US Navy Yard-Norfolk, VA

It is the world's largest.  We have been by it 3 times before, but I get goose bumps every time we do a slow cruise out the Elizabeth River from Norfolk past the United States Naval Shipyard.  You have to see these big guys up close to appreciate these magnificent ships and our US Naval forces.

The yard seemed a bit less busy this time than two years ago, which tells me that we have more ships deployed across the oceans.  The first most impressive ship you see as you approach the yard is the #77, USS George HW Bush Aircraft Carrier.  It is huge, and I am sure these photos will not do it justice.   Use as your measuring stick for size,  the tiny men standing on her deck looking down at us as we cruised by.   Plus there were six Navy Fighter jets on the deck that we could only see from afar.   It is HUGE!!

The USS George HW Bush--this is just the front third of her in this photo

Those guys on top do not like us getting too close.  Also there is an electronic fence in front

The newest ship to the Navy fleet is the #24, USS Arlington.   She is a San Antonio class Amphibious Transport and Dock Ship or LPD.   She was just christened this last April, 2013.

USS Arlington

Notice the more Stealth look of the newer ships.   There were two more LPD's in dock.  The USS Mesa Verde and the USS Bataan.   These ships are designed to carry marines, and their amphibious assault equipment to a theater of war, along with their helicopter escorts.   They can put a bunch of marines anywhere in the world pretty quickly with these guys.

USS Mesa Verde LPD 19

  Finally, in her home berth in Norfolk is one of the Navy's hospital ships, the USNS Comfort.   Her primary mission is basically a seagoing Level III trauma hospital, supporting all branches of service with mobile surgical and acute medical care.

USNS Comfort in Norfolk, VA

She has 1000 beds and 12 Operating Rooms

There were dozens of other ships, destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious deployment ships.   It is the largest fleet in the world and they keep us safe.   It was a cool, fascinating experience to cruise by these ships and see them in person.  We all ought to be thankful for what they do, and how well they do it.

Marc