Friday, August 7, 2009

USS Benfold, Seal Beach, California

The USS Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer, was at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station last weekend. The public was allowed a tour of the ship (top deck only) so I decided to go there but I ran into a long line of cars entering the parking area, then a long line of people going through the security checkpoint, and finally another long line to board the ship. I did not realize there are that many people interested in seeing an active-duty destroyer!





My step-nephew served onboard this destroyer for three years before he was given a permanent shore assignment.




The ship is capable of arming and refueling helicopters but it does not have a hangar to keep them.





This kid will be riped for recruitment after high school.

The Navy's secret weapon. One look and you are ready to surrender LOL.

12 comments:

The Nomadic Pinoy said...

This reminds me of Fleet Week in NY, crowding and long lines included. But it's worth the wait, isn't it?

Oman said...

wow. isa yan sa gusto ko ma experience eh, yung sumakay sa malaking military ship. thanks for sharing bro.

bertN said...

The Nomadic Pinoy, once you are already there, you might as well go for it. It was worth it to me.

Lawstude, you are still in your prime, you'll experience a lot more - some bad, a lot good...all will help you enrich and enjoy the remainder of your life. If it is within reach GO, another opportunity may not come your way soon enough.

Missy said...

Nice post and good to see this ship through your lens, I've never been on this ship yet (of course hehehe). This coming September, we will be having an air show and I can't wait to share it to you too.

bertN said...

Missy, I'll be waiting for the air show photos. I love to see those daredevils in the sky.

I had a classmate in college who later joined the PAF (Philippine Air Force)and became a member of the Blue Diamonds. He died when his F-86 (Saber Jet) flamed out and crashed during a July 4th celebration.

docgelo said...

wow, you've got great photos here again, bert.

i wonder if the kid in the second to the last photo would still enjoy the real thing the moment he joins the team.

the last is really an eye-catching. you're probably right, she might be one of those 'secret weapons' they have for the enemies to surrender effortlessly, lol.

dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 said...

This is one I would really like to get close with - a military ship. Glad that you showed one for us through your lens. I also the buggy you photographed (5th photo). You really have an eye for beauty. The lady in white in the last photo amazed me :)

Anonymous said...

i would like to rid on that missile LOL

bertN said...

docgelo,thanks! You know how it is in the military - it's bravado and glamour until actual combats and the enemies start throwing everything at you, including the kitchen sink. I hate to see young (even old) men and women get killed or wounded in wars of which they have, most of the time, nothing to do with. And that goes for friends or foes. Would it not be a wonderful world if people can learn to co-exist peacefully and solve whatever differences they have over a negotiation table?

dodong flores, too bad military ships do not come to Pinas often enough. Maybe when you travel abroad you'll see a lot of them, in service or out of it.

You'll be surprised, especially when you go to training camps, to see very young men and women in the service. Most of them are just like the ordinary high school kids you see everyday. Isn't it sad to see them trained to be efficient killers? I hate wars!

prinsesamusang, I hate them too and everything else that contribute to humanities inhuman demise. Btw, thanks for dropping by.

bing said...

i like that helicopter pic and the Navy's secret weapon pic. nice captures.

bertN said...

bing, I think she is deadlier than a guided missile LOL.

Amar said...

hey! here we come to the operations...............