Reading the news I was struck by the following two articles. The first one tells how Iran is educating its people. The next, tells us how Israel is threatening to attack Iran.
How is it that one country can take upon itself the right to destroy another country seeking to educate its population based upon speculative evidence? Didn't Israel unnecessarily destroy much of Lebanon's infrastructure in its futile war against Hezbolla? (The two seized soldiers which were the alleged cause of the war are still in captivity.) Wasn't Israel the prime supporter of our Iraq war which destroyed another country? One wonders if Israel's real intent is to keep the people in the Middle Eastern countries around it mired in a state of ignorance. After all, Israel initially tried to block seven Palestinian students from receiving Fulbright grants until the news became public.
After reading some of the speeches at the AIPAC gathering in DC, is it any wonder that Israel feels free to attack its neighbors with impunity. Everyone proclaims a threat to Israel is a threat to the United States. So if Israel goes to war, so does the United States. No longer do we have to wonder if Congress will declare war, it's whether Israel will. It's a fine state our country is in when the question of its going to war is in the hands of another nation.
I suppose Israel would not be so bold without our backing. Bush and Olmert just met. Are they working out plans for this attack? It would be in Bush's interest to have the country at war when the election came up due to the reluctance of our nation to change its chief executive during war time. McCain (son of Cain) is a cloned Bush so war is to his benefit.
Beware of the ides of September.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
AIPAC and THE UPCOMING IRANIAN ATTACK
Condaleeza Rice appeared before the AIPAC group in DC and said in relation to Iran "A regime that denies the Holocaust, threatens, murders its neighbors’ citizens, and seeks to destroy a member of the United Nations should not be allowed to cross the nuclear threshold. As President [George W.] Bush told the Knesset, 'For the sake of peace, the world must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.'" Tough talk!
Sadly, each speaker at the AIPAC meeting seemed to go out of her or his way to assure the assemblage of Israeli supporters of our intent to take out Iran. Obama said, "There is no greater threat to Israel - or to the peace and stability of the region - than Iran . It wasn't too many years ago when all the speakers were saying it was Iraq that was the great threat to Israel as the listeners cheered then, as they did now, absorbing the fawning war like talk about taking out any perceived enemies of Israel.
So where are the carriers.
The USS LINCOLN is in the Persian Gulf.
The USS REAGAN steams toward that area.
The following carriers are not available for attacking Iran.
The USS NIMITZ is finally back in San Diego after four or so months wandering around the Western Pacific. The Marine amphibious group under the USS Tarawa also returned with the Nimitz.
The USS WASHINGTON and the USS KITTY HAWK planned to do a crew swap in Hawaii but the fire on the Washington has put that on hold. Because neither ship is up to full crew, neither can operated in a fire zone. As you know, the Kitty Hawk said sayonara to Yokosuka at the end of May.
The USS TRUMAN is scheduled at Norfolk any day now.
We've got no real backup except perhaps the USS EISENHOWER
The USS STENNIS is just out of dry dock; the USS ROOSEVELT AND USS VINSON are still in dry dock.
The Navy reports that the Amphibious War Ships the USS Nassau (LHA 4)is in the Persian Gulf.
The USS Peleliu (LHA 5) is in the Philippine Sea. Here is a good idea of the Peleliu's task force.
The USS ESSEX (LHD 2) is in the Adaman Sea off Thailand.
It looks like we'll use the Air Force to do most of the dirty work on Iran. The Navy will have a more limited role.
Sadly, each speaker at the AIPAC meeting seemed to go out of her or his way to assure the assemblage of Israeli supporters of our intent to take out Iran. Obama said, "There is no greater threat to Israel - or to the peace and stability of the region - than Iran . It wasn't too many years ago when all the speakers were saying it was Iraq that was the great threat to Israel as the listeners cheered then, as they did now, absorbing the fawning war like talk about taking out any perceived enemies of Israel.
So where are the carriers.
The USS LINCOLN is in the Persian Gulf.
The USS REAGAN steams toward that area.
The following carriers are not available for attacking Iran.
The USS NIMITZ is finally back in San Diego after four or so months wandering around the Western Pacific. The Marine amphibious group under the USS Tarawa also returned with the Nimitz.
The USS WASHINGTON and the USS KITTY HAWK planned to do a crew swap in Hawaii but the fire on the Washington has put that on hold. Because neither ship is up to full crew, neither can operated in a fire zone. As you know, the Kitty Hawk said sayonara to Yokosuka at the end of May.
The USS TRUMAN is scheduled at Norfolk any day now.
We've got no real backup except perhaps the USS EISENHOWER
The USS STENNIS is just out of dry dock; the USS ROOSEVELT AND USS VINSON are still in dry dock.
The Navy reports that the Amphibious War Ships the USS Nassau (LHA 4)is in the Persian Gulf.
The USS Peleliu (LHA 5) is in the Philippine Sea. Here is a good idea of the Peleliu's task force.
The USS ESSEX (LHD 2) is in the Adaman Sea off Thailand.
It looks like we'll use the Air Force to do most of the dirty work on Iran. The Navy will have a more limited role.
Monday, May 26, 2008
A CONUNDRUM - WAR BY THE FALL
The ABRAHAM LINCOLN has arrived on station in the Persian Gulf. It left home in March so its six months will be over in September.
The newest of our carriers, the RONALD REAGAN, left San Diego on May 19th for the
Persian Gulf.
That gives us two carriers with an overlap of three months. This is out of the norm even though some lusting for an Iranian strike claim it is not unusual.
The NIMITZ is quietly coming back; the TRUMAN is also coming back after her deployment in the Gulf. Welcome home! Job well done.
The KITTY HAWK is preparing to head to Bremerton, Washington prior to decommissioning. So it is in a state of disorder making it unable to go to the War Zone.
The GEORGE WASHINGTON which will replace the KITTY HAWK at Yokosuka was heading for San Diego on its way there but had a serious fire which might delay its trip to Yokosuka and availability for the Persian Gulf.
The THEODORE ROOSEVELT and CARL VINSON are in or just out of dry dock. The JOHN STENNIS is a long way from deploying overseas since it is just getting its sea legs again.
That leaves the DWIGHT EISENHOWER which returned in May '07 to the states as the one available carrier to back up the two in the Persian Gulf. I have no idea what its present status is.
I just don't think we will strike with two carriers. The WASHINGTON's fire plus its transferring sailors from the KITTY HAWK makes it unavailable. Can the LINCOLN and REAGAN launch a strike against Iran? I'd bet against it. But then again, they do not have to support ground troops.
However, I still think Bush thinks he is on a sacred mission so perhaps after dumping Admiral Fallon and replacing him with Gen. Petraeus, he will launch the Air Force (what has it been doing aside from creating its new motto: "uber alles") against Iran and keep the Navy for a more limited role supporting Special Forces raids into Iran and limited Marine operations.
The newest of our carriers, the RONALD REAGAN, left San Diego on May 19th for the
Persian Gulf.
That gives us two carriers with an overlap of three months. This is out of the norm even though some lusting for an Iranian strike claim it is not unusual.
The NIMITZ is quietly coming back; the TRUMAN is also coming back after her deployment in the Gulf. Welcome home! Job well done.
The KITTY HAWK is preparing to head to Bremerton, Washington prior to decommissioning. So it is in a state of disorder making it unable to go to the War Zone.
The GEORGE WASHINGTON which will replace the KITTY HAWK at Yokosuka was heading for San Diego on its way there but had a serious fire which might delay its trip to Yokosuka and availability for the Persian Gulf.
The THEODORE ROOSEVELT and CARL VINSON are in or just out of dry dock. The JOHN STENNIS is a long way from deploying overseas since it is just getting its sea legs again.
That leaves the DWIGHT EISENHOWER which returned in May '07 to the states as the one available carrier to back up the two in the Persian Gulf. I have no idea what its present status is.
I just don't think we will strike with two carriers. The WASHINGTON's fire plus its transferring sailors from the KITTY HAWK makes it unavailable. Can the LINCOLN and REAGAN launch a strike against Iran? I'd bet against it. But then again, they do not have to support ground troops.
However, I still think Bush thinks he is on a sacred mission so perhaps after dumping Admiral Fallon and replacing him with Gen. Petraeus, he will launch the Air Force (what has it been doing aside from creating its new motto: "uber alles") against Iran and keep the Navy for a more limited role supporting Special Forces raids into Iran and limited Marine operations.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
THINGS ARE STILL LOOKING UP
I’m informed by a correspondent so I cannot source it that the USS TRUMAN is or has gone through the Suez Canal. I hope s/he is right. I am waiting for the Navy confirmation.
Happy news since we need no more wars for a while.
I did notice the crew of the TRUMAN had a five HOUR holiday after 45 consecutive days at sea. The captain must be one swell guy giving them such a break. I wonder if during the fun time he held off on the floggings.
Seeing the PBS Carrier series on the USS NIMITZ, which wasn’t well put together and too soap opera-like, it’s a hard, boring, thankless life serving on a carrier especially for the young enlisted people. One thing that bothered me was they don't tell them what is happening except on a need to know basis. I thing the family on the carrier should have more information. Anyway, I’m happy for its crew that it’s coming home. Well done sailors.
I also happy for the moms, dads, close family members, and close friends who suffer during these deployments. So my thanks also goes out to all of you for your sacrifice. The sailors you love and you are the less than 2 percent of this country that are really affected by the war and make the sacrifices for the rest of us. We go about hardly knowing a war is going on while you live it 100% of the time. It does not seem right.
OTHER NAVY SHIP NEWS:
The USS PELELIU left San Diego on May 4th with two LSD’s (ships to land Marines ashore from sea) and three guided missile destroyers (used to help Marines in landings) carrying the 15th MEU. . That is a good size attack force of Marines going to the Persian Gulf. I assume this is just a routine type deployment not knowing whether it is or not. I wonder if we count the troops in this MEU (or any other) as part of the troops in Iraq when they arrive off shore there?
MARINE MYSTERIES
I can’t figure out the Marines and their MEU numbering system. When I was in, more than a few years ago, I went out with the 30th MEU. Now the 15th is going out.
Happy news since we need no more wars for a while.
I did notice the crew of the TRUMAN had a five HOUR holiday after 45 consecutive days at sea. The captain must be one swell guy giving them such a break. I wonder if during the fun time he held off on the floggings.
Seeing the PBS Carrier series on the USS NIMITZ, which wasn’t well put together and too soap opera-like, it’s a hard, boring, thankless life serving on a carrier especially for the young enlisted people. One thing that bothered me was they don't tell them what is happening except on a need to know basis. I thing the family on the carrier should have more information. Anyway, I’m happy for its crew that it’s coming home. Well done sailors.
I also happy for the moms, dads, close family members, and close friends who suffer during these deployments. So my thanks also goes out to all of you for your sacrifice. The sailors you love and you are the less than 2 percent of this country that are really affected by the war and make the sacrifices for the rest of us. We go about hardly knowing a war is going on while you live it 100% of the time. It does not seem right.
OTHER NAVY SHIP NEWS:
The USS PELELIU left San Diego on May 4th with two LSD’s (ships to land Marines ashore from sea) and three guided missile destroyers (used to help Marines in landings) carrying the 15th MEU. . That is a good size attack force of Marines going to the Persian Gulf. I assume this is just a routine type deployment not knowing whether it is or not. I wonder if we count the troops in this MEU (or any other) as part of the troops in Iraq when they arrive off shore there?
MARINE MYSTERIES
I can’t figure out the Marines and their MEU numbering system. When I was in, more than a few years ago, I went out with the 30th MEU. Now the 15th is going out.
THOUGHTS AFTER AN ENFORCED BREAK
I though the flu season was over but on May 1 I found it alive, well and in my sick body. I took the big hit and I am still not fully recovered.
On quick glance it seems not much has changed. The USS KITTY HAWK is in the South China Sea so it is coming back via the Gulf. The USS HARRY S TRUMAN may have left the Gulf leaving only the USS Abe LINCOLN there. This is good news.
Bad news it seems is that the war hawks sensing the USS JOHN MCCAIN will not beat OB 08 are indirectly increasing the pressure on the BIO ("Bring It On!") Man from Crawford. The Jerusalem Post asserting a new date that Iran will have enough nuclear material on hand to build a nuclear weapon. It is now by the end of '08 Doesn't that date put the ball squarely on his lap.
BIO is now worried now that Obama seems likely to secure the nomination and easy beat the old time vaudeville act of McCain/Lieberman. The investigations into his Administration by a newly freed Justice Department (he never feared investigations by his abettors, Congress) will shock the American people.
BIO promised God he wouldn't let Iran get nukes on his watch and believes that his Administration would go down as one of the great ones in history if he can get time to hide its follies and write it himself. Four or more Republican years controlling Justice would assist. He must now act to stop Iran and OB 08. How to do it. Use the carriers.
On quick glance it seems not much has changed. The USS KITTY HAWK is in the South China Sea so it is coming back via the Gulf. The USS HARRY S TRUMAN may have left the Gulf leaving only the USS Abe LINCOLN there. This is good news.
Bad news it seems is that the war hawks sensing the USS JOHN MCCAIN will not beat OB 08 are indirectly increasing the pressure on the BIO ("Bring It On!") Man from Crawford. The Jerusalem Post asserting a new date that Iran will have enough nuclear material on hand to build a nuclear weapon. It is now by the end of '08 Doesn't that date put the ball squarely on his lap.
BIO is now worried now that Obama seems likely to secure the nomination and easy beat the old time vaudeville act of McCain/Lieberman. The investigations into his Administration by a newly freed Justice Department (he never feared investigations by his abettors, Congress) will shock the American people.
BIO promised God he wouldn't let Iran get nukes on his watch and believes that his Administration would go down as one of the great ones in history if he can get time to hide its follies and write it himself. Four or more Republican years controlling Justice would assist. He must now act to stop Iran and OB 08. How to do it. Use the carriers.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Looks Good for Now
Although Defense Secretary Gates said the USS LINCOLN's appearance in the Gulf was a reminder to the Iranians of American sea power, it was comforting to read that the USS TRUMAN will leave the Gulf over the weekend. That will keep things at the status quo for the time being.
The USS NIMITZ is in the Pacific and I assume it is heading home. Both the TRUMAN and the NIMITZ have been deployed for a while and I'm sure their crews are getting war weary. I think I understand this a lot better watching the PBS series Carrier which made me stop looking at a carrier as a huge floating skyscraper but more as a collection of young men and women trying to get through their rough lives with dignity. Kudos to all in the Navy on these deployments. My heart and thanks go out to you. Especially so many of you who seem to have had such dire upbringings and did not use that as an excuse for allowing your own lives to unscramble.
If the USS REAGAN leaves before the middle of June, we'll have two carriers together in the Gulf for three months. So the danger time is between July and September. We will keep watching but now feel reassured that "THE BUCK STOPS HERE" is coming home.
The USS NIMITZ is in the Pacific and I assume it is heading home. Both the TRUMAN and the NIMITZ have been deployed for a while and I'm sure their crews are getting war weary. I think I understand this a lot better watching the PBS series Carrier which made me stop looking at a carrier as a huge floating skyscraper but more as a collection of young men and women trying to get through their rough lives with dignity. Kudos to all in the Navy on these deployments. My heart and thanks go out to you. Especially so many of you who seem to have had such dire upbringings and did not use that as an excuse for allowing your own lives to unscramble.
If the USS REAGAN leaves before the middle of June, we'll have two carriers together in the Gulf for three months. So the danger time is between July and September. We will keep watching but now feel reassured that "THE BUCK STOPS HERE" is coming home.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Still Watching
The USS LINCOLN is is in the Indian Ocean.
The USS NIMITZ hasn't produced a clear answer whether it is going west or east after it left Guam. I noticed in the PBS series, a couple of years ago it left Hong Kong and went to Guam and then went to the Persian Gulf. This time we're hoping it heads back to the mainland. One of the ships with the NIMITZ, the USS PRINCETON, lost a sailor overboard the last time it was in the Persian Gulf. Interesting, our enemy Iran helped the Navy to search for him.
The USS KITTY HAWK was refueled at sea in the Pacific Ocean as it made its way toward and into Hong Kong its last port of call. It is suppose to be heading back to the USA in late May. The USS WASHINGTON will replace it after playing around in RIO for a bit.
If the USS NIMITZ returns home, as noted, that will be a good sign because the USS TRUMAN will have to move out of the Persian Gulf soon. That will leave only the LINCOLN with the REAGAN not due to leave until late May or June. But either the KITTY HAWK on its way home; or the GEORGE WASHINGTON on its way to Japan could do a drive by in the Persian Gulf.
I guess the window closes for an attack on Iran around late summer but surely no later than October 1st. I'd relax more if the drums of war were not so loud.
A Polish site speculates thing are heating up in the Middle East. The Texas Viking believing an attack on Iran will be disastrous is urging people to express their opposition to Congress.
By the way congratulations to the Air Force for adopting the German "uber alles" as its new slogan "above all." Some have already noted the similarity between the Nazis and the US Air Force. Too bad it is so tone deaf.
The USS NIMITZ hasn't produced a clear answer whether it is going west or east after it left Guam. I noticed in the PBS series, a couple of years ago it left Hong Kong and went to Guam and then went to the Persian Gulf. This time we're hoping it heads back to the mainland. One of the ships with the NIMITZ, the USS PRINCETON, lost a sailor overboard the last time it was in the Persian Gulf. Interesting, our enemy Iran helped the Navy to search for him.
The USS KITTY HAWK was refueled at sea in the Pacific Ocean as it made its way toward and into Hong Kong its last port of call. It is suppose to be heading back to the USA in late May. The USS WASHINGTON will replace it after playing around in RIO for a bit.
If the USS NIMITZ returns home, as noted, that will be a good sign because the USS TRUMAN will have to move out of the Persian Gulf soon. That will leave only the LINCOLN with the REAGAN not due to leave until late May or June. But either the KITTY HAWK on its way home; or the GEORGE WASHINGTON on its way to Japan could do a drive by in the Persian Gulf.
I guess the window closes for an attack on Iran around late summer but surely no later than October 1st. I'd relax more if the drums of war were not so loud.
A Polish site speculates thing are heating up in the Middle East. The Texas Viking believing an attack on Iran will be disastrous is urging people to express their opposition to Congress.
By the way congratulations to the Air Force for adopting the German "uber alles" as its new slogan "above all." Some have already noted the similarity between the Nazis and the US Air Force. Too bad it is so tone deaf.
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