Opinion: Maritime Freedom & the Global Commons
“Freedom” – the absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic governmentIt has been decades since international relations in the world order dictated true competition for sea control, sea lines of communication, access to world markets, and diplomatic partnerships. However, it is becoming increasingly alarming that nations such as Iran, China and Russia seek to accumulate/consolidate power and re-define international maritime norms, potentially at the peril of diplomatic…
WWII Museum’s PT-305 Sails Again
Commercial workboat philanthropy on display on PT-305: WWII Museum’s PT-305 sails again after a far reaching donor-funded restoration. In March, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans launched its reconstructed PT-305, built locally by Higgins Industries in 1943. The museum acquired the boat known as the USS Sudden Jerk in 2007, restoration began in 2009, and it now sails Lake Pontchartrain as an interactive exhibit. PT-305, with a fifteen-man crew, belonged to a 12-ship squadron operating in the Mediterranean from 1944 until the war ended in 1945.
Trinity Yachts Reopens Industrial Canal France Road Facility
Trinity Yachts, has recently re-opened their original shipyard, located on the Industrial Canal in the Eastern section of New Orleans, Louisiana. The 38 acre yard with almost 10 acres of covered building area suffered badly from the effects of the hurricane water and almost 70% of the work force lost their homes. After partial power, rudimentary communications and general infrastructure returned to the yard and using many local employees to continue the clean-up and repairs, Trinity officially re-opened its doors on July 5th. Fortunately because the New Orleans shipyard is above sea level and located outside of New Orleans levee system, it was not exposed to the weeks of flooding most of the city endured.
