tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14162253.post420202505851082530..comments2024-03-28T18:57:15.124-06:00Comments on Wash Park Prophet: Should Marines Return To Naval Ships?Andrew Oh-Willekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02537151821869153861noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14162253.post-62347509685991119122011-02-12T12:20:28.776-07:002011-02-12T12:20:28.776-07:00I served as a seagoing Marine abord the USS Oklaho...I served as a seagoing Marine abord the USS Oklahoma City during the Vietnam era and was the gun director for her 5" and 6" guns. <br /><br />Wash Park's thinking projects an ancient concept which may need reexamination. A professional naval infantry, permanenly embarked on capital ships of the navy is a very cost effective solution to upcoming struggles which will likely occur in the Littoral areas of the world.These are the areas of true national interest to our republic.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03362889264098894375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14162253.post-55285625499598199282009-04-10T19:13:00.000-06:002009-04-10T19:13:00.000-06:00Regarding the present situation with Captain Phill...Regarding the present situation with Captain Phillips, the pirates don't seem to have many options. They're stranded on a lifeboat with little hope of reinforcements. The captain isn't so much a hostage at this point as a human shield, who is only valuable to them alive. Pirates take crazy risks, but I don't think they're suicidal.<BR/><BR/>The Navy's presence in this case is clearly good for Phillips and the Alabama, but stepped up patrols can only go so far, and they're really expensive. John Gruber at <A HREF="http://daringfireball.net/" REL="nofollow">Daring Fireball</A> linked a <A>Harpers article</A> that argues for stepped up intelligence and disruptive action by the CIA.<BR/><BR/>I'm surprised that ships going through this notoriously dangerous area aren't better armed. Even rifles and shotguns would go a long way against the pirates, who are especially vulnerable during a boarding attempt.<BR/><BR/>What is the legal status of a pirate these days? Is there any legal risk to defending yourself? If you capture one, what can you do with him?Jon W.noreply@blogger.com