A cephalopod mollusk with a light external spiral shell – Nautiluses swim with the buoyant gas-filled shell upright. The largest and newest chamber is where the animal lives and the smaller chambers are used like submarine ballast tanks to regulate buoyancy. So much to learn from nature.
My interest was generated by the news that Idaho will have its first commissioned naval vessel since 1919. The “keel” was laid in Rhode Island this fall and our ship will take to the seas in 2023. This $2.6 billion fast attack nuclear submarine will feature ‘detail work and displays extolling Idaho’s history, natural wonders, and military heroes’. Why Idaho? The state has been the home to the nuclear Navy through the Idaho National Lab Nuclear Reactor Facility and the test submarine site at Camp Farragut in Northern Idaho. My youngest brother Jeff who worked at the reactor site in the Idaho desert and met Admiral Rickover on several occasions reminded me Rickover is considered the father of the nuclear Navy. Jeff said the four star Admiral was an imposing soul. A salute to all those Veterans who have sacrificed to keep our democracy safe.
I always thought that Jules Verne’s fictional submarine, captained by Nemo, was a product of his creative genius. It seems that Verne got the name for the craft from our own Robert Fulton who created a real life submarine called the Nautilus in 1800. The design was inspired by the French submarine Plongeur. While Fulton’s vessel was powered by a rowing crew of two and sails when above the water, it was too early for his steam technology. Verne powered his ship with electricity created by batteries.
Imagine the USS Idaho will be fueled on its commission and will not need to be refueled for its projected 30 year life. Jules Verne would have been amazed.
Tip of the cap to another Naval hero. Robert Haga is my son in law’s grandfather. Bob is a true gentleman and it has been a pleasure to get to know him and his lovely spouse Dottie. In June 1944 Bob was on the USS Chickadee in the waters off Normandy. Haga’s ship was one of the first to approach the coast of France, clearing mines for the hundreds of vessels that would come later. Haga kept a diary that details the harrowing experiences, including the daring rescue of their sister ship survivors from the USS Osprey. Bob is 94 years young and just as sharp as ever. Thanks to Bob and all those Veterans who sacrificed so much for our country.
Let’s all speak up for our democracy. Enjoy the week end. Mike