Who wants a workout?

Yesterday, some of our key volunteers met for lunch to discuss NHS operations.  This year, we haven't had much in the way of active programming, most resources being diverted to the USS HORNET Project.  But that hasn't stymied interest in getting Monomoy No. 1 back out on the water.  We have had her out several times, but mostly as an impromptu 'fun run' rather than serious training.  But as another round of Navy CPO selectees step up, we're finding more and more press to get our underway programming back in play.

On deaf ears

One of the unique mission-sets of the completed replica of USS HORNET will be the integration of deaf participants, and possibly programs geared exclusively to the deaf. I say possibly because one of my core beliefs is that everyone benefits from diversity. No, not that kind - not forced or mandated diversity, but the opportunities that present themselves when you allow the natural elements to fall as they may. Case in point, when we open HORNET programming to the public, we are bound to have deaf participants. The entire crew of professionals and participants benefit from having a deaf person onboard, if only because they might not interact with a deaf person on a regular basis, and doing so adds educational value and breaks that communication bubble, if even only a little bit.

I will discuss my policies on diversity in another entry. For now, back on the topic of deaf participants.

I've not known many deaf people myself, but when I met Chelsea Lew, a volunteer financial analyst on our staff, I could instantly recognize that the term "disabled" did not apply. I don't want to use the term "handi-capable" because it's a bit lame. But case in point, Chelsea can speak well, read lips at an astonishing pace, and is brilliant to boot. The thought crossed my mind - what if I had written her off because she was deaf? Aside from being an ass, I would have missed out on harnessing her talents and energy - of which there are plenty.

But as much as Chelsea would undoubtedly love for me to continue ranting about her talents - this isn't about her. Well, not really. Start with the basics - how many deaf people are there in this country?

• About 2 to 4 of every 1,000 people in the United States are "functionally deaf," though more than half became deaf relatively late in life; fewer than 1 out of every 1,000 people in the United States became deaf before 18 years of age.


• However, if people with a severe hearing impairment are included with those who are deaf, then the number is 4 to 10 times higher. That is, anywhere from 9 to 22 out of every 1,000 people have a severe hearing impairment or are deaf.

That means the chances of the average person interacting with or knowing a deaf person are pretty good. Consequently, the chance of having deaf participants is also pretty high.

Add - impetus!

There is one more great reason that we should make a point of extending HORNET's programming to include the deaf - and you may be amazed to find that it comes from a historical source. In the 19th century, the mark of an efficient crew aboard a US Navy sailing ship is that they executed maneuvers in silence. The idea was that leaders of various groups of sailors could then hear commands, and communicate these to the other Sailors through action or hand-signals, thus preventing a caucophony of shouted commands and calls around the ship. Know your job, know the job of the person next to you, observe their actions, and conduct yours accordingly. The concept is simplicity itself. From Seamanship by Stephen B. Luce:

Officers of every rank are expected, when at quarters, when performing the duties of the ship, or when at their different stations, to preserve silence among the men, and see that the orders from the quarter-deck are executed with celerity, and without noise and confusion.

So if HORNET's crew is trained to that historic standard, why should it not be relatively easy to integrate the deaf into regular programming? Ensure a few of our crewmembers - and possibly all, later on - are fluent in ASL, and there you have it. Teach, explain, demonstrate, do.

More about HORNET's programming plans later on.

NNNN

Return of the Monomoys

Tonight is another working session at the Dockyard - we'll be doing some work on the model, getting the hull ready for paint, but also breaking out gear for Monomoy No. 1 and preparing her for the - da da dada daaaa - first sail of the season. That's right, this Saturday we'll be launching the Monomoy at Naval Station Norfolk and taking her out for the first sail of the season! In the process, we'll be breaking in new crewmembers for Conquer the Chesapeake 2011 and getting our laundry list of repair and improvement items polished off. Anyone interested in participating get in touch soonest and I'll provide more information.

BT

The covers on Monomoys No. 2 and 3 are both off - one in a horrible state of tatters and splinters, the other worn to near unserviceability. New covers will be going together and be ready for setup the week after next - so standby for that operation.

And on that score, someone asked recently - "you've already told us its okay if the boats get wet, so what's the big deal?" Well, simply put, water isn't the only enemy of wooden boats. In their current state, the bigger threat is actually the sun - which can cause the wood to check and crack and do serious damage. We need to get them out of the sun - hence the covers. Its okay to leave them exposed for a few weeks, and doing so gives us a great opportunity to clear out the area. But leaving them that way for too long is a recipe for disaster.

BT

Amidst everything else that is going on, we're going to be working out the details for a quick restoration of Monomoy No. 3. Some time ago, we determined that she was by far the better preserved of our two 1904 vintage Monomoys, and in the interest of getting one of those behemoths out of the Dockyard, we'll be putting all of our eggs into one basket to get her restoration cranked out and completed. She'll need a complete recaulking and some refastening, plus a lot of scraping, painting, and fabricating all new masts, spars and oars. More to look forward to this summer!

NNNN

Veterans, and why we have so much to learn from them

Today in honor of Veterans' Day, a few comments.

First, I have to say that I don't consider myself a veteran, even though I'm an active duty Naval Officer. I should also clarify that I don't write this blog in that capacity - this is my hobby, and no matter how passionate I am about it, it should be well noted that I don't write in that official capacity. But to my mind, veterans are those who have served, who've contributed to create the military we have today, and laid the groundwork and received the laurels that we in the modern military strive to build on. In short, the people who have helped create the Naval heritage (and other services as well) that we have inherited. These words are about you.

NHS has benefited from the contributions of several vets, directly and indirectly, since its founding not long ago. I've found that any time we have them around, things are just somehow more fun, more enlightening. The most notable experience was probably having an old Navy vet in our crew in "Conquer the Chesapeake" - where we crossed the Bay from Cape Henry to Cape Charles. At 78 years old, that tough old salt (and no, I don't think he minds the label) was an inspiration to the younger members of the crew, one of whom was his son. When we were in the heart of the squall that pelted us with rain and fierce winds, one person asked him through the darkness "hey, how are you holding up" to which he fiercely responded "I'm fine but YOU look a little green". Everyone laughed a bit, and at that moment I knew exactly what it was about vets that we need to take onboard - perseverance.

Look back at past generations - the Sailors who've manned the ships at the tip of the spear. In fair winds and foul, they charged onward. They put their best into their work because they considered their work an extension of who they are. It is so rare that I see that today. But whether or not we want to admit it, the work we do is probably the one way that most of us have to influence those who will come after us. Whether it is scrubbing the bilge or training a gun, doing that often simple and mundane task well and to the best of your ability can mean that people you don't know will remember you after you're gone or not. And perhaps not by name, but by reputation, and sometimes that can be just as meaningful. For instance, I don't know anyone who served onboard the battleship Wisconsin but I can tell you their dedication shows through in the material condition of the ship, years after decommissioning. Some of the modern ships I've served on don't look so good after just 12 hours of inattention as the deepest, darkest crevices of that ship do now.

So NHS - and this includes myself - if you want to throw your hat in the ring with those people, step up to the plate, and no matter what you do, do it well. And don't rest until you've DONE it well. Not just good, but great. The pride that comes with wearing the nation's cloth and carrying its standards is NOT something you pick up by showing up, and I can guarantee you it isn't easy or quick. Go talk to a vet, and they'll tell you all about it. And maybe with a little sweat, we can finally begin to take it all onboard.

NNNN

A note about ORM

Everything we do has risk. Deciding how much risk you want to take is a critical step in determining what you want to do, or what you can do. On Saturday we had a great discussion about the risk management process for NHS, which started as most around here, with "that sounds dangerous".

Operational Risk Management (ORM) is a term that makes most navy sailors and officers cringe, not because it implies prudence or the like, but because it means paperwork and death by powerpoint. However on a less beurocratic level, ORM is actually a part of daily life. Think of the last time you boarded the boat from the dock. You look at the dock, look at the boat, evaluate the chance of falling in or being injured, and step up. The boat rolls slightly and you hold onto a piling to brace yourself. You've just completed a full ORM process on the fly, and no powerpoint presentations were harmed in the execution of that action.

Of course, as someone takes on responsibility for more and more, the process takes longer and longer, and soemtimes requries you to write it all down. The coxswain, for instance, has to evaluate the skill of the crew, potential dangers that they might introduce to the environment, the material condition and strength of the boat, the condition of its equipment and appliances, winds, currents, weather conditions, visibility... is your head spinning yet?

BT

This entire discussion about ORM is brought up because of one of the looming challenges that we've been discussion - getting underway through a heavy surf. The Monomoy is designed to land and get underway from a beach in some pretty rough conditions. She's lighter than most boats of her size, and double-ended to allow breaking surf to pass more easily around her, especially when landing. The steering oar gives a tremendous amount of control to the coxswain that he would not have with a rudder.

The risks involved are myriad and highly dangerous - the boat can be destroyed and the crew seriously injured or killed. If the action of the breaking waves forces catches the boat on her beam, it will likely roll her over. If the breaking waves poop the boat, she will not only take on a tremendous amount of water, but the resulting increase in weight and the suction created astern will cause her to loose way and be pushed violently under the wave. And of course, landing too hard can break her back, most likely resulting in the boat breaking up entirely around the bewildered crew. On the way out, the shallow water and high pitching of the bow in the breaking waves can force the stern down into the sand, where the action of the wave on the bow and resistance of the stern on the bottom can cause the boat to broach and roll, or worse, flip end over end. In any instance where the boat flips or even rolls heavily, the resulting confusion and chaos of oars and equipment flying about can not only injure the crew but distract them, causing loss of control.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Why would we ever want to try this? you might ask. The answer is simple - because we can. Because it puts a well-trained crew to the test, and allows them to better realize their potential. And in the process we can help keep alive the skills honed by sailors centuries ago, for whom these dangers, and mitigating them, were a part of daily life. And there is also the underlaying idea of what we would do if put into a dangerous situation such as this unexpectedly. Practicing for these dangerous evolutions makes us better sailors, and better sea warriors - who are more willing to push the envelope because they are more fully aware of the potential pitfalls. With proper consideration for each and every possible danger to the boat and her crew, and proper steps taken to lessen either the effect of the hazard and/or its liklihood, we can execute dangerous evolutions such as this, with reasonable probability of a positive outcome without incident.

And in case you scoffed at the use of the term 'sea-warriors' I should remind the reader that far and away most of NHS, myself included, are active-duty members in your US Navy or Marine Corps. We hunt the pirates - in real life. We fight the terrorists - in real life. And we are using all of this not only for fun - which it is - but to develop professionally beyond what tax dollars have provided, and in our spare time.

NNNN

That's what she said...

So it's day three of the great Motor Whaleboat chase. She's still in Guam, though moved from the open lot to a warehouse. The dumpster waiting to take her away in pieces remains only a few yards away. No new developments despite plenty of hard work.

BT

Work continues on the 25-foot Launch. This week we've started laminating frames, soaking them and bending them over the forms, a few good whacks with a rubber mallet (nicknamed "the Commander") to drive it into place tight against the keel, then clamping it down along the whole length. There are a lot of random shouts of "yeah, baby" in the evolution.

The whole process has been designed to mimick the sawn frames of the original boats, with a significant weight savings (the Launch will be trailered, after all) and increased strength where possible. The futtocks are being laminated from fir strips, slathered in epoxy and laid up on the molds. There is no spring back because of the large number of lifts in each frame, but there is a lot of thickened epoxy to wipe up afterward.

BT

No weekly meeting tonight as the shop is rigged for frame installation. After all this time, its finally earning its nickname "Framing Bay". Next week we will get back to the regular weekly meetings and activities.

BT

There is a new Event Schedule posted on Facebook. The website will be updated soon (I'm told). For August, the sailors and marines are split, with our end of summer party in September out at Hyco Lake. All of these events are trying to shoot for one day participation - we'll save those where we ask for your whole weekend for the BIG events. Point is, your voices have been heard so keep speaking up!

NNNN

Fullbore Friday - yeah one of those

Yes, its back, if only for one out of eight more Fridays! This week is a reflection about operations - and getting the job done safely, efficiently, and using sound judgement. These things can really make or break an activity or an event for yourself or the whole group.

BT

First, a disclaimer. Some links definately fall under the 'bad influence on kids' group. Others are just plain silly. There is some bad language used. Complaints may be addressed to

NHS Complaint Department

c/o Dinsdale Pyranna

Behind the Pipes

Third Stall Along

Grand Central Station

BT

Proper training is a constant necessity. The adage 'if you can't tie a knot, tie a lot' is BS and won't fly here. The average NHS sailor may not be the best hand at marlinspike seamanship, but we're working on that. Taking a few extra minutes to learn the right way to do something will save time and energy later on, rather than making do with what might work.

Learning the edge of "the envelope" is also a necessity in sailing and boating in general. And knowing when to push it and when not to is essential. This we try to pass on with experience and careful study, from one generation of sailor to another, that we can try and avoid crossing that boundary and putting ourselves, our ships and our shipmates in danger.

Considering these essential elements, we now focus on regular operations. During drills and in 'action', it is important to remember to hone your skills and be confident in your actions. Even the right actions, performed sheepishly, can lead to accidents.

Of course, it is important to enjoy the fruits of your labor, too - and I don't mean for anyone to think we shouldn't have a good time. You should enjoy yourself, and feel a deep satisfaction that you are not only increasing your professional skill and knowledge, but engaging in a past time not available for many people. This is all about recreation, for officers and enlisted personnel alike.

For now, I think I'll be happy so long as we don't do anything really stupid. Then again, you could join the Army.

Have a good weekend! I'll be in the shop tonight, tomorrow and Sunday for those who want to come out and lend a hand!

NNNN

A visit to Erie, hanging out with the big guns

Apologies for the hiatus but I've been travelling again. This Monday I stopped in Erie, PA for a few hours and visited friends and respected colleagues at the Erie Maritime Museum and Brig Niagara. I spent two hours with Niagara's Senior Captain, Walter Rybka, possibly one of the best and most experienced square rigged captains in the world (no exaggeration) catching up since my last visit in September and discussing NHS Dockyard activities. Niagara's Chief Mate Billy Sabatini also stopped in, and we discussed NHS sailors crewing the ship en masse this fall (!).

Capt Rybka has been working on many things we can relate to, including a dipping lug rig on Cutter 2 - nearly the same as ours right down to the leeboard. He was gracious enough to provide me with a draft of an illustrated manual he's been working on for sailing dipping lug boats, which I'll send to the web guys for posting as soon as possible.

Thanks gents, I can't wait to get up there again this fall!

BT

Yesterday in the heat, we managed to get some work done on the 25 foot launch. We cut all the templates for the new mold patterns and cut and stood up Molds 1 and 2. Tonight, we'll cut and stand up molds 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Later in the week, we'll loft and cut the transom pattern, followed by the transom itself, and hopefully by next week we'll have mounted both the transom and the inner stem, and can proceed straight into setting up the inner keel. Once the inner keel is set up, our progression looks like this:

1. laminate 26 of 32 permanent frames in place on molds 1-13.
2. laminate 6 temporary frames in place on molds 14-16.
3. bevel all frames to match planking.
4. bevel inner keel to mold lines.
5. rip and plane inner planking stock.
6. lay up inner planking.
7. rip and plane outer planking stock.
8. lay up outer planking.
9. build up outer stem, keel and skeg.
10. FLIP AND CRADLE.

Needless to say, we have a lot of work to do this summer. As I see it, we need to hustle, as we're already behind the power curve.

BT

Preparations for the Blackbeard Pirate Festival in July continue. Tuesday we recieved 5 sea service muskets, 2 boarding pikes and 50 rounds of training ammunition. There is still lots of activity splicing and setting up lines (don't ask what for!) and gathering more anchors and grappling hooks. So good progress is being made, and we'll be ready on time for that.

More to follow soon.

NNNN

Chicks dig guys with skills...

... you know - nunchuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills. Chicks dig dudes with skills.

So let's get some shall we? There are a multitude of skills to learn, so we shall focus on what I think are the raw basics.

First, rowing.

* Don't use a locking death grip on the oar handle. Curl your fingers around your oar gently, and use the pads of your hands to pull an easy, even stroke.

* The blade of the oar should be the only part of the oar immersed. If your loom (straight, round part) is in the water, you're "burying your blade" and getting more resistance than you should. Your goal is to 'paddle' a little bit of water, not move the ocean with your stroke.

* During your stroke, lean back and put pressure on your feet. I equate this to a sort of "half-stand" without moving your butt from the thwart.

Second, line handling.

* Learn two knots: the rolling hitch and the sheet bend. The former is used to make the halyard fast to the yard (the wooden pole at the head of the sail) and the latter is used to make the sheet fast to the clew of the sail.

* Lines are almost always coiled on deck (not in your hand, like a cowboy) and go CLOCKWISE.

* "Ease" a line means to pay it out slowly. "Heave better" means take up a little more.

If you can master these basic skills, you'll be much more efficient. Remember, contrary to the skills of soldiers, the sailor is expected to be a skilled, thinking being - most of what you have to do, you do on your own initiative. The do not have such structured commands where we can specify "right hand grasp the small of the stock" etc.

I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but after a few times in the boat, it will become second nature, and we can move on to more complicated evolutions.

More on that when we're ready.

Will