The Potato Patch Fleet, Maine, 1917

When WWI U-boats threatened shipping, the U.S. Navy was short on patrol boats. In Maine, lobstermen and potato farmers converted their own boats. Elmer Brooks, 58, took his 30-foot Mabel B and mounted a surplus machine gun to the bow with planks and rope. The “Potato Patch Fleet” patrolled for subs in fog, 200 miles offshore, with no radios. They never sank a U-boat, but their presence stopped coastal shelling. The Navy gave Elmer a commendation. He hung it in his barn next to his seed potatoes.

39 Airports, 1 Grand Adventure

74 DAY CIRRUS JOURNEY FOCUSES ON GROWING REAL-WORLD PILOT SKILLS

Recounted by Blake Freedland in Flying Magazine

Like most pilots, I've always dreamed of a grand trip.  A shared passion for challenge, adventure and flying eventually drives all of us avgeeks to leave our comfort zones and explore.  So, to celebrate our graduation from Tufts University and Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, I decided to fly across the U.S. and parts of Canada in my Cirrus SR22 with one of my best friends and copilot, Dylan Tamaroff. Our goal was to see new places, meet people, discover hidden gems, and most importantly, learn. I wanted to push myself, sharpen my skills, and become a better aviator.

Pilot Blake Freedland (right) and co-captain Dylan Tamaroff flew across the U.S. and Canada in a Cirrus SR22. 

While I had around 500 hours and seven years under my belt, I hadn’t flown much outside of my South Florida and Boston bubble. Most of our landings were at KFXE and KBED. Flying was not really a means of travel for me but rather a hobby. So I embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime flying journey. Dylan and I landed at 39 airports over the course of our 13,000 sm, 74-day, 100-flight-hour trip.

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Iran’s Internet Blackout Becomes World Record‑Longest

Iran’s nationwide internet blackout has now lasted over 38 consecutive days, according to monitoring group NetBlocks, making it the longest state‑level internet shutdown documented anywhere in the world.

Since late February 2026, most Iranians have been cut off from the global internet, with real‑time connectivity reduced to near‑zero levels. Only a small fraction of users can access limited services via VPNs or satellite connections, and most online traffic remains confined to heavily restricted domestic networks.

The shutdown severely restricts access to independent news, communication platforms, and international information, leaving ordinary citizens largely isolated from the wider world.

Venerable Emil Kapaun, Catholic Priest, Heroic Chaplain, Future Saint

Fr. Emil Emil J. Kapaun, A Catholic priest, served as a chaplain in in the U.S. Army in the Korean War and was captured by enemy Chinese Communist forces after saving the life of an American soldier.  

Chaplain Kapaun was the victim of malnutrition and pneumonia after spending only seven months in the camp.  

Fr. Kapaun’s story is that of a saintly hero dedicated to living a life of Christian virtue and service to his fellow man under the most difficult and despicable conditions imaginable.  Fr. Kapaun’s heroism in the prison camp wasn’t an isolated event, however: his lifelong dedication to Christ and to His Church placed him on the path of priestly service that culminated in his ultimate sacrifice in North Korea at only 35 years old.

For his actions, Fr. Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 for his actions.  His Medal of Honor citation follows:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy at Unsan, Korea, from November 1-2, 1950. 

On November 1, as Chinese Communist Forces viciously attacked friendly elements, Chaplain Kapaun calmly walked through withering enemy fire in order to provide comfort and medical aid to his comrades and rescue friendly wounded from no-man's land. Though the Americans successfully repelled the assault, they found themselves surrounded by the enemy. Facing annihilation, the able-bodied men were ordered to evacuate. However, Chaplain Kapaun, fully aware of his certain capture, elected to stay behind with the wounded. After the enemy succeeded in breaking through the defense in the early morning hours of November 2, Chaplain Kapaun continually made rounds, as hand-to-hand combat ensued. As Chinese Communist Forces approached the American position, Chaplain Kapaun noticed an injured Chinese officer amongst the wounded and convinced him to negotiate the safe surrender of the American Forces. Shortly after his capture, Chaplain Kapaun, with complete disregard for his personal safety and unwavering resolve, bravely pushed aside an enemy soldier preparing to execute Sergeant First Class Herbert A. Miller. 

Not only did Chaplain Kapaun's gallantry save the life of Sergeant Miller, but his unparalleled courage and leadership also inspired all those present, including those who might have otherwise fled in panic, to remain and fight the enemy until captured.

Chaplain Kapaun's extraordinary heroism and selflessness, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.

Fr. Kapaun was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2025 as part of his ongoing canonization process toward sainthood.  His courage, selflessness, and spiritual ministry amid extreme hardship will always be cherished.

Just Another Day in the W1WH Ham Shack...