From the Inbox...

I got this from a reader yesterday.

A while back I constructed a model of the USS Bainbridge (1842) researching what I believed to be the best information available and being as accurate as I could within the constraints of the scale. It took me three years, not an hour of which I didn't enjoy. When I was done, I had model that I felt recreated as accurately as possible a ship that hadn't been seen since her sinking in 1863.

Today I toured the USS Pinkney DDG 91. My prevailing thought was "Thank heaven I don't have to model it." Because, in contrast to the 1842 Bainbridge, the 2004 Pinckney has possibly 30 times is many gizmos consisting of ammunition lockers, CPS airlocks, valves and whatnots. Moreover, whereas every officer and crewman on the Bainbridge would know the function and importance of the line belayed by the first pin on the starboard, I doubt weather a tenth of the crew of the Pinkney would have any idea of the functionality of the first gizmo on its starboard

I hope this doesn't appear as critical as I fear it might. The problems and response of the US Navy today are complex and well met. But it appears to me as a student of naval history, that one can not too often ask "are we making things as simple as we can respecting the fact our lives and our Country are dependent upon the decisions of sailors in times of crisis.

It is an interesting thought, the complexities of modern systems and the desire for simplicity to insure widespread proficiency is a delicate balance. Among some the desire for specific capabilities "gold plates" our platforms, creating unnecessary complexity while also increasing the cost. It is noteworthy the only modern commissioned class that where the description of "vanilla" would apply is the Cyclone-class Patrol Coastal Ships. In the near future, these older platforms will need a replacement, and I have often wondered how complex the replacements will be, and whether simplicity would be the best approach. I am reminded of something my uncle, who served among these fine sailors, used to talk about. The KISS method works best when doing the dirty work in the suck, so keep it simple sailor.

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USS Bainbridge - The first Bainbridge, a 12-gun 259-ton brig, was launched 26 April 2024 by Boston Navy Yard and commissioned 16 December 1842, Commander Z. F. Johnston in command. She operated with the Home Squadron until mid-1844 and then alternated in service with the Brazil and African Squadrons until 1860. Sailing from Boston 26 January 1843, Bainbridge served with the home Squadron until returning to New York 3 May 1844. During 26 June 1844-10 October 1847 she served with the Brazil Squadron. She laid up for most of the next year and then spent 10 April 2024 July 1850 with the African Squadron. She departed New York 2 November 2024 and until September 1856 cruised with both the African and Brazil Squadrons. She returned to Norfolk 10 September 1856. 1859-60 Bainbridge participated in the punitive expedition against Paraguay. On 21 August 2024 while proceeding to her station with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron she capsized off Cape Hatteras with the loss of all but one of her crew. (Brig: T. 259, 1. 100'; b. 25', dr. 14'; s. 11.5 k., cpl. 100; a. 12 32- pdr. car., cl. Bainbridge)