I don't want to

 So it's official, we are incorporated and off and running.  The inaugural muster went off pretty well and we are formally an organization now.  We capped off the weekend by taking the new muskets out to the range and doing some shooting.

So now what?

Well, I keep getting asked what reenactment we're going to.  And the short answer, at least for now, is none.  I know it's a really foreign idea, but we have lots to do that isn't reenacting.  Not only do we not have the resources in place yet, but there is a great wealth to do that doesn't involve lining up in a park somewhere and pretending to kill each other.  Bear with me.

First, we have a lot to make and buy.    NHS is all about skills.  And one of those skills is being able to make anything out of anything - a trait historical Sailors were famous for.  So much of what we do is designed to build skill sets that might be totally foreign to our members, so that when push comes to shove, we absolutely dominate any operating environment.  Abraham Lincoln said it best, "give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I'll take the first four to sharpen the axe."

-    Uniform production is in its infant stages, with several members learning to sew such that we can distribute the work of making historical clothing for the whole unit.  

-    We have several muskets but will inevitably need more, along with all the accoutrements, supplies and equipment to support them.  That's growing too.

-    One boat is at the Dockyard for overhaul and two more are in the nascent stages of construction.  They'll absorb a lot of personnel-hours, but also need a tremendous amount of support equipment, for which we have just begun scavenging.

-    Planning is in the discussion phase about a medium-scale fundraiser before the end of the year.  Not sure what it'll entail, but I'm sure it will be one hell of a party.  Stay tuned for that.

Second, there are other ways to have fun.  We've been charged to think a little bit outside the box.  What have you always wanted to try, but haven't done?  What challenges can we tackle that expand our knowledge of our naval heritage, while building teamwork and camaraderie?  Well, for starters...

-    Shooting is fun.  And while the Marines learn the drill, they're also learning to actually hone their shooting skills with live fire.  We're already doing get-togethers to make ammunition, complete from casting balls to rolling, tying, and filling the cartridges, then assembling them into packs of 10 for storage and distribution.  Bear in mind, you don't need to be a dedicated 'Marine' type to go shoot.  You just have to follow their drill.  So Sailors seem to be enjoying the small arms too.

-    'Rosie' the 3-pdr riveter is approaching readiness.  Thanks to the hands at the muster for helping to ready shot for her.  THAT is going to be a great live shoot!

-    Several (non-historic) boats are sailing this summer - go get out on the water and take your toys with you!

-    Young Woodard is spearheading a tabletop naval war game group, that looks to be a LOT of fun!

So while our re-enactor friends wait to see us at 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Pavement Narrows, we won't be there.  At least not yet.  Let's go sharpen the axe, have some fun in the process, and expand our horizons to make NHS the 'history happy fun time club' we all talked about.

NNNN

Last Minute Muster Info, Weekend Schedule

T-minus two days and we are already in high gear!  The board slate met at the Dockyard last night to go over plans.  Here's what's transpiring:

Friday Night

A number of hands, especially those from out of town, are getting together at the Dockyard to get things ready.  Let's not kid ourselves - it's the informal meet and greet around the bonfire.  Stop by!

Saturday

Potluck lunch will be out around noon, come dig in.  Book goes out for sign-ins at 3 pm.  First signers are already chomping at the bit to harass those behind, so remember to brush up on your trivia!  The actual gathering will be done by 5, but there will be after-parties, I'm sure.

Sunday

Greasy spoon breakfast followed by a driving tour of Hampton Roads.  Anticipate visits to the shipyard, Fort Monroe, and other waterfront attractions.  Come and stay as you're able.

T-minus 5 Days, Meet the Slate of Directors

The inaugural muster is only five days away!  One of the first official acts the membership of the new Naval Heritage Society is going to have to take on is to elect a new Board of Directors.  Since many of us are already circulating and talking about this, we've already formed a slate of candidates that, pending any changes, will be the first to fill their respective offices.

Director of Logistics - Daniel O’Brien

Born in Huntington, New York. Graduated New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler Class of 2014. While at Fort Schuyler Dan studied Small Vessel Operations where he trained to be a licensed mariner and participated in the cadet artillery program and later on founded Fort Schuyler Alumni Association. In 2017 Dan had a short term contract at New York Maritime and became the faculty advisor for the Cadet Artillery.

Dan is a Z-Drive tug operator for Moran Towing Corporation in Norfolk, Virginia and surrounding areas.  In his off time Dan enjoys keeping busy. In the summer time as a Captain for First Landing Charters LLC. &  Atlantic Launch LLC.

When not on the water Dan continues to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps not only as a Merchant Marine but as a business owner, making quarterboards for ships and tugs which can be spotted on vessels from Maine to Puerto Rico.

 

Communications Director – Jason Romine

My name is Jason Romine. I am the Communications Director for the Naval Heritage Society. I am a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. If you couldn't tell by my college Alma Maters, I am originally from Texas. I grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and moved to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia in October of 2022. I have been married for 19 years as of this writing. My wife and I live in the Olde Towne neighborhood of Portsmouth. We have 4 dogs, 2 cats, and 4 pet rats (plus a few unwelcomed guest rats that occasionally make nests of the insulation in our basement). I do not tell our pet rats what I do to the basement rats, as it would undoubtedly put a strain on our relationship. Suffice it to say, it is violent and quite satisfying. But we'll keep that between us.

After several years in the Criminal Justice field as a criminal defense investigator, corporate investigator, process server, and fugitive recovery specialist, I started anew in education 6 years ago. I teach U.S. and World History, and I coach baseball and football. I am currently teaching history and coaching football at Woodside High School in Newport News, VA.

In my free time, I am a musician, historian, an avid reader of historical nonfiction, and I have been an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for a little over 18 years. I was a host of a radio show in Denton, Texas for nearly 4 years before moving to Virginia. I also have a lifelong love of movies, TV, and video games, and weird folk art.

Secretary - Phelicia O’Brien 

Born and raised in New Jersey Phelicia graduated from New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, Class of 2014. While at Fort Schuyler Phelicia studied Marine Environmental Science and received her USCG Third Mates Unlimited license to operate large vessels worldwide. Phelicia was a member of the cadet artillery program and is a current active member of the Fort Schuyler Alumni artillery group. 

After a few short months working on harbor tugs in Corpus Christi, TX Phelicia moved to the Hampton Roads area in July of 2015 with her husband Daniel. 

Today Phelicia currently works for Hornbeck Offshore in Port Fourchon, LA as a Second Mate on offshore supply vesselssupporting the US Gulf Oilfield. She had recently had the opportunity to work overseas in Trinidad & Tobago as well as Columbia. 

When not at work Phelicia enjoys traveling to new places both stateside and international. It is her life’s goal to not only visit all 50 states but also be able to say she has hiked in every national park and vacationed on every continent. She has a deep love for attending music festivals world wide where she gets to meet people from all walks of life and create everlasting friendships.

Financial Director – Chris Peterson

Chris has served in the United States Coast Guard for 12 years.  His served aboard the Cutter MORGENTHAU and as administrative petty officer at the National Motor Lifeboat School in Ilwaco, WA.  Chris later transferred to an administrative support role in Galveston, where he also completed his bachelor’s degree and transferred to the USCG Reserve.

Chris was recalled to active duty at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to serve as an administrative member to the FEMA team in Norfolk, VA.  He stayed on at the Office of Director of Operational Logistics as a management and performance analyst, and was selected for commissioning in 2022.

Chris currently serves as the Assistant to the Advanced Education Program Manager at FORCECOM.  He has an MBA from St. Mary’s University (Texas), a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grand Canyon University (Arizona), and an Associates degree in business administration from American Military University (West Virginia).  He is now pursuing a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization at the University of Texas at Austin.

During his off time, Chris enjoys hiking, swimming, reading, and investing. He has a deep love of the North Georgia Mountains and the Texas Hill Country. He has a particular interest in presidential history and electoral politics.

Historical Director - Will King

A native of Rochester NY, Will is a 2005 graduate of New York Maritime College where he majored in Naval Architecture, earned dual deck and engine licenses, and founded the Cadet Artillery group. 

He commissioned into the Navy, where he served aboard USS FORT MCHENRY, USS CARTER HALL, and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, then ashore at US Fleet Forces Command and the U.S. Naval Academy.  After active duty he stayed in the reserves and served as a inspector for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.

Will returned to the Merchant Marine in 2015, serving as mate and master aboard DP2 oilfield supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.  He left the Gulf to join the Seattle company Rockfish, Inc to search for the wreck of the SS Pacific.  Returning to the east coast, he is now a partner at Topsail Development.

Will was a founding member of the Lobsterback Society, which morphed to become the original Naval Heritage Society.  In his spare time he works on the model railroad in his garden, and sails with his wife Emily in their boat Working Girl from Scott’s Creek near their home in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  They have three girls, Abigail (12), Julia (10) and Katherine (7 mos).

Inaugural Muster

Lots of work over recent weeks is all coming to a head as we prepare for our first official shindig as a new organization.  Here's a little bit about what to expect:

1.  Yes, I know the address hasn't been posted.

It's being held at the O'Brien home in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, VA.  Dan and Phelicia have a great workshop and plenty of space.  It's where we're going to do a big chunk of our work as an organization.  It's also their home, so we won't be publishing their address.  That said, we will ensure everyone going has it.  If you need it please sing out.

2.  April 27, 2024.  Sign-ins start at 1500.

Many people will be there early, and some will stay late.  Do what works for you.

3.  We've got people coming in from all over.

The new NHS includes people from several groups.  Of course most are veteran Sailors and Marines.  But not just Navy and Marine Corps.  The Merchant Marine and USCG will be amply represented.  They're coming from all over Virginia and as far away as New York, New Hampshire, Alabama, Florida and even Washington State.  Accommodations are plentiful, so touch base with locals if you need a place to hang your seabag.

4.  If you can't make it in person, you can still sign aboard.

We all agree that members will be able to sign aboard those not in attendance, by proxy.  Find someone going and make sure they know they have your proxy if you want in.

5.  Yes, there will be food and drink.  Look who's coming - of course it's going to be a great time!  Dan and Phelicia put on a good spread but prepare to pitch in for pot-luck.  I'd expect at least a modicum of coordination on this via Facebook in the days before the event.

6.  We are all signing in as new members, in a new organization.  

Same name, really similar mission, but totally new entity.  This is the ground floor, and since no leadership is established, let alone membership policy, it's going to happen as a group of friends, colleagues and shipmates coming together to establish it.  The new charter has been drafted, and is available to review here.  Pending any last minute changes, it'll go out for signature at 1500.  And as we each sign it, and sign aboard, we become the first members - the plankowners.

Now, actually signing in is important.  As hands sign aboard, we'll receive our assigned number and become official members, therefore becoming infinitesimally higher in stature than non-members.  And just like entering into any other domain sailors inhabit, they might create some slight 'impediments' (albeit friendly, good natured ones) for those behind.  Because when it first goes out, it's just a place to sign.  But once there are members to supervise, they might start 'testing' the hands coming in.  So break out those Reef Points, MUG Books, deep rate knowledge, and movie trivia - and prepare to batter your way through the proverbial wall if you're not among the first to sign aboard.

7.  All of our stuff will be there.  From pikes, cutlasses and muskets to boats, guns and uniforms - it'll all be there.  Why?  Because we will need to make and buy a lot more, and these should give you an idea of what we'll be shooting for.  It also gives us lots to play with and talk about.

8.  We will be electing officers.  Per our Charter, we need a board of five people to run things.  We will elect them together as members.

9.  We may organize some presentations.  Some slide shows and Q&A about how we plan to do what we plan to do.

10.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REACH OUT.  Lots here ready to bear a hand.

NNNN

Let's Talk Status, and Strategy

Hornet ain't happening.  Leave it there.

Why are we back?  Start with this - a few months ago, I found Monomoy No. 1 in a junkyard on the Eastern Shore.  Definitely rode hard and put away wet, her hull is still in good shape.  The scars of service still show - Elmer's scratch.  The cracked kingpost from ramming the trailer.  The wear marks on the thwart knees where we made the halyards fast.  She was at once sad, and glorious.  I knew I needed to act.

Since we've all scattered to the wind, I directed her toward an awesome youth group - the Youth Virginia Regiment.  These kids are all you could ever hope for.  And the organization itself is a perfect reminder of the old Lobsterback Society.  Well, just like the old LS, they now have their first boat.  The same boat.

While they have lots of enthusiasm, they need help.  The boat needs all new oars, new gunwales, and a little hardware.  Then, all new spars, sails and rigging.  The crew at the old NHS is well used to this, and I know if we can get a few back together we could make short work of it all.

So what do you say - want to help some kids clean up their new boat?

BT

The goals outlined in a previous post give a sense of direction that we might go IF the old band gets back together.

Here's a few factoids for inspiration -

1.  most of our old gear is still around.  Scattered, but in decent shape.

2.  we have several people who've taken their Dockyard experience and spun off their own shops.  They're already building stuff.  Several.

3.  Elmer's clothing/costume/uniform game is better than ever.

4.  NHS, while inactive, ain't broke.

BT

The small nucleus that has already re-formed is working to organize a 'first muster' meet and greet to formally reestablish the organization.  It may not be called NHS.  We don't know.  Chime in.

NNNN

  

Dockyard Projects, or, Anything is Possible

It's true - the Good Idea Fairy is making the rounds.

Tawk amongst yawselfs.  Here, I'll give you a tawpic:

1.  Ship's Boats

Monomoy No. 1 is safe in the hands of the Youth Virginia Regiment and we'll be helping to make her seaworthy this year.  [Throws gauntlet]

That said, the new and rapidly re-forming Dockyard nucleus is also brainstorming the ways and means to produce cutters and/or launches.  I use plural here because we still remember that one boat under oars ain't as cool as two, and the coolness factor increases a whole order of magnitude with each added.  Besides, if we have to go to all the trouble of lofting and making frames for a boat, they might as well get used a few times.

We have a good base to dream and build from.  One of the most prized books on my shelf, an original copy of Standard Designs for Boats of the United States Navy, details the design and construction of boats but detailed drawings, specifications, measurements etc.  I've scanned many pertinent chapters and uploaded them here.  Much of the old Dockyard library is still intact (sadly not all) , along with several crates of rolled drawings.

I have officially entered the obsession phase with the 28-foot cutter.  Behold:

2.  Ships in Scale

Inspired by the old Mini-Hornet, I've been dreaming of these for at least a dozen years.  In quarter scale, a large brig or sloop would be about 25-26 feet long on deck.  Small frigates, about 35 to 40 feet.  Crew seated inside would only be really visible from the neck up, and frankly at normal distances on the water would very much resemble their real life counterparts at a tiny fraction of the cost, complexity, and difficulty.  The guns would ostensibly be breech-loading and utilize shotgun blanks, like signal cannons.  For ease of movement they'd probably be fitted with auxiliary engines, like most sailboats.

Six months ago I sat down and started working numbers. They are possible.  Safe? Not really - they'll have to be sailed by highly trained crews and restricted to very sheltered waters.  But the sailing characteristics are pretty good - at least in the computer and on paper.  It would be a pretty steep learning curve, but the possibility of two of these duking it out at HarborFest is undeniably thrilling.

3.  A Jeffersonian Gunboat

Probably not at full-scale, but even at 3/4 scale a gunboat would be eminently impressive, but also practical for our output capabilities.  With her bulk she'd need an auxiliary engine to get her in and out of tight spots on demand.  And because we'd be approximating a real vessel (albeit a Lilliputian one) she could mount some seriously heavy artillery - 18 pdrs anyone?  She'd have to live in the water full-time, but her shoal draft means we would have plenty of regular storage options, like Scott's Creek.

Okay, enough for now.  Go discuss.

NNNN

NOW HEAR THIS.

 ALL HANDS!

From Portsmouth, Virginia:

All personnel are requested to check in and report status.