Posted on 09/29/2012 6:36:31 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The US Navy and allies just completed a 12-day mine clearing exercise in the Strait of Hormuz. While the military avoided mentioning the standoff with Iran, the message was clear.
The allied nations were here and would do anything it takes to keep this critical 21-mile channel open.
It was August when I put up a post saying I wanted to attend this week's Persian Gulf mine clearing exercise. After reporting Iran's incessant threats to mine the Strait of Hormuz and choke the global oil supply, I wanted some reality.
I thought the words out of Iran would have a different meaning 50 miles offshore of the Islamic Republic, and would carry greater weight to the troops sailing through the Strait on a regular basis.
I expected answers. Some concrete, hang-your-hat-on opinions and experience from U.S. Naval troops that would give face to the threat.
To that end, I was disappointed. I mean, I should have known better. Known that the lower ranks are so busy performing the mission that they have little time to consider anything else. And the upper ranks aren't going to express anything outside policy: "The Iranian Navy has been nothing but professional and courteous," was the inescapable line last week.
When I asked why the enlisted troops I spoke to had little awareness of what was happening in the Gulf, one Navy Lieutenant Commander told me, "We need them to be occupied every second of every day." He was referring to keeping sailors from dwelling on home and family and preserving morale, but the effect applies to current events, as well.
Most sailors had little idea of Iran's bluster. And the few I talked to who were aware, just shrugged and laughed. "Doesn't matter much," they said. "The mission is the mission."
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
The Navy is up to the challenge, the current CIC is not.
I thought that office had been vacant since January 2009.
I’m sure the mullahs are terrified.
Controling the Strait of Hormuz is one thing — able to intercept a possible missile stike is something else.
We cannot find the CIC to give the order to do anything. Any one know where he will be tomorrow night????
...Especially with Obama on their side
while useful, the current and new pipelines cannot replace the volume that goes thru the strait. i think they can handle ~ 40% of the requirement
Having spent some time on a minesweep, I would not be too cocky about this. If Iran decided to deploy a fraction of its million mine stockpile, the cleanup would be very very very tedious. It would take a long long long long long long time.
They are reluctant to name the Iranians as the obvious potential enemy here. Funny, they weren’t too worried about naming the TEA party for a domestic rebellion/COIN scenario. Ain’t that an interesting little difference!!
Other navies joining the USN on such a mission is akin to holding your friends jacket while he fights.
Watch monies for terrorist activities dry up as the Mideast OPEC nations scramble to deal with egocentric nut job in Iran.
Muslim expansionism will become exponentially myopic to it's base of funding.
Iran commits an act of war in the Persian Gulf by sinking a U.S. warship.
The U.S. declares war on Iran.
The Iranian people joyfully attain martyrdom and enter paradise.
The American people rally around Obama and reelect him.
Democrats riding in on Obama’s coat tails gain control of both Houses of Congress.
Obama appoints three Supreme Court Justices during his second term.
Obama is appointed President for life, and we live the rest of our lives in total bankruptcy.
Yummers, more bread.
“open up carbohydrate permits
Yummers, more bread.”
Good catch....”carbohydrates”.
But still, it will mean more bread.
:-)
:-)
................able to intercept a possible missile stike is something else....................
I’ll bet that some of those missles, intercepting Iranian missles, will misfire and just happen to wind up above Tehran.
Incoming!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.