USS John Basilone exited Yorktown Naval Weapons Station after reloading Tomahawk missiles for the Iran war.
John Basilone stands as one of the most celebrated enlisted Marines in American history, a figure whose courage at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima carved his legacy into the bedrock of the U.S. military story. His life is a study in grit, loyalty, and a refusal to abandon his fellow Marines even when the odds were impossible.
Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1916 and raised in Raritan, New Jersey, Basilone joined the Army first, serving in the Philippines, before later enlisting in the Marine Corps. It was on Guadalcanal in 1942 that he earned the Medal of Honor.
During a brutal Japanese assault on Henderson Field, Basilone commanded two machine‑gun sections that were nearly overrun. When ammunition ran low, he fought through enemy fire to resupply his men. Whenever guns overheated, he repaired them under pressure. When Marines were wounded, he pulled them to safety. For two days, he held the line almost single‑handedly, preventing a breakthrough that could have changed the course of the campaign.
After receiving the Medal of Honor, Basilone could have spent the rest of the war stateside, promoting war bonds. Instead, he asked to return to combat. The Marine Corps granted his request, and he landed with the 5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima in February 1945. There, on the first day of the assault, he again led Marines through murderous fire, destroying a Japanese blockhouse and guiding a tank through a minefield. Moments later, he was killed while helping his men advance inland. For his actions on Iwo Jima, he was awarded the Navy Cross.
Basilone’s legacy is one of selfless leadership—an enlisted Marine who repeatedly chose duty over safety. Naming a destroyer after him honors not only his heroism but the spirit of every Marine who fights with the same relentless resolve.
Sailor Aged 6
Henry “Chip” Hortensline of Richmond took his namesake grandson sailing for the first time on Let’s Go Sail. Young Henry showed remarkable alacrity at the helm in light winds. He stood behind the wheel intensely but could see better when he kneeled on the captain’s seat. He asked good questions about the wind power and direction, the angle of the wind, and the pulling effect of the wind.
Few children do well behind the wheel because they get distracted or bored. Henry was a natural. Afterward, his grandfather wrote me, “Thanks for the note and pics. I posted to Trip Advisor last night. Henry told his mother he wanted a sailboat!”
Chip used to live on Wormley Creek, so we motored into the creek to get a photo of the house, which has a commanding view of the Coleman Bridge and summer sunsets.
Here is his review: “My six-year-old grandson and I had a fabulous sail today with Capt. Bill. We have loved being on the water for many years and this was no disappointment. It was a beautiful day and the water was great. The six-year-old loved it and enjoyed being the ‘Captain.’ He did a good job and Bill was so kind and helpful. We both had a great sail, and I will be back with other family and our other grandson. This is a must do if you enjoy time on the water.”
USNS McLean Reloads
A group of six sisters enjoyed an early afternoon on the York. They hail from three states and take a summer trip together without husbands or kids, 19 of them by the way. I asked who the best sister was, and they nearly all raised their hands quickly. While there wasn’t much wind, there was a BIG surprise. The USNS William McLean lumbered up the river from Norfolk with two Moran tugs leading the way an hour ahead of time.
From Chat GPT: USNS William McLean, a Lewis and Clark–class dry cargo and ammunition ship, serves as one of the unsung logistical engines of the U.S. Navy’s global reach. Operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and crewed primarily by civilian mariners, the ship embodies the Navy’s reliance on steady, reliable support vessels that keep combatants fueled, armed, and supplied far from home. Named for William B. McLean, the physicist behind the AIM‑9 Sidewinder missile, the ship carries forward a legacy of technical ingenuity and behind‑the‑scenes excellence.
Entering service in 2011, William McLean was built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego as part of a class designed to replace aging supply ships and modernize underway replenishment. At roughly 689 feet long and displacing more than 40,000 tons when fully loaded, she is capable of carrying a vast mix of cargo: dry stores, spare parts, refrigerated goods, and large quantities of ammunition. Her cargo handling systems—elevators, conveyors, and automated storage—allow rapid transfer of supplies to warships during replenishment-at-sea operations, the lifeline of any sustained naval deployment.
The ship’s ability to conduct connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) makes her indispensable. Using multiple fueling stations, cargo rigs, and flight deck operations for embarked helicopters, William McLean can simultaneously service several ships, keeping carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers mission-ready without returning to port.
Operationally, she has supported deployments across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle East, contributing to missions ranging from counterterrorism patrols to humanitarian assistance. Like her sister ships, she rarely makes headlines—but without vessels like William McLean, the Navy’s forward presence would quickly grind to a halt.
In the quiet rhythm of logistics, William McLean stands as a dependable, steady force: a ship built not for glory, but for keeping the fleet alive and moving.
Best Kids
These kids were fine with their life preservers and everything else. Curious but not wild, they were very well-behaved. Mark summed up why. “Children need to respect their parents and pay attention.” He then said it a louder voice to his daughter 10 feet away, “Arielle, where’s victor?” Without turning around, she quickly recited, “In the back yard.” Mark confided in me: “We told them we buried their older brother in the back yard.”
Let’s Go Sail
Check the “Book A Cruise” charter tab and pick a day for a sailboat charter. Scroll down reviews on Trip Advisor. Go back to the home page of Williamsburg Charter Sails.
Let’s Go on a Romantic Sail. Sit up on the bow for privacy. First-timers or skilled mariners can learn to sail fast on a cruise Near Williamsburg VA. They get to sail a modern 32-foot sailboat in a unique setting of wildlife and Spring foliage. Professional photos for free. Enjoy a romantic getaway. Sail the warm breezes of Spring and Summer. A unique and intriguing event, as well as an extraordinary anniversary idea. Take one of 6 sailing adventures near the Chesapeake Bay for your best vacation excursion: Adventure, Event, Appreciation, History, Lessons, Boat Buying. Sit in the catbird seat or up on the bow.
The best Williamsburg boat tour offers safe sailing daily for up to 6 people. It’s an extraordinary experience for couples. Leave your worries behind. Enjoy the thrill of moving with the wind without a care in the world. Put life back on an even keel with a romantic experience for a birthday or anniversary. 3-hour sailboat cruise as a semi-private yachting charter lets you exhale and relax as you enjoy comfort, stability and speed.
Ideal for Couples
Our York River sailboat tour offers an unforgettable boat adventure that is ideal for couples. Choose from five unique sailing charters: Adventure, Lessons, History, Boat Buying, Real Estate. We provide sailing for everyone. Couples enjoy the romance, and families enjoy the adventure. See openings at williamsburgchartersails.com under Book A Cruise.
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