[DogBarkTree]

It means that Horner is 2nd guessing the Brits. I have no doubt our guys would have had to get the OK to fire. By the time they got it they would have been surrounded like the Brits. Horner should have just STFU.

[ansel12]

He stated our ROE and said that it means we would have fought.

[mad_as_he$$]

I agree. At this point it is counter productive.

I will say that if I had been (and in charge)there a helo would of been in the air and the Iranians would have had to think seriously about their plans. After the Cole ANY vessel on the Gulf is suspect and should approach with caution - at least in my world.

[fr_freak]

It means that Horner is 2nd guessing the Brits. I have no doubt our guys would have had to get the OK to fire. By the time they got it they would have been surrounded like the Brits. Horner should have just STFU.

On the contrary, Horner said exactly what he should have said. The last thing we need out there is brass talking like wimps. The Iranians, and everyone else who's after us, needs to believe that if they attack us, they will die. I can't say for sure exactly what our response would have been had it happened to one of our ships, although I would hope that the lessons of the last few years would have had us fighting back at all costs, but if anyone in a position of authority gives even the slightest hint of weakness, they will only be inviting attack on our troops.

[Doofer]

It means that Horner is 2nd guessing the Brits. I have no doubt our guys would have had to get the OK to fire. By the time they got it they would have been surrounded like the Brits. Horner should have just STFU.

Being a retired Chief Petty Officer that spent quite a bit of time while active duty floating around with the other members of the Persian Gulf Yacht Club you're more than likely correct.

Why?

For the simple reason that the CO's first instinct would be to pass any decision that would cause an international incident up his immediate chain of command.

Then in all likelihood his immediate chain of command would do the same until the request came to someone who could actually say ya or nay.

And by this time we have ourselves a hostage incident.