Benson Awards Ltd.’s Post

Proof that even barn doors can be made to fly, if given enough thrust.

Nathan Canestaro's "The Mighty Moo" offers a captivating account of the USS Cowpens, a light aircraft carrier that defied expectations to become one of the most decorated ships of World War II. This meticulously researched book brings to life the remarkable journey of a vessel that many in the Navy initially dismissed as unwanted. The USS Cowpens, affectionately nicknamed "The Mighty Moo" by its crew, was part of the Independence-class of carriers hastily converted from light cruisers due to wartime necessity. Despite its unconventional origins and perceived disadvantages, including a narrow flight deck and a perpetual list, the Cowpens proved its worth in combat. Canestaro skillfully weaves together the ship's operational history with personal accounts from the crew, including his own grandfather, who served as a tail gunner on a torpedo bomber. This personal connection adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the story both informative and emotionally resonant. The book chronicles the Cowpens' participation in nearly every major Pacific battle, earning an impressive 12 battle stars without ever being hit by enemy fire. Canestaro explores the superstitions surrounding the ship's perceived "jinxed" status and how the crew overcame these beliefs through their exceptional performance. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its portrayal of the Cowpens' role in the final days of the war. As the only aircraft carrier to enter Tokyo Bay for the formal surrender ceremonies, the Mighty Moo played a unique part in history. Canestaro's analysis of why this particular ship was chosen for this honor adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. “The Mighty Moo" is more than just a military history; it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both ship and crew. Canestaro's work not only honors the veterans who served aboard the Cowpens but also preserves an often-overlooked chapter of naval warfare. This book is essential reading for military history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the human stories behind the grand narratives of World War II. Thanks for recommending this to me, Nathan Canestaro https://lnkd.in/eBGyfpmw

Throwing Trek's true Prime Directive out the window. #StarTrek #RPG #USNAVY #PrimeDirective #Starfleet #tvshows Star Trek has been around for decades. And in those decades, a lot of things have changed. But in those decades one thing has been a constant. It has always been about Starfleet. Sure, they managed to sneak in some civilians, but it was always Starfleet running the show. Quite literally. And that is a problem. Even if (like in the US) one percent of the Federation serves in Starfleet, that means there's ninety-nine percent of the Federation we're not seeing. And life on a US Navy ship is very different then living in a town in America. So what is it like to serve on civilian Federation ship ? What does the average Joe and Jane in the Federation do ? How does the Federation Naval Patrol spend it's time ? We've seen glimpses, but we've never had a Star Trek show set outside of Starfleet. The list of questions goes on and on. When I created a Star Trek RPG, I threw Trek's true Prime Directive out the window. Not only does it allow the story to go to strange new worlds that Starfleet has forgotten about, it allows the crew to include characters that would never get through the door at Starfleet. See you out there !

The Sea Attacker could refer to a variety of things, depending on the context. Here are a few possibilities: 1. Naval Vessel: A term used for ships or submarines designed for attacking purposes, such as destroyers, frigates, or attack submarines. These are part of a navy's offensive force. 2. Aircraft: It might refer to an aircraft like the Supermarine Attacker, an early British naval jet fighter used by the Royal Navy in the 1950s. 3. Gaming/Entertainment: It could be the name of a character, faction, or vehicle in a video game, movie, or other fictional universe. 4. Marine Predator: In a natural context, this could describe predators like sharks, orcas, or other animals known to attack in marine ecosystems. If you mean something specific, could you provide more details?

😃 LESSONS FROM THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR👇 On this day in 1805, Admiral Nelson led the British Navy to one of the greatest victories in history—The Battle of Trafalgar. It wasn’t just about having more ships or stronger firepower. Nelson understood a simple but GAME-CHANGING principle: ⁉️ Be willing to disrupt the system. The British weren’t supposed to win that day. They were outnumbered, but Nelson didn’t follow the “rules” of naval warfare. Instead of playing defense, he divided his fleet and took the fight DIRECTLY to the enemy. That’s the difference between winners and those who keep “waiting for the right moment.” You can’t wait for the stars to align or the perfect conditions to take action. You make moves when the odds are stacked against you. So what can businesses learn? 1️⃣ Break the mold. Stop playing by outdated rules. The market is full of people doing the same thing—be different. 2️⃣ Trust your instincts. Nelson had a vision and trusted his gut. You don’t need all the answers, just enough conviction to make the call. 3️⃣ Take risks. If you play it safe, you’ll lose. But those willing to bet on themselves, even when it seems crazy, end up ahead. It’s 2024. Don’t be the business that follows the status quo—be the disruptor.

Honoring the fearless warriors who defend our seas with unwavering courage. Happy Indian Navy Day! ⚓ . . #IndianNavyDay #DefendersOfTheNation #RealEstateInvestment #luxuryrealestate #PropertyExperts #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstate #InvestAdvise

Check out this video of the retrieval of the USS Jacob Jones!

A lot of the old school AND new school guys working in our industry come from the U.S. Navy! Its hard, hot, dirty work. Its also very gratifying work. Most people do not realize that without boilers the world would stop working as it does today. Electricity?? Steam turbines make it. Boilers make the steam to make them work. Diesel and Gasoline? Created/refined in Petrochemical plants that are powered by steam boilers. Most things we all take for granted in this world have been touched by steam, and by extension boilers in some way shape or form. Even some "green" energies are created with boilers!

The Rifle 2 In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II. Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Purpose They are called the Greatest Generation, but they were also ordinary men, sharing in all of humanity’s weaknesses and flaws while responding to the call of duty. These are their unforgettable stories—first-person accounts from the last of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought the most dreadful war in history, all collected by a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The idea was simple: travel across the country with a 1945 M1 Garand, the basic U.S. fighting rifle of World War II, ask combat veterans of that war to sign it, and listen carefully as the sight, touch, and feel of that rifle evoke a flood of memories and emotions. In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio once again reveals the astonishing effect his M1 Garand had on the old warriors who held it. The passage of time is swiftly snatching from us the last of those men, but the memories of those who remain are vivid and strong. It’s astonishing to see how grasping that rifle brings out those memories—good, bad, terrifying, and heroic. In Biggio’s riveting account, you will learn: • What it was like to fight for freedom in the various theaters of World War II • The obstacles these world-conquerors faced on returning home and how they overcame them • The special meaning these recollections hold for later combat vets, confirming the brotherhood of warriors • The importance to veterans of memory and respect War and the weapons with which it is waged shape men forever. Biggio’s inspirational second collection is a must-read for anyone interested in the service and sacrifices of our veterans. https://lnkd.in/g3-hMSQ2

United States Marine Corps Recon & Sniper Foundation Force Recon Association Get ready for the ultimate test of skill and endurance! The 15th Annual Recon Challenge is back and bigger than ever. Are you up for the challenge? 26 April 2024 . The purpose of the challenge is to honor our fallen teammates and their families. Challenge competitors are Reconnaissance Marines and/or Sailors on active duty or former teammates, who make up two man teams….each team carrying the family name of one of our fallen. The challenge begins with an early morning combat equipment surface swim, then continues overland Camp Pendleton for over 26 miles, each team carrying a combat load of a rucksack with no less than 50lbs, load bearing equipment, fins and an M4 rifle. The Recon Training Company (RTC) cadre plan and execute the challenge, allowing for up to 35 teams from across the Reconnaissance community to participate. The Reconnaissance Foundation is proud to coordinate with the Recon Training Center each year in order to bring Recon Gold Star families to the challenge as part of the Reconnaissance Foundation Annual Gold Star Family Retreat. 💪 #ReconChallenge #15thAnnual #recondo #recon #reconnaissance #amphibious #patrol #directaction #usmc #marinerecon #reconfoundation #marinereconfoundation #forcerecon #1strecon #2ndrecon #3rdrecon #recontrainingcompany #1st_recon_battalion #becausedyingsucks #2nd_recon_bn #3rdreconbn #4threconbn