DOCSLIB.ORG

The American Revolution at Sea, 1775-1776

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

The University of Maine DigitalCommons@UMaine Honors College 5-2013 Taking the War to the Water: The American Revolution At Sea, 1775-1776 Sarah Kent University of Maine - Main Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors Part of the Military History Commons, and the United States History Commons Recommended Citation Kent, Sarah, "Taking the War to the Water: The American Revolution At Sea, 1775-1776" (2013). Honors College. 126. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/126 This Honors Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@UMaine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors College by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UMaine. For more information, please contact [email protected]. TAKING THE WAR TO THE WATER: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AT SEA, 1775-1776 by Sarah Kent A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for a Degree with Honors (History) The Honors College The University of Maine May 2013 Advisory Committee: Liam Riordan, Associate Professor of History, Advisor Richard Judd, McBride Professor of History Scott W. See, Libra Professor of History Howard Segal, Adelaide and Alan Bird Professor of History David Gross, Interim Dean, Honors College Abstract The story of the land war of the American Revolution has been told many times. However, the naval conflict remains largely ignored except for its most famous aspects, such as the voyages of John Paul Jones. When the sea battles of the Revolution have been discussed it has mostly been in the context of the end of the war when the navy had already existed for some time. Historians such as William Fowler and Nathaniel Miller have attempted comprehensive studies of the Continental Navy, but neither focus on the character and significance of naval combat in the first year of the war. The early naval battles of 1775-1776 demonstrate that the navy of the United Colonies was still a decentralized, disorganized force that was controlled not by a central governing agency but by independent local leaders. These men looked for opportunities for success and valor, perhaps even for personal profit, and took advantage of opportunities as they arose, whether it was part of the navy’s larger plan or not. These characteristics were illustrated in the Battle of Machias, the Battle of Nassau, and the Battle of Valcour, in each of which men acted on their own initiative, and with the exception of Valcour, experienced success. The valuable and unique nature of the naval war of the American Revolution from 1775-1776 becomes clear through a close examination of the formation of the Continental Navy and the interconnections between the land and sea war. 2 Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………1 Chapter One: The British Navy……………………………………………………….5 Chapter Two: The Battle of Machias………………………………………………...20 Chapter Three: The Formation of the Continental Navy…………………………….24 Chapter Four: The Battle of Nassau………………………………………………….35 Chapter Five: The Battle of Valcour…………………………………………………49 Chapter Six: The Land and Sea War…………………………………………………66 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………...............71 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………74 Author’s Biography………………………………………………………………….77 iii List of Images and Tables I. Continental Ship, Alfred………………………………………………….1 II. Machias Bay, 1776……………………………………………………….5 III. Jones’ Sloop at the Falls (map..………………………………………….11 IV. The Margaretta Moved Down Stream (map)……………………………12 V. Where the Main Fighting for the Battle of Machias Occurred (map)……14 VI. Costume of Great Britain no.3 1807………………………………………20 VII. Painting Depicting the Continental Navy Frigate the Confederacy………24 VIII. New Providence Island……………………………………………………35 IX. Hopkins Fleet off of New Providence (map)…………………………….39 X. Location of Fort Nassau and Fort Montagu (map)……………………….42 XI. Valcour Island Map, Overview…………………………………………..49 XII. Table 1: the British Fleet…………………………………………………55 XIII. Table 2: The American Fleet……………………………………………..56 XIV. Valcour Island Map, Detail……………………………………………….59 XV. Washington Crossing the Delaware………………………………………63 XVI. HMS Serapis and Bonhomme Richard…………………………………….68 iv Introduction 1 1 Nowland Van Powell, “Continental Ship, Alfred,” http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NH_85212- KN.jpg. 1 The first shot of the American Revolution came in April 1775 at Lexington, Massachusetts.2 In the centuries since the American Revolution, it has been the subject of wide-ranging scholarship that has adopted multiple perspectives and intepretations. One area that has lacked careful research and close scrutiny, is the role of the naval battles and the Continental Navy itself. Although the Continental Navy only played a role until 1778, at which time the French navy took over the naval front of the war, it laid the foundation for the United States Navy.3 In the early years of the war this navy was anything but regulated. After the creation of the Continental Navy in 1775, John Adams created rules and regulations that were to govern the new defense force.4 However, these distant guidelines were rarely followed by the Continental Navy. While there were problems with having a decentralized naval force, it did provide the rebellious colonies with some advantages over Great Britain. With the American naval forces having little oversight, they were able to act with far greater flexibility than their British counterparts, who were restricted by the goals and designs of their superiors. The flexibility of the American naval forces and army allowed them to immediately react to local conditions in the most expeditious manner. This independent, flexible, and decentralized spirit among the naval forces can be seen especially clearly before the navy was officially formed. In May 1775, colonists in Machias, Maine, rose up against Ichabod Jones, a trader from Boston. Although the Patriots were not necessarily in the majority there, they saw an opportunity to further the 2 Edmund S. Morgan, The Birth of the Republic, 1763-1789 (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1956), 68. 3 William M. Fowler, Rebels Under Sail (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1976), 89-90. 4 United States Continental Congress, Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies (Philadelphia, 1775). 2 cause in which they believed. This independent spirit and willingness to take action, carried through the early years of the war.5 This same spirit was seen in Esek Hopkins’s cruise to New Providence in the Bahamas. Instead of following his orders to cruise Narragansett Bay, Hopkins sailed to the Bahamas and led an amphibious assault against Fort Nassau. Although this was a successful assault, and secured valuable supplies for the Americans, Hopkins violated his orders, an extreme measure even for the decentralized nature of the navy, and attacked a British colony instead of just protecting the American coast. Hopkins went to New Providence because he saw a valuable opportunity and took advantage of it. These actions further demonstrate the localized and independent spirit that was evident in the Continental Navy.6 The Battle of Valcour also highlighted these characteristics. Although this was performed as a legitimate military act against Great Britain, it still demonstrated that Benedict Arnold was willing to go beyond his duties as an army officer to make a naval assault on the Royal Navy. In October 1776, Arnold led a quickly assembled American fleet against the much stronger British Navy. While a defeat for the Americans, they fought valiantly and secured a secondary strategic goal in delaying the British advance, which proved that an independent, decentralized force could indeed make a difference.7 These battles demonstrated that in the opening phase of the American Revolution the United Colonies’ naval forces relied heavily on the independent decisions of the men who led them. The Battle of Machais, the Battle of Nassau, and the Battle of Valcour, 5 James Lyons, “Chairman of Machias Committee to Massachusetts Committee of Safety,” reprinted in Naval Documents of the American Revolution, 1774-1775, Volume 1, comp. William Bell Clark, (United States Naval Department, 1964), 676-677. 6 Fowler, Rebels Under Sail, 96. 7 Pennsylvania Gazette, October 23, 1776, reprinted Naval Documents of the American Revolution, 1776, Volume 6, comp. William James Morgan (Naval History Division Department of Navy, 1972), 1391. 3 together demonstrate that the success of the Continental Navy was based on strong individual leaders. 4 Chapter One: The British Navy 8 8 J.A. Atkinson, Costumes of Great Britain, No. 3 1807: Post Captain, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Royal_Navy_Post_Captain.jpg. 5 The end of the eighteenth century was a time of change in the British Navy. The social status of naval careers was rising in Britain, and the Royal Navy became seen as a respectable career path for the sons of gentlemen to take if they were not inheriting land.9 Despite this change, a majority of the officers in the navy were not sons of gentlemen, although these young men did have the best chance of becoming commissioned officers.10 On the other end of the spectrum were the young men that joined the navy but were illiterate; for them the likelihood of receiving a commission was almost non- existent.11 At this time the admiralty had to rely on being given good candidates for officers, as there was little that they could do to train or educate them. The only true method that existed was the Naval Academy, founded in 1737, at Portsmouth. This venue for educating future officers did not play much of a role and usually only had around forty students.12 Thus they relied on the already educated to rise through the ranks based on their performance, as opposed to a formal training program for their officers.13 In addition to growing respectability, the late eighteenth century also led to the creation of semi-professional specialization among the commissioned officers. Most of this development came in the form of transport agents who were employed and uniformed by the Navy Board.
Recommended publications
  • The American Navies and the Winning of Independence

    The American Navies and the Winning of Independence

    The American Navies and the Winning of Independence During the American War of Independence the navies of France and Spain challenged Great Britain on the world’s oceans. Combined, the men-o-war of the allied Bourbon monarchies outnumbered those of the British, and the allied fleets were strong enough to battle Royal Navy fleets in direct engagements, even to attempt invasions of the British isles. In contrast, the naval forces of the United States were too few, weak, and scattered to confront the Royal Navy head on. The few encounters between American and British naval forces of any scale ended in disaster for the Revolutionary cause. The Patriot attempt to hold the Delaware River after the British capture of Philadelphia in 1777, however gallant, resulted in the annihilation of the Pennsylvania Navy and the capture or burning of three Continental Navy frigates. The expedition to recapture Castine, Maine, from the British in 1779 led to the destruction of all the Continental and Massachusetts Navy ships, American privateers, and American transports involved, more than thirty vessels. And the fall of Charleston, South Carolina, to the British in 1780 brought with it the destruction or capture of four Continental Navy warships and several ships of the South Carolina Navy. Despite their comparative weakness, American naval forces made significant contributions to the overall war effort. Continental Navy vessels transported diplomats and money safely between Europe and America, convoyed shipments of munitions, engaged the Royal Navy in single ship actions, launched raids against British settlements in the Bahamas, aggravated diplomatic tensions between Great Britain and European powers, and carried the war into British home waters and even onto the shores of England and Scotland.
  • Richatd Henry Lee 0Az-1Ts4l Although He Is Not Considered the Father of Our Country, Richard Henry Lee in Many Respects Was a Chief Architect of It

    Richatd Henry Lee 0Az-1Ts4l Although He Is Not Considered the Father of Our Country, Richard Henry Lee in Many Respects Was a Chief Architect of It

    rl Name Class Date , BTocRAPHY Acrtvrry 2 Richatd Henry Lee 0az-1ts4l Although he is not considered the father of our country, Richard Henry Lee in many respects was a chief architect of it. As a member of the Continental Congress, Lee introduced a resolution stating that "These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." Lee's resolution led the Congress to commission the Declaration of Independence and forever shaped U.S. history. Lee was born to a wealthy family in Virginia and educated at one of the finest schools in England. Following his return to America, Lee served as a justice of the peace for Westmoreland County, Virginia, in 1757. The following year, he entered Virginia's House of Burgesses. Richard Henry Lee For much of that time, however, Lee was a quiet and almost indifferent member of political connections with Britain be Virginia's state legislature. That changed "totaIIy dissolved." The second called in 1765, when Lee joined Patrick Henry for creating ties with foreign countries. in a spirited debate opposing the Stamp The third resolution called for forming a c Act. Lee also spoke out against the confederation of American colonies. John .o c Townshend Acts and worked establish o to Adams, a deiegate from Massachusetts, o- E committees of correspondence that seconded Lee's resolution. A Declaration o U supported cooperation between American of Independence was quickly drafted. =3 colonies. 6 Loyalty to Uirginia An Active Patriot Despite his support for the o colonies' F When tensions with Britain increased, separation from Britain, Lee cautioned ! o the colonies organized the Continental against a strong national government.
  • The Navy Turns 245

    The Navy Turns 245

    The Navy Turns 245 "A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace." - Theodore Roosevelt "I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" - John F. Kennedy October 13 marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy, which traces its roots back to the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power. The early Continental navy was designed to work with privateers to wage tactical raids against the transports that supplied British forces in North America. To accomplish this mission the Continental Congress purchased, converted, and constructed a fleet of small ships -- frigates, brigs, sloops, and schooners. These navy ships sailed independently or in pairs, hunting British commerce ships and transports. Two years after the end of the war, the money-poor Congress sold off the last ship of the Continental navy, the frigate Alliance. But with the expansion of trade and shipping in the 1790s, the possibility of attacks of European powers and pirates increased, and in March 1794 Congress responded by calling for the construction of a half-dozen frigates, The United States Navy was here to stay With thousands of ships and aircraft serving worldwide, the U.S. Navy is a force to be reckoned with.
  • Battle of Valcour Island - Wikipedia

    Battle of Valcour Island - Wikipedia

    Battle of Valcour Island - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Valcour_Island Coordinates: 44°36′37.84″N 73°25′49.39″W From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The naval Battle of Valcour Island, also known as the Battle of Valcour Bay, took place on October 11, 1776, on Battle of Valcour Island Lake Champlain. The main action took place in Valcour Part of the American Revolutionary War Bay, a narrow strait between the New York mainland and Valcour Island. The battle is generally regarded as one of the first naval battles of the American Revolutionary War, and one of the first fought by the United States Navy. Most of the ships in the American fleet under the command of Benedict Arnold were captured or destroyed by a British force under the overall direction of General Guy Carleton. However, the American defense of Lake Champlain stalled British plans to reach the upper Hudson River valley. The Continental Army had retreated from Quebec to Fort Royal Savage is shown run aground and burning, Ticonderoga and Fort Crown Point in June 1776 after while British ships fire on her (watercolor by British forces were massively reinforced. They spent the unknown artist, ca. 1925) summer of 1776 fortifying those forts, and building additional ships to augment the small American fleet Date October 11, 1776 already on the lake. General Carleton had a 9,000 man Location near Valcour Bay, Lake Champlain, army at Fort Saint-Jean, but needed to build a fleet to carry Town of Peru / Town of Plattsburgh, it on the lake.
  • 030321 VLP Fort Ticonderoga

    030321 VLP Fort Ticonderoga

    Fort Ticonderoga readies for new season LEE MANCHESTER, Lake Placid News TICONDEROGA — As countered a band of Mohawk Iro- name brought the eastern foothills American forces prepared this quois warriors, setting off the first of the Adirondack Mountains into week for a new war against Iraq, battle associated with the Euro- the territory worked by the voya- historians and educators in Ti- pean exploration and settlement geurs, the backwoods fur traders conderoga prepared for yet an- of the North Country. whose pelts enriched New other visitors’ season at the site of Champlain’s journey down France. Ticonderoga was the America’s first Revolutionary the lake which came to bear his southernmost outpost of the War victory: Fort Ticonderoga. A little over an hour’s drive from Lake Placid, Ticonderoga is situated — town, village and fort — in the far southeastern corner of Essex County, just a short stone’s throw across Lake Cham- plain from the Green Mountains of Vermont. Fort Ticonderoga is an abso- lute North Country “must see” — but to appreciate this historical gem, one must know its history. Two centuries of battle It was the two-mile “carry” up the La Chute River from Lake Champlain through Ticonderoga village to Lake George that gave the site its name, a Mohican word that means “land between the wa- ters.” Overlooking the water highway connecting the two lakes as well as the St. Lawrence and Hudson rivers, Ticonderoga’s strategic importance made it the frontier for centuries between competing cultures: first between the northern Abenaki and south- ern Mohawk natives, then be- tween French and English colo- nizers, and finally between royal- ists and patriots in the American Revolution.
  • The Articles of Confederation Creating A

    The Articles of Confederation Creating A

    THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION During the American Revolution, Americans drafted the Articles of Confederation to set up a new government independent of Britain. The Articles served as the constitution of the United States until 1789, when a new constitution was adopted. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, tension grew between the colonists and Britain. In 1765, 27 delegates from nine colonies met to oppose legislation passed by Parliament imposing a stamp tax on trade items. The delegates to the Stamp Act Congress drew up a statement of rights and grievances and agreed to stop importing goods from Britain. Parliament repealed the Stamp Tax Act. But it continued to impose new taxes on the colonies, and hostility to Britain kept growing. In 1773, some colonists protested a tax on tea by dressing up as Indians, boarding three British ships, and dumping their cargo of tea into the harbor. In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain closed the Port of Boston. In turn, colonists convened the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in September 1774. There was significant disagreement among the delegates. Many had supported efforts to repeal the offensive laws, but had no desire for independence. Even after battles broke out at Lexington and Concord in 1775 and the colonies began assembling troops to fight the British, many delegates remained loyal to the king. John Hewes, a delegate from North Carolina wrote in July 1775: “We do not want to be independent; we want no revolution . we are loyal subjects to our present most gracious Sovereign.” Many delegates felt a strong sense of loyalty to the Empire.
  • Chronology of the American Revolution

    Chronology of the American Revolution

    INTRODUCTION One of the missions of The Friends of Valley Forge Park is the promotion of our historical heritage so that the spirit of what took place over two hundred years ago continues to inspire both current and future generations of all people. It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that we are able to offer to the public this chronology of events of The American Revolution. While a simple listing of facts, it is the hope that it will instill in some the desire to dig a little deeper into the fascinating stories underlying the events presented. The following pages were compiled over a three year period with text taken from many sources, including the internet, reference books, tapes and many other available resources. A bibliography of source material is listed at the end of the book. This publication is the result of the dedication, time and effort of Mr. Frank Resavy, a long time volunteer at Valley Forge National Historical Park and a member of The Friends of Valley Forge Park. As with most efforts of this magnitude, a little help from friends is invaluable. Frank and The Friends are enormously grateful for the generous support that he received from the staff and volunteers at Valley Forge National Park as well as the education committee of The Friends of Valley Forge Park. Don R Naimoli Chairman The Friends of Valley Forge Park ************** The Friends of Valley Forge Park, through and with its members, seeks to: Preserve…the past Conserve…for the future Enjoy…today Please join with us and help share in the stewardship of Valley Forge National Park.
  • Valcour Primitive Area

    Valcour Primitive Area

    Chambly Canal L’île Valcour comporte 12 km de Comprised of 1,100 acres, Valcour Island is the largest island sentiers de randonnée et 25 Couvrant 4,45 km2, l’île Valcour est la plus grande île du lac emplacements de camping on the New York side of Lake Champlain. It is managed by désignés. Des permis de camping Champlain, côté new-yorkais. Cette zone de nature protégée gratuits d’une durée maximale de the New York State Department of Environmental Conser- 14 jours sont émis par un gardien à l’intérieur du parc des Adirondacks est gérée par le New du parc. Par ailleurs, le site ayant vation as a primitive area within the Adirondack Park. Emphasis adopté le principe du premier York State Department of Environmental Conservation qui is placed on restoring its natural condition, preserving cultural arrivé, premier servi, aucune réser- préconise la restauration du milieu naturel et la préservation Quebec vation n’est acceptée. Pour de plus resources, and affording recreation that does not require amples renseignements sur l’île des ressources culturelles de l’île ainsi que les activités récréa- Beauty Valcour, veuillez communiquer Bay avec le Department of Environmen- Canada extensive man-made Valcour tives n’exigeant pas d’am- Landing tal Conservation au (518) 897-1200. United States facilities or motorized énagements importants equipment. ni de matériel motorisé. With eight miles of Avec sa côte de 13 km shoreline, consisting of constituée d’une variété Spoon Spoon New York a variety of rocky ledges Bay Island de corniches rocheuses and quiet sandy bays, the surplombant de paisibles You Are Here Boating along the rocky ledges of Valcour Island at the recreational potential on baies sablonneuses, le “Baby Blues,” similar to scenes found on Valcour Peru turn of the 19th century.
  • American Self-Government: the First & Second Continental Congress

    American Self-Government: the First & Second Continental Congress

    American Self-Government: The First and Second Continental Congress “…the eyes of the virtuous all over the earth are turned with anxiety on us, as the only depositories of the sacred fire of liberty, and…our falling into anarchy would decide forever the destinies of mankind, and seal the political heresy that man is incapable of self-government.” ~ Thomas Jefferson Overview Students will explore the movement of the colonies towards self-government by examining the choices made by the Second Continental Congress, noting how American delegates were influenced by philosophers such as John Locke. Students will participate in an activity in which they assume the role of a Congressional member in the year 1775 and devise a plan for America after the onset of war. This lesson can optionally end with a Socratic Seminar or translation activity on the Declaration of Independence. Grades Middle & High School Materials • “American Self Government – First & Second Continental Congress Power Point,” available in Carolina K- 12’s Database of K-12 Resources (in PDF format): https://k12database.unc.edu/wp- content/uploads/sites/31/2021/01/AmericanSelfGovtContCongressPPT.pdf o To view this PDF as a projectable presentation, save the file, click “View” in the top menu bar of the file, and select “Full Screen Mode” o To request an editable PPT version of this presentation, send a request to [email protected] • The Bostonians Paying the Excise Man, image attached or available in power point • The Battle of Lexington, image attached or available in power
  • From Themselves, the Story Is Very Dark. General Howe Is Arrived Safe at Hallifax,7 Some Say, Having Been Repulsed at New York

    From Themselves, the Story Is Very Dark. General Howe Is Arrived Safe at Hallifax,7 Some Say, Having Been Repulsed at New York

    216 To MANN 5 JUNE 1776 from themselves, the story is very dark. General Howe is arrived safe at Hallifax,7 some say, having been repulsed at New York. The American Admiral Hopkins,8 with three or four ships9 has been worsted and disgraced by a single frigate.10 Your Bible the Gazette will tell you more particulars,11 I suppose, for I have not yet seen it; and the Alamains of the Court have given Howe12 a victory, and Hopkins chains, which I do not believe will appear in that chronicle; however, you may certainly sing some Te Deums in your own chapel. These triumphs have come on the back of a very singular revolu­ tion13 which has happened in the penetralia, and made very great 7. 'Another account says, that General transmitted from Halifax, 25 April, was Howe is arrived at Halifax, after having published in the London Gazette No. attempted to land at New York, but was 11672, 4-8 June, sub 8 June (see also prevented by the provincials there, who Shuldham's dispatch of 19 April with were said to be 30,000 strong' (London enclosures, in Dispatches of Molyneux Chronicle, loc cit.). Howe sailed from Shuldham Vice-Admiral of the Blue, ed. Boston 27 March (ante 17 May 1776, n. 1) Neeser, New York, 1913, pp. 177-83). directly for Halifax, and dropped anchor 9. The 'rebel armed vessels' are listed in Halifax harbour 'Wednesday, April (ibid.), as the frigates Alfred, commanded 3d ... at 7 in the evening' ('Journals by Hopkins and Columbus, the brigs of Lieut.-Col.
  • Social-Ecological Resilience on New Providence (The Bahamas)

    Social-Ecological Resilience on New Providence (The Bahamas)

    Social-Ecological Resilience on New Providence (Th e Bahamas) A Field Trip Report – Summary Arnd Holdschlag, Jule Biernatzki, Janina Bornemann, Lisa-Michéle Bott, Sönke Denker, Sönke Diesener, Steffi Ehlert, Anne-Christin Hake, Philipp Jantz, Jonas Klatt, Christin Meyer, Tobias Reisch, Simon Rhodes, Julika Tribukait and Beate M.W. Ratter Institute of Geography ● University of Hamburg ● Germany Hamburg 2012 Social-Ecological Resilience on New Providence (The Bahamas) Introduction In the context of increasing natural or man-made governments and corporations. Recent island hazards and global environmental change, the studies have suggested limits in the interdiscipli- study of (scientific and technological) uncertain- nary understanding of long-term social and eco- ty, vulnerability and resilience of social-ecolo- logical trends and vulnerabilities. Shortcomings gical systems represents a core area of human-en- are also noted when it comes to the integration of vironmental geography (cf. CASTREE et al. 2009; local and traditional knowledge in assessing the ZIMMERER 2010). Extreme geophysical events, impacts of external stressors (e.g. MÉHEUX et al. coupled with the social construction and pro- 2007; KELMAN/WEST 2009). duction of risks and vulnerabilities (viewed as ha- In the Caribbean, small island coastal ecosy- zards), raise questions on the limits of knowledge stems provide both direct and indirect use values. and create long-term social uncertainty that has Indirect environmental services of coral reefs, sea to be acknowledged as such. Recent means of so- grass beds and coastal mangroves include the cioeconomic production and consumption have protection of coastlines against wave action and frequently led to the loss or degradation of ecosy- erosion, as well as the preservation of habitats stem services on which humans depend (HASSAN of animals including those of commercial impor- et al.
  • Challenges of Aerodrome Pavement Maintenance in an Island Nation

    Challenges of Aerodrome Pavement Maintenance in an Island Nation

    By The Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation Aerodrome Inspectors: Mr. Marcus A. Evans esq. and Ms. Charlestina Knowles . Understand The Bahamas . Aviation In The Bahamas . Aerodromes in The Bahamas . Importance of Aviation in The Bahamas . Challenges of Pavement Maintenance . The Treasure In Treasure Cay . The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean. It has 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean stretching over 13,940 km². Approximately only 40 of the 700 islands are inhabited. The 2 majors cities in The Bahamas are: Nassau, which is in New Providence and the capital city and Freeport, which is in Grand Bahama. On July 10th 1973 The Bahamas gained Independence from Great Britain. The Bahamas has an approximate population 380,000 people. 65% of the population live on the island of New Providence (Nassau). The remaining Bahamian islands are referred to as the “Family Islands”. The Bahamas is located in the Hurricane belt. Our tropical cyclone season extends from June 1st to November 30th. The weather is subtropical climate. A total of 56 Aerodromes in The Bahamas . 28 Government operated . 28 Privately operated . Principle Aerodromes –Typical Aircraft: Code C • Lynden Pindling International (Nassau, Bahamas) • Grand Bahama International (Freeport, Bahamas) . Family Island Aerodromes –Typical Aircraft: Dash-8 • Busiest Family Island aerodrome is Marsh Harbor International (Abaco, Bahamas) . Tourism relations account for 60% of the country’s GDP. Over 65% of our visitors arrive by air. Medical emergencies on the Family Islands typically require air transport to New Providence, Freeport and neighbouring nations. Air Transport is the most efficient means of transport for medical emergencies throughout Family Island.