Left In The Wake...

Pilot Island, Death's Door Passage - Door County, Wisconsin

Following Friday's posting, we received a comment wondering if there were photos of the boat on the rocks at Pilot, or of the wake of FREEDOM? Thanks to Friends of Plum and Pilot Island's Eric Greenfeldt for the great photos. Eric had gone ashore Thursday with others to assess the state of the historic lighthouse buildings on Pilot Island while Rick Schmidt stayed with his boat, a 24-foot Bayliner.

I'm also including a shot Eric took of Pilot's eastern shore, to make a point that leaking roofs aren't the only problem on Pilot Island! I realize the point of this comment isn't shared by everyone, but the photo clearly shows lack of care for the island's historic importance through 150 years of guiding ships through the Door Passage. Eric reported that the northerly breeze made the day's task bearable, but that the stench was sharp on the east side, and would make it nearly impossible on a sweltering, still day, for human workers.

Several Washington Island Ferry crew witnessed the wake of USS FREEDOM through the Door during sea trials, and the consensus was that a large swell followed close astern, nearly even with the afterdeck, fanning outward with substantial wake as the ship sped on. Not unusual for a high speed monohull with tremendous horsepower, and a sign of inefficiency as well. The ship is called an LCS, for littoral (shallow water, close to shore) combat support. Could be the ultimate, subtle weapon, actually, against sailors of pesky dhows, sampans or fishing smacks daring to coast the shoreline in the presence of the United States Navy's newest class vessel.

If you're inclined to picnic, troll, or lollygag in your runabout in the vicinity of the Door when FREEDOM's on sea trials, head for open water, fasten your helmet's chin strap, and stay seated.

- Dick Purinton