A pretty vanilla video if you just look at it from the surface.
But dig into it a bit.
Out of all the US Navy ships available, they chose an Amphibious Assault Ship...a ship designed and equipped to transport Marines ashore --- Marines were highlighted (as were some of our allies) and other tools of our trade...LCAC's, Helo's...etc...
If you're a Marine you should be proud. You should also realize that you have something that the other services don't ... a reputation born on the battlefield that isn't to be squandered.
If you're in the Big Navy or part of the Carrier Mafia, you should be alarmed. The "green fleet" wasn't mentioned, carriers got no air time and other initiatives that are near and dear to your heart got no play.
You still got it Marines. Don't waste it.
SIDENOTE:
Big Army! Once again you wasted a prime time opportunity! Geez HQ Army send over a company of the 82nd, 10th Mountain, 25th ID or someone! You talk about making the move to the Pacific too but you don't have anyone showing up (2nd ID in Korea doesn't count...that's homefield). Showing up is half the battle. Get off your ass, free up some funds and team up with the USAF and pack a C-17 with some Para-troops on a mission to the PacRim! 
Two things that surprised me, neither HSV or one of the LCS ships showed up.
ReplyDeletea couple of things occurs to me....the LCS should stay away because its limited usefulness would be highlighted for all to see. its built to fulfill a requirement that's gone away. at one time it was to be used in partnership missions but as you can see from a quick look around the globe...you're seeing increasing capabilities. second the same applies to the HSV. disaster response is a rapid response kind of thing. RIMPAC is suppose to simulate combat. HSV does the first very well, but as a connector i'm beginning to have doubts.
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