kaiserd
I really should change my personal text
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That's a large part of it, and it's not remotely unique in that sense. The famous Rickover quote "Fish don't vote" in regards to the 688s still holds sway, and that's unlikely to change in the near future. I too would have liked to see it used on a combatant, in particular I would have been pleased if the new Frigate class were named after Doris Miller. But overall it's a fine move. The real concern with using persons' names remains that someone someday will choose a highly divisive name which, rather than securing the ship's future, turns it into a political sticking point. So far, that's been well avoided.While I'm in favour of the name being used for a destroyer or light cruiser, I fear it's use in this case is a cynical attempt to head off potential delay or even cancellation of CVN-81 by Congress.
I am reminded of Tom Clancy's exchange between USS Reuben James and HMS Battleaxe in which the USN has the last word by saying At least we dont name ships after our mother in law
Any thoughts about the fact that the next exPOTUS name was Jimmy "didn't inhale" Carter, whose legacy is overshadowed by his crass incompetence in handling the Iranian hostage crisis (and just about every other international situation) ?
The US Navy should start naming their aircraft carriers after battleships.
Or USS New York going to be renamed to USS New York City and you got one extra state to play with.
Another option is to use the territory names:
USS Alaska, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Guam, Samoa maybe even USS Panama?
as an old fart who posted trad names above am interested to hear your suggestions for names?I must be from another planet: to me, the endless re-use by navies world-wide of the same ship names brings only negative connotes: old farts, past-oriented, unable to find a modern motivating name, harping on the same worn-out "tradition" meme because they can't create new motivators, old stick-in-the-mud always crapping in the same pot, this kind of things.
But then I'm no fan of marching-in-parade or Gunny sarge either. The armies that focus of tradition, medals and the like are missing the point IMO. Oh well.
On a tangent, to illustrate the point: Those men were both Chief of staff in 2017. Which one would you follow in a war? The para who has led commando raids against terrorists, or the operetta stud who hasn't ever fought in first line but carries a breastful of trinkets?
Fair shot.as an old fart who posted trad names above am interested to hear your suggestions for names?
Thanks for the kind words.A thought provoking argument. After all most of the people who Navies need are from a new generation. It is also true that when names were chosen they did resonate more.
I like the idea, but ideally, for maximum motivation, it should be a vote by the lads who are going to be operating it. (If Joe Taxpayer on the shore is motivated, it's good too, but not as useful). Of course crew vote is not practical.I say just open it to a public vote, its our money
I say just open it to a public vote, its our money
You should substantiate that, lest you want to appear to be only looking for some mud to sling around.This threads gives an unsavoury impression that some posters object naming a US Navy carrier after a black sailor.
They should name ships after US National and State Parks (i.e. Yellowstone, Yosemite, etc.).
Definitely agree. This is not about unbuilt projects.I wonder if this discussion wouldn't be better suited to the Designation Systems or Bar subforums.