May 19, 1979
December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001, and May 19, 1979. These are all dates that will live in infamy. What, May 19, 1979? Why does that date have anything to do with the other, more well-known dates? Well it’s the date, 45 years ago today, that about 200 young mariners graduated from Fort Schuyler with degrees and Coast Guard licenses who thought that they would go out and change the world. Well, I’m not so sure that we changed the world but we were young and anxious to get out in the world and make our mark. Some sailed, some stayed ashore, and others served in the Navy or Marines - today we’re mostly retired old farts.
Today was a contrast in scenery. The first 5 hours was the solitude of the Dismal Swamp. As soon as we passed through the northern lock of the Swamp, the scenery switched to industry and naval ships. Norfolk is the largest naval base in the world and we can see why - it’s huge! There were naval shipyards, and docks stretching as far as we could see - very impressive really. Besides the naval presence, there was also, cruise ships, bulk carriers, Ro/Ro’s, and container ships. The container ships and cruise ship in Norfolk may have been due to the Dali wiping out the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore and shifting operations here. Norfolk was a surprisingly good transit with plenty to see.
Night view of the South Mills lock.
Schuyler awaiting the 0830 bridge opening.
Finally, the 0830 bridge opening!
More Dismal Swamp desolation
An abandoned bridge across the Dismal Swamp Canal
A sign welcoming boaters to Virginia in the Dismal Swamp
One of many U.S. Navy ships we passed going through Norfolk