Coal and navy magic Coal has played a significant role in the development and success of naval power throughout history. Its importance can be seen in several key areas. Firstly, coal provided the fuel necessary to power steam engines, which revolutionized naval propulsion. This allowed for greater speed and endurance, enabling ships to travel longer distances and maintain a presence in far-flung regions of the world. Coal also played a vital role in the industrialization of shipbuilding. With the advent of iron and steel-hulled vessels, coal became an essential component in the production process.
What would be some interesting but not overpowered abilities coal magic could have? I've come up with a few myself, but the system seems incomplete. I'm curious about what other people think. This is what I have so far:
The secretary ordered a 60-day staff study to seek an ana lytic basis for his hypothesis, but finding credible support won t be easy because virtually all prior expert studies, including those of the grid operators and the secretary s own department, reached opposite, conclusive, consistent, and empirically validated conclusions. Lovins, has outlined and debunked in a soon-to-be-published Electricity Journal article 14 claimed rationales for mandating or subsidizing uncompetitive coal and nuclear plants.
With the advent of iron and steel-hulled vessels, coal became an essential component in the production process. Its energy was needed to smelt iron and steel, turning raw materials into the strong and durable hulls that allowed ships to navigate treacherous waters and withstand the rigors of oceanic voyages. Furthermore, the strategic importance of coal cannot be overstated.
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It first appeared as a minor entry in the 1908 Annual Report of the Bureau of Construction and Repair, which noted that authorization for its construction was issued on November 2, 1907. Coal Barge No. 214, according to the report, measured 100×30 feet, and construction of it had not yet begun. The following year, the wooden vessel displacing 250-tons had been completed and it was assigned to the Navy Yard at Norfolk, Virginia, to support ships there.
Lieutenant (junior grade) Patrick N.L. Bellinger pictured in an AB flying boat at Naval Aeronautic Station Pensacola.
By 1915, the vessel’s service had taken it to Pensacola, where it was needed to support the coaling of ships that moored in Pensacola, particularly the station ship, the armored cruiser North Carolina (ACR 12), which was destined to be the platform for the first shipboard catapult launches in the U.S. Navy. Yet, before the equipment that was necessary for these operations was installed aboard the ship, testing was necessary and the aviators turned to the coal barge and a young lieutenant (junior grade) named Patrick N.L. Bellinger, a South Carolinian who had travelled around the world on a battleship during the cruise of the famous Great White Fleet. His flight one April morning was one to remember and not just for its contribution to the progress of naval aviation. After the installation of the catapult on the deck of the barge, which offered the advantage of being able to be maneuvered so that the catapult was turned into the wind, providing greater lift for the launching aircraft, Bellinger waited out mechanical difficulties and unfavorable winds that, day after day, delayed the test until the morning of Friday, April 16, 1915. While eating breakfast, the young aviator received a telephone message informing him that the flight test was a go for that day.
An AB flying boat pictured after making a catapult launch from Navy Coal Barge No. 214 moored at Naval Aeronautic Station Pensacola.
It is fair to say that Bellinger was not at his best. At the time, the naval aviators assigned to Pensacola were men about town, in demand to attend a myriad of social functions where citizens wanted to meet the young officers who cheated death in the clouds. The night before, Bellinger had been to a charity ball, one that in his unpublished memoirs he characterized as “not entirely dry.” Suffering the ill effects one might expect, he nevertheless pressed on, climbing into the cockpit of the AB-2 flying boat and taxiing it over to the barge, where it was hoisted onto the catapult. He recalled not making any unnecessary move for fear that he would get sick in front of the spectators gathered nearby. “With my motor running full speed,” he recalled, “I waited to be tripped; then there was a glorious feeling.” Bellinger’s aircraft accelerated down the track, the wind whipping across his face as the AB-2 zipped out over the water and ascended over Pensacola Bay. This and future tests led to installation of the catapult on board North Carolina, with launches from the ship at anchor and while she was underway occurring in later months. The aviator making one of these flights was Lieutenant Commander Henry C. Mustin, who in later conversations told Bellinger that he thought the younger officer looked “very pale and seemed scared” during the test from the coal barge. When Bellinger shared his story, the senior officer likely produced an understanding chuckle. After all, Mustin’s nickname was “Rum.”
Lieutenant (junior grade) Patrick N.L. Bellinger pictured in an AB flying boat at Naval Aeronautic Station Pensacola.
During times of conflict, control of coal reserves and supply lines became a crucial objective for naval powers. Without a reliable source of coal, ships would be rendered immobile and vulnerable. As a result, nations sought to secure coal-rich territories or establish colonies in regions where abundant coal deposits were available. It is clear that coal has had a transformative effect on naval power, shaping the course of history and contributing to the rise and fall of empires. However, it is also important to acknowledge the environmental consequences of coal usage. The burning of coal releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. As the world strives to transition towards cleaner sources of energy, naval powers must adapt and find alternative fuels to ensure their fleets remain effective without further damaging the environment. In conclusion, coal has been a source of navy magic, providing the energy and materials necessary for naval power. Its influence can be seen in the development of steam engines and modern shipbuilding techniques. However, as society becomes more aware of the environmental impacts of coal usage, it is essential to find sustainable alternatives for the future of naval operations..
Reviews for "Coal: the secret ingredient in naval magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Coal and Navy Magic". The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. I didn't feel any connection to the story or the world it was set in. The writing style was also quite dull and lacked any excitement or intrigue. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Coal and Navy Magic" was a complete waste of time. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was terribly slow, and I found myself losing interest and struggling to keep reading. The characters lacked depth and development, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I really wanted to enjoy "Coal and Navy Magic", but it simply didn't grab my attention. The story started off promising, but quickly became convoluted and hard to follow. The writing felt disjointed and the narrative lacked a clear direction. Additionally, the magic system was poorly explained and didn't make much sense. I couldn't connect with the characters and their motivations felt weak and unconvincing. Overall, this book left me feeling unsatisfied and I wouldn't recommend it.