USS Richard M. McCool Jr. Commissioned At NAS Pensacola
September 8, 2024
Saturday, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) commissioned aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Welcomed throughout the week, the crew, joined by the ship’s sponsor, Shana McCool, and McCool’s great-grandchildren, attended community events supported by local businesses, flyovers by the Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron, a visit by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, and ceremony host, Naval Air Station Pensacola. Participating in the ceremony were Marine Aviation Training Support Groups Two-One and Two-Three, Navy Training Wing Ten (VT-10) Wildcats, Navy Band Southeast, McGuire’s Pipe and Drum Band, and 350 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and Navy League Sea Cadets from Alabama, Arkansas, and Pensacola.
During the ceremony guest speaker, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (pictured left), honored the ship’s namesake as they brought the ship to life, beginning its commissioned service. “Captain McCool’s leadership in the face of grave danger and his acts of heroism to save the crew and the ship our nation entrusted to him are indeed an example for all throughout.”
“I am proud that the Department of the Navy is pursuing the award of the Amphibious Multi-Ship Procurement Contract for a total of three San Antonio Class amphibious ships—just like USS Richard M. McCool Jr.—along with an America Class amphibious assault ship,” Del Toro continued. “I am proud to see these Sailors and Marines bring this incredible warship to life in service to our nation, much like this ship’s courageous namesake.”
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti also reflected on the importance of the Navy-Marine Corps team. “The LPD plays an essential role on our Blue-Green team as the workhorse of our Amphibious Fleet, and soon McCool will set sail and begin embarking, transporting, and landing elements of our Navy-Marine Corps team,” said Franchetti. “The commissioning of this warship puts another player with more capability on the field in America’s Warfighting Navy, providing more options to our Nation’s leaders to deter and if necessary, fight and win our Nation’s wars in this decade and beyond.”
“LPD 29 represents a shift in what an amphibious warship is,” said Gen. C.J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. “With the latest in integrated SPY-6 (air and missile defense radar system) and Next Generation Surface Search Technology, she enables reconnaissance and counter reconnaissance on the forward edge of the battlespace – making sense and decision space for the Fleet and Joint Force Commanders.”
Emphasizing the critical role of the integrated Navy-Marine Corps team in the event that deterrence fails, Gen. Mahoney concluded, “If the Marine Corps is a bullet to be fired by the Navy, the USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. – with the very crew you see here today – will pull the trigger.”
Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Baker thanked family, friends, the commissioning committee, those who were not able to be present, the communities of Pascagoula and Pensacola, and Gulf Coast shipbuilders – electricians, machinists, pipe fitters, painters, riggers, welders, and more; everyone who helped to bring this ship to life
Echoing McCool’s words when receiving the Medal of Honor “Fight as a unit, not as an individual”, Baker talked about the importance of the crew. “I hope that we’ve made him proud. I hope that we have lived up to and will continue to honor his legacy. The remarkable warship moored behind me is ready for pictures but full of potential energy. It takes 330 officers, chief petty officers, and enlisted crew to sail her and make our warship ready for tasking. Manning these rails are the finest men and women this country has to offer. I couldn’t be prouder of them. The ship needs them all. I need them all. The Navy and our country need them all. Please thank them. They’ve got the watch.”
“LPD 29, Richard M. McCool, when deployed comes equipped with the most advanced weapons system ever produced. The weapons system with unlimited reach, lethality, and combat effectiveness. The only system known to mankind that cannot be defeated by any adversary anywhere in the world. The weapons system of the United States Marines Corps.”
LPD 29 is the 13th San Antonio-class LPD commissioned in the United States Navy, and the first U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake.
The naming of LPD 29 honors U.S. Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool, Jr., Ret. who received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship, USS LSC 122, was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured Sailors.
McCool was a leader whose life and legacy revolved around service. In addition to USS LSC 122, he commanded the USS LSC 44 and served on the USS McKean (DD-784), USS Frank Knox (DD-742), and USS Leyte (CV-32), and at the University of Oklahoma, and Eighth Naval District, New Orleans, Louisiana. Attending Boston University in Massachusetts, he was redesignated as a public information officer with assignments as the deputy commander at the Armed Forces Information School at Fort Slocum, New York; and to Commander, Naval Base, Long Beach, California; Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C.; Commander, South Eastern Asia Treaty Organization, Bangkok, Thailand; Ninth Naval District at Great Lakes, Illinois; Commander, First Fleet; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, and Commander, Seventh Fleet, Japan. Retiring as a captain in 1974 after 35 years of active duty, he continued serving his community through engagement in local politics in the Bremerton, Washington, area. McCool died in March 2008 and is buried at Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. They provide the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable, and built to operate in the 21st century, with the MV-22 Osprey, the upgraded Amphibious Assault Vehicle, and future means by which Marines are delivered ashore.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Slight Chance Of Sunday Rain
September 8, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Escambia County Man Indicted For Triple Homicide
September 8, 2024
An Escambia County grand jury has indicted a local man for his part in a triple murder back earlier this year.
Torrance Lamar Sumler, 23, was indicted on three counts of first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting in Myrtle Grove
The incident occurred on April 28t at an adult party on West Jackson Street. According to authorities, Sumler opened fire on a parked car, killing three people. Two victims died at the scene, while the third succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
Sumler is currently being held without bond at the Escambia County jail. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Deadline Extended Again For Applicants For Escambia Children’s Trust
September 8, 2024
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has once again extended the deadline for applications from county residents willing to serve on the Escambia Children’s Trust.
To be considered, applicants must submit the completed Escambia Children’s Trust application and questionnaire for gubernatorial appointments with an optional resume by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20.
Resumes and both applications should be submitted via email to boardapply@myescambia.com or mailed to:
Jose Gochez, Program Manager
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
221 Palafox Place, Suite 420
Pensacola, FL 32502
The Board of County Commissioners will nominate three applicants per vacancy to be submitted to the governor for review and potential appointment. Following the board’s selection, the county administrator will notify the Governor’s Appointments Office of the selected applicants and additional steps from the nominees may be required.
To be considered for the Escambia Children’s Trust, Florida Statute criteria include the requirement that nominees have been residents of Escambia County for the previous 24 months and are willing to submit an annual Statement of Financial Interests Form. Florida Statutes also require that gubernatorial appointments are representative of the demographic diversity of the County’s population.
Per Section 125.901, Florida Statutes, the Escambia Children’s Trust shall consist of 10 members, including:
The superintendent of schools;
- A school board member as appointed by the school board;
- The Department of Children and Families district administrator, or his or her designee;
- A judge assigned to juvenile cases as appointed by the chief judge;
- A c0ounty commissioner as appointed by the Board of County Commissioners; and
- Five members appointed by the governor from candidates nominated by the Board of County Commissioners to serve a four-year term.
In November 2020, 61% of participating voters in Escambia County supported the creation of the Children’s Trust to be funded by an increase in ad valorem taxes of up to a maximum of 0.5 mil. The Children’s Trust will provide early childhood education, safety, developmental, preventative, health, and well-being services, including after school and summer enrichment programs.
The ECT is responsible for assessing the needs of the children in the county and developing a strategic plan for addressing unmet needs, which must then be submitted to the Board. The ECT, like the county, must also go through the process of adopting a millage rate and budget in accordance with Florida’s Truth In Millage (TRIM) Act, and the CSC must submit an annual report to the Board as required by Florida law.
Five-Run Third Sinks Wahoos In Loss To Barons
September 8, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos saw an early lead wiped away in a 6-4 loss to the Birmingham Barons on Saturday night.
The Barons used two infield singles, a fielding error, a two-run single from DJ Gladney and a three-run homer from Jacob Gonzalez to push across five runs in a pivotal third inning.
With the loss, the Blue Wahoos missed a chance to gain ground on the Biloxi Shuckers in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot. Biloxi lost 4-3 to Rocket City in 10 innings, while the Mississippi Braves were swept by the Tennessee Smokies in a doubleheader. The Blue Wahoos trail the Shuckers by 3.5 games and the Braves by 0.5 games with seven to play in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos jumped ahead early against Barons ace Noah Schultz, stringing together three consecutive extra-base hits in the second inning for a 3-0 lead. Paul McIntosh and Johnny Olmstead each doubled before Shane Sasaki hit an RBI triple and scored on a Cody Morissette RBI groundout. The three earned runs marked a season high for Schultz, who had entered the game with a 1.35 ERA in 14 starts.
Tristan Stevens (L, 2-3) didn’t allow a hit through the first two innings, but surrendered consecutive infield singles to Rikuu Nishida and Mario Camilletti before a Johnny Olmstead fielding error loaded the bases for the Barons in the third. Gladney followed with a two-run single, and Gonzalez blasted Birmingham’s first homer of the series to put the Barons ahead 5-3.
Birmingham added another in the fourth on a Wilfred Veras RBI double, but Pensacola relievers Matt Pushard, Chandler Jozwiak and Justin King worked scoreless baseball the rest of the way.
Gil Luna and Peyton Pallette (W, 1-0) kept the Blue Wahoos in check through seven innings. Max Roberts walked four and allowed a run in the eighth inning to draw the Blue Wahoos to a pair of runs, but Eric Adler (S, 7) escaped a bases-loaded jam and returned for a spotless ninth to seal the Barons win.
The series concludes Sunday in Birmingham, with a 4:00 CT first pitch from Regions Field.
Teen Critically Injured In Crash Near Century
September 7, 2024
A teenage male driver was critically injured in a single-vehicle crash late Friday afternoon near Century, Florida.
The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Fannie Road, just north of Carnley Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver, a 16-year-old from Jay, lost control of their vehicle while traveling northbound. The truck veered off the road and wrapped around a large tree.
The injured teen was transported by Escambia County EMS to a Pensacola hospital as a trauma alert.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.
The Century Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Flomaton Fire Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Flomaton Police Department responded to the scene.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Edges PHS 27-22 To Remain Undefeated
September 7, 2024
The Tate Aggies continued their undefeated season with a 27-22 victory over Pensacola High on a soggy Friday night.
The win marked the Aggies’ third consecutive win of the season, after outscoring Fort Walton Beach and Gulf Breeze 65-0.
PHS, coming off their first win in nearly two years a week ago at Milton, briefly took an early lead. However, Tate responded with a touchdown of their own from senior Carson Secchari to regain the lead on their way to the win.
The Aggies (3-0) will end a three-game road series with Homecoming next Friday night back in Pete Gindl Stadium as they host Milton (0-3)
Northview Chiefs Fall On The Road To Freeport 36-20
September 7, 2024
The Northview Chiefs hit the road for a 100-mile trip across the Panhandle to take on Freeport.
The Chiefs returned home Friday night with a 26-36 loss to the Bulldogs. The defeat dropped the Chiefs’ record to 1-2 for the season.
Next Friday night, Northview will host the brand new Central High program for a Senior Night matchup at Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in Bratt.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Alabama Woman Claims Over $100K Prize For Lottery Ticket Sold At Pine Forest Walmart Market
September 7, 2024
An Alabama woman has claimed a prize over $100,000 for a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at an area store.
The Florida Lottery said Octavia Joyce Harris of Mobile was the winner of $106,064.64.
The ticket sold at the Walmart at Nine Mile and Pine Forest roads was the only winning tickets in the September 2 evening drawing.
The winning numbers were 16-21-23-24-26.
Rain Likely For Saturday, Moderate Weekend Temps
September 7, 2024
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10am and 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.