The Old Submariner

The Old Submariner I sometimes don’t know where I’m going, but Oh, all the places I’ve been. Wrapped up in a hull made of steel, with a crew of fine sailors locked in. The missions are lonely and silent, the dangers untold with no yield, But we still climb down the steel ladders, the hatches […]

Everybody needs a hero

Everybody needs a hero. Heroes make us believe that people are capable of doing amazing things and give us hope in a world where so many people fail either themselves or us. Heroism comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Mine happens to come in a variety of uniforms depending on what year you found […]

What are you willing to risk to celebrate Independence Day?

Happy Independence Day Like most people, I think of Independence Day as a wonderful way to celebrate all things America and have some great food. Fireworks and festivities crowd out the fact that over the years, many Americans have been unable to actually celebrate the day. Those are the men and women of the armed […]

The Galloping Ghost

I’M THE GALLOPING GHOST OF THE JAPANESE COAST By Constantine Guiness, MOMM 1/C, USN I’m the galloping ghost of the Japanese coast. You don’t hear of me and my crew But just ask any man off the coast of Japan. If he knows of the Trigger Maru. I look sleek and slender alongside my tender. […]

Remembering the Fitzgerald Seven

Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley has ordered the National Ensign to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on June 27 in honor of the seven Sailors who perished onboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). In ALNAV 045/17, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley ordered the National Ensign to be flown […]

USS TRIGGER SS 237 – The First Patrol June 26, 1942 (75 Years ago)

USS Trigger SS 237 Departed on her first war patrol on June 26, 1942. The United States Navy had not planned on using the submarines at its disposal in the way they found themselves forced to in the spring of 1942. The Japanese Navy had crushed the battle fleet in a surprise attack at Pearl […]

The Cost of Freedom – Letter to the Editor Pittsburgh Post Gazette

The Cost of Freedom To the Editor Pittsburgh has long been a source of the materials and equipment necessary for our national defense. The propulsion equipment for submarines and aircraft carriers comes from manufacturers in the Steel Valley as it has for generations. A strong fleet ensures freedom of the seas and guarantees the level […]

Summer 2017 USNL Pittsburgh President’s Letter – The Home Front

The Home Front Greetings to all of the Navy League Members and those who have yet to join. I am always grateful for the membership we have and a bit curious why there aren’t more of us. The Pittsburgh Council of the Navy League of the United States is an active group that supports the […]

USS Fitzgerald DDG 62 – How to help the crew

The collision at sea between the USS Fitzgerald and a civilian cargo ship has caused so many people to want to do something to help. This message came from the ship’s Facebook Page on June 19, 2017. The Navy Relief Society in Yokosuka is also helping and as always, they will accept financial donations. http://www.nmcrs.org/ […]

Maintain Silence About the Decks

It’s Sunday morning and the sun is shining on this muggy Pennsylvania day. Even though I am far from the oceans, my heart is heavy with the knowledge that the sea has claimed some of my shipmates. In the faraway seaport of Yokosuka, a damaged vessel is now being tended to and the inquiries will […]