Marines vs. pirates

Not sure I entirely "get it."

The captain talks about a budget crisis, and the rest of the article is about how to move Marines around to act as a deterent.

"Well guys, the war is ending, and we're looking for a reason to move you around.... and Africa just gave us one."

Reminds me of the Navy's "LCS" push.... Blue water isn't so hot, so lets spends billions to replicate a capacity the U.S. already has (but is underfunding). Hmmm. :rolleyes:
 
Not sure I entirely "get it."

The captain talks about a budget crisis, and the rest of the article is about how to move Marines around to act as a deterent.

"Well guys, the war is ending, and we're looking for a reason to move you around.... and Africa just gave us one."

Reminds me of the Navy's "LCS" push.... Blue water isn't so hot, so lets spends billions to replicate a capacity the U.S. already has (but is underfunding). Hmmm. :rolleyes:

I agree it does sound a bit like they are looking for something to justify their budget in a post war environment.
 
On top of that.... I don't know how realistic it is. So a small boat drives up on a tanker and takes it over.... and you think a bunch of Marines on an Osprey are going to make the difference? They aren't firemen waiting to jump down a pole and head to a fire.... they'd have to suit up, locate the possible pirates, get on site, and THEN take action. How many false alarms will they take until that pace slows down?

I like the Marines, but I'm not sure how good they would be at this kind of mission, beyond the limitations I talked about above.
 
I agree it does sound a bit like they are looking for something to justify their budget in a post war environment.

Well... nothing new there. What Service doesn't?

Kind of takes the USMC back to its roots: "On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress approved the resolution to establish two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. This date marks the official formation of the Continental Marines." 1st Commandant: Major Samuel Nicholas (1775-1783)

By the way: USMC Birthday is Sunday... 238 years.
 
I agree LITS. I can't see how realistic it is either. Best outcome could be good public relations to offer it up.

Reminds me of people who go out to sea in rough weather, and when they get in trouble, assume a mayday on Ch. 16 is like calling 9-1-1. It isn't. If ships are involved, we're talking 10-30 knots and long distances. If it's a plane or helo, it's much faster, but still very spread out.

This isn't 9-1-1. Even if they make good time... they will be late EVERY time... and likely without good info on what the situation is.

You here about a pirate attack, take 3 hours to get there, and when you do, you find a tanker sitting there... and you know nothing. Now, a company maybe willing to pay a ransom, but is there a Marine general somewhere saying "hey, don't care about the flag of the vessel, put Marines on the deck of that ship and let them go to work?" Not sure if I want to see any Marines die this way.

The Capt. Phillips story isn't THIS. The Navy didn't get there and just jump straight in.

So if it isn't a boarding, what ware they doing? Circling in an exposed Osprey? And if they're fired on.... where's the innocent crew of the tanker?

Who knows? All they got was a distress call.... and nothing. You either prevent a pirate attack from taking place or you issolate the ship and got to work over the long-haul. I don't see the benefit of a quick "we're here.... now what" Marine operation.

BUT! I'm also not an expert. I just sit at a desk, and cheer for pirates...... PITTSBURGH Pirates that is!
 
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