I find this interesting...and stunning.
The island chain was devastated by Super Cyclone Pam and while our allies...even the French and UK...are responding, all we've heard is that a Marine General (forgot which one), notified Marines on Okinawa to be ready for deployment.
If you want an example of the US retreating from the world stage, then this is your huckleberry.
Perhaps we'll hear of an announcement this week that Marines are headed to help. Leading from behind has consequences...both in warfare and in HA/DR ops.
I wouldn't worry about it We (Australia) are close by as is New Zealand so for us it just falls into looking out for our neighbours in need, also they are a member of the commonwealth (yeah its still a thing) hence the british. France has maintained quite a presence in New caledonia also, no one is asking "where are the americans", it's just not your neck of the woods. don't worry about it.
ReplyDeletethere you're wrong. the "tilt to the Pacific" is now ingrained DoD policy. additionally the Pacific...all of the Pacific is as much as US responsibility as the Middle East is. historically i would argue that our participation in ventures in the Pacific fall on the US much more than the European countries. of course for Australia and New Zealand this is a natural course of action but someone somewhere...probably in the Chinese Defense ministry is asking where are the Americans. and if they aren't I AM!
ReplyDeleteWeird... I was almost sure that "Comfort" or "Mercy" will be en route there by now. And nothing?
ReplyDeleteI guess i look at it differently, I think that if the US stays out of it, unless asked or it is actually needed then Australia (and even NZ) can/will step up and if we don't see the US military around all the time we might end up spending more on our own defence, which would make us a better ally (I know this is a humanitarian operation but it's mostly military assets that respond to these events and it was a major selling point to the Australian public for buying the two LHDs,HMAS Canberra and Adelaide), long term I think its better that Australia is more than another overseas US base (no offence).
ReplyDeleteno offense taken. different allies having different reasons for wanting to help with the end result being that the disaster area GETS the help thats needed.
ReplyDeleteIt would take three weeks to re-stock and re-crew USNS Mercy. Then add another one week to get to the zone.
ReplyDeleteAnd "Comfort"?
ReplyDeleteApproximately the same time, Galvars. Another thing, with such close proximity to Australia and NZ, it's better to send any injuries (which require specialist medical treatment) to Australia and/or NZ.
ReplyDeleteSol,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure either the UK, French, Australians and/or Kiwis have told the Americans "thanks, but no thanks" hence the absence of any US presence.
Vanuatu has been chummy with Russia -- 'nuff said.
ReplyDeleteThat should be an other reason to actually go!
ReplyDelete