My visit to the US Navy Reserve Fleet in Bremerton, WA

JEFFHEAD.COM ^ | 16 Sep 2005 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

Note: Click on any of the pictures in this report for a larger image.

Over the 2005 Labor Day weekend we drove from Idaho to Bremerton, WA to visit my daughter and son-in-law (active duty US Navy) and our two grandsons. A secondary reason was to take a look at the US Navy reserve fleet there in Bremerton and to see any current US Navy vessels in the yards.

The trip over was very beautiful and pleasant. There is a lot of very beuatiful scenary between Idaho and Washington. Here are some pictures of some of that scenary.

Once we arrived in Bremerton, we greated and spent time with our daughter and her family, including the birthday celebration of our four year-old grandson.

We were able to spend a good deal of time down by the water, which is somethiong I always enjoy. Here are some good views across the Sound to Seattle...which is just about close enough for yours truly.

Now, for the principle reason and point of this post. There in Bremerton, to the west of the Naval Shipyards, is the anchorage for the component of the reserve fleet harbored there. The ships are older, but still very modern and capable by the rest of the world standards. Here are some pictures I got of those naval ships...awaiting faithful service if ever required.

A picture of the entire reserve fleet, and a close-up of the USS David R. Paul, DD-971


The guided missile frigates, USS George Phillips and Sides, FFG 12 and FFG 14, and the guided missile AEGIS cruiser USS Vincennes, CG 49


The aircraft carrier USS Ranger, CV-61.


The aircraft carrier USS Independence, CV-62.


The aircraft carrier USS Constellation, CV-64. Notice the F-14 on deck.

The US Naval reserve fleet there in Bremerton represents several frigates and destroyers, an AEGIS cruiser, three full deck aircraft carriers, and several amphibious and support ships. Those ships alone, if in service, would be more powerful by themselves than the naval capabilities of over 90% of the other nations in the world. The United States maintains a significant number of such anchorages for reserve fleets around the United States. Many of those ships are in mobilizaton category B status, meaning they are mothballed for reactivation in times of crisis. Others are awaiting disposal and categorization, either for sale to foreign allies, foru use in naval exercises, or awaiting scrapping. .

On this trip, as an added bonus, we were able to observe two US Navy front line vessels, the USS John Stennis and USS Ohio, in port undergoing maintenance and significant upgrades and refit at the Bremerton Naval shiptards. I got several pictures of them and here are a couple.

The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS John Stennis, CVN 74.


The guided missile submarine, the USS Ohio, SSGN 726, just completing the significant refit from a SSBN, and preparing to put to sea.

Thanks for taking the time to share this family trip with us, and the pride we have in the UNited States military and the loyal men and woman who works so hard to defend our liberty and the fundamental moral values that define our way of life, and all of those who give so much of themselves to maintain and serve that cause.

Jeff Head
Idaho, USA
Author of the THE RISING SEA DRAGON IN ASIA

[Jeff Head]

For those interested in US Navy or US military affairs, ships, etc...this was a really fun trip and I thought some of you might enjoy the pics.

I need about two weeks in such a place. Next trip...I am told I will get a couple of personal tours on board active front line naval vessels.

[Jeff Head]

FYI. It was a great trip.

[Pyro7480]

Getting ready for China...

[Last Dakotan]

I made the same trip to Bremerton some time ago too. Odd to see a carrier mothballed with an aircraft still on the deck.

[HairOfTheDog]

Glad you had a nice trip here to WA!

[andyk]

Awesome pics. Looks like a great trip!

[Frank_Discussion]

That's awesome. Truly wonderful. I personally volunteer on refurbishing and maintaining the USS Texas (BB-35) Museum ship. She's old, but still incredible to learn about. I can only IMAGINE what the Bremerton fleet is like, in comparison.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you oh so very much for sharing this with us and "taking us there" through pictures as well! You have a mighty fine family, my friend!

[Jeff Head]

Those SSGNs are going to be powerful platforms. The Ohio is about to put to sea and I believe the Florida is right on her heels...and will even be fully commissioned as such prior to the Ohio.

[Grampa Dave]

Great report, Grampa.

Reports like this age. Ships that were coming on line or just in the fleet are now in the Reserve.

[Jeff Head]

It was interesting and I was surprised to see it when I downloaded the pic off my digital camera and examined it in full resolution. That was why I pointed it out. I have no idea why it is on deck.

[hedgetrimmer]

Great pictures! Keep us posted on your return trip and personal tours.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Dang! You should have let the Puget Sound chapter in on your trip. We could have said hi. Hard to believe that an AEGIS cruiser like the Vincennes is mothballed.

[Jeff Head]

It was a great trip. Most wondeful to see the daugter, her hubby and the grandkids...but made all the better by the beautiful weather and the clear view of those marvelous ships.

[Professional Engineer]

Awesome!

[Jeff Head]

It was awesome.

As a child, I made many visits to the Battleship Texas. I was raised in the country northwest of Denton (which is north of Dallas) but my grandparents and other relatives on my Mom's side lived in and around Houston so we made a lot of trips down there.

[FReepaholic]

Aerial photos:

Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet near Benicia CA

James River Reserve Fleet in Virginia

[Jeff Head]

You are very welcome AG...and thanks for the compliment regarding the family. They sure more than make up for whatever I lack.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

These can't be real. It's not raining. ; )

(It's beautiful here, yes...infested with leftists, but physically beautiful nonetheless.)

[Jeff Head]

Yep...I know exactly how you feel. But they (particularly those carriers) are still very capable and I am glad they are there. I fear we may need them to hold the line and bridge the gap should things go south with Red China.

[Pyro7480]

Tom Clancy, in his first non-fiction book Submarine, invisioned a scenario of a submarine-launched Tomahawk missile attack on Iranian military targets. These missiles were launched by two VLS-equipped (Vertical Launch System) Los Angeles class attack subs. In their VLS tubes, these subs can only carry 12 missiles (I belive each sub also launched Tomahawks from their torpedo tubes). Now imagine one platform capable of launching nearly 13 times the VLS capability of each sub!

[Jeff Head]

Wilco.

[betty boop]

Wonderful pix, Jeff! Thank you so much for posting them, and sharing your experiences with us!

[Jeff Head]

It was one of the first few that never got the VLS cells. Still extremely capable and I am glad it is there and ready should the need arise.

[andyk]

Hard to believe that an AEGIS cruiser like the Vincennes is mothballed.

That kind of caught me off guard also. It seems like yesterday I was reading about it being in the Persian Gulf.

[Jeff Head]

Yes it was.

[Jeff Head]

My bad on contacting you folks. I will do so nexct time we make the trip. Sorry I didn't do so this time.

[Jeff Head]

Thank you for taking the time to look at the thread BP. It was my pleasure. Really a great trip...just needed more time!

[Jeff Head]

That's the Ohio SSGN! With the added capability of embarking two SEAL teams.

[Grampa Dave]

"Tom Clancy, in his first non-fiction book Submarine, invisioned a scenario of a submarine-launched Tomahawk missile attack on Iranian military targets. These missiles were launched by two VLS-equipped (Vertical Launch System) Los Angeles class attack subs. In their VLS tubes, these subs can only carry 12 missiles (I belive each sub also launched Tomahawks from their torpedo tubes). Now imagine one platform capable of launching nearly 13 times the VLS capability of each sub!"

With exception of the Carter/Clintoon years, increasing the destructive firepower potential of each ship has been a US Navy goal for 4 decades.

[MRMEAN]

I personally volunteer on refurbishing and maintaining the USS Texas (BB-35)

Good for you, keep her battle ready! I actually think the Ohios should be brought back, even an aircraft carrier can't deliver the ordnance that a battleship can.

[Jeff Head]

See my post 24. I feel similarly about all the Spruance class ships that have been decommmissioned. They are still world class and very capable, 15 or more years of service life left in them. We have already scrapped or sunk (in naval exercises) quite a few of those.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Yeah, I can't believe my old Adams class, the Barney DDG-6, is not ready to roll out and serve. I mean it's keel was laid just like yesterday or something. What was it, '59? haha. I think the Germans still have one in service.

[7thson]

So that is where they put the Indy. I was stationed onboard her from 82-84. We were a workhorse and the JFK got all the credit/news.

[LibWrangler]

Very pretty pics. Mrs. Head is easy on the eyes too.

[Turbo Pig]

Good to see pics of the USS Ranger. Spent 2 years onboard her, in the MarDet. Grand ole ship. Looks like she is still in good shape.

[gridlock]

I see from your pictures you got up to the rainforest area on the penninsula. My father lives in Sequim, which is such a nice place.

[Belasarius]

Thanks for posting. I was stationed there on the Bainbridge CGN-25 back in the late 70's. In the morning I would drive in the dark and fog and as I approaced the base the mothballed battleships New Jersey and Missouri would start looming up with just a few standing lights showing. I always got a chill and still think it was one of the most beautiful vistas I have ever seen.
There were several WWII vintage aircraft carriers there. I remember that one of them had trees growing on the flight deck.

[auboy]

Thanks for the report and the pics. My cousin from Lemoore is visiting next weekend. He'll be heading out come early next year on his 5th tour.

[Delmont]

I live in Poulsbo, about 20 miles north of Bremerton. Too bad you didn't get to see the Trident Missle base which is about 1 mile west of here on the Hood Canal. Lots of submarines and missles to shoot at bad guys. I didn't see if you also got to see Keyport, which is about 3 miles south of here. It's where all the topedos are maintained etc and has a excellent Underwater Warfare Museum(I am told), guess I should get out and see the sites myself

[fanfan]

Thanks for the post Jeff.

Almost like being there!

Beautiful family too. Lucky man!

[Sunshine Sister]

Thanks for the post. Beautiful scenery! Great pictures.

[Experiment 6-2-6]

My last ship USS FLETCHER DD-992 was decommissioned just a year ago next month..

Looking at these ships make me realize I saw them only 18 years ago at 32nd Street Naval Station???

[tanknetter]

Hard to believe that an AEGIS cruiser like the Vincennes is mothballed.

Vincennes was one of the Flight I Ticonderogas. Twin-arm launchers, no VLS ... therefore no Tomahawk, no VLASROC. The future is going to be multimission and while the Flight Is were really good counter air ships (their hardware/software was still behind the Flight IIs forward) and decent anti-sub (no VLASROC hurt a bit), they had zero land-attack capability and the launchers/magazines couldn't handle the ABM Standards. The Navy, rightly, decided to retire them and try to put the $$$ into additional Burkes.

As it is, it sounds like the Flight Is may be going to Taiwan. Because they are purely defensive (no VLA/Tomahawk), it's not like the ChiCom's can claim they are anything other than defensive platforms. And they are a quantum leap ahead of the Kidds.

Couple other things I saw in those pictures ... it looks like the Danger and Connie have the modular sheds used to cover the catapults during yard periods on their decks. Seems to indicate that the catapults are being cannibalized to support the active carrier fleet. Ranger and Connie served well, were ridden hard and put away wet ... the idea that they are anywhere NEAR CAT-B status is pure fiction. Ranger, iirc, had her screws and rudders cut off a while back to support Kitty Hawk (although I've also heard that the screws were dropped in a SEAL exercise that went bad). Although some of the more extreme rumors about Connie's last cruise seem false (like her dragging a dead shaft through most of the deployment), there's little doubt that her bow-out deployment was a constant struggle.

Independence is considered to be in the best material condition of the three and is probably the only one in something close to Cat-B condition ... thanks to the TLC given her by the Yokosuka shipyard workers during her stint as the forward-deployed deck in Japan.

The Perry's look like they are in the very early stages of mothballing (no protective covers on their bridge windows), or are in a state of heightened reserve ... possibly being readied for foreign sale.

[Jeff Head]

Here's a pic of the two German ships (former DDG 29 and DDG 30) tied up in German harbor in 2003.

The Aussies had four too, but I believe all of them are gone now.

[Jeff Head]

She's waiting there if we need her.

[Jeff Head]

Thanks.

[Jeff Head]

They all looked to be in good shape...waiting there...being cared for should we ever need to call on them for service.

[Jeff Head]

The weather was surprisingly clear for all four days. Could clearly see the top of Olympus on many occassions.

[Jeff Head]

Two of the Iowa class BBs are still mothballed for reserve over in the east.