Monday, July 5, 2010
Took a me day today and headed in to the Charlestown Navy Yard in the 90+ degree heat with the family. It's been Navy Week and today was the last day to get aboard a couple of the modern vessels in town for the occasion (thanks to Boston Maggie for publicizing this). We got there early and were one of the first tours aboard USS Hawes which was docked right near USS Constitution and USS Cassin Young -- the two ships on permanent display down there, so I figured we could get a three-fer in without too much trouble. Sadly, most of the masts are down on the Constitution at the moment for general repairs. We also took a jaunt up the Freedom Trail to the Bunker Hill Monument. (Not as good as I remember since they closed the old museum that used to have a show with wax figures. A spotlight would go on each display and the description would run. The one with the dude beheaded by a British cannonball always flipped me out as a kid. I also seem to recall something about a bit of brains on someone's shoulder. Memorable!)
The tour of the Hawes (the only US Navy ship authorized to fly the Jolly Rodger) was a real treat. Hawes is due to be decommissioned after this cruise. They're phasing out the entire class of frigates. Here are some pics and even a little video:
USS Cassin Young from the Hawes gun deck.
USS Hawes from the stern of the Cassin Young.
A helpful reminder from the manufacturers of safety shoes.
From the USS Constitution museum. Some things never change.
Finally, here's a little video intro to the Hawes' 76mm gun:
What wax figures? You mean the diorama? They moved it across the street to the old library. There was more space and they had more stuff.
http://www.charlestownhistoricalsociety.org/museum.html
LOL1 You should have called me!
No, we went in there. I saw the diorama...the one with the little lead figures showing the battlefield. These things would have had to have been in their own room. They were Madam Toussaud-scale (full size).
http://www.nps.gov/bost/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm?eid=150230&root_aId=274#e_150230
(very slow loading page)
I don't see it!
Did you tour the Hawes last Friday? That is when I went and the same black sailor was my guide too. He was excellent. We were told to expect maybe a 20-40 minute tour and he gave us an hour. I think he was an officer he was so professional. But I left thinking the actual decom date is still up in the air.
Nope, I was there yesterday, Monday, same day I posted this. We got there right around 10 and had to be one of the first one or two tours of the day. It was terrific. I'm always impressed with the military people and could have hung around there all day.
Mr. Solomon,
I would like to thank you for posting your story and especially the pictures of USS HAWES on the web. I served on that ship and we made a visit to Boston as well. It was my first and last ship while I was in the Navy and I must say the Operations Specialist Second Class did a great job explaining the weapons systems...wish you could be onboard too feel it...it is like no other. Too bad HAWES is on the decomissioning list, because She put up a good "fight" to the enemy and served our country with the highest distinction.
Thank you again for posting.
A Navy Sailor!
CDH, Thank you for serving and protecting the USA.