Latest news with #USSConstellation
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Brooklyn bridge stands strong, despite 150 years of close calls and collisions
Mexican navy tall ship collided with Brooklyn Bridge The fatal collision of the Mexican Navy's tall ship with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday that resulted in the death of two is not an accident first of its kind. It has been a worry of seafarers even before the bridge was fully constructed. The Brooklyn Bridge, which was the first bridge in the world to use steel for cable wire, has been a witness to quite a few tragic incidents. 19th century: First instance One of the first instances of such a collision dates back to the 19th century, when the topmast of a passing US Navy ship hit the span's wires. Ever since then, vessels have continued to clip at the iconic New York structure. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan by spanning the East River. Its underside reaches a maximum height of approximately 135 feet, varying with the tides. Bridge lawsuit reaches Supreme Court While the bridge was still under construction, a warehouse owner initially sued officials to stop the bridge and then later for compensation. He argued that the top masts of the ships collided with the bridge. The case made it to the US Supreme Court, with the court passing the judgment that the bridge did not restrict any kind of ship navigation. Even before this judgment was passed, at least one ship had collided with the still-under-construction bridge. 1878: USS Minnesota collides with Bridge According to a New York Daily Tribune dated back to 1878, a US Navy training ship called USS Minnesota had a collision with the bridge as it had to change course to avoid an oncoming ship. By the time the bridge was fully constructed, steam ships began to transport most goods and high-masted ships were not preferred as much, as per Richard Haw, professor of interdisciplinary studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Richard has also published two books on the Brooklyn Bridge. 20th century: Strike continues Despite this, mast strikes continued with at least two reported in the 1920s. A New York Times article reported that in 1941, the SS Nyass, which was bringing hundreds of refugees, collided with the bridge with a 'crunching sound'. With the onset of the 20th century, ships got taller and wider, and they still required mast-like structures for navigation. During World War II, the Brooklyn Navy Yard manufactured larger ships that could barely fit beneath the bridge. A photo from 1961 shows the USS Constellation aircraft carrier shows its mast folded over so as to avoid any friction with the bridge. Over the past two decades, minor incidents have occurred, including a 2012 event where a crane transported by barge struck the temporary scaffolding beneath the bridge. 21st century: Fatal collision None of the modern accidents was fatal in nature till May 18, when a Mexican Navy ship collided with the bridge that causing the deaths of two and injuring another 19 on board. The ship was set to depart for a goodwill tour to Iceland when the tragedy happened. Dominique Jean-Louis, chief historian at the Center for Brooklyn History, commented, 'That's the first and possibly only time where there's been a fatality onboard a ship that struck the Brooklyn Bridge." Even if not in water, the Brooklyn Bridge has witnessed tragedies for a long time. More than 20 people were killed and countless were left crippled while constructing the bridge. A panic-driven stampede also killed 12 people in 1883.
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- General
- Time Business News
The History Behind the USS Constellation and Its Stunning Model
In the vast tapestry of American naval history, few vessels have captured the imagination quite like the USS Constellation. This legendary warship has sailed through decades of American maritime history, witnessing the birth of a nation and its rise to naval prominence. Today, history enthusiasts and collectors alike can bring a piece of this storied legacy into their homes through meticulously crafted USS Constellation ship models that pay homage to this extraordinary vessel. The name 'USS Constellation' actually refers to two distinguished vessels in the United States Navy, creating a fascinating historical narrative that spans nearly two centuries of American naval development. Authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, the first USS Constellation was one of the original six frigates commissioned for the newly formed United States Navy. Designed by naval architect Joshua Humphreys, this 38-gun frigate was launched on September 7, 1797, from Harris Creek in Baltimore's Fell's Point neighborhood. The first Constellation quickly distinguished herself during the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800), when under the command of Captain Thomas Truxtun, she defeated the French frigate L'Insurgente in February 1799. This victory marked the first capture of an enemy warship by the young American navy, establishing the Constellation's place in naval lore. Throughout the early 19th century, the Constellation served in various capacities, protecting American interests during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Later, she played a crucial role in anti-piracy operations in the West Indies and participated in the suppression of the Atlantic slave trade off the coast of Africa. The second vessel to bear the name was launched on August 26, 1854, at the Gosport Navy Yard in Norfolk, Virginia. This sloop-of-war represented the transition from sail to steam power in naval warfare, though she herself was designed as the last all-sail warship built for the U.S. Navy. Throughout her active service, the second Constellation participated in numerous humanitarian missions, served as a training ship for Naval Academy midshipmen, and transported famine relief supplies to Ireland. During the Civil War, she patrolled the Mediterranean to protect Union merchant ships from Confederate raiders. Today, this Constellation is preserved as a museum ship in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where visitors can explore her decks and experience a living piece of American naval history. For those who appreciate maritime history but can't visit Baltimore regularly, a USS Constellation ship model offers a tangible connection to this historical vessel. These stunning replicas represent the pinnacle of nautical craftsmanship, combining historical accuracy with artistic expression. Creating a historically accurate model of the USS Constellation requires extraordinary attention to detail and a deep understanding of 18th and 19th-century shipbuilding techniques. Master craftsmen at Old Modern Handicrafts employ traditional 'plank-on-frame' construction methods, building the model just as the original ship was built, only on a miniature scale. Each model begins with extensive research, consulting original ship plans, historical documents, and detailed photographs to ensure accuracy. The wooden hull is crafted using premium woods such as western red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, and teak—materials chosen for their durability, grain patterns, and historical authenticity. The intricate details that bring the model to life are nothing short of astonishing. From the complex rigging with hundreds of carefully placed lines to the brass cannons positioned along the gun decks, every element is crafted to scale. Skilled artisans spend hundreds of hours meticulously assembling these miniature marvels, resulting in museum-quality pieces that can be proudly displayed in homes, offices, or collections. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, USS Constellation models serve as three-dimensional educational tools that illuminate various aspects of maritime history and naval architecture. These detailed models showcase the ingenious design elements that made American frigates like the Constellation superior fighting vessels for their time. Students and enthusiasts can observe: The distinctive 'diagonal riders' in the hull design that provided exceptional structural strength The arrangement of gun decks and the strategic placement of cannons The complex sail plan that allowed for remarkable speed and maneuverability The evolution of naval technology as seen in the differences between the 1797 frigate and the 1854 sloop-of-war A USS Constellation model transforms abstract historical events into tangible reality. When displayed in educational settings, these models help students visualize: The conditions under which sailors lived and worked in the Age of Sail The technological capabilities that influenced naval strategy and tactics The evolution of American naval power from the nation's founding through the Civil War The role of warships in diplomacy, commerce protection, and humanitarian missions For collectors and history enthusiasts, acquiring a high-quality USS Constellation model represents an investment in both art and history. These models appreciate in value over time, particularly those crafted with exceptional attention to historical detail and superior materials. When selecting a USS Constellation model for your collection, consider these factors: Historical Accuracy: The best models are created based on extensive research and adhere closely to the original ship's specifications. Craftsmanship: Look for models built by experienced artisans using traditional techniques rather than mass-produced replicas. Materials: Premium models utilize high-quality woods and metals that enhance durability and aesthetic appeal. Scale and Size: Models are available in various scales, from smaller versions suitable for desktop display to impressive large-scale replicas that serve as statement pieces. Certification: Many collectors value models that come with certificates of authenticity and detailed information about their construction. The presentation of your USS Constellation model significantly enhances its impact. Consider these display options: Display Cases : Custom-built glass cases protect the model from dust and damage while providing unobstructed views from all angles. : Custom-built glass cases protect the model from dust and damage while providing unobstructed views from all angles. Lighting : Strategic lighting can highlight the intricate details of the model, creating dramatic shadows that emphasize the craftsmanship. : Strategic lighting can highlight the intricate details of the model, creating dramatic shadows that emphasize the craftsmanship. Contextual Elements : Accompanying your model with period maps, naval flags, or informational placards creates an educational exhibit. : Accompanying your model with period maps, naval flags, or informational placards creates an educational exhibit. Themed Collections: Some enthusiasts create themed collections that trace the evolution of American naval vessels or showcase ships from specific historical periods. While various manufacturers offer ship models, discerning collectors seek pieces that combine historical accuracy with superior craftsmanship. Old Modern Handicrafts (OMH) stands as a premier destination for museum-quality nautical replicas, including the USS Constellation. With a legacy spanning generations, OMH's master craftsmen bring historical vessels to life through painstaking research and traditional building techniques. Each model undergoes rigorous quality control, ensuring that every detail—from the curve of the hull to the placement of the smallest rigging line—meets the highest standards of accuracy and artistry. Their commitment to historical authenticity is evident in every USS Constellation model they produce. Using premium materials and century-old techniques, these artisans create more than just replicas; they craft historical documents in three dimensions that preserve and celebrate America's rich maritime heritage. The USS Constellation's story continues to resonate with Americans today, reminding us of our maritime heritage and the crucial role naval power played in shaping the nation. Whether preserved in Baltimore Harbor or meticulously recreated in model form, this historic vessel connects us to the daring sailors, brilliant designers, and strategic thinkers who helped establish American sea power. For the collector or enthusiast who brings a USS Constellation model into their home or office, the connection to history becomes personal. These exquisite replicas serve not just as decorative items but as conversation pieces that invite exploration of America's naval past and the technological innovations that shaped maritime warfare. In an age of digital displays and virtual experiences, there remains something profoundly satisfying about the tangible presence of a precisely crafted ship model. The USS Constellation, in miniature form, brings the majesty of the Age of Sail into the present day, allowing us to appreciate the engineering marvels that ruled the waves long before the age of steel and steam. Whether you're a serious collector, a history buff, or someone seeking a distinctive decorative piece with historical significance, a USS Constellation model from Old Modern Handicrafts offers a perfect blend of artistry, history, and craftsmanship that will be treasured for generations to come. Interested in exploring the world of premium ship models and nautical decor? Visit Old Modern Handicrafts to discover their extensive collection of historically accurate replicas, including the magnificent USS Constellation and over 1,000 other finely crafted nautical treasures. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First Constellation Frigate Only 10% Complete, Design Still Being Finalized
The first Constellation class frigate for the U.S. Navy is just 10 percent complete more than two years after construction began and nearly five years after the award of the initial contract for the ship. The work is also continuing despite the continued absence of a firm functional design for the vessel, which is still weeks or even months away from being finalized and approved. Major changes to the Constellation's configuration compared to its parent Franco-Italian Fregata Europea Multi-Missione (FREMM) have already led to serious delays and cost increases, and there are growing questions about the program's future. A key program goal had been to take an in-service design that would only need relatively minor modifications to make it ready for Navy use, which would help keep the work on schedule and budget. The opposite has now happened. Mark Vandroff, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Fincantieri Marine Group, confirmed the state of progress on the construction of the USS Constellation and otherwise provided an update on the program to TWZ's Howard Altman on the floor of the Navy League's Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition earlier this week. 19FortyFive had first reported that the lead ship in the Constellation class was only 10 percent complete last month, citing an anonymous source. 'First ship is under construction up in Marinette[, Wisconsin], roughly 10 percent done,' Vandroff said. We're 'working working to finalize the design with the Navy. That has been progressing. We've made a lot of progress in the last year, and we expect to have the functional design wrapped up here in late spring, early summer.' The Navy first announced in 2020 that it had picked Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, a wholly owned subsidiary of Italy's Fincantieri, to build the Constellation class. Construction of the USS Constellation began in August 2022. The Navy currently has a total of six of the ships on order, out of what is still expected to be an initial tranche of at least 10 of the frigates. The first example is currently slated to be delivered in 2029. 'What I would say is, with the Navy, we're converging the design,' Vandroff added when asked specifically for an update on changes to the Constellation class design from the parent FREMM. 'You know, we're responsible for producing the functional design. The Navy has to approve the functional design. So, as we go back and forth to get our design to be fully approved by the Navy, we're converging on that final design.' The Constellation class design has already grown significantly in physical size and total displacement over the baseline FREMM configuration, which has prompted concerns about expected performance. Substantial changes have also been made to the overall configuration, and there is understood to now only be some 15 percent commonality between the design for the Navy and its Franco-Italian parent. The original goal was 85 percent commonality. The design changes have also contributed to major delays and cost growth. The original plan was for USS Constellation to be delivered in 2026. The Navy had also been aiming for a unit cost of $1 billion, or potentially even less, as production of the frigates ramped up. More recent estimates have put the price tag for each of the ships at around $1.4 billion. It is important to stress here that the Navy ran the FFG(X) frigate competition that led to the Constellation class with an explicit focus on proven, in-production designs to help reduce the risk of cost growth and schedule delays. FREMM variants are in active service today with the Italian, French, Egyptian, and Moroccan navies. More are under construction, including for the Indonesian Navy. Other factors, including broad global economic disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. shipbuilding industry workforce issues, have also hampered work on the Constellation class. There has been talk in the past about hiring a second shipyard to help produce the frigates, as well as bringing allies and partners into the program, which could help further drive down unit costs through economies of scale. 'So, in the facility upgrades that we made in Marinette, we're very confident that we have enough space, the right space, the right technology, to build two frigates a year for the United States Navy workforce,' Fincantieri's Vandroff told TWZ. 'I think we have the same issues as pretty much everyone else in the American shipbuilding industry. We would certainly like more workers. We would certainly like more workers in the steel trades. There's a nationwide shortage on welders, shipfitters, [and] to a lesser degree, electricians.' 'We've been making progress on that, but that is one of the challenges that we're working through, just like any other shipyard.' The Constellation class is hardly the only Navy shipbuilding program contending with delays and cost growth. The U.S. shipbuilding industry, when it comes to producing military and commercial vessels, has also been steadily contracting for decades now. In recent years, naval shipyard capacity, or the lack thereof, in the United States, which also has impacts on maintaining and modernizing existing vessels, has become a cause celebre. This was underscored just yesterday by a new executive order from President Donald Trump. 'The commercial shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce of the United States has been weakened by decades of Government neglect, leading to the decline of a once strong industrial base while simultaneously empowering our adversaries and eroding United States national security,' the executive order, titled 'Restoring America's Maritime Dominance,' declares in its opening. 'Both our allies and our strategic competitors produce ships for a fraction of the cost needed in the United States. Recent data shows that the United States constructs less than one percent of commercial ships globally, while the People's Republic of China (PRC) is responsible for producing approximately half.' TWZ has previously reported in great detail on the massive and worrying disparity between the United States and China when it comes to shipbuilding. The new executive order directs 'the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security' to 'conduct a review of shipbuilding for United States Government use and submit a report to the President with recommendations to increase the number of participants and competitors within United States shipbuilding, and to reduce cost overruns and production delays for surface, subsurface, and unmanned programs' within 45 days. 'This report must include separate itemized and prioritized lists of recommendations for the United States Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.' Much of the rest of the executive order is in line with the proposed Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act, or SHIPS Act, that a bipartisan group of legislators put forward last year and that you can read more about here. 'We will set realistic, achievable schedules, and we will commit to them. We will eliminate the waste and inefficiencies that drain resources without delivering results. We will demand accountability from our shareholding enterprise, because every dollar, every day … counts,' recently confirmed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan also told a gathering at the Sea Air Space 2025 convention earlier this week. 'To avoid repeating mistakes of poorly executed programs, we will work closely with the shipbuilding industry to calculate risk more effectively, ensure that every dollar spent on defense leads to tangible, measurable results.' 'Change is coming, and my responsibility is to make sure that we have the right people in the right seats on the right platforms,' he added. How any of this may impact plans for the Constellation class, specifically, remains to be seen. 'We are at a tipping point with Constellation. It started out saying we're going to take the FREMM concept, 85 percent complete, we'll add our 15 percent to it, and then we'll go right to construction,' Rob Wittman, a Republican in the House of Representatives from Virginia who is currently Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said during a panel discussion at Sea Air Space 2025 yesterday. 'We look right now, [it is] over cost, over budget, because that is reversed. Now it's 15 percent the original design [and] 85 percent add-ons.' 'The question is, are we at a point where we either quickly recover and get back on track with this, get back to schedule, get back to budget – I don't know that you could make up schedule – or do you say, maybe we're too far along with this, and we go in a different direction,' Wittman continued. 'The Navy is going to have to ask that question now. It can't push it off in the future.' Members of Congress have already been ever-more outspoken about their displeasure with the state of the Navy's Constellation class program. Big decisions regarding the Navy's frigate plans look increasingly to be on the horizon with the USS Constellation just 10 percent complete and still years away from being delivered. Howard Altman contributed to this story. Contact the author: joe@
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Award Winning Family Music Artist and Navy Veteran Greg Lato to Release Album Inspired by Military Kids and Families
'Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families' Pre-Order April 18, 2025 'Month of the Military Child', Out May 23, 2025 'Military Appreciation Month' 'Music as relatable to kids as it is nostalgic for parents' — Broadway World PROVIDENCE, RI, UNITED STATES, March 28, 2025 / / -- Award winning family music artist and children's book author Greg Lato is highlighting and amplifying the voices of military kids and families with a special new project. 'I have recorded a children's music album where the songs are inspired by conversations with military families. The experience of hearing their stories and what they go through was amazing!' Greg says. The album features military kids, active-duty musicians and veterans. The album, titled 'Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families' got its name because the dandelion is the official flower of the military child. It represents the resilience and adaptability of military children. The title track features a military kids choir from CAMMO (Center for American Military Music Opportunities) in Virginia. Greg is no stranger to military life; he was an aircraft firefighter on the flight deck of the USS Constellation aircraft carrier in the United States Navy for 4 years. Greg says, 'As a military veteran, I have learned how important it is for people from many different backgrounds to come together in a meaningful and positive way to navigate change and accomplish a common goal.' The song 'Shine So Bright' featuring military kids from Portsmouth Rhode Island School highlights this idea that together we are stronger, it takes a village to be heard and being brave is our superpower. Like military veteran and spouse Joshua Chiarini said during our conversation with his military family, 'Freedom is not free!'' The song 'Bigger Than Me' features the sentiment about being involved in something bigger than yourself. Greg adds, 'The journey that this project has taken me on has gone beyond my expectations. It has run the gamut of emotions from heartfelt to happy and everywhere in between. There are a lot of themes on the album that are central to the military family experience. Moving from place to place, meeting new friends, constantly being the new kid, dealing with a spouse and parent that is away, and the wonderful support system that they encounter wherever they go.' Songs like 'Home Is Not a Place' and 'Hi, I'm New Here!', a duet with 14-year-old military kid Kaleyana Ludwig, highlight these common experiences. The song 'Helping Out', a duet with Iraq War veteran and fellow children's artist Mr. Pete's Playhouse, is about the kids helping to hold down the fort at home while a parent is deployed. For example, the kids in the Kiser and Rivers Family have not stayed in one school for more than a couple of years. They were asked how they deal with the constant change in their young lives and ultimately as a result of it, what does home mean to them? Whether it is keeping family traditions alive by bringing their Christmas decorations to each location, family game nights or like Cecilia Rivers says, 'Hearing the birds chirp wherever we have lived makes me feel like nothing's changed.' For 11-year-old Elly Clague who lost her Navy veteran dad to PTSD, she goes to the Dare to Dream therapy ranch which she calls her 'happy place'. Riding the horses and interacting with the animals brings her comfort. Elly says, 'Getting to bond and hang out with animals, it calms me down and makes me happy.' The song 'Smile' was a result of this experience and features two active-duty Navy musicians Michael Brehm and Justin Lockett from Navy Band Northeast on horns. There are also songs that have nothing to do with the military experience specifically, but are more universal things that the families enjoy, just like any other family. The first single 'Old School New School' is about how the parents teach their kids about the old school, while the kids teach their parents about the new school. The music video features 14 military kids! Greg's last album 'Adults These Days' reached the top 10 on the iTunes Children's Music Chart. His first children's album 'Create My Own World' has won a Family Choice Award and a Creative Child Award. His songs are featured on Apple Music playlists and have over a million streams! Greg also released two children's books, 'Try' and 'Everybody Needs Someone'. He is also a member of the Grammy Recording Academy. X Instagram TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
