Libby Welding LLC

07/01/2022

This was an interesting job. an air release hopper, all hand made of 3/16" diameter round bar that were custom roller for each layer.

10/12/2020

One of the most prominent locations onboard USS COLE is the mess decks passageway where 17 stars are displayed on the deck. It is also where many of our 17 shipmates perished 20 years ago tomorrow.

They were of all ages and from every corner of our nation. But all of them raised their right hand to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. They would ending up paying the ultimate sacrifice on that October morning.

The 17 stars on the Mess-Line are a constant reminder for the Determined Warriors of today. A reminder of the legacy they must maintain as USS COLE sailors. We are forever indebted to them. They will live on as the COLE continues to sail today, defending freedom throughout the world.

10/07/2020

Lakeina Monique Francis was born on 7 June 1981 to Ronald and Sarah Francis. She graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina, in 1999, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy 11 April 2000.

After attending Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, Francis was a student at Mess Management Specialist School in Gulfport, Mississippi. She reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 27 September 2000.

Francis was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.

Mess Management Specialist Seaman Francis was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation.

Be sure to check in with our page for more COLE heroes as we approach the 20th Anniversary of the attack.

10/07/2020

Our next COLE hero is Marc I. Nieto.

Marc Ian Nieto was born on 25 July 1976, in Champaign, Illinois, to Jesse Nieto and Sharon Priepke. He graduated from an alternative program run by Fond du Lac Goodrich High School one year ahead of his class and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 7 December 1994.

After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 23 February 1995, Nieto was a student at Surface Warfare
Enlisted Schools Command, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 5 July 1995. He completed precommissioning training in San Diego, California, on 22 November 1995, and reported to USS Cole’s (DDG-67) precommissioning unit four days later.

Nieto was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.

Engineman Second Class (Surface Warfare Specialist) Nieto was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held numerous awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, letters of commendation, letters of appreciation, designation as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Junior “Determined Warrior” of the Quarter from October to December 1998

10/07/2020

Our next COLE hero is ETC Richard Costelow.

Richard Dean Costelow was born on 29 April 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, to George and Dorothy Costelow. He graduated from Morrisville High School in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, in 1983, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 23 May 1988.

Costelow attended Basic Training in San Diego, California, and then went to Great Lakes, Illinois, for training as an electronics technician. After graduating from “C” school in 1989, he was stationed in Sigonella, Sicily, for two years. Beginning in January 1992, he was stationed for almost six years at the White House Communications Agency. Following training at the Center for Surface Combat Systems in Norfolk, Virginia, Costelow reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 5 January 1998 as an Electronics Technician First Class. He served aboard Cole for her maiden deployment, which began in February 1998. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer on 16 September 2000.

Costelow was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.

Chief Electronics Technician Costelow was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, and Presidential Service Badge.

10/07/2020

Our next COLE hero is Cherone Gunn.

Cherone Louis Gunn was born on 14 February 1978 in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Louge and Mona Gunn. He graduated from Kempsville High School in 1997, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy 20 January 2000.

After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 29 March 2000, Gunn was a student at Surface Warfare School Command, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 5 May 2000. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 23 May 2000.

Gunn was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Seaman Apprentice Gunn was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Signalman Seaman.

Be sure to check in for more COLE heroes as we approach October 12.
S

07/09/2020

Here is a new PRR sign

01/11/2020

Some new work - trivets for my wife for Christmas, thinking about making a few to sale.

12/05/2019

Hi All,
Day lighter #1 sold yesterday. So now the second ( #2) is up for sale. When this one goes I am planning to do the next one in the red, white and blue paint from when it was the freedom train in 1975 -1976.

Southern Pacifics Daylighter Steam Locomotive Coat Rack. This colorful Coat Rack with 5 real railroad spikes would be a great gift for any train fan. This particular one is the 2nd (numbered) of them I have made. all of them will be different as the stripes and smoke are all hand painted. Patterned

10/24/2019

Here is this weeks art work

The General 4-4-0 steam locomotive Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War. Built in 1855 by Rogers, Ketchum & Grosvenor in Paterson, New Jersey. On April 12, 1862, The General was commandeered by Northerners and pursued by William Allen Fuller and the Texas steam locomotive. A must for any

10/15/2019

My Shay Coat rack coat rack sold today. So I am posting my Grant 4-4-0 American coat rack

The Grant 4-4-0, an American steam locomotive built by the Grant Locomotive Works, Paterson, New Jersey. From what I can gather the Grant was use to Show/Sale their locomotives. The american locomotives where built by many competing companies in the early day of the USA Rail Roads. A must for any