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navyhelo.bsky.social

@navyhelo.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1K following 1.8K posts

Retired Navy Pilot; Class of 1966 USNA Retired Insurance Agent and State Veteran Counselor Volunteer history instructor at Continuing Ed Programs Plays Banjo, Autoharp, Dulcimer etc.

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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/business/202... “Some of the paid posts involved talking to farmers about pesticides or regenerative agriculture, which is the practice of restoring soil health, or explaining what seed oils are to counter claims that they cause a host of health problems”
theguardian.com
A ‘freaked out’ US food industry is hitting back at Maha – with social media influencers
Cross-partisan support in Washington on issues like pesticides and food additives pose a threat to the industry’s bottom line
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Why? * Citizens that complain about that disgusting excuse for “news” will then have to figure out why half of voters that voted for corrupt politicians will (most of them anyway) vote for them again * Easier to blame outside influencers that to figure out why people vote against their own interests
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/11/o... “The principal legacy of America’s response to that horrible day is not a stronger, more resilient nation. It is instead two long, bloody wars; one of which, in Iraq, was started on false pretenses, that mostly weakened the United States at home & abroad.” ? who won ?
nytimes.com
Opinion | How a Heroic Response Went Awry
Twenty-five years after 9/11, it is important to step back from today’s cynicism and remember the heroism and national unity in the hours and days after the attacks.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec... - “As long as two of the 10 available U.S. carriers are near the Gulf, the Navy can’t sustain a carrier elsewhere in the world without putting a tremendous strain on the force - The other carriers are either in shipyards or resetting between deployments.”
theatlantic.com
Trump Is Preparing for a Long War
The military is doing long-term planning for its force in the Persian Gulf, risking further strain on the Navy.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
? Why Shocking ? - unlike commercial vessels, carriers use high speed to assist catapult launches - around the clock flight ops are hazardous and do not allow for superficial cleanup
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Crew members who COULD be painting are: 1) Moving aircraft on the hanger decks and flight decks 2) Repairing those multi-million dollar aircraft 3) Refueling those aircraft 4) Rearming those aircraft 5) Running catapults and arresting gear during around-the-clock operations 6) Eating NOT-fresh food
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
* This is NOT a new problem 1) 2006: Government established an ELEVEN AIRCRAFT CARRIER strategy 2) Only TWO Carriers can be deployed full-time as a result, BUT: 3) US SHIPYARDS cannot even maintain the overhauls required to achieve this limited capability 4) 99% of Americans are NOT in the military
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
* The U.S. Department of Defense and the Navy officially shifted to an 11-aircraft carrier strategy in 2006, formalized by law in October 2006 * This allows only TWO carriers to be deployed “fulltime”
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
www.wsj.com/politics/nat... “… the deployment of 19 warships, air-defense units, fighter squadrons and paratroopers across the region is straining servicemembers and their families and creating a maintenance backlog that could take years to unwind, the people said.”
wsj.com
Hegseth Extends Mideast Deployments Into 2027, Escalating Strain on Troops
The move is part of an open-ended military strategy designed to give President Trump options in the Iran war.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
www.wsj.com/opinion/the-... “The U.S. is dangerously short on core naval combat power, yet its undercapitalized carrier fleet remains the envy of its enemies. The exhausting combination of heavy demands and a shrinking fleet is producing longer deployments—and wearing out crews and capital assets.”
wsj.com
Opinion | The Navy’s Overstretched Carrier Fleet
Underinvestment has led to long deployments, a pilot shortage and strains on ship maintenance.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
* No neglect by crew of USS Abraham Lincoln 1) A floating city, with numerous job specialties integrated to provide around-the-clock operations by extraordinarily sophisticated aircraft 2) Potentially hazardous refueling, rearming and maintenance of aircraft when not flying 3) Resupply while @sea
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
* Who is MOST at fault? - Volunteers who signed up for a possible Military career instead of declining prospects in Civilian work? - Congress who COULD have declared this “an illegal war of choice?” - The 99% of Americans who do NOT volunteer for the Military, but vote for irresponsible politicians?
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
* The Average Voter has deluded themself: 1) All Volunteer Military has clear advantages in Professionalism and allowing the Elites to call the shots 2) As long as Federal Government Leaders avoided unnecessary wars, tax money enriched Military-Industrial establishment but at reduced readiness
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
* Just imagine what any US Aircraft Carrier would look like in wartime 1) Citizens regularly elect Federal politicians who do not maintain a Navy that is capable of sustained operations at sea 2) The Federal Government does not insist on effective weapons procurement nor depot-level maintenance
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
- In the late 1960s, the Soviet Union was reputed to have a secret weapon: * A torpedo with turpentine in the warhead - The grey paint was all that was holding the WWII-Era carriers’ hulls together
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
- With only eleven carriers, two can be deployed full time and a third for up to eight months - Even that limited capability assumes that port overhauls are completed on schedule, BUT: - Repair operations are chronically delayed by inadequate shipyard performance
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Reposted by @navyhelo.bsky.social
Mr. Queen, the Fuck Cancer Guy @underwriter4hire.pro · 02/09/2026
That USS Abraham Lincoln has seen better days. Do Navy ships routinely look like this after deployment? The rusty appearance can me a jump scare
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... “Indiana’s state legislature, where Republicans hold a supermajority, have repeatedly refused to fund climate-related initiatives..Indiana cut state funding..by 19% between 2010 and 2024; Ohio and Michigan increased resources in their states by 19% and 78%”
theguardian.com
Flooding devastated swathes of Indiana but response is hampered by politics
Record inundations wrecked homes and took seven lives but Trump has not approved emergency aid and the state has cut funds for environmental agencies
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... “Range riding can mean a range of things. They’re the eyes, ears and messengers of the range, watching for environmental threats and signs of conflict, while reporting information back to producers.”
theguardian.com
Modern cowboys are saddling up in the US West. And they’re on a whole new mission
In states like Montana, range riders can play a key role in a wild landscape where livestock and predators navigate life together
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Interesting Quiz: ? Who is more Patriotic: A) A Military Volunteer who votes for a Republican B) A Civilian who votes for candidates with excellent Progressive credentials * “For every complex and difficult problem, there is a simple solution; which is usually wrong” *
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
? If a US Destroyer had no means of propulsion for four days in the Pacific, BUT the crew had hot meals, air conditioning and working toilets, that would be OK? * Few media outlets are reporting WHY a USN ship, that was designed to survive equipment breakdowns, failed to do so
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
? What is most disturbing about this “engineering casualty” report? - Normally two electric generators drive the ship, with an additional as backup; critical measure to prevent vulnerability in time of war or a storm - Lack of toilets and amenities NOT the issue - This is a TOTAL failure
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
- Aircraft Carriers do NOT require: 1) Boots on the ground 2) Leaving behind local allies after 20-year failed war 3) Enormous bases in foreign countries - They DO allow A) Promotion of Economic, Political and Defense interests on short notice B) Stand-off capabilities from friendly or hostile area
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/u... “Florida’s electoral contests are no longer the nail-biters that led to past recounts..Its politics now reflect how Republicans have consolidated power in President Trump’s adopted home state..a proving ground for the next generation of…Republican politicians.”
nytimes.com
Florida Primary Underscores State’s New Identity as a Republican Juggernaut
Republicans hold every statewide elected office and have drastically swung voter registration in the state. A newly gerrymandered congressional map has added four Republican-leaning seats.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/u... “Efforts by Republican state leaders to restrict Islamic practice have coincided with a push to expand Christianity’s place in public life. - In June, Texas became the first state to mandate Bible readings in public schools”
nytimes.com
Islamophobia’s Rise in Texas: ‘I Won’t Rest Until Every Muslim Is Gone’
Muslim communities have been growing for decades, particularly around Dallas. Now, conservatives want to roll up the welcome mat.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
- Only 7/10ths of One Percent of Americans are in Active or Reserve Military, protecting the rest of Americans to the best of their abilities - Duty aboard a WARSHIP like every aircraft carrier, is demanding and dangerous - Politics is not their main concern - What are the other 99% doing?
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
“An Army marches on its stomach” * Civilian Leadership would seemingly be aware that Iran had an extraordinary ability to destroy the US main Resupply Base * With Base damaged at beginning of this conflict, Smart leaders would pivot to adjust plans * What a surprise!
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/16/u... “Super PACs, including two with ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, have flooded the region with millions of dollars in advertising ahead of a special election on Tuesday to determine who will replace Eric Swalwell in Congress for the next few months
nytimes.com
AIPAC Targets Progressive Democrat in Race to Replace Swalwell
Two Democrats are in a runoff to replace Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress in April. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is spending heavily against a progressive candidate.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
- Many upgrades to US WWII Aircraft Carriers (devised by British) were worth the tradeoffs: - angled deck - hurricane bow - mirror landing system * Switch from hydraulic to steam catapults, as on CV-11 Intrepid allowed faster cycling of jets, but strained fresh water production * Imagine today
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/u... “-Abraham Lincoln’s supply problems began after Iranian missiles and attack drones fell on a Navy base in Bahrain -Pentagon looked to a base under British command on the island of Diego Garcia, roughly 2,200 miles from aircraft carrier strike groups operations
nytimes.com
Navy and USS Lincoln’s Problems Are Tied to Attacks on U.S. Base Early in War
Diego Garcia, a tiny island 2,200 miles from the Gulf of Oman, took over as the Navy’s logistics hub after Iran damaged a base in Bahrain.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
* Squalid conditions aboard aircraft carriers are nothing new: - Fifty years ago the quite popular Secretary of the Navy made a PR appearance aboard while we were in the Mediterranean - He was greeted by the Ship’s Surgeon with a damning array of issues affecting the Enlisted Crew - No improvements!
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
theatlantic.com
The Cities That Said Yes to Drugs
Policies that gave addicts clean needles and places to use drugs were intended to reduce harm. They created a “zombie apocalypse.”
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
As the first Modern Constitution, its initial, well-considered compromises are misunderstood: - Thirteen very different Colonial cultures only saw some commonality shortly before the recent Revolution - State laws and customs were preserved and Federal Government only dominated is a few select areas
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202... “Poisonings and hospitalizations involving kratom have risen 1,200 percent over the past decade, predating 7-OH products, which entered the market only about two years ago - In 2018, the FDA sought to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance”
washingtonpost.com
Opinion | ‘It’s an opioid’: My patients are becoming addicted to this ‘supplement’
Kratom is fueling a rise in opioid addiction. The DEA should regulate it.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
American Gothic Ella Watson supported her family on $1,080/yr as a cleaning lady at Farm Security Agency A white woman of similar background and education had joined the FSA at same time as Watson over the years the white employee had risen up the ranks, and Watson was now cleaning her office
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
FDR Scapegoating Japan: -1931 Japan seizes Manchuria -1937 Japan attacks central China - 1939 Khalkin Gol defeat of Japan by USSR produces “Turn South Strategy” to seize UK colonies for war materials - 1939 thru Summer 1941: US gradually reduced Japan trade over China War & then Vietnam occupation
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i... “what was most important about the 1619 Project was its demonstration that the established synthesis of nationalist and progressive history is broken. The meaning of the American founding and its relationship to the country’s present is now firmly up for grabs.”
theguardian.com
The American myth always came at someone’s expense. Now, it’s all but collapsed
The main pillars of the founding narrative have fallen on hard times. Today, its meaning is up for grabs
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
This pictures attempts to conflate two important aspects of slavery that were enthusiastically embraced by Europeans: 1) Silver coinage paid by Muslims to Vikings and slave markets in Medieval Prague, Venice and Constantinople for White Slavs and Finns 2) Wholesale enslavement of Blacks after 1500
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/u... “The judge quashed the subpoenas, writing that they were designed to “harass and retaliate against” Democratic officials who bucked the Trump administration on immigration enforcement.”
nytimes.com
Judge Finds Justice Dept. Overreach in Subpoenas to Minnesota Officials
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/w... “Tehran secures movement toward sanctions relief, a pathway for the restoration of oil exports, access to economic benefits and a reduction in military pressure while making relatively limited new nuclear commitments.”
nytimes.com
Iran Gets Major Economic Lifeline for Minimal Concessions in Initial Deal
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
* Funny how a guy with 26 years in the Navy and 20 years of working with thousands of veterans as a counselor understands the way military men react to edgy tattoos; somewhat better than those who never served * less than 7/10th of 1 percent serve in Active or Reserve Military in USA these days
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/o... “I can understand, for example, why Democrats in Maine roll their eyes at attacks on Graham Platner..Why should only one party have standards for its politicians?”
nytimes.com
Opinion | The Terrible Man Theory of History
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
?How about Audie Murphy? - Underage volunteer - Most decorated - 50% Disabled; to help others understand the personal downsides of war, spoke out about his bouts with depression
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0... “How much will Roy Cooper, Jon Ossoff, and James Talarico love seeing Platner’s photograph alongside theirs in TV graphics about the 2026 election? Not much, one should think.” * Damage to reputation of the Democrat Party among swing voters who usually vote Blue
theatlantic.com
Cut Platner Loose
Just a few years ago, Republicans sacrificed an Alabama Senate seat rather than endure an unacceptable colleague. Will Democrats do the same in Maine?
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/05/u... “The court is reminded of a line often repeated in discussions around immigration policy: If people wish to immigrate to the United States, they ought to ‘follow the law’ and ‘do things the right way.This case serves as a perfect example of immigrants doing just that”
nytimes.com
Judge Says Trump Officials Must Restart Asylum and Immigration Processing
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
ONLY SS Officers were allowed to wear that DEATHS HEAD SYMBOL - The SS engineered ALL of the ORGANIZED racial murders, such as the Concentration Camps ? How much more disgusting symbol could a thinking person wear as a tattoo?
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
www.wsj.com/opinion/im-t... “Maine’s Mr. Platner presents himself as a savior for working-class Americans while his background screams the opposite and his offensive comments about fellow veterans—including me—speak poorly of his character.”
wsj.com
Opinion | I’m the Soldier Graham Platner Mocked
Democratic men are having an identity crisis. He’s a prime example.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms www.scmp.com/business/cli... “ China’s solar and wind resources were complementary across both time and geography – meaning they could offset each other’s weather-dependent fluctuations if properly coordinated”
scmp.com
AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms
Alibaba and Peking University map nation’s extensive green-energy sites – a move that could help stabilise national grid amid surge in computing-power needs.
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/10/o... “A central problem of our time is a diminished legislative branch, and we diminish it even more if we hold Senate candidates to lower standards than we’d apply to virtually any other workplace.”
nytimes.com
Opinion | The Platner Trap
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navyhelo.bsky.social @navyhelo.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Sunday, my wife and I heard a lively cello and piano duo held in a renovated old building in what used to be a rural, down-at-the-heels little village - Most dairy farms in our county are gone - Wealthy horse-farmers and film stars have moved in - Exquisite music possible because of the transition?
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