Written by: Beck
I can still vaguely recall from grade-school history classes tales of Magellan's grueling passage through the straits which today bear his name. The amazing feat of navigation had an impact on both the local politics of the era and on the course of history in general.
The history behind narrow and winding body of water only adds significance to the
USS Ronald Reagan's recent distinction as the first nuclear aircraft carrier to successfully navigate the straits.
It was an amazing two days capped by absolutely breathtaking scenes yesterday. This idea began with a nudge from the Chilean Navy. They told one of my officers at a planning conference some months ago we'd be foolish to do other than go through the Straits in the Winter. The storm track moves North and uncovers the Strait for the most part. My Navigator, Capt (sel) Terry Rucker, and his team attacked the plan and worked on it for months.
Read the rest for some amazing descriptions of the scenery and conditions on the two day long transit.
(Hat tip:
Murdoc Online)