Iconic USS Ranger Dismantled
A two-year project to dismantle and recycle the decommissioned U.S. Navy vessel USS Ranger (CV-61) has recently concluded. Ordered in 1954 and commissioned in 1957, the Ranger was the first U.S. carrier vessel built as an angled-deck ship from inception. She served in the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, and earned 13 battle stars for her service in the Vietnam War. During her 37 years of service, she also appeared in blockbuster films such as Top Gun and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
Canada's Helm Operations Acquired by ClassNK
ClassNK has announced the acquisition of Victoria, Canada-based maritime software company Helm Operations. The deal was hailed by both parties as two world-class companies joining forces to improve safety and operational efficiency in the marine industry, while greatly enhancing the success and capabilities of both organizations. Tokyo-based ClassNK is one of the world’s largest classification societies, providing safety and certification services for more than 8,600 ships, representing about 20% of the global merchant fleet. Founded in 1999, Helm Operations has grown to become a leading provider of manning, maintenance, dispatch, and HSQE software to the workboat and offshore industries…
Tom Ridge, Howard Schmidt Launch Cybersecurity Firm
The Two Security Experts to Provide Strategic and Advisory Consulting to C-Suite Executives and Government Leaders. Tom Ridge, the first U.S. secretary of Homeland Security, and Howard A. Schmidt, former Cybersecurity Advisor to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush, has announced that they are forming Ridge Schmidt Cyber LLC, a consultancy that provides strategic and advisory services that help leaders in business and government navigate the increasing demands of cybersecurity.
Crowley to Auction Tugboat Ride for Race
Bids are now being accepted on eBay for a chance to win a ride for four aboard Crowley's winningest tugboat, Hunter, as it races against the field in Seattle Maritime Festival's annual tugboat race on Saturday, May 14. All proceeds from the auction, which will be open through Friday, May 6, will benefit the Seattle-based not-for-profit Ryther Child Center, a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. The bidding will begin at $100.
Book Review: Tugboats of New York
"Tugboats of New York" is one of those rare constructions where everything works just about perfectly. The text is insightfully, appreciatively, and masterfully written. The illustrations are informative, handsome, and sometimes — deliberately, one gathers, given some of the credits — quite beautifully artistic. The photo captions are detailed and often lengthy, turning the book into sort of an A-V show on paper. And what paper. The stock is coated and 60-lb. heavy, bright, easy on the eyes, apparently formulated to last the next century or two. The illustrations glisten with a sheen more reminiscent of actual photographic prints than something screened into a book.
