If this was done on purpose what would the motive have been? Not letting the shitty Balitimore Ravens get to the stadium on time to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers again?? This was just a stupid accident. There is no reason for any ship to be under its own power when going thru these rivers under bridges. Should have had a couple of tugs getting it out to sea. I know nothing about ships or rivers but just makes sense. Fuck Baltimore!!!!
When I was on the Constellation I remember once we entered the Straits of Juan de Fuca a helo dropped a Harbor Pilot off , he drove it through to Bremerton. Super beautiful seeing BC to port and Washington to Starboard . I got out before they turned her into CV 64 from CVA . Went on transit cruise in 98 from Bremerton through the Strait after a dry dock period back to North Island.
A Pilot took her back to the Pacific, helo picked him up , The old man took the helm.
Not many people onboard. I found a spot on the bridge , found a leaning back Captains chair , soaked the beauty in . On our way S to North Island , we passed the Independence heading to Bremerton. Her last trip forever.
We ate with the Old Man in his Cabin. I had no real clue how O’s got there asses kissed. He asked if there was anything special we wanted to do or see ? I asked if I could see the bridge , never did in the years I was on her before. He said Hell you want to take the helm ??
All of us former crew members got to take it for say 10 minutes or so.
My request , I went first !! They made us honorary Helmsmen , took our pix doing it ,
They had the certificates made and matted and framed. Definitely a high point in my life’s journey. Certificates are as cool as my Shellback certificate circa 73.
Great 4 day trip , zillions of forgotten memories and smells came back.
I DAMN sure didn’t ever want to see the brig at anytime. Our
cost was only $40.00 for the trip.
Saw more of her in 98 than ever before. Big mo fo ,many places not allowed other places didn’t want to go then or years later
Good way to say good bye though.
Many of us might be shaving with her today, she’s still around.