mere pikers when it comes to this stuff.

First I was sent this story by reader and sometime commenter Kath...

Tinker first sergeants develop program to help motorcyclists

Dec. 30, 2008
By Danielle Gregory
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFMCNS) — First sergeants here have formed a program entitled "Operation We Care" which allows them to identify motorcycle riders who may be at a higher risk of an accident.

According to Master Sgt. Ronda White, whenever a first sergeant notices that a motorcycle has bad tires or that the paint of the motorcycle is scraped off from previously laying down the bike, the first sergeant will leave an “Operation We Care” card on the motorcycle with the potential safety issue identified on the back.

"The card instructs the motorcycle rider to go see the rider’s first sergeant,” Sergeant White said.

The face-to-face communication between motorcyclists and their first sergeants demonstrates that the first sergeants care about riders and the condition of their bikes. If the motorcycle needs to be fixed, first sergeants can recommend that the operator not ride the bike until the motorcycle is in proper working order."The bottom line is that our people are our business,” Sergeant White said. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we need our people to complete the mission."

Across the Air Force there has been a growing rate of motorcycle deaths and accidents. Officials are actively working to figure out what they can do to address the problem and solve it. "We can't complete the mission without our people,” Sergeant White said. “People are our most important resource. The Air Force spends a lot of money training our people. Tinker’s first sergeants are investing time and resources in an effort to make a difference and possibly save a life.”Riders who receive a card on their motorcycle are responsible for bringing the card to their first sergeant within 24 hours or the next duty day. All the first sergeants track what motorcycle they leave cards on and communicate with other first sergeants so they know when to expect a visit."The first sergeants want their military members to know 'we care' if you live or die,” Sergeant White said. “If a trip to the shirt's office prompts you to put up your motorcycle until you get your new tires, then we have reached our goal and possibly saved your life."

I'm so glad they want their airmen to know that they care. Good grief can we all just get a hug? I'm guessing they don't have mandatory POV (personally owned vehicle) inspections in the USAF? What's with the statement that 1st SGTs can recommend that the operator not ride the bike till it's fixed. What about an order? They are in the military aren't they?

In the Army we are having problems with motorcycle accidents as well. I can say without much fear of contradiction that most of the people involved in those accidents were told numerous times about the dangers of unsafe acts while riding their bikes, they then chose for whatever reason to go out and do things which got themselves hurt or killed. While there were some that were minding their own business and doing all the right things and still got hurt they are in the vast minority. So what can you do?

Then we have the PC police. From CDR Salamander comes this tale of debauchery amongst Naval Aviators (I know whoda' thunk it).

The Electronic Warfare EF-18G is officially known as the "Growler." Hmmmmm - words have meaning. What is the definition of "Growler" for the rest of the world? Well the answer is complicated, in the UK it means this,
growler - This term has two suggested meaning from two different people. The first is a slang name for vagina, i.e.. "I'd love to see her growler". ... The other meaning is: the sort of person who is very drunk in a pub and is looking for a fight, maybe a mad looking bloke sitting at the bar staring at people.

On this side of the pond, it means this,
growler - Defecation causing extreme pain, and audible growling sounds, i.e. "After eating that Mexican food, I took a serious growler."
Of course, when "Growler" was announced as the name for the EF-18G it was well known what the underground meaning of "Growler" was before the aircraft was named - warnings were sent up - but "they " did it anyway. Right away, most Gen X and below started giggl'n and hated the name, but the Boomers in charge just thought having the "G" in EF-18G combined with the old EA-6B name "Prowler" was just too cute not to combine. Few under CAPT thought it was a good idea.

As we expect from those with the personality to want to fly off carriers - the proud but disgusted JOs with the attitude Naval Aviators as known for stepped into the lexicon for other options. That is when "Shocker" came up.

"Shocker" seems an interesting and noble name perhaps, if for no other reason besides being an electronic bird.

Look at those patches at the top of the post; do they seem shocking and in poor taste?

To the Navy, a pinkie standing out with the index and middle finger out and the ring finger in usually means, "I didn't listen to the safety guys and kept my wedding ring on when underway."

Well, for the unenlightened out there "the shocker" is a hand gesture with sexual connotations ...so the shocker patch has been banned. If you had no idea what the shocker was or even if you do would you be offended if members of the armed forces of the good ole' US of A wore a patch that looked like this?

To be honest I've seen and actually worn worse (tastefully speaking) patches. Honestly don't people have better things to do? Isn't there a war to be won or something?

Obviously a photoshop, but in light of this story both funny and appropriate.

More Flying Subs...

...now with drawings and stuff!

From DEFENSE TECH

Flying Submarine or Submerging Seaplane?

The answer is simple: Submarines cannot fly, but seaplanes can submerge -- if you build them properly.

That's what the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking to develop. A recent Request for Proposal (RFP) from DARPA calls for a submersible aircraft [that] would combine the key capabilities of three different platforms: (1) the speed and range of an aircraft; (2) the loiter capabilities of a boat; and (3) the stealth of a submarine. "By combining the beneficial characteristics the and operating modes of each platform, DARPA hopes to develop a craft that will significantly enhance the United States tactical advantage in coastal insertion missions," according to the RFP.
The irony of the RFP is that the U.S. Navy was developing such a craft some 45 years ago.

The objectives issued by DARPA are for a vehicle that would have an airborne tactical radius of 1,000 nautical miles, a low-level flight radius of 100 nautical miles (which may leverage surface effects), and a submerged tactical radius of 12 nautical miles. The sum of these must be achieved within eight hours. Endurance on the surface has to be 72 hours in sea states up to five between inserting and extracting personnel. The craft's payload objective is eight men and their equipment with a total cargo weight of 2,000 pounds.
DARPA has identified the major challenges to the project as (1) weight, (2) fluid flow regime, (3) structure, (4) lifting surface geometry, and (5) power and energy storage. These factors force the consideration of a seaplane that can submerge as opposed to a "submarine that can fly." The relatively light construction of an aircraft can be submerged to shallow depths, and to even great depths with internal pressurization. But submarine-like vehicles, built to withstand greater depths, are too heavy for consideration...

Read the rest here

Still no mention of the Seaview and her Flying Subs

A Jet Going Really Fast

This is what happens when an object flies very close to the speed of sound...pretty cool that F-18F demo. This is from the F-18E/F Super Hornet flight demo practice session at Alliance Airport on Friday the 10th of OCT, alas the weekend performances were much less dramatic.

Sailors Have A Lot of Time on Their Hands #6

What gets me is not the fact that they make videos, because a lot of people string together pictures and attach music to make a video montage. That is something a single individual can accomplish.

It's the fact that somebody has taken the time to choreograph and synchronize all these people to music...WOW, they really, really have a lot of time to kill.

Sailors Have A Lot of Time on Their Hands #5

I have a sneaking suspicion that one guy that I keep seeing pop up in these videos is responsible for these productions.

If you are in the Navy, for the reputation of your service I would encourage you to do whatever you feel appropriate.

Sailors Have A Lot of Time on Their Hands #4

...and could quite possibly be the ghey.

Sailors Have A Lot of Time on Their Hands #3

Sailors Have A Lot of Time on Their Hands #2

Not So Much WTF...

but sailors have a lot of time on their hands while they are out at sea, apparently.

Exhibit #1

Huh?

From Lt. Nixon over at C.H.U.D. Busters comes the kind of thing you have to go to the West Coast for...

The "Blue Angels of Death" are precision-strike fighter killing machines and the aerobatics shows are military psychological war dressed up as breathtaking-eardrum shattering technical bravado to whip up patriotic support for u.s.global war-making and slaughtering.

...apparently someone has issues with the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. I guess they don't take her breath away. Maybe because they operate too close to the danger zone. Maybe she would like it better if she was playin with the boys.

I for one congratulate them on the choice of a new edgy name designed to attract a wider, more risk taking audience...The Blue Angles of Death!

UPDATE!

Upon further consideration, I have come to the decision that an even better name would be the Blue Angels of the Apocalypse. You can have that one free Navy...you're welcome.

It's Never A Bad Time For Some VH

An oldie but goodie...Van Halen's Dreams, featuring the US Navy's Blue Angles.



And the F-18 version done by gv5585 over at YouTube

Another Fly-By...

This was at a TCU-NAVY game. Note the tail hook and the aircraft manuvering around the scoreboard. I've seen one lower but it was at an actual airfield not a football stadium.



Via Air Warriors

More Speed and Angles

I got this via e-mail yesterday. For anyone who enjoyed some of the other products these guys have produced so far, check out the link below. Pretty good stuff.

As a Speed and Angels devotee, we're giving you early, exclusive access to a new
clip from the film. No one has this yet - only our dedicated fans get to see this
now. Copy this URL to your browser to see the clip:
http://www.speedandangels.com/fans

Because we're an independent film, fans like you make a difference on where and when
the film gets screened. Please tell your friends about us and post this or any of
our film clips anywhere on the web--for example, check us out on iFilm's War Zone at
http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2769866. If you tell us where you've posted it,
we'll automatically enter you in a drawing for a free DVD of the film and a free
portable DVD player. Copy this URL to your browser to enter:
http://www.speedandangels.com/fans

The film is nearing completion, and we can't wait to show it to you. Please let us
know if you'd like to see Speed and Angels in a theater near you or if you're
interested in reserving a copy of the DVD by filling out the first part of the
"Spread the Word" form at this URL:
http://www.speedandangels.com/fans

Thanks again for all your interest and support!

Best,
Peyton Wilson
Director, Speed and Angels

Actually, I think the guy in the clip describes a lot of pilots not just the "fighter" kind.

TOP GUN in 5 Minutes and Change

Top Gun without the songs and crappy acting...it's pretty funny.
H/T MKL

Attack Sub Texas Comissioned

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 804-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711

Navy Commissions Attack Submarine Texas

The Navy will commission the USS Texas, second ship of the Virginia attack
submarine class, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony at the Port
of Galveston piers in Galveston, Texas.

As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia-class submarine is the
first class specifically designed to counter post-Cold War threats, providing the
Navy with the capabilities required for safeguarding the nation's interests in the
21st century.

Texas has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special
warfare enhancements that enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
With a modular design, Texas along with its other sister submarines of the
Virginia-class, will be able to accommodate technology upgrades throughout its
life.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Laura
Bush, first lady of the United States, serves as the ship's sponsor. In the
time-honored tradition of commissioning U.S. naval ships, she has been invited to
give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

This is the fourth ship of the Navy to carry the name Texas since the original ship
was commissioned in 1895. The second USS Texas was a battleship, which took part in
both World Wars. The most recent ship named Texas was a nuclear-powered guided
missile cruiser, which was decommissioned in 1977.

Texas can attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and
conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters and other sea
forces. Texas also has superior anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare capabilities,
is able to provide special forces delivery and support, and can conduct mine
delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, Texas
will also provide important joint task force support and full integration into
strike and expeditionary group operations.

Capt. John Litherland, a 1982 graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle,
will become the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of
approximately 134 officers and enlisted sailors. Texas will be homeported in
Groton, Conn., as a unit of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Texas is 377 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 34 feet, a navigational draft
of 32 feet, displaces approximately 7,800 tons submerged, can dive to depths
greater than 800 feet, and can sustain speeds of more than 25 knots when submerged.

The ship is also designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling
during the planned life of the ship - reducing lifecycle costs while increasing
underway time.

The superior capabilities of Texas and other Virginia-class submarines will help
ensure the Navy maintains undersea dominance well into the 21st century.

For more information regarding the commissioning ceremony, please contact the
commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs Office (757) 836-1650. For more
information about Virginia class submarines, visit
http://www.subforce.navy.mil/html/texas775.html .

Speed And Angels

Here's the trailer from a documentary on the last F-14 Tomcat RAG class...



For more on this go to the WEBSITE

Why doesn't anyone ever make one of these things about Army Aviators? I guess we're too ugly or not charismatic enough...and we swear too much. And don't forget the anti social behavior. I think I've answered my own question.

WHAAAASUP...F-14

Your tax payer dollars at work...fun and games on the boat...er ship.

Speaking of SEALs

60 Minutes did a piece on this SEAL Team operating in Afganistan. This is a little long but worth it, and you don't have to watch CBS to see it.

SEAL Ship

This is pretty cool...H/T SEA SPOOK

DefenseTech.org: Every shipbuilder in the Navy these days talks about how his hulking destroyer or Cold War sub is now going to sneak SEALs onto shore. A couple of weeks back, Military.com overlord Chris Michel was down in San Diego, and saw a pretty cool new prototype ship that's been designed from scratch to handle the mission.

The 89-foot, 60-ton Stiletto will be one of the quickest ships in the fleet, using four Caterpillar C32 engines to cruise at 50 knots or more. It'll also be one of the sneakiest, according to New Scientist.

Stiletto's hull has a double-M shape that channels the wake under the craft. There it mixes with oncoming air to produce froth that lifts the ship part-way out of the water, reducing drag and increasing stability, says Greg Glaros, the programme's leader at the defence department's Office of Force Transformation.

For the rest go HERE
or HERE