Category Archives: The Lighter Side

Maritime and naval stories with a dash of comedy.

Corvette Week: Coming Nov. 24-30

November 24 to 30, CIMSEC will be hosting a “Corvette Week”

What kind of radar cross-section is that? Does it even HAVE satellite comms?
What kind of radar cross-section is that? Does it even HAVE satellite comms?

Give Thanks!

The Corvette is a type designation little used by the US Navy, and there is not a lot of clarity in defining what constitutes a corvette. We will be examining the type, discussing what they are, their roles, advantages, and weaknesses.

We will also be talking a bit about OPVs since they are in many ways closely related.

CIMSEC members of widely varying backgrounds will provide a variety of views, including an international perspective.

Chuck Hill will be be considering the ship designation and the future of the type and will also introduce the Coast Guard’s new Offshore Patrol Cutter, “…the other LCS”

Przemyslaw Krajewski asks and answers “Corvette. What is it and why it exists?”

Alan Tweedie takes a “Second Look” at the LCS

Armando J. Heredia looks at the proposed Philippine frigate program and attempts to determine if it really a frigate.

Sven Ortmann will look at the air defense requirements for Corvettes.

If you would like to contribute, its not too late.

Awkward Conversations in Naval History

Hey! We TOLD you not to leave behind any lizards!
Hey! We TOLD you not to leave behind any lizards!

In 1946, the United States chose Bikini Atoll as the test site for Operation Crossroads, a series of nuclear weapons tests. One of our dear editors heard this clip during the week, imagining that first awkward conversation to “borrow” the island…

Bikini Atoll Conversation

(With permission from the Adam Carolla Show: the pirate ship sailing on mangria)

Global Warming Warms U.S. and DPRK Relations

Maritime Satire Warning: The following is a work of satire in the spirit of our International Maritime Satire Week. It is a piece of fiction intended to elicit insight through the use of satire and written by those who do not make a living being funny – so it’s not serious and very well might not be funny.

U.S. and DPRK relations improve after North Korea unexpectedly attacks rising sea levels in the Sea of Japan with short-range missiles.

Kimg Jong-Un plots his move as the sweltering environment mocks his national sovereignty.
Kimg Jong-Un plots his move as the sweltering environment mocks his national sovereignty.

In a surprise development, North Korea has made the first move towards peace amid deteriorating relations. Over the past month, as the U.S. and China appear to have come to a consensus over North Korean sanctions, the regime’s vitriol has convinced some North Korea’s intentions for its nuclear program have turned ominous. Early on Friday the 15th, Kim Jung-un was seen to have extended an olive branch to American policymakers through unilateral military action against the rising sea levels in the Sea of Japan.

USPACOM, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, made statements 13 March 13 indicating global warming and rising sea levels as the U.S.’s greatest security concerns in the region. Not two days later, Kim Jong-un ordered a massive strike against the Sea of Japan with KN-02 short-range missiles. This is a particularly intriguing new development, since the DPRK has used her strike capabilities to both whip up domestic fervor and intimidate her increasing number of detractors. The use of the DPRK missile program as a tool of peace is a shock to veteran policy analysts.

Due to moves by the DPRK, plans accelerate to use the US "missile umbrella" to counter inclement weather.
Due to moves by the DPRK, plans accelerate to use the U.S. “missile umbrella” to counter inclement weather.

In an apparent sign of approval the U.S. has moved new interceptor missile batteries to Alaska, increasing the firepower aimed at the Gaian enemy. Admiral Locklear states, “Certainly weather patterns are more severe than they have been in the past. We are on super typhoon 27 or 28 this year in the Western Pacific. The average is about 17.” As American, South Korean, and North Korean officials meet in private about the potential for coordinating military actions against threatening environmental change, word has already spread of the resumption of six-party talks next week. The U.S. and PRC have already announced that they plan to drop all talk of the new sanctions at the U.N.

CIMSEC’s DC February Meet-Up

 

(Actual location may differ from photo above)
(Actual location may differ from photo above)

It’s the time of the month again when CIMSECians get hungry and/or thirsty. For February’s DC meet-up we’ll be returning to the Old Dominion Brewhouse in the Convention Center area, just north of Gallery Place/Chinatown.  We hope you’ll join us to discuss the maritime issues of the day, recap our Maritime Futures Project, nominate topics for our next “week” of analysis, or just meet some interesting people.

 

Time:   Tuesday, 12 Feb, 6-10pm                          Happy hour lasts til 7:00pm

Place:   Old Dominion Brewhouse, (look for a sign or ask up front for our area)

1219 9th St., NW (Exit at the Mt. Vernon/Convention Center stop on the red line, on the other side of the convention center tunnel)

All are welcome and no RSVP is required, but if you’re planning on coming drop me a line so we have an idea of how many seats to reserve: director@cimsec.org