You’re being silly and Ronaldus Magnus sent several carriers through both the Straits of Hormuz and the line of death in the Gulf of Sidra.
I was on the USS Truett at the time we went below the LOD.
“You’re being silly and Ronaldus Magnus sent several carriers through both the Straits of Hormuz and the line of death in the Gulf of Sidra.”
The difference is, Reagan would have pulled the trigger and the world knew it. I don’t think the world believes Obama would pull the trigger; that would not be sufficiently “nuanced.” If you’re not prepared to use it, don’t risk it.
We’re asking for disaster here because the Rules of Engagement would need to let the Navy react instantly to whatever happens or to any perceived threat. That may mean shooting down an “unarmed” reconnaissance plane. Can anybody believe the ROI say anything other than, “If something happens, call the White House?”
I believe the navy kept the CVs out of the Gulf during Preying Mantis, and simply launched their aircraft. The Gulf of Sidra was a different story as it involved a challenge over the definition of international waters and the Gulf itself was merely an extension of the Med and was not, as the Persian Gulf is, a confined body of water, only narrowly connected to the Arabian Sea.
“Ronaldus Magnus sent several carriers through both the Straits of Hormuz”
Funny, I don’t remember seeing them. I do remember briefings at which it was said that no carriers would be transiting the Strait of Hormuz.