Saturday, June 29, 2013

"Morning Mist" The Maine Windjammer Project



"Morning Mist" By Doug Mills
Lewis R. French sails south from Castine in the morning mist.[07-05-2012]




Friday, June 28, 2013

White House Schedule - June 28, 2013

President Barack Obama looks out a window as he and First Lady Michelle Obama tour the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) Museum on Gorée Island, Senegal, June 27, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
In the morning, the President will participate in a Feed the Future food security eventwhere he will meet with farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs whose new methods and technologies are improving the lives of smallholder farmers throughout West Africa.

 Later in the morning, President and the First Family will depart Senegal en route South Africa. The departure from Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport and the arrival at Waterkloof Air Base.

In the evening, the President will attend a meet and greet with Embassy personnel at the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg. The President and the First Family will remain overnight in Sandton, South Africa.

The Vice President will be in Wilmington, Delaware. There are no public events scheduled.

5:00 AM
The President participates in a Feed the Future Food Security event
Local Event Time: 
9:00 AM
Dakar, Senegal
6:15 AM
The President and the First Family depart Senegal
Local Event Time: 
10:15 AM
Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport
1:10 PM
The President and the First Family arrive South Africa
Local Event Time: 
8:10 PM
Centurion, South Africa, Waterkloof Air Base
2:00 PM
The President meets and greets Embassy personnel
Local Event Time: 
9:00 PM
Johannesburg, South Africa, U.S. Consulate


Coast Guard Members Receive Awards For Tall Ship Bounty Rescue

Elizabeth City Coast Guard members receive awards for tall ship Bounty rescue

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - The Coast Guard honored 26 crew members Wednesday at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., for their efforts during the tall ship Bounty rescue.

Rear Adm. Steven Ratti presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to Petty Officer 2nd Class Randy Haba and Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Todd, both rescue swimmers at the air station who rescued 14 of the 16 Bounty crew members.

Rear Adm. Steven Ratti, the Coast Guard's 5th District commander, presents a Distinguished Flying Cross medal to Petty Officer 2nd Class Randy Haba, an aviation survival technician at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., at the air station Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Haba is a Stratton, Colo., native and received the award for his efforts in rescuing crew members of the HMS Bounty, which sank during Hurricane Sandy off the coast of North Carolina. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandyn Hill
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to members who distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The act must have been in the face of great danger and well above normal expectations.

The remainder of the HC-130 Hercules and MH-60 Jayhawk personnel received awards ranging from commendation medals to air medals.



Rear Adm. Steven Ratti, the Coast Guard's 5th District commander, presents awards to an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., at the air station Wednesday, June 26, 2013. The crew received awards for their efforts in rescuing crew members of the tall ship Bounty, which sank during Hurricane Sandy off the coast of North Carolina. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandyn Hill)

Aircrew members stand at attention during an award presentation held at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., Wednesday, June 26, 2013. The personnel shown each received an award for their efforts during the rescue of crew members from the tall ship Bounty, which sank during Hurricane Sandy off the coast of North Carolina. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandyn Hill)

Rear Adm. Steven Ratti, the Coast Guard's 5th District commander, presents a Distinguished Flying Cross medal to Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Todd, an aviation survival technician at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., at the air station Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Todd is a Tucson, Ariz., native and received his award for his efforts in rescuing crew members of the HMS Bounty, which sank during Hurricane Sandy off the coast of North Carolina. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandyn Hill)

"The Mother Ship" The Maine Windjammer Project


"The Mother Ship" by Doug Mills
Victory Chimes "The Mother Ship" under sail on Penobscot Bay.[07-13-2012]



Thursday, June 27, 2013

The Ultimate Tall Ship Photo Safari



The Ultimate Tall Ship Photo Safari
Story and photos By
 Doug Mills
Maritime Editor
RCN America Network

Since I was a little boy I have dreamed of sailing on the Victory Chimes. I would watch her sail in and out of the harbor year after year and dream.
Never give up on your dreams! On July 4th 2011 the Victory Chimes sailed from Rockland, Maine to participate in the Great Schooner Race, the largest annual gathering of tall ships in North America. I  was on board, with my son,that week to host the ultimate tall ship photography cruise.
This this was our chance to see and photograph these tall ships put through their paces at the Great Schooner Race. We got to experience firsthand the romance of sailing these historic ships.

   This was not my first trip out on the “Big Boats”,but it would be my first full week sailing, my first time participating in The Great Schooner Race and my first time leading a photography workshop.
   We boarded the Victory chimes on Sunday after supper and spent the evening getting settled into our cabins and getting to know the rest of the passengers and crew.
Day 1
   We sailed after breakfast with a heavy fog on the bay.  Passing North Haven in the fog we turned up the bay toward Cape Rosier and Castine.  By noon the fog had been replaced by bright sun.  As we sailed into Castine harbor the afternoon sun became clouded by oncoming thunderheads.
   Through the late afternoon the fleet assembled in Smith’s Cove just east of Castine.  What a sight to see all this history anchored in one cove.  Many of these historic boats were over 100 years old!
   Lobster dinner and a spectacular sunset and it is time to turn in.

Day 2
   What an amazing sight, to come up on deck and find the water like glass with the last of the morning fog still clinging to the water and the morning sun bright overhead.
   Today is race day!  This morning all the captains meet on board the Victory Chimes to determine the final course for The Great Schooner Race of 2011.  After breakfast all the boats make sail and head out through Castine harbor toward the starting line.
   The race starts at 11;00 AM in spite of a lack of wind.  The wind did pick up by mid-afternoon with the Mary Day crossing the finish line first.
   The fleet anchored East of Stonington with fireworks and another great sunset to end the day.


Day 3
   After breakfast we sailed into Stonington Harbor in the morning fog.  What an amazing town.  Once a busy port shipping Maine granite all  over the world, now it is a busy fishing village.  The harbor is filled with colorful lobster boats and the shops were like stepping back in time to the 50’s.  Everywhere you turned there was another exciting picture!  By noon we were back on the boat and sailing east.
   Our destination for the night would be Wooden Boat Cove, a place that attracts sailors of wooden boats like honey attracts bears.  This little cove in Brooklin, Maine is the home of The Wooden Boat School and Wooden Boat Magazine.  This is a place that is very close to the heart of the sailing industry, a place almost sacred to those who sail these old wooden boats.
  Thunder showers at sunset set us up for some spectacular photographs to end the day.

White House Schedule - June 27, 2013

President Jimmy Carter meeting with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the Oval Office.   January 19, 2009.
In the morning, the President and the First Lady will visit the Presidential Palace where they will be welcomed by Senegalese President Macky Sall.

The President will then participate in a restricted bilateral meeting with President Sall at the Presidential Palace, followed by an expanded bilateral meeting.

Later in the morning, the President and President Sall will have a press conference at the Presidential Palace.

In the afternoon, the President will travel to La Cour Supreme where he will meet with regional judicial leaders to discuss rule of law.

Later in the afternoon, the President and the First Family will travel to Goree Island. While on Goree Island, the President and the First Family will tour Maison Des Esclaves Museum. The President will then drop by a civil society event at the Goree Institute.

In the evening, the President will meet and greet with Embassy personnel at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Later in the evening, the President and the First Lady will attend an official dinner with President Sall.

The President and the First Family will remain overnight in Dakar, Senegal.

The Vice President will attend meetings at the White House.

4:30 AM
The President and the First Lady arrive at the Presidential Palace and are welcomed by President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal
Local Event Time: 
9:30 AM
Dakar, Presidential Palace, Senegal
4:40 AM
The President holds a restricted bilateral meeting with President Sall
Local Event Time: 
9:40 AM
Dakar, Presidential Palace, Senegal
4:55 AM
The President holds an expanded bilateral meeting with President Sall
Local Event Time: 
9:55 AM
Dakar, Presidential Palace, Senegal
5:45 AM
The President and President Sall hold a press conference
Local Event Time: 
10:45 AM
Dakar, Presidential Palace, Senegal
6:50 AM
The President meets with regional judicial leaders to discuss rule of law
Local Event Time: 
11:50 AM
Dakar, La Cour Supreme, Senegal
9:50 AM
The President and the First Lady arrive at Goree Island
Local Event Time: 
2:50 PM
Dakar Port, Goree Island
10:05 AM
The President tours Maison Des Esclaves
Local Event Time: 
3:05 PM
Goree Island
12:40 PM
The President meets and greets with Embassy personnel
Local Event Time: 
5:40 PM
Dakar, Radisson Blu Hotel, Senegal
3:25 PM
The President and the First Lady attend an official dinner with President Sall
Local Event Time: 
8:25 PM
Dakar, Presidential Palace, Senegal


12th International Human-Powered Submarine Races (ISR)



12th International Submarine Races to be Held at
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division
June 24 – 28, 2013
… Unique Human-Powered Engineering Design Competition…
CARDEROCK, MD. November 27, 2012 –The Foundation for Underwater Research and Education (FURE)
announces that the 12th International Submarine Races (ISR), a biennial engineering design competition, is scheduled to
be held the week of June 22-26, 2013, at NSWC Carderock Division in West Bethesda, Md.
The Foundation supports the ISR during the two-year process to design, build and take part in the human
powered submarine competition. FURE’s objective via the ISR is to raise interest and participation in engineering
education and to increase competence and awareness among ocean engineering students.
This will be the 12th in the series of alternate summer races that test the creative skills of young engineering
students from colleges, universities and technical and high schools from throughout the world. Teams wearing scuba gear
compete in one- and two-person “wet” submarines designed to run submerged along a 100-meter measured course in the
Carderock model basin. The ISR began in Florida in 1989 and has been held here since 1995.
“The Carderock Division is proud to host the 2013 ISR at our David Taylor Model Basin facility,” said Division
Commander Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper. “We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting event that puts engineering skills
learned in the classroom and in the lab to a practical test. We know all participants will be hard at work on their new
designs, and we all look forward to seeing the innovative approaches they will bring to next year’s competition.”
The purpose of the subraces is to provide an educational opportunity for aspiring young engineers. Their
participation in the design, construction, and operation of a human-powered submarine offers real-time application of
theoretical knowledge, hands-on problem-solving and teambuilding skills. Each year, teams strive to either set new speed
records or bring innovative approaches to propulsion, guidance or other technical requirements of submarine design.
Race organizers install specialized timing equipment in the Carderock model basin to determine the exact speed of each
vehicle. Underwater video and times are displayed on television screens. Prizes are awarded in a number of categories,
including speed, design, best use of composite materials and innovation.
The subrace engineering design competition is an investment in the future of our young people, not only to help
them compete in the global technology economy, but to provide a better trained and experienced resource pool of bright
and industrious students to help industry and the government fill future national needs. The ISR experience increases
their value to potential employers. Studies show that students who can put their classroom skills to practical use fare far
better in the post-college job market.
The 12th ISR principal sponsors include the Electric Boat Corporation, the Oceanic Engineering Society of the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Henry A. “Hap” Perry, the ISR founder. Many in-kind
sponsors also contribute. Additionally, ISR is one of many STEM outreach programs supported by NSWC Carderock
Division which is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command.


Open Call for Art

Open Call for Art


Constellation Gallery, a nonprofit art gallery at 511 Congress Street in Portland Maine invites artists from all over the world to submit art to their "Art Without Borders" show which runs from July 26 to August 26th.  This will be the first show in which non-members of the Maine Artists Collective will be allowed to enter work to be adjudicated into a show.  Gallery hours are Monday to Sunday, noon to 4 pm.

Any kind of art (except for sculptures needing pedestals) is being accepted for this show including painting, photography, digital art, printmaking, collage or assemblage. There is no theme for this show and there is no fee.  Artists may submit up to 10 images as jpgs (1,280 pixels on the longest side at 72 dpi, jpg compression level 8). 

The deadline for images emailed to gallery@constellationart.com is July 1st, 2013. Artists will be notified by July 8th and those included in the show are asked to submit images (1,280 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi, jpg compression level 8) toanntracy51@gmail.com by July 10th. 

Work must be delivered to the gallery no later than July 22nd.  If art is being mailed or sent via UPS or FedEx,  artists must include return postage in a separate envelope or the work will not be returned.

All work must be ready to hang (no saw tooth hangers please) and marked on the back with the artist's name, title of work, type of work and price.  Constellation Gallery will take a 50% commission on any work that is sold.  Artists will receive their checks by the end of September.

Dates to Remember:

July 1st - Deadline for image submission to 
gallery@constellationart.com

July 8th - Artists notified

July 10th - Accepted artists to send high resolution images (1,280 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi, jpg compression level 8) to anntracy51@gmail.com

 July 22nd - Deadline for work to be delivered to gallery.

July 26th to August 26th - Exhibition run

August 2nd - Artists reception


Video: Coast Guard Medevacs Man From Fishing Vessel

An Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, attached to the Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell, hoists a 43-year-old injured man from the fishing vessel Alaska Juris to conduct a medevac of a fisherman from the vessel June 21, 2013, less than 100 miles southeast of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The Alaska Juris is a 218-foot Seattle-based catcher processor and the Boutwell is a 378-foot Coast Guard cutter from San Diego on patrol in Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Kodiak.




DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLIC SCHEDULE THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

SECRETARY JOHN KERRY
Secretary Kerry is on foreign travel in Amman & Jerusalem. He is accompanied by Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf, Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Beth Jones, and VADM Harry B. Harris, Jr., JCS. 
1:30 p.m. (LOCAL) Secretary Kerry participates in a working lunch with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.
2:20 p.m. (LOCAL) Secretary Kerry meets with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.
8:30 p.m. (LOCAL) Secretary Kerry participates in a working dinner with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem.

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR RAJIV SHAH
Administrator Rajiv Shah will accompany the President on his trip to Africa to meet with leaders from government, business, and civil society, and to reinforce U.S. commitment to expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS WENDY SHERMAN
10:00 a.m. Under Secretary Sherman meets with the Assistant Foreign Minister of China, Ma Zhaoxu, and his delegation, at the Department of State.
11:00 a.m. Under Secretary Sherman delivers remarks at the Connecting the Americas 2022 Mesoamerican Ministerial, at the International Development Bank, Washington, DC. 
12:00 p.m. Under Secretary Sherman meets with the United Nations Special Envoy for the Sahel, Romano Prodi, at the Department of State.
4:00 p.m. Under Secretary Sherman meets with the Ambassador of Jordan to the U.S., Alia Hatoug-Bouran, at the Department of State.
UNDERSECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT ROBERT D. HORMATS
11:00 a.m. Under Secretary Hormats meets with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son, at the Department of State.
3:30 p.m. Under Secretary Hormats meets with the Senior Vice Minister of Japan, Yasutoshi Nishimura, at the Department of State.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS ROBERT O. BLAKE, JR.
3:45 p.m. Assistant Secretary Blake meets with the Additional Secretary at Department of Commerce of India, Madhusudan Prasad and Joint Secretary at the Department of Commerce of India, Rajeev Arora, at the Department of State.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUISNESS AFFAIRS JOSE W. FERNANDEZ
Assistant Secretary Fernandez will attend the Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct at the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Conference Center in Paris, France. Please click here for more information.
6:00 p.m. LOCAL Assistant Secretary Fernandez will deliver a speech at the Institut Francais des Relations Internationales in Paris, France addressing corporate social responsibility and the crossroads between business and diplomacy.
ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOR MICHAEL KOZAK
2:00 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Kozak meets with Cuban civil society members, Guillermo Farinas and Elizardo Sanchez, at the Department of State.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR WESTERN HEMISPHERE AFFAIRS ROBERTA S. JACOBSON
11:00 a.m. Assistant Secretary Jacobson attends a ministerial meeting on Connecting the Americas 2022, at the Inter-American Development Bank, in Washington, D.C.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POPULATION, REFUGEES and MIGRATION ANNE C. RICHARDS
Assistant Secretary Richard is on foreign travel to Amman, Jordan and Beirut, Lebanon to meet with officials to discuss the ongoing humanitarian situation in the region.

Ambassador–at-Large for War Crimes Issues Stephen J. Rapp
Ambassador Rapp is on foreign travel to Botswana to participate in the launch of the “International Investigator/Justice Rapid Response” training course, hosted by the Institute for International Criminal Investigations at the International Law Enforcement Academy, in Gaborone, Botswana.

ACTING SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR GLOBAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS MARY PENSABENE
2:00 p.m. Acting Special Representative Pensabene meets with the Vice Chair of the International Youth Diplomacy League Chair, Vadim Belikov, at the Department of State.
DIRECTOR OF POLICY PLANNING DAVID MCKEAN
Director McKean accompanies Secretary Kerry on foreign travel.


Annasophia Robb: "The Way, Way Back " New York Premiere

New York City, New York - Nineteen year old AnnaSophia Robb looked beautiful wearing a black dress
with black pointed high heels to the "The Way, Way Back " New York Premiere at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on June 26, 2013 in New York City.

AnnaSophia Robb born December 8, 1993 is an American film and television actress. She gained prominence in 2005 with starring roles in Because of Winn-Dixie and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is also known for Bridge to Terabithia (2007), Race to Witch Mountain (2009), Soul Surfer (2011). From 2013, she has starred as Carrie Bradshaw on the CW's series The Carrie Diaries, the prequel to HBO's TV series Sex and the City.

"Racing Home" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Racing Home" By Doug Mills

The American Eagle racing home to Rockland. [06-16-2012]




Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Gracie Dzienny, Taylor Spreitler & Audrey Whitby: Thirst Project's 4th Annual Gala

Beverly Hills, California - Actresses Gracie Dzienny (17), Taylor Spreitler (19) and Audrey Whitby (16) looked beautiful as they attended the 4th Annual Thirst Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 25, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.

Dzienny wore a black/white stripped dress with black high heels, Spreitler wore a black dress with matching high heels and Whitby wore a blue shirt and white skirt with blue shoes.

Gracie Dzienny stars as Amanda, a smart, savvy and resourceful teenager skilled in the discipline of martial arts, in Supah Ninjas.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, the 17-year-old Dzienny is the youngest of three siblings and began modeling at the age of five after winning a Loreal contest. Gracie’s modeling career took her to New York where she continued modeling and began appearing in commercials. Gracie likes acting because she enjoys the challenge of playing different characters.

In addition to acting, Dzienny studies dance and she also practices yoga.. She has a passion for crafting and

This Week in Naval History



27 JUN 1861: First U.S. Navy officer killed druing the Civil War
1861 – While commanding a gunboat flotilla, Commander James Harmon Ward was mortally wounded by a musket ball while on board flagship USS Thomas Freeborn. At the time of action at Mathias Point, Virginia, he was sighting Freeborn’s bow gun. Ward was the first U.S. Naval officer casualty of the Civil War.

28 June 1814: USS Wasp captured and burned HMS Reindeer
On 28 June 1814, the sloop of war Wasp commanded by Johnston Blakeley, came across HMS Reindeer, commanded by William Manners, off Plymouth, England, and brought her to battle. The battle lasted approximately nineteen minutes long. Wasp eventually captured Reindeer, took her crew as prisoners, and burned her at sea. On 4 July, Wasp captured and burned the British brig Regulator. Two days later, she captured and scuttled the British ship Jenny.

29 JUN 1862: Steam sloop Susquehanna captured British steamer
On 29 June 1862, during the Civil War, the steam sloop Susquehanna, commanded by Cdr Hitchcock, captured the blockade-running British steamer Anna near Mobile, Alabama.

30 JUN 1815: Last naval action of the War of 1812
On 30 June 1815, in the last naval action of the War of 1812, the sloop of war Peacock, commanded by Captain Lewis Warrington, came across the British cruiser Nautilus in the Straits of Sundra. The cruiser’s crew informed Warrington of the Treaty of Ghent. Suspicious, he wanted her to strike colors. Refusing to do so, Peacock broadsided her, killing or wounding fifteen. Boarding the vessel, Warrington then found out peace had been signed and freed the prize. Subsquently, Warrington repaired Nautilus and set her free. Note, just two days prior, Peacock captured and burned the British merchant ship Brio de Mar.

1 Jul 1801: US Navy to protect against Barbary Pirates
On 1 July 1801, Commodore Richard Dale’s squadron arrived at Gibraltar for the protection of American interests and to strike at the Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean. Squadron ships were USS President, USS Philadelphia, USS Essex, and USS Enterprise, which had arrived 5 days earlier. The squadron was dispatched on 20 May. To read about Commodore Dale, please click here: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-d/r-dale.htm

2 Jul 1926: Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized

3 Jul 1898: Battle of Santiago – Spanish-American War
On 3 July 1898, during the Spanish American War, when Rear Admiral Cervera’s Spanish fleet attempted to flee from the harbor at Santiago, Cuba, the US Navy’s Atlantic Squadron successfully pursued, attacked, and systematically destroyed the Spanish vessels. With the loss of the fleet, the Spanish ships en route to the Philippines turned about in the Red Sea to protect Spain, which was now open to attack by the US Navy. Troop landings on Cuba were now more feasible against unsupported troops and Rear Admiral Dewey didn’t have to defend his position in the Pacific. To read an eyewitness account from a crewmember serving on board USS Iowa, please click here for the Navy Library’s Online Reading Room: http://www.history.navy.mil/library/manuscript/santiagobattle.htm