Being a photographer, we have the privilege to capture events and moments that may only occur once in a great while. Capturing that moment for a memory is one of the great joys of photography. We also have the honor of actually capturing living history. I am a huge history buff, especially the era of Great War, WWII but really any past military conflicts. Be it aviation, naval, or land, I love learning about the greatest generation in particular along with soldiers of other battles and their sacrifice to give us the freedoms we had.
Such was the case with the USS Edson which is now a museum piece for tours. Her story begins as the USS Edson (DD-946) is a Forrest -Sherman class destroyers. formerly of the United States Navy, built and commissioned in 1958. Her exceptionally meritorious service in 1964 in the Gulf of Tonkin was recognized with the first of three Navy Unit Commendations. During the following years she was shelled by North Vietnamese land forces during the Vietnam conflict.
Being able to board this ship that is a combat veteran, walk the decks and see the conditions that men had to deal with while in combat is humbling to say the least. In addition to that getting to speak with a sailor who served on the USS Edson was also an honor.
She was decommissioned in 1988, but the following year became a museum ship at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York. Returning to Navy lay-up in 2004, it was agreed in 2012 that she should again become a museum ship, this time in Bay City, Michigan. A National Historic Landmark, she is one of only two surviving Forrest Sherman-class destroyers, the other being the USS Turner Joy.
Being able to take in the moment and also photograph living history is part of the reason why being a photographer is so special and unlike any other profession. To capture something, tell its story visually and educate others simply with a picture is powerful. This is something that I don’t take for granted each and every time I pull the camera to my eye.
As photographers, we are in essence, visual stewards of this planet and history. Think about the photographs that have impacted you and your photographic career. Or photos in general that have captured something remarkable and now are iconic. This is the power and responsibility each photographer has at their fingertips. I would love to hear your feedback and comments on what is memorable for you that started you down your path. Leave me a comment below.