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February 13, 2013

Pips Bucket Tour Goes NAVAL



Hey Everyone!
Wow, this is such a super special day for me!  I'm very honored to host my pal Pip on his World Bucket Tour.   I searched my doggy brain for the most amazing thing I can show him here in my territory to give him an adventure of a lifetime.

Well, here it is!!!!!   
A short jaunt from my house is a REAL LIVE UNITED STATES NAVAL VESSEL!    
And if that wasn't cool enough...it was MY DAD'S NAVAL VESSEL!  
That's right.   I'm taking Pip and Puddles for a ride on the USS LITTLE ROCK.  
We're going to ride on a historic, military warship.   Woohoooo!
We started out at my house in Pennsylvania, then headed north to Buffalo, New York!

When my Dad was in the Navy back in the early 1960's, he was stationed on the USS Little Rock.  Now it's a Naval Museum in Buffalo, NY.  The ship is right there...fur real!  And we're gonna see it and BOARD IT TOO!   Here we go...

This is the ship anchored next to the museum.


Check out these pawesome museum exhibits!


I arranged for Nurse Puddles to have her own US Navy Nurse uniform.
She's planning to spend the day here in the museum. 
She keeps saying
"Hey Sailor, Come here often?" 
"Hey Sailor, Come here often?"
"Hey Sailor, Come here often?"
She's just waiting for one person so answer her with the ole
"Well, hellloooooo Nurse!"
BWAR HAR HAR.   We'll leave her to it while Pip and I explore the ship.




I got us some uniforms, perfect for the US Navy circa 1963.



Hello, up there, Pip!  How's the view from the observation deck?!?



OMD, this is so pawesome!  These are the big 6 inch guns!



This is inside the missile silo.



Pip got to see a real Talos Missile up close!


Okay, here comes the historical information:

U.S.S. LITTLE  ROCK
CL-92 / CLG-4 / CG-4

 
Length: 610 feet
Beam: 66 feet
Draft: 25 feet
Displacement: 10,670 tons
Armament: Two Mk II talos Missile Launchers; Three 6-inch guns; two 5-inch/38 caliber gunsComplement: 1,100 enlisted; 150 officers; 150 Marines
LITTLE ROCK was launched on 27 August 1944.  From 1946 to 1957 she visited the East Coast, Caribbean, South & Central America, rounded Cape Horn, Europe, North Atlantic & Gibraltar. 
On 30 January 1957 she was reconfigured to carry 48 long-range Talos missiles and to provide Flag staff accommodations.   (That means the highest ranking officers travelled on her!  She always had an Admiral on board.)
My Dad served on USS LITTLE ROCK from 1962 through 1966 and was aboard the day that President John F Kennedy was assassinated.  Pip and I got to see the Mess and even the exact table where he was sitting when the announcement came over the ship's loudspeaker. 
In June of 1967 the USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli ships and aircraft. LITTLE ROCK was sent to aid the Liberty.  On 5 June 1975, USS LITTLE ROCK represented the U.S. during the reopening of the Suez Canal. She was the only foreign warship in the official floatilla.  On 17 June 1976 LITTLE ROCK was ordered to Lebanon to assist in evacuating US citizens from Beirut.

In September of 1976 LITTLE ROCK made her final departure from Gaeta. On 22 November 1976 the LITTLE ROCK was decommissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

On 01 June 1977, LITTLE ROCK was officially transferred to the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Servicemen's Park in Buffalo, NY. Towed through the Saint Lawrence Seaway LITTLE ROCK arrived on 15 July.  On 30 June 1979 the U.S.S. LITTLE ROCK was opened to the public as a museum, the last surviving cruiser from the Cleveland-class / Galveston-class cruiser fleets.
My Dad was aboard when this photo was taken!
This is the deepest natural harbor in the world.
Okay, back to our visit in Buffalo...







 
This is the Forward Deck!



 Pip's on the bridge now! 
See that gold, shower head looking thing? 
The Captain yelled into that and it carried his voice down below.  Cool huh!  


We stayed all day and got to see her all lit up in the evening!

Wow, this was such a special day for me!  I hope that Pip and Puddles had as much fun as I did.  My Dad and I are really happy to share this with my furiends and help Pip celebrate his Bucket Tour.  Thanks for coming along for our adventure, and I wish Pip safe and fun travels for the rest of his tour.

Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP
 











57 comments:

Pippa Sheltie said...

Wow! Pip and Puddles must have been so happy for you to take them on that huge ship! The picture of France was great! And all of the interesting facts too!
Pippa

The Daily Pip said...

Before I get into the fun part ...checking out the chip, pretending shoot off those missiles, Puddles picking up all those sailors ...I just want to thank you for sharing this piece of American History AND your dad's own personal history.

I bet this visit brought back lots of memories for him! My assistant got the shivers when you showed us the spot he was when he heard the terrible news about President Kennedy. The U.S.S. Little Rock has an amazing history. Thanks SO MUCH for sharing it with us!

Your pal, Pip

The Daily Pip said...

Did I really just write checking out the chip??? Sorry, SHIP!

Let's see do any of these missiles still have life in them??? And did I mention my eye-sight isn't very good ...better step away from the missiles. Bawhahahahahaha!

Let me have a look through the telescope ...I can see Puddles down there and she seems to be giving the sailors something. OMD! I think she is luring them with Cheetos and beer!

The Daily Pip said...

We look pretty cool in our uniforms, Sarge. Do we get to keep them? I always wanted to be a Navy dog!

Cowspotdog said...

We wonder if Puddles founnd any sailors????? What a great tour - my Dad was also a 20 year Navy guy....although he flew planes. Looks like they had a great tour.

Frank The Tank said...

Hi Sarge!
OMD You, Pip and Puddles look like you had a wonderful time on board that ship, your uniforms are very nice, you all look so handsome and pretty I just love the photo of you and your BIG 6 inch guns, feel the power between your legs boys!!!
looks thike the world tour continues and a little more trouble is to follow....
Love from your furiend Frnak xxxxxx

Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady said...

That looks like so much fun . . . those guns may be a little scary!

GOOSE said...

WOW! First the history stuff was waaaay cool.
I think it was a good thing Puddles atayed back to pick up "dates". Think what could have happened if she got a hold of the wheel of that big old ship. I cringe just thinking about it. I bet PIP had the time of his life. Sarge you out did yourself with this stop on the Tour. I am sure that Mr. Pip would have made a very fine sailor. I bet Mr. Pip could take out a whole lot of squirrels with those guns.
Blessings,
Goose

Marg said...

That was such a fun post learning all those facts about the ship. That was way too much fun. How wonderful that must have been for Puddles and Pip. Loved all the history and the pictures.

What Remains Now said...

How interesting and exciting! What a great visit. It must be cool for your dad to be able to visit his old stomping ground.

3 doxies said...

OH Sarge, dis was magnificent! I am so thrilled to sees da ship your dad was on like a million years ago. Dis is so cool and so full of da histories!

PIP...StAY AWAY FROM DA MISSILES!!!!
Oh wait, needs to back to da gift shop fur more Cheetos...I sees a hottie over yonder ways.

Puddles

3 doxies said...

Uh Pip, if I was you...I would put Bunny's crown back in da car. There is no tellin' what these sailors might think.

Puddles

The Daily Pip said...

Dog overboard! Just kidding ...I always wanted to say that ...bawwhahahaha

3 doxies said...

Bwhahahahahaahaha....not funny! You skered da beejuice out me. Okays, it was funny.

Hey can we fish from heres? Might be ables to gets Shelldon and Beachnut sme dates.

Puddles

Lovable Lily said...

This was way tooooo cooooolllll! We didn't know that your Dad was a Navy man~awesome! Our Grandpa Bob was too. He was on the USS Columbia (CL-56). We LOVE Navy men so we can truly understand why Puddles is trying to hook one for herself. She will use any and all tactics to do so. Hey, what girl doesn't just love a man in uniform!

And you shuffled off to Buffalo to do all this. We live only an hour or so away from your Dad's ship.

We can see that Pip had the BEST time on the ship. He's got a big smile on his face right now.

At least the two of them were respectful and didn't leave their beer cans laying all around :)

You were a pawsome host Sarge. We sure did learn alot too.

Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin

Remington said...

What an awesome adventure! Beth's father was a Navy man too!

Matilda the Boxer said...

What a fun adventure! Pip and Puddles sure are seeing some pawsome stuff!

Linda said...

Thanks for taking us along on the tour of USS Little Rock, so much history and facts to learn we didn't even know about. Pip and Puddles in the uniforms was the best.
xo Cinnamon

stellaroselong said...

We really enjoyed reading this story but to be honest I (Stella) well I was nervous about all the scary possibilities of you guys on that big ship...you looked sooooo handsome boys in those uniforms.
Stella rose

Hey pUddles,
I am glad the only uniform you saw was a navy one while on the ship cos I was a wondering if we would see a police uniform or those people in the white uniforms..you know the ones with those jackets that have those ties all over them, hehehhe...I also think we need one of the gold things in our kitchen so mom can just yell at all of us from there..yep.....
maggie moose

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

OME OMD You all three got NAVY uniforms to wear?? THAT is sooooo cool we all know that wimmen love a man in uniform.

I'll bet NURSE PUDDLES was in Seventh Fleet Heaven with all the Navy Guys around.
PIP... PLEASE don't touch any BUTTONS... I think those HOOOOGE Guns might be aimed at OUR HILL.

I can NOT believe that Sarge took you to see his Dad's Ship!! He hasn't even taken US to see it... and OUR dad was in the Navy too. Butt he was on the Star Ship ENTERPRISE.
OMD... did you get to EAT the Navy foods???
Dad always talks about playing POKER on the ship. Did you do THAT?
OH PLEASE don't touch any buttons.

Ziggy Stardust said...

Wow what an excellent adventure. Thank you Sarge for the great story about your Dad and the ship. You and Pip look very dapper and Puddles even loks professional. I am nervous about her being around missiles. I hope they don't take any souveniers off the ship that weren't from the gift shop. One of those missules would make a nice addition to their journey.

Loveys Sasha

rottrover said...

Sarge! That was so interesting! Butt are you sure Puddles didn't MAKE the mess??? Did you read her post today??

-Bart, Ruby and Otto

The Daily Pip said...

Limbo contest on the main deck in five minutes, limbo contest in five minutes ....

Unknown said...

Hello Sailor, come here often? BOL funny! What a great visit idea. We bet P&P have never been on such a big ship before and what a visit it was. Pip even got to go on the bridge and thank lordy you didn't let Puddles near those missiles. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly

My Mind's Eye said...

OH MY DOGS....SARGE WHAT A GREAT IDEA TO TAKE P&P on one of our fine naval ships. I hope and purr Puddles did not leave any 'presents' in any of the corners of this fine ship.
Love love love the Nurse Puddles photo. I bet Puddles was ready to play doctor w some of those handsome sailors. MOL MOL

Standing ovation for this great adventure.
Hugs Madi your BFFF

My Mind's Eye said...

PS MR. PIP YOU ARE LOOKING FINE AS WINE IN THAT SAILOR GET UP...YOU KNOW I LOVE A MAN IN A CAP AND A UNIFORM.
HUGS MADI YOUR DATE FOR THE VALENTINE BALL

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Sarge, that was really cool. Thanks for the tour and the history lesson.

3 doxies said...

LIIIIIIIIMBO....outta my way boys. Dis is da only game I can Plays and win....without cheatin dat is.
Here hold my drink, I be back.

Puddles

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

OMD OMD..... PIP .... do NOT push that RED BUTT... OH NO... You DID it..
OMD OMD... What is that NOISE... OH NO you have hit the LAUNCH Button... OH NO... aND STOP Barkin orders in that gold tube thingy... we CAN't Go Full speed AHEAD... we are Docked..

OMD this is TERRIBLE SIRENS are going off... MY EARS OUCH My EARS..

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Puddles Puddles I just grabbed Ernie and we ABANDONED SHIP... PIP pushed the LAUNCH button and.. WHAT???
HEY you can't go around askin sailors to let you take there temperature!!


OMD OMD THIS is AWFUL...

Sailors are runnin EVERYWHERE tryin to get to the STOP LAUNCH thingy.. and YOU are wantin to Take their temperatures??? I can tell you what there temperature is...
HOT... Oh boy are they ever MAD at us... We are gonna get thrown in the BRIG fur SURE!! Whine Whimper

3 doxies said...

Oh Frankie, you not to get your Zoom-Os in a wad. Take life in stride and enjoy da moment.

P

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I'm KEEPIN my tighty whities in a wad with PUDDLES runnin around wantin to take TEMPERATURES...

OMD I just KNEW IT... here comes the SHORE PATROL... and they are REALLY MAD...

PIP... they are comin YOUR WAY... and they are gonna get YOU and SARGE and stuff you in the BRIG fur SURE.
WHEW... thank goodness the SIRENS have stopped and the missile has quit SMOKING ... WHEW THAT was SCARY...

The Daily Pip said...

Look the shore patrol are joining the conga line. Howdy.
officers!

Cha, cha, cha, cha, CHA. Oops, almost lost my balance on that last kick

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

oMD Get outta here Puddles... go find some SEA SICK SAILOR... and Steal his TEMPERATURE... and NO... you can Not give them a FLEET Enema either.
THIS kinda Fleet is fur SHIPS NOT fur SHI........

PIP... DO NOT LISTEN TO HER... no more touching Buttons... especially the SHINY Flashing ONES!!

OH WHERE is SARGE and WHERE is his DAD.. SOS SOS SOS

Millie and Walter said...

Sarge I can't believe you took P & P to Buffalo! That is only an hour from my house. If I had known I would have made my mom bring me to join you. BTW you all are too funny with trying to launch the missile.

Millie

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

WATCH YOURSELF PIP... Nurse Puddles is checkin out the SCOPE and Squirrels only know what she might be plannin to do with THAT.

OH NO.... hide QUICK Pip... I think THAT guy with the RED FACE... is the CAPTAIN!!!

Brian's Home Blog said...

You sure did show them a great time Sarge! Thanks for letting us tag along too!

Scooter said...

Well....that was pretty cool to show them the ship Sarge!! You all look great in uniform!!

wags
Jazzi and Addi

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We know Pip and Puddles enjoyed that, because we did. We're happy it's in a museum and not scuttled somewhere. What a terrific history, and your dad was part of it!

We hope Puddles found a sailor she could take care of...BOL!

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella &Roxy

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh my word are you sailors going to have some stories to tell!
Snorts,
Benny & Lily

3 doxies said...

Why hellos theres Mr. Captain, care fur a drink withs a cutie umbrella?

Puddles

Ruby said...

OMD! This ship is SO Cool Sarge!! Thanks for fillin' us all in on the history of this Great Ship, and your Dad's history on it. I was on the edge of the puter chairs the whole times!!
Oh my, I'm afraid that Puddles is gonna corrupt the poor naive Sailors Sarge!! I'm afraids they don't knows what they're gettin' themselves into! Hopes they have extra insurance...
You two Gentlemen look very dashin' in your Sailors Uniforms! *whistle, whistle*
Kisses,
Ruby

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

The Captain is NOT a Happy Sailor right now... This is turning into ANOTHER.. SITUATION.

I just hear the Captain call PIP a PIRATE... SARGE have you lost TOTAL control of the situation or WHAT???

3 doxies said...

Ohoy Mateties...tis I Puddles I will be captainin' in dis CHIP nows! Sumptin' happened to da captain...couldn't tell ya.

Um, dis just does NOT look like my steering wheel. Oh snot, it not even has a rear view mirror eithers.

Here we goes...LOOOOOOOOK OUT!!!!!!!

GizmoGeodog said...

What great history you've shared today Sarge...Thank you...You were pretty brave to bring P & P aboard ship, but I'm guessing you had military police and shore patrol at the ready...Glad that Puddles didn't fall overboard...Did you count all the silverware in the mess after they left?

3 doxies said...

ICEBERG!!!!!!!


KABLAM!

Sweet William The Scot said...

Iceberg Puddles is going to sink it like the Titanic! Yep Puddles sunk that too.
Sarge we really enjoyed this Bucket List Tour seeing the real ship was just terrific.
Thanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

HEY..It's ME..ERNIE .. guess where Pip and Puddles are... and What they are doing???





THEY are on the POOP DECK !!!!!


Puddles will probably try to HIDE IT in the Captain's MESS... BaaaaaaWaaaaaaah

3 doxies said...

Bwhahahahahahaha...Ahem, okays I got nuttin' furs dat. Dang it...

P
I'll be back afters I think

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

SARGE... have you seen PIP????? He WAS on the POOP Deck butt then... he took off yellin FIRE TORPEDOES...
I'm gonna FIRE some TORPEDOES!!!

OMD OMD this IS NOT GOOD...

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Hey SARGE.... ERNIE HERE...
Will your dad make me Walk the Plank if I Poop on the Pooping deck, cause I gotta poop BAD... butt it is too cold to swim fur SHORE.

LP said...

That was a pawsome memory you created for Pip! Thank you for sharing a bit of history as well as your father's personal history with us. We love learning historical facts :)

the critters in the cottage xo

3 doxies said...

You has to roll your poop off da deck!

Puddles

Wyatt said...

Pip makes a handsome Naval officer...but keep that Puddles away from the crew...no good can come of that!

Wyatt

K9 Katastrophie said...

What a great tour!! I think I would like to go to sea sometime!

Shell Flakes,
Turkle

Unknown said...

NO WAAAAY!!! That was SUCH a pawsome visit!! And your dad was in the Navy - cooooool!!!!

Wally & Sammy

Dougall-the-Scottie said...

Looks like your guys had a great time!