via SLD.
On 24 January 2012, the Military Sealift Command posted a bid request to retrofit the USS Ponce to make it a “mothership” for helos and smaller high-speed boats. By mid-April 2012, the Ponce was being prepared for its new role.Besides the usual bravado that accompanies any interview given by a Flag Officer these days, the article is wrong on another level.
If anything was needed to demonstrate the ability of the MSC to contract effectively and to support the USN-USMC team’s global mission, this performance certainly was it. The mother ship will perform a “lilypad” role for the MH-53 helicopters in a mine-clearance role, as well as for other assets.
In a comprehensive interview with Second Line of Defense on April 13, 2012, Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, Commander of the MSC, underscored the performance of MSC to meet the USN-USMC needs. The full interview will be published soon on Second Line of Defense.
Admiral Harvey, Commander Fleet Forces Command, asked Admiral Buzby: “Can your mariners operate the Ponce as an afloat operating base?”
And Admiral Buzby commented: “Although we don’t have a forward operating base in MSC, operating a steam ship which has a flight deck, which has a well deck we can operate that. And under the authorities which I have in MSC, I can refurbish the ship as well. I can do that very quickly for you. I can give you high value for the dollar. I can deliver that capability quickly. And my mariners along with USN personnel can execute the mission. I can probably give you that capability faster than anyone else.
This entire effort isn't to support USN/USMC operations.
This effort is to support SOCOM.
SOCOM alone.
As usual, the Admiral in charge of SOCOM spouts off a bit much (something thats seen throughout the SEAL community...check out Webb's new book...) and somehow he has in essence captured for his services use a retired LPD and seems to be getting ready to rope in a couple of MH-53's to boot.
Left unsaid is the fact that the USN is already rushing mine sweeping assets to the Middle East. Which means that the cover story about this ship acting as a mine sweeping base is pure bull shit.
Its going to be a SOCOM mothership.
The MH-53's will be used to establish Forward Rearming and Refueling Points. The SOCOM Admiral is even putting forth a battle plan that would keep conventional units in Afghanistan to SUPPORT SOCOM while his units attack terrorist holdouts.
Let that sink in.
A Division plus of Special Operations Personnel still need the support of conventional units.
The arrogance makes me sick!
Cut these bubbas loose and let them operate on their own. That includes the "Maritime Raid Force"....a Battalion Landing Team is part of every MEU. If all they're good for is holding the perimeter while the "Raid Force" does its thing then let them spend time with the family instead of deploying.
Its all BULLSHIT.
