Posted on 01/07/2005 6:31:16 AM PST by SuzyQ2
"Almost before the crushing waters had receded from the Indian Ocean's myriad shorelines, the 5,000 sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln were hauling line and firing-up its twin nuclear reactors in a mad dash to get their ship underway. Horrific reports were coming over the wire, followed by an immediate change in the Lincoln's orders."
(Excerpt) Read more at nationalreview.com ...
I've never been there so I don't know what I talking about.
"As horrible as it is for the victims on the ground, they will never forget what they must have felt when they first saw those relief helicopters coming in with the words 'United States' emblazoned on the side."
I'm jealous of our armed forces when they are able to help like this and I can't.
The tsunami went so far inland when it came that it washed a huge ship about 1500 yards into a tree (isn't that about a mile?). Imagine a wall of water 30 feet high coming in and carrying everything in its path with it as far as it can reach. This huge rush of water completely changed the landscape; it washed away buildings and changed the shape of the shoreline; destroyed some beaches and made new ones. Our ships have to have water deep enough to float them & that water doesn't reach as far as the tsunami went.
The tsunami went so far inland when it came that it washed a huge ship about 1500 yards into a tree (isn't that about a mile?). Imagine a wall of water 30 feet high coming in and carrying everything in its path with it as far as it can reach. This huge rush of water completely changed the landscape; it washed away buildings and changed the shape of the shoreline; destroyed some beaches and made new ones. Our ships have to have water deep enough to float them & that water doesn't reach as far as the tsunami went.
Ships need ports, harbors or at least a pier extending out from the beach. Most large ships need at least 20 feet of water (wild guess) in which to float. To get to the beach you need a shallow draft "landing craft" like the WWII LST (Landing Ship-Tank). The modern amphibious task force uses helicopters, smaller landing craft (think Normandy invasion or all the landings on Pacific islands) or very large hovercraft to get the Marines & their equipment and supplies ashore.
As for the affected people walking to the beach, how do you get the word to them that supplies are at the beach? How do they walk with so many injured, in need of water and food or still in shock? Do you carry your infants and elderly with you, or just tell them, "I'll be back soon, with food & water, I hope."
BTW, this was NOT a stupid question, just one that is beyond the scope of most folk's experiences.
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