I arrived in San Diego yesterday for a work conference. Since the conference doesn't really start until Sunday afternoon, I took a harbor tour yesterday afternoon. With all the different US Navy ships docked at the 2nd largest US Navy Base in the world, I collected some photos to compare each FADUCO team to a ship class. Here are my warship and FADUCO rankings (click on photo to enlarge):
More photos from here :
1. Tuna
USS Carl Vinson - Nimitz Class Nuclear Carrier
The most powerful active warship in the world and ultimate symbol of American power, the Carl Vinson is the third of 10 of its class. At over 1,000 feet long and 100,000 tons, they are the largest warships in the world. They can carry up to 100 aircraft and helicopters though nowadays it's more like 70.
Despite not being in the points lead, Tuna should be the favorite in all matches. He stole the hottest young QB from Byron, shoring up the only weak spot he has. Despite injuries to David Johnson, his studs like Kareem Hunt and Antonio Brown still are cutting through other teams like an alpha airstrike from a Nimitz carrier.
Bonus photo: Some actual Tuna fishing boats:
2. Donny
USS Boxer, Essex and Makin Island - Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ships
The US Navy doesn't consider them as aircraft carriers, but they can carry 20 Harrier jumpjets or F-35B stealth fighters. They're also larger than all but 3 other foreign aircraft carriers. These ships, in addition to their 30-something aircraft and helicopters, can also transport an entire Marine Expeditionary Unit (1800+ marines) at the same time. In other words, they pack a huge can of whoop-ass.
Donny's team has been delivering a beating to other teams 3 weeks in a row now. He's taken the lead in the points scored, and despite some critical RB injuries, his investment in the Houston passing offense and revitalization of Melvin Gordon is paying off. Probably the only one who can challenge Tuna for best league record.
Bonus Gator Navy photo:
Security patrol boat passing by dock landing ship Harpers Ferry (LSD-49)
3. Hai
USS Zumwalt - Zumwalt Class Destroyer
Yeah, the photos don't look very intimidating. But this ship is the most modern ship in the US Fleet, and the first of three. They are stealth ships planned to have all the latest technology the Navy can throw at it. Eventually, it is speculated that they will be equipped with lasers and rail guns in addition to their stealth design. Right now, the Zumwalt is not fully functional but has a high potential once all its systems get in place.
Like the Zumwalt, Hai's RBs and WRs are very young but high-ceiling players. Gurley, McCaffrey, and Mixon are the future (if not present) of the NFL's offense. Davante Adams and Devin Funchess are also breakthrough players this year. This team may not be consistent, but the future is bright for Hai.
Bonus photo of an uncovered ship:
Some construction magnate's yacht with helicopter on board
4. PJ
USS Chosin - Ticonderoga Class Missile Cruiser
The best anti-air ship in the world, these missile cruisers were the first to be equipped with the revolutionary Aegis radar (those hexagonal things on superstructure side). Some of them carry the SM-3 anti-ballistic missiles that are designed to hopefully shoot down missiles like those North Korean ones. Unfortunately, they have been known to have a bad captain or two. Or three. Or four. And the best one - A cruiser Captain and his hottie Executive officer.
PJ so far has had a good winning record, captaining his team to the best efficiency record. A bit opposite of those stories above. Then again, those captains' drama would be 1st and 11 worthy. But his team represents the Caucasian division, leading them like an Aegis cruiser would among its surface ship companions.
Bonus photo inspired by PJ's inspiration to name his team "Navy" after I gave him his spirit animal:
5. Victor
USS Sterett, Dewey, and Milius - Arleigh Burke Class Missile Destroyers
Now a popular museum open to the public, the Midway served with a distinguished record in the Vietnam ,and 1st Gulf War. She was commissioned right after World War II, and was still launching modern F/A-18 Hornets 45 years afterwards. She also has sentimental value for me, as I visited her during a high school field trip many,many years ago back when she still had F-4 Phantom Jets on board.
Like the Midway, Kevin has had a sterling history in the league. But his record this year has been hampered by old QBs and grounded receivers. Not much of an aerial attack these days. Le'veon Bell has faced tough defenses the past few weeks and the schedule doesn't really get better.
Bonus photo of paraglider with Midway photo-bomb.
7. Matt
USCGS Midgett - Hamilton Class Coast Guard Cutter
While not possessing fancy weapons like its navy cousins, this Coast Guard cutter is still one bad-ass ship. Look at the tallies of drug busts and illegal fishing arrests the ship has made. Also, US ships with the "E" means it was basically awarded ship of the year in its division. As the Midgett's home port is in Seattle - this means the ship sails around the rough waters of Alaska a lot.
Matt's team isn't very flashy, but he does one thing really well - QB with Aaron Rodgers. He can get overlooked at times, but Devonta Freeman and Matt's kickers do deliver for him often. It's an innocent-looking team that can bust your week, however.
Bonus photo of Midgett's Phalanx cannon guarding departing MS Oosterdam:
Three different boats/ships here: First one is a Los Angeles Attack Submarine, the older of two principal attack submarine classes (the other is the Virginia class). Second is the massive floating dock that is used to repair and service submarines. And the third is the Sea Hunter, an experimental remotely-piloted drone boat that is testing the technology in order to hunt subs or mines. Yes, a drone that floats.
Justin has stayed under the radar and his team has been underwater this season. Also, Carolina has underperformed when it comes to Justin's fantasy players. Unfortunately, he didn't nab McCaffrey or Funchess this year. So expected this team to dive in the rankings and remain submerged.
Bonus photo of Anti-submarine SeaHawk (aka the other disappointing NFC fantasy team) helicopters:
9. Vu
USNS Mercy - Mercy class hospital ships
The US Navy has two of these large hospital ships. Usually, they are sent for mercy missions to help out natural disasters such as the recent hurricanes, like the case for the Mercy's sister ship USNS Comfort. However, during times of major wars, they are deployed overseas in expectation of treating battle casualties. So a very good sign that it's docked in San Diego and not sailing to Korea.
Vu's team needs some hospitalization and TLC. Running backs have been a disaster and he's usually starting the wrong WRs. And his best player Gronk is injured, again. This is a team in need of a Fantasy Doctor stat.
Bonus photo: USNS Hershel Williams - odd looking ship but full of badass passengers when it deploys as a mobile spec ops platform.
10. Byron
USS Freedom, Gabrielle Giffords, Montgomery - Littoral Combat ships
These pretty-looking and new ships have been a massive failure for the US Navy. They were originally built to patrol coastlines and shallow water at high speed. However, armament and protection were sacrificed to achieve speed. They have a tiny cannon and no long-range surface to air or surface to ship defenses. And some admiral or fancy consultant thought they could automate the ship and save on manpower, which turned to be a big mistake. And to cap all this, their hulls crack easily and the engines are a pain to maintain. Other nations have ships that are much better and cheaper than these ships. No wonder there were a lot of them in port instead of sailing the seas.
Sorry Byron, I can't put down an amphibious ship for your team. I'm also angry that you traded your second most valuable player (well most valuable after Zeke's suspension got reinstated) for a player on the IR. Byron is really focused on tanking this season to rebuild for next.
Bonus photo that better describes the state of Byron's team:
More photos from here :
1. Tuna
USS Carl Vinson - Nimitz Class Nuclear Carrier
The most powerful active warship in the world and ultimate symbol of American power, the Carl Vinson is the third of 10 of its class. At over 1,000 feet long and 100,000 tons, they are the largest warships in the world. They can carry up to 100 aircraft and helicopters though nowadays it's more like 70.
Despite not being in the points lead, Tuna should be the favorite in all matches. He stole the hottest young QB from Byron, shoring up the only weak spot he has. Despite injuries to David Johnson, his studs like Kareem Hunt and Antonio Brown still are cutting through other teams like an alpha airstrike from a Nimitz carrier.
Bonus photo: Some actual Tuna fishing boats:
2. Donny
USS Boxer, Essex and Makin Island - Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ships
Donny's team has been delivering a beating to other teams 3 weeks in a row now. He's taken the lead in the points scored, and despite some critical RB injuries, his investment in the Houston passing offense and revitalization of Melvin Gordon is paying off. Probably the only one who can challenge Tuna for best league record.
Bonus Gator Navy photo:
Security patrol boat passing by dock landing ship Harpers Ferry (LSD-49)
3. Hai
USS Zumwalt - Zumwalt Class Destroyer
Yeah, the photos don't look very intimidating. But this ship is the most modern ship in the US Fleet, and the first of three. They are stealth ships planned to have all the latest technology the Navy can throw at it. Eventually, it is speculated that they will be equipped with lasers and rail guns in addition to their stealth design. Right now, the Zumwalt is not fully functional but has a high potential once all its systems get in place.
Like the Zumwalt, Hai's RBs and WRs are very young but high-ceiling players. Gurley, McCaffrey, and Mixon are the future (if not present) of the NFL's offense. Davante Adams and Devin Funchess are also breakthrough players this year. This team may not be consistent, but the future is bright for Hai.
Bonus photo of an uncovered ship:
Some construction magnate's yacht with helicopter on board
4. PJ
USS Chosin - Ticonderoga Class Missile Cruiser
The best anti-air ship in the world, these missile cruisers were the first to be equipped with the revolutionary Aegis radar (those hexagonal things on superstructure side). Some of them carry the SM-3 anti-ballistic missiles that are designed to hopefully shoot down missiles like those North Korean ones. Unfortunately, they have been known to have a bad captain or two. Or three. Or four. And the best one - A cruiser Captain and his hottie Executive officer.
PJ so far has had a good winning record, captaining his team to the best efficiency record. A bit opposite of those stories above. Then again, those captains' drama would be 1st and 11 worthy. But his team represents the Caucasian division, leading them like an Aegis cruiser would among its surface ship companions.
Bonus photo inspired by PJ's inspiration to name his team "Navy" after I gave him his spirit animal:
5. Victor
USS Sterett, Dewey, and Milius - Arleigh Burke Class Missile Destroyers
These missile destroyers are the mainstay of the US Navy. They are multi-purpose, versatile anti-air, anti-sub, and anti-surface warships. One can say that they have been the most successful ship class in the modern US Navy era, with up to more than 100 planned to be built (about 64 already in service). However, lately, they've been on a losing streak: Colliding with civilian ships three times.
Victor is on a 3-game losing streak and possibly can extend this sad run with 4, since he's facing Tuna this week. Like the Burke class, bad luck or bad coaching has been to blame. But on paper, this team can cause some headaches against its opponents when Tom Brady in on fire.
Bonus Photo of Victor's favorite cruise line's MS Oosterdam about to leave
for a 7-day Western Mexico cruise:
6. Kevin
USS Midway - Midway Class Aircraft Carrier
Like the Midway, Kevin has had a sterling history in the league. But his record this year has been hampered by old QBs and grounded receivers. Not much of an aerial attack these days. Le'veon Bell has faced tough defenses the past few weeks and the schedule doesn't really get better.
Bonus photo of paraglider with Midway photo-bomb.
7. Matt
USCGS Midgett - Hamilton Class Coast Guard Cutter
While not possessing fancy weapons like its navy cousins, this Coast Guard cutter is still one bad-ass ship. Look at the tallies of drug busts and illegal fishing arrests the ship has made. Also, US ships with the "E" means it was basically awarded ship of the year in its division. As the Midgett's home port is in Seattle - this means the ship sails around the rough waters of Alaska a lot.
Matt's team isn't very flashy, but he does one thing really well - QB with Aaron Rodgers. He can get overlooked at times, but Devonta Freeman and Matt's kickers do deliver for him often. It's an innocent-looking team that can bust your week, however.
Bonus photo of Midgett's Phalanx cannon guarding departing MS Oosterdam:
UPDATE: In light of Rodger's injury today, this is the state of what Matt's team is now - grounded like these wingless F-18s:
8. Justin
The Silent Service - COMSUBPAC
Justin has stayed under the radar and his team has been underwater this season. Also, Carolina has underperformed when it comes to Justin's fantasy players. Unfortunately, he didn't nab McCaffrey or Funchess this year. So expected this team to dive in the rankings and remain submerged.
Bonus photo of Anti-submarine SeaHawk (aka the other disappointing NFC fantasy team) helicopters:
9. Vu
USNS Mercy - Mercy class hospital ships
The US Navy has two of these large hospital ships. Usually, they are sent for mercy missions to help out natural disasters such as the recent hurricanes, like the case for the Mercy's sister ship USNS Comfort. However, during times of major wars, they are deployed overseas in expectation of treating battle casualties. So a very good sign that it's docked in San Diego and not sailing to Korea.
Vu's team needs some hospitalization and TLC. Running backs have been a disaster and he's usually starting the wrong WRs. And his best player Gronk is injured, again. This is a team in need of a Fantasy Doctor stat.
Bonus photo: USNS Hershel Williams - odd looking ship but full of badass passengers when it deploys as a mobile spec ops platform.
USS Freedom, Gabrielle Giffords, Montgomery - Littoral Combat ships
Sorry Byron, I can't put down an amphibious ship for your team. I'm also angry that you traded your second most valuable player (well most valuable after Zeke's suspension got reinstated) for a player on the IR. Byron is really focused on tanking this season to rebuild for next.
Bonus photo that better describes the state of Byron's team:
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