Why Galrahn is Laughing…
You remember we reported on the carrier USS Eisenhower as headed to the Middle East to fight pirates? Note in the picture even more of our mighty, and mighty expensive anti-pirate fighting navy. Galrahn provides details in the following comment:
Why am I laughing…
As was previously mentioned, the Eisenhower CSG will be replacing the Theodore Roosevelt CSG already operating in the region. The TR CSG deployed in September, meaning the 6 month deployment will end in March which is when the Eisenhower CSG will arrive. There is about 0% chance the Eisenhower is being sent to fight pirates at a time when troop numbers are being increased in Afghanistan and air stations are being threatened, but hey… anything for a headline right?
What really caught my attention over the last few days was a few pictures uploaded to Navy.mil showing a little photo action with CTF-150 and CTF-151. All of the photos were dated Feb 20th. Sure it is sexy to see the USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Mahan (DDG 72), and HDMS Absalon (L 16) sailing together, and while I’m tempted to sit quietly and admire these impressive pictures I find myself embarrassed a bit for the Navy.
According to this photograph, USS Monterey (CG 61) has joined CTF-151, bringing the total number of US ships in the anti-piracy task force up to 4 (that we know about), when you count USNS Lewis & Clark (T-AKE 1). With Monterey and Vella Gulf now part of CTF-151, the US Navy has committed their two largest surface combatants to the pirate fight, and when you add up the manpower of both ships and throw in Mahan, I count over 1000 sailors taking on this challenge… on three ships.
If we could possibly be less efficient or more expensive way to fight pirates with our surface combatant forces, I’m not sure how. 1000 sailors on only three ships. How is it possible to pretend to justify this type of activity in a time of fiscal contraction? People tell me we cannot afford small ships for these low intensity challenges. Do the math, we can’t afford not to field small ships for these challenges.
I can hear the knife slashing programs already! With today’s economy, there is no more excuse for this.
Indeed Correct. It might be a wee bit better were there some easily recognized successful end point to this farce. Rather we see an inability to accomplish the desired “walk the plank” goal. Thanks to lawyers about all we can do is protect thr “rights” of these bums.
How the Mighty have fallen.