Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.



Feature – Building the Revell 1:72 VIIC u-boat
Martin Noorloos (Martinnnn) built Revell 1:72 VIIC u-boat (no. 05015). A famous kit already, and probably one of the largest submarine models around for a decent price!
Feature




Nimitz Preserves Ties to Renowned Japanese Warship
Source: US Navy

USS NIMITZ, Yokosuka, Japan (NNS) -- Crew members from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) volunteered for a community service project to paint the famed Japanese battleship Mikasa Aug. 25 in Yokosuka, Japan.

The Nimitz has a special connection to the Mikasa. Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz greatly admired Adm. Heihachiro Togo, the "victor of the battle of Tsushima", who defeated a Russian fleet from the flying bridge of Mikasa.

The much-needed paint job, applied to the hull and super structure of the 110-year old Japanese battleship, was a way for current Nimitz Sailors to preserve the memory of their ship's namesake.

Adm. Nimitz helped to spearhead a movement to save Togo's flagship after World War II. Today, the ship sits in Mikasa Park on display as a museum.

"Mikasa is not categorized as an active ship; we don't receive much funding from the government to maintain it," said retired Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force Capt. Greg Kouta the museum curator. "That's why painting by the volunteer group from the Nimitz is a great support."

Nimitz volunteers arrived with all the equipment needed to preserve the ship but also with the personal motivation to continue the cooperative efforts between the U.S. and Japan.

"It feels good to come out and help fix up this monument," said Chief (sel.) Yeoman (AW/SW) Alexis Nicholas. "The historical aspect and the ties that we as Nimitz Sailors have to the Mikasa makes me feel proud “It's like I am part of history."

Many Yokosuka residents were present in Mikasa Park to watch the project and to hear the U.S. 7th Fleet Dixieland Band perform.

"A lady that was walking by smiled and said 'arigato', which I know means 'thank you' in Japanese," said Machinist's Mate Fireman Chelsea McCray. "That made me feel really good about what we're doing."

The Battle of Tsushima was a major engagement during the Russo-Japanese war in 1905 during which 34 of 38 Russian ships were sunk, captured or disarmed.


Russia says no suspicious cargo found on board Arctic Sea so far
Source: Source: en.rian.ru

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that no suspicious cargo was found aboard Arctic Sea ship, which was allegedly seized by eight hijackers and later freed by the Russian Navy.

"The preliminary search of the ship did not reveal the presence of suspicious cargo on board. A more thorough search will be conducted in one of the ports on the way to Russia," the ministry said.

The Arctic Sea is currently being towed to the Russian port of Novorossiisk on the Black Sea. Four crew members remain on board, while the other 11 were flown to Moscow to be questioned by the Russian authorities.

The eight alleged hijackers have been arrested and are being investigated on piracy charges.




Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation

Today’s website is the Duyfken 1606 Replica Foundation. The Western Australian Maritime Museum, Cliff St. Fremantle, is the homeport of the 1606 Dutch East India Company little ship Duyfken, captained by Willem Janszoon, to search for "south and east lands" beyond the furthest reaches of their known world. This is the first historically recorded voyage to Australia. Enjoy.
Website


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1775 - Rhode Island Resolve: Rhode Island delegates to Continental Congress press for creation of Continental Navy to protect the colonies.
1839 - Brig Washington seizes Spanish slaver, Amistad, near Montauk Point, N.Y.
1861 - Union amphibious force lands near Hatteras, N.C.
1865 - Civil War ends with naval strength of more than 58,500 men and 600 ships.


Photo of the Day



Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) receive cargo from the Military Sealift Command fast combat-support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) during a replenishment at sea.

Gator