Ace of Spades HQ

June 19, 2012

The Shrinking US Navy-A Continuing Series
— DrewM

Politicians can talk about "smaller, more nimble force" but unless they reduce commitments and the definition of our strategic interests it just means doing the same or more with less.

Behold the soon to be new normal for the US Navy.

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is days away from a nine-month deployment Â— one of the longest CSG cruises in decades.
On Wednesday, the carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with Carrier Airwing 8, and destroyers Winston S. Churchill and Jason Dunham will leave Norfolk, Va., and cruiser Hue City and destroyer Farragut will leave Mayport, Fla.
Navy officials said the long deployment is driven by ongoing demands around the globe and a finite number of ships in the fleet. The Ike CSG is expected to complete operations in the 5th and 6th fleets.
The longer deployments were scheduled to take some of the burden off of other ships in the fleet that have been well-used over the last decade, said Rear Adm. Philip Davidson, the director for Global Force Management, Operations and Intelligence at Fleet Forces Command, in an email to Navy Times.

I know Army types will say "boo-hoo nine months is nothing" but it's not the comparisons to other services that count, it's the change in operating tempo compared to previous experience within the Navy.

Nine month deployments mean more stress on crew and ships, wearing both out sooner. The idea of shrinking the Navy is simply idiotic unless or until the world suddenly grows a lot more land and a lot less water.

A hollowed out Navy...Just another way Barack Obama is Jimmy Carter.

Posted by: DrewM at 07:12 AM | Comments (189)
Post contains 280 words, total size 2 kb.

First!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - the storms have passed, the sun shines at June 19, 2012 07:15 AM (hLRSq)

2 Hey...boatin is expensive.

Posted by: dananjcon doofus hipster at June 19, 2012 07:15 AM (eavT+)

3 This is part of the transnational progressive dream - the United States will be tamed and become just another member of the international community when all of that icky, nasty military power it has is removed. Think how much safer an innocent world will be when the evil of the USA is confined to its own fetid land?

Posted by: Mikey NTH - the storms have passed, the sun shines at June 19, 2012 07:17 AM (hLRSq)

4 ...unless or until the world suddenly grows a lot more land and a lot less water.

Not happenin'.

Posted by: Globull Warmist Monger at June 19, 2012 07:17 AM (N2yhW)

The idea of shrinking the Navy is simply idiotic unless or until the world suddenly grows a lot more land and a lot less water.

This will never happen unless we our environmental house in order.

Posted by: dananjcon doofus hipster at June 19, 2012 07:17 AM (eavT+)

6 It really is astonishing how closely they parallel. You'd think someone in Obama's camp would take him aside, show him the parallels, and say "is this really the example you want to emulate?"

At this point, I'd be very reluctant to be a SpecOps guy and get on a helicopter for a secret mission.

Posted by: pep at June 19, 2012 07:18 AM (YXmuI)

7 Hey...boatin is expensive. Posted by: dananjcon doofus hipster at June 19, 2012 11:15 AM

Lovey er uh, Therayza agrees.

Posted by: John Kerry at June 19, 2012 07:18 AM (bAGA/)

8 I think this is the point at which the scorpions say "duh, that is what we do".

Posted by: The beginning at June 19, 2012 07:18 AM (HNn1q)

9 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable tyrant.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at June 19, 2012 07:20 AM (8y9MW)

10 "is this really the example you want to emulate?"

Yes, please do.

Posted by: Mitt Romney at June 19, 2012 07:20 AM (YXmuI)

11 The irony, build more ships = jobs, too. But, O'Bark has his narrow minded laser-like focus on drones. He really cannot think outside his little box.

Posted by: clueless at June 19, 2012 07:20 AM (HOOye)

12 I've mentioned before that my old man was an officer in the U.S. Navy and he has told stories about what it was like serving under Pres. Carter -- for example, there was not even enough fuel oil for ships to put to sea.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop at June 19, 2012 07:21 AM (M0NzJ)

13 If you're going to execute a force projection strategy with naval and air assets - as Obama's own strategy calls for - then you need to actually have enough naval and air assets.

....which his strategy conspicuously does not.

Competence, how does it fuckin' work?

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:22 AM (sbV1u)

14 I don't know what is taking so long for the JEF from announcing our deployment.

Posted by: Sex Robot Drone at June 19, 2012 07:23 AM (hiMsy)

15 The irony, build more ships = jobs, too.

Funny that Keynes, in his later writings, would propose defense spending as a quick method to "prime the pump".

But then Democrats were never really Keynesian's anyway.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at June 19, 2012 07:24 AM (kqqGm)

16 >>A hollowed out Navy...

But they can be openly gay now, so it's better than before. All hail SCOAMF!

>>The idea of shrinking the Navy is simply idiotic unless or until the world suddenly grows a lot more land and a lot less water.

"This is the day the rise of the oceans began to slow...."

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ slurpin' onna 32oz fountain drink at June 19, 2012 07:24 AM (ZKzrr)

17 Barack Obama is a Stuttering ClusterF*ck of a miserable failure. Look for the FUBO sticker on the back of my jeep.

Posted by: Mephitis at June 19, 2012 07:24 AM (R8+V8)

18 But wait until we convert the ships to green power!! Since they'd then be in harmony with Mother Earth, deployments will be far less stressful, like a vacations, actually.

Posted by: RoyalOil at June 19, 2012 07:25 AM (kSaUf)

19 I'm pretty sure my corpsman son would have gladly traded 9 months on a ship for the 7 months he spent in Afghanistan. He's finishing the last of 5 years in the Navy and has NEVER been on a ship.

Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at June 19, 2012 07:25 AM (eHwT1)

20 If you're going to execute a force projection strategy with naval and air assets - as Obama's ~~own~~ purported strategy calls for

We know it's not his actual strategy. His actual strategy is appeasement and "coalition." He never figured out that, with very few exceptions, no one brought anything to those coalitions but us. And he's been busy ticking off those few exceptions.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at June 19, 2012 07:25 AM (8y9MW)

21 More wars , less weapons!

Posted by: B. Obama - Sooper Genius at June 19, 2012 07:25 AM (zsgo8)

22 12 I've mentioned before that my old man was an officer in the U.S. Navy and he has told stories about what it was like serving under Pres. Carter -- for example, there was not even enough fuel oil for ships to put to sea. Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop at June 19, 2012 11:21 AM (M0NzJ) Your pa told the truth. When I reported to my F-14 Squadron in 82, two out of our 14 planes actually flew. the rest were used as rob birds. Keeping the pilots hours up was a MFr.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Team Dagny at June 19, 2012 07:25 AM (9TTOe)

23 The irony, build more ships = jobs, too. Esp jobs in tidewater Virginia, an area he needs massive turnout. BarryO shot himself in the foot here.

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 07:26 AM (WkuV6)

24 I know Army types will say "boo-hoo nine months is nothing" but it's not the comparisons to other services that count, it's the change in operating tempo compared to previous experience within the Navy.

If Army types spent nine months confined to an apartment complex for nine months with 3-5 day passes once a month, they might get a better understanding of sea life environment.

Posted by: calm, enhanced jwb7605 at June 19, 2012 07:26 AM (Qxe/p)

25 If you're going to execute a force projection strategy with naval and air assets - as Obama's own strategy calls for - then you need to actually have enough naval and air assets.

....which his strategy conspicuously does not.

Not true. We had many strategy sessions in the faculty lounge. They all worked well.

Posted by: BHO at June 19, 2012 07:26 AM (YXmuI)

26 No problem under the Obama defense strategy. If the shit hits the fan we just rebuild our manufacturing industries including our shipyards to build the vessels needed by a strong navy. Of course this can only happen after the EPA permitting process is completed, the lawsuits by the Sierra Club are settled, and the union bosses are paid their baksheesh.

Posted by: Peregrine Took, Hobbit S.O.B. at June 19, 2012 07:26 AM (qx6Fe)

27 America! Fuck no!

Posted by: Team Obama: World Crossing Guard at June 19, 2012 07:27 AM (sbV1u)

28 There is a piece in the WSJ, today, that relates to this. A Leaderless World "Not so long ago much of the world griped about an America that was too assertive, a "hyperpower" that attempted to lead with too little deference to the desires of those attending the G-20 meeting today in Mexico. Well, congratulations. A world without U.S. leadership is arriving faster than even the French hoped. How do you like it?" It goes on to explain examples of what is going on around the world. Exactly.

Posted by: tangential at June 19, 2012 07:27 AM (HOOye)

29 I wanna be on that all-wymns boomer.

Please?

Posted by: TheLittlShiningMan at June 19, 2012 07:29 AM (PH+2B)

30 And then there are great developments such as the Littoral Combat Ships which cost about $2 billion and have a massive 30 mm gun and some small missiles. (Great for long-range anti-piracy patrols.)

Posted by: RioBravo at June 19, 2012 07:29 AM (eEfYn)

31 9 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable tyrant.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at June 19, 2012 11:20 AM (8y9MW)

No. Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable Commander-in-Choom.

Being a Jarhead, I've never been big on squids, but hollowing out the Navy is NOT the way to go.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC at June 19, 2012 07:29 AM (o5js9)

32 I did my service as an officer in Ronaldus Magnus' big, bad-ass Navy. Now? It's a pansy-ass "global force for good" for God's sake. I'd like to plead that the Navy is just another victim of President Transie's haplessness. But, no... of all the services, the damn Admirals have been in bed with and givin' it up to President Transie more than any of the other service's leadership. [slams head against wall]

Posted by: tiger7_88 at June 19, 2012 07:29 AM (WAopo)

33 A world without U.S. leadership is arriving faster than even the French hoped. How do you like it?" It goes on to explain examples of what is going on around the world. Exactly. Posted by: tangential at June 19, 2012 11:27 AM (HOOy I can't wait till the Muzztards rise up and burn france to the ground.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Team Dagny at June 19, 2012 07:30 AM (9TTOe)

34 30 And then there are great developments such as the Littoral Combat Ships which cost about $2 billion and have a massive 30 mm gun and some small missiles. (Great for long-range anti-piracy patrols.)

Ah, but they're heavily outfitted with Surface to Air Unicorns.

Posted by: pep at June 19, 2012 07:30 AM (YXmuI)

35 I did my service as an officer in Ronaldus Magnus' big, bad-ass Navy. Posted by: tiger7_88 at June 19, 2012 11:29 AM (WAopo)

Did you ready Willard and Simkin on Cats 3 and 4?

I think "Top Gun" was the real inspiration for "Team America"

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:31 AM (sbV1u)

600 ships, no less! It amazes me how utterly stupid this draw down is. Given the simple fact that the Russians are resurgent, India is pushing forward as fast as they can to project more power into the Indian Ocean, and China is building Carriers and working through the doctrine necessary to fight them with our own Navy as its primary target. All three countries want to impose their will beyond their shores and its not for the benefit of everyone.

When the threat of a Carrier Battlegroup off your coast is no longer a deterrent then what is?

Posted by: IgnatiusHood at June 19, 2012 07:31 AM (llptT)

37 Ah, but they're heavily outfitted with Surface to Air Unicorns. Posted by: pep at June 19, 2012 11:30 AM (YXmuI) Don't forget CIWS Close in weaponized skittles.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Team Dagny at June 19, 2012 07:31 AM (9TTOe)

38 When I went into the military in the 80s, I remember some old timers talking about what it was like to serve under Carter. Morale was terrible. Pay was so bad that a huge number of enlisted were on food stamps. Attrition rate was awful. Equipment was poorly maintained, much of it inoperable. Drug use was ignored because of the difficulty attracting and retaining good personnel. These things aren't happening yet but at this rate they will.

Posted by: Thunderb at June 19, 2012 07:32 AM (Dnbau)

Its not just the time at Sea which has expanded... its less time in port between cruises.

We're operating the Fleet at wartime tempos... in what is supposed to be Peace... its unsustainable. Ships, and crews, break down. They need time to get fixed, time in the yards to do major work so they are Ready when we really need them.

Posted by: Romeo13 at June 19, 2012 07:32 AM (lZBBB)

40 I can't wait till the Muzztards rise up and burn france to the ground.Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Team Dagny at June 19, 2012 11:30 AM (9TTOe)

It's happening. The banlieus were only the warning shot.

Jean Raspail was a prophet.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:34 AM (sbV1u)

41 We could save a lot of money if we just parked all the Navy boaty thingies in Rhode Island to avoid the tax.

Posted by: Truman North, iPhone snob at June 19, 2012 07:34 AM (I2LwF)

If Army types spent nine months confined to an apartment complex for nine months with 3-5 day passes once a month, they might get a better understanding of sea life environment.<<<

Seriously? 3-5 day passes once a month? Three hots and a bunk every day?

The Horror...

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 07:35 AM (Bdaaw)

43 My hope is that Romney comes out hard for defense. Building ships, boomers, etc.

It's the right thing to do for our country.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:35 AM (iYbLN)

44 "Funny that Keynes, in his later writings, would propose defense spending as a quick method to "prime the pump". Defense spending has the best multiplier and is far less inclined to leak to China. We should have built some extra planes and ships and mothballed 'em. Hell, you could even build them and then give them to allies like the Philippines...same stimulus, but we don't need to maintain them, and our ally gets stronger taking some of the future load off us.

Posted by: sexypig at June 19, 2012 07:35 AM (wWV5q)

45 41 We could save a lot of money if we just parked all the Navy boaty thingies in Rhode Island to avoid the tax. Posted by: Truman North, iPhone snob at June 19, 2012 11:34 AM (I2LwF) ==== heh.

Posted by: tangential at June 19, 2012 07:35 AM (HOOye)

Nine month deployments mean more stress on crew and ships, wearing both out sooner.

-----------

And airplanes. They wear out, too.

Posted by: Anachronda at June 19, 2012 07:36 AM (NmR1a)

47 My brother just started a deployment on the USS Benfold. The officer I spoke to on Family Day said they have about 40% of all the people they need to cover all of the jobs, which means that most are doing two or three on top of their normal duty. The enlisted will be lucky to get a full night's sleep once a week, over the next eight months of the cruise.

Posted by: Matt at June 19, 2012 07:36 AM (5wsFJ)

48 41

Good one Truman.

*golfclap*

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:37 AM (iYbLN)

49 I suspect Mahan isn't held in esteem at CAP

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 07:37 AM (WkuV6)

50 What do we need with a Navy anyway. We got da Zero and a buttload of Smart Diplomacy to manage the world with.

Posted by: maddogg at June 19, 2012 07:37 AM (OlN4e)

"This is the day the rise of the oceans began to slow...."

Began to slow because there were so vastly fewer USN warships displacing so vastly fewer cubic yards of NaCl-H20

Posted by: Larry Sinclair at June 19, 2012 07:37 AM (JW/aG)

52 I'm ex-Army, and you wouldn't hear me suggesting naval deployments aren't a problem. I wouldn't want to spend 9 hours on a boat, let alone 9 months. Give them more boats (yeah, I know), there shouldn't be complaints between branches regarding resources.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 19, 2012 07:38 AM (w5jBQ)

53 If Army types spent nine months confined to an apartment complex for nine months with 3-5 day passes once a month, they might get a better understanding of sea life environment.

Let's really not go there. Not unless you want to discuss the relative merits of carrier life versus living in a hole in the ground - or in the side of a mountain - for 9+ months with NO leave and NO promise of a beer anytime soon.

Oh, and you get shot at a lot - unlike those on a carrier.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:38 AM (sbV1u)

"I wanna be on that all-wymns boomer."

Aw hell naw! Ask anyone who's worked in an all-female office how that's gonna, um, float. Catty, vindictive, bitchy, petty, and bitchy (yeah, I said it twice) are the words that come to mind.

Posted by: Jaws at June 19, 2012 07:38 AM (4I3Uo)

55 They tried a 2 sided attack, De Militarize the armed forces, through psychological and economic subversion, and gain control of the armed civilian population through a phoney GUN Walker debacle and international pressures. See the Chinese have filed Human Rights Violations with the UN, in regards to the amount of firearms the US citizens have on hand. Or in hand if it come's to the SHTF.
Stock in Sturm Ruger and Co up 85%. Ammo Manufacturers stock up. Suspicions with the public is, an Administration attempt to crack down on those pesky 2nd amendment types.

Posted by: Clemenza at June 19, 2012 07:38 AM (fCSfn)

56 OT but interesting: John Kerry has been chosen to play Romney in Obama's debate preps. Yeah, they're very similar in skills and intellectual attainments. I guess Joe Biden was busy.

Posted by: pep at June 19, 2012 07:39 AM (YXmuI)

@ Sean,

"If they break 150 miles, launch the Alert-Five unicorns."

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 07:40 AM (Bdaaw)

58 54
Never cross the top-dog lesbian.

Posted by: RioBravo at June 19, 2012 07:40 AM (eEfYn)

59 Guys, guys....it's early. Lets not have a spitball war between Army and Navy.

Everyone knows the Zoomies are the cream of the crop anyway.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:41 AM (iYbLN)

60 But we still have our nukes? Always can nuke 'em?

Posted by: The Robot Devil at June 19, 2012 07:41 AM (136wp)

61 "If they break 150 miles, launch the Alert-Five unicorns." Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 11:40 AM (Bdaaw)

Five minutes?!?! Hell, this will be over in two. Get on it!

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:41 AM (sbV1u)

Posted by: Jaws at June 19, 2012 11:38 AM (4I3Uo)

Comm Officer, SubPac: Sir! Sir! The USS Pinky Lee, the boomer with the experiemental all female crew? Just told us to F off... and they'd dam well launch if they wanted too...

SubPac: Dammit! I told you to make sure they were IN PORT this time of the Month!

Posted by: Romeo13 at June 19, 2012 07:42 AM (lZBBB)

63 Aw hell naw! Ask anyone who's worked in an all-female office how that's gonna, um, float. Catty, vindictive, bitchy, petty, and bitchy (yeah, I said it twice) are the words that come to mind.

Posted by: Jaws

I'm a female and I agree completely.

You don't want to go there fellas.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:42 AM (iYbLN)

64 56 OT but interesting: John Kerry has been chosen to play Romney in Obama's debate preps. Yeah, they're very similar in skills and intellectual attainments. I guess Joe Biden was busy. Posted by: pep at June 19, 2012 11:39 AM (YXmuI) Did you know John Kerry is a Vietnam Vet?

Posted by: The Robot Devil at June 19, 2012 07:42 AM (136wp)

65 But we still have our nukes?
----
Oba'ama wants to reduce the total to 300- 400.

Posted by: RioBravo at June 19, 2012 07:43 AM (eEfYn)

"Never cross the top-dog lesbian."

Just scratch her lovingly behind her ear, and she'll sleep as though she were a puppy again...

Posted by: Huma Abedin at June 19, 2012 07:43 AM (JW/aG)

67 Guys, guys....it's early. Lets not have a spitball war between Army and Navy. Everyone knows the Zoomies are the cream of the crop anyway. Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 11:41 AM (iYbLN)

We respect the sacrifice of the squids. We really do know that they respect the sacrifice of the Army and the Marines.

But neither of us respects the sacrifices of the civilians in blue suits.

A bad day in the Air Force is when the cable goes out.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:43 AM (sbV1u)

68 We respect the sacrifice of the squids. We really do know that they respect the sacrifice of the Army and the Marines.

But neither of us respects the sacrifices of the civilians in blue suits.

A bad day in the Air Force is when the cable goes out.
Posted by: Sean Bannion

Now, now Sean no need to be snide about my Zoomies.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:44 AM (iYbLN)

69 59 - Zoomies... is that Air Farce? Unless you're a pilot, you're just a civilian in uniform, I always say. With love, of course.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 19, 2012 07:44 AM (w5jBQ)

70 Now, now Sean no need to be snide about my Zoomies. Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 11:44 AM (iYbLN)

Not snide. Just reality. Go ahead, ask EoJ, he'll tell you.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:45 AM (sbV1u)

71 A bad day in the Air Force is when the cable goes out.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 11:43 AM (sbV1u) <<<<<

I suspect several thousand B-17 crewmen would take issue with that assessment.

Posted by: maddogg at June 19, 2012 07:45 AM (OlN4e)

72 Oba'ama wants to reduce the total to 300- 400. Cool, when do we launch?

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 07:46 AM (WkuV6)

Having done five shipboard deployments and now three boots on ground, they both have their relative merits and difficulties. I would rather the boots on ground because itÂ’s more diverse (despite port visits), generally better gyms, and the amount of sleep is (normally) greater. Also, the Surface Navy NEVER stops deploying. The OPTEMPO is non-stop. As we move away from deployments to Afghanistan and the Army heads home, the Navy will still be deployed.

Posted by: lando034 at June 19, 2012 07:47 AM (pZPAZ)

74 I suspect several thousand B-17 crewmen would take issue with that assessment. They were in the Army then ...

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 07:47 AM (WkuV6)

75 The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is days away from a nine-month deployment Â— one of the longest CSG cruises in decades.

When I was in the Navy in the 70s a 9 month WESPAC cruise was normal while on the Atlantic side 6 months was normal. It used to piss me off.

Posted by: Vic at June 19, 2012 07:48 AM (YdQQY)

76 I suspect several thousand B-17 crewmen would take issue with that assessment Posted by: maddogg at June 19, 2012 11:45 AM (OlN4e)

That was back in WWII when men were men and dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

It's also back when the Air Force was the ARMY Air Forces.

Posted by: King Barack I - Keeper of the Greens at June 19, 2012 07:48 AM (sbV1u)

77 @67 That's true ... if you ignore the history of aerial combat. The reason the Air Force seems like an easy gig is because of our extreme dominance. Air Force bashing is typically just a sign of jealousy.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at June 19, 2012 07:48 AM (R+6Q+)

78 67- Great minds, et cetera, et cetera.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 19, 2012 07:48 AM (w5jBQ)

79 Now, now Sean no need to be snide about my Zoomies. Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 11:44 AM (iYbLN)

Not snide. Just reality. Go ahead, ask EoJ, he'll tell you. Posted by: Sean Bannion

You're a military snob Bannion.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:49 AM (iYbLN)

If we're going to start with the inter-service spitballing, don't forget the Coasties. They hate that.

Posted by: Jaws at June 19, 2012 07:49 AM (4I3Uo)

81 You're a military snob Bannion. Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 11:49 AM (iYbLN)

I am. I am indeed.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:50 AM (sbV1u)

82 The reason the Air Force seems like an easy gig is because of our extreme dominance. Air Force bashing is typically just a sign of jealousy. I assume you are including your complete dominance of the DoD Business processes in side the building, because you Zoomie absolutely own the Army there.

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 07:50 AM (WkuV6)

But neither of us respects the sacrifices of the civilians in blue suits.<<<

One of the cardinal sins in the Army is standing around with your hands in your pockets. I can't remember how many times I've heard (and said) "Get your fuckin' hands outta your pockets."

It looks unprofessional and sloppy as shit when you're in uniform. That's why your front pockets were referred to as "Air Force gloves."

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 07:50 AM (Bdaaw)

84 Tell Mandi Sullivan that "nine months is nothing".

Posted by: Gerry at June 19, 2012 07:51 AM (JUrMe)

85 80 - Coast Guard... the canada of service branches.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 19, 2012 07:51 AM (w5jBQ)

86 That was back in WWII when men were men and dinosaurs roamed the earth.
King Barack I - Keeper of the Greens at June 19, 2012 11:48 AM (sbV1u)

I know that hash anywhere Bannion. I always knew you were a dinosaur.

I believe the were called the Army Air Corps. My best friends father was a bomber pilot in WWII and later with SAC.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:52 AM (iYbLN)

87 They were in the Army then ...

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 11:47 AM (WkuV6) <<<<

Technically, yes. but they operated with great autonomy even then. The guys on the ground were less concerned with bombing oil fields than killing the German in front of them. People should remember, every time a B-17 went down 10 men went with it. Adds up pretty fast.

Posted by: maddogg at June 19, 2012 07:52 AM (OlN4e)

88 85 80 -

Coast Guard... the canada of service branches. Posted by: BurtTC

You owe me a new keyboard.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:52 AM (iYbLN)

89 DoD Business processes in side the building, because you Zoomie absolutely own the Army there Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 11:50 AM (WkuV6)

You're not whistling Dixie there either, Jean. The bastards.

Which only further proves the point. Warriors dominate the battlefield. Bureaucrats dominate the Pentagon.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:52 AM (sbV1u)

90 President Barry wants to reduce American influence around the world so he ratcheted up the spending in order to push us up to the edge of the fiscal cliff.
We will then be left with a choice trying to rebuild the military or domestic spending.

Posted by: Muddywood at June 19, 2012 07:53 AM (4HF7h)

91 That's true ... if you ignore the history of aerial combat.

The reason the Air Force seems like an easy gig is because of our extreme dominance.

Air Force bashing is typically just a sign of jealousy. Posted by: Flatbush Joe

Oh snap!

How many astronauts were Navy or Army pilots? Hmmmm?

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:53 AM (iYbLN)

92 No need to bash the Air Force just cause it has high standards.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at June 19, 2012 07:54 AM (R+6Q+)

93 It looks unprofessional and sloppy as shit when you're in uniform. That's why your front pockets were referred to as "Air Force gloves." Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 11:50 AM (Bdaaw)

Ah, memories. To this day I can hear the deep, deep baritone of Command Sergeant Major George S. Bowman echoing across the lager point ....

"Take off your fuckin' Air Force gloves you fuckin' puke!"

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 07:56 AM (sbV1u)

94 Bureaucrats dominate the Pentagon.

Posted by: Sean Bannion

What does that make you?

Oh snap. I'm good today!!!!

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 07:56 AM (iYbLN)

95 98ZJUSMC at June 19, 2012 11:29 AM (o5js9)

Even Marines can't walk on water.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 07:56 AM (CP+yl)

96 With Barry lowering the sea levels we don't need as many ships

Posted by: TheQuietMan at June 19, 2012 07:57 AM (1Jaio)

97 Air Force bashing is typically just a sign of jealousy.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at June 19, 2012 11:48 AM (R+6Q+)

No, it's a sign of knowing that the Air Force BRASS has had a serious inferiority complex as the youngest service since their creation in '47-48. Manifests itself as extreme political clusterfuckery. Best example is the history of CAS, and the AF's jealousy of any other service getting involved in CAS while the brass simultaneously trying to strangle it in the cradle. Most prominent examples are the Key West Agreement and the repeated attempts to scrap the A-10 in favor of the CAS-inferior F16.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at June 19, 2012 07:58 AM (EFZec)

98 Actually mpfs there have been 52 Navy astronauts.

Posted by: CDR M at June 19, 2012 07:59 AM (F6+Y6)

Coast Guard... the canada of service branches.

-------------

...they always underestimate us

Posted by: Canadian Coast Guard at June 19, 2012 07:59 AM (lJSgG)

100

mpfs,

The first active-duty soldier to command the Int'l Space Station is an Army colonel.

Currently there are five active-duty astronauts who are Army aviators. Somebody has to make sure the Air Force pukes wake up before noon.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 07:59 AM (Bdaaw)

101

Anyone know the last time we lost an American warplane in air-to-air combat?

Or the last time we lost a warship...a blue water one

Posted by: Buzzsaw90 at June 19, 2012 07:59 AM (SO2Q8)

102 What does that make you?Oh snap. I'm good today!!! Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 11:56 AM (iYbLN)

I don't work in the Pentagon, and since I am no longer on active duty...and THAT is the point under discussion, the criticism is...clearly....moot.

Wanna try again?

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:00 AM (sbV1u)

103

mpfs @ 59 - I've often said that while the Navy and Army have their differences, we must never forget who the real enemy is: Air Force.

USN (retired)

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:00 AM (0APJ3)

104 How many astronauts were Navy or Army pilots? Hmmmm? Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today Many navy types, I even know a Marine one ... I'm pretty sure some of the early guys started as AAC pilots.

Posted by: Jean, team dagny at June 19, 2012 08:00 AM (WkuV6)

105 Now how am i supposed to surrender the country if our Navy is so strong that no one will try to liberate us?

Posted by: Barack at June 19, 2012 08:01 AM (SO2Q8)

106 When I was in the Navy I spent 3/4 of my life overseas or at sea. I slept in a bunk no bigger than a coffin with people above me and below me. About 100 people bunked in a room smaller than the bottom floor of my current house. I had a jet engine test stand mounted on the deck above my head. If you want to know how to be woken up out of the few hours of sleep you got think about someone firing up a jet engine on after burner 6 feet above your head.

My working environment ran > 100Â°F and my sleeping environment was > 90Â°.

Meanwhile my younger brother who was in the Air Force at the same time was stationed 50 miles from home, went home every weekend. And had his own air conditioned private room.

Posted by: Vic at June 19, 2012 08:01 AM (YdQQY)

107 Currently there are five active-duty astronauts who are Army aviators. Somebody has to make sure the Air Force pukes wake up before noon. Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 11:59 AM (Bdaaw)

Yeah, I was also gonna point out that the Army generally didn't have time to go to astronaut training because they were too busy doing actual face-to-face warfighting instead of flipping switches and pushes buttons.

But you know, it's sort of like defending religion, "To those who believe, no explanation is necessary. To those who don't, no explanation is possible."

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:02 AM (sbV1u)

108 I don't work in the Pentagon, and since I am no longer on active duty...and THAT is the point under discussion, the criticism is...clearly....moot.

Wanna try again?
Posted by: Sean Bannion

EoJ and Bannion after me? I'm honored. Gentlemen please re-holster your weapons I'm just a harmless little muppet (who loves the Zoomies.)

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:02 AM (iYbLN)

109 I've often said that while the Navy and Army have their differences, we must never forget who the real enemy is: Air Force. USN (retired)Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 12:00 PM (0APJ3)

^^^^THIS

Posted by: Sean Bannion - U.S. Naval War College Grad at June 19, 2012 08:03 AM (sbV1u)

110 But you know, it's sort of like defending religion, "To those who believe, no explanation is necessary. To those who don't, no explanation is possible."

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 12:02 PM (sbV1u)

This +++

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:03 AM (CP+yl)

111 Actually mpfs there have been 52 Navy astronauts. Posted by: CDR M

Why thanks for the info CDR M.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:03 AM (iYbLN)

112 If you all keep picking on me I'm never gonna show you my tits. You do realize that, right?

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:04 AM (iYbLN)

113 MARINE = My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:06 AM (0APJ3)

114
If you all keep picking on me I'm never gonna show you my tits. You do realize that, right?

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:04 PM (iYbLN)

And mpfs pulls out the big guns.......so to speak.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at June 19, 2012 08:06 AM (EFZec)

115 If you all keep picking on me I'm never gonna show you my tits. You do realize that, right?Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:04 PM (iYbLN)

All talk.

Posted by: Sean Bannion aka Inspector #9 on the La Perla production line at June 19, 2012 08:06 AM (sbV1u)

116 And mpfs pulls out the big guns.......so to speak.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur

Finally! A man who understands!!!

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:06 AM (iYbLN)

117

No need to bash the Air Force just cause it has high standards.

******

No kidding. The Air Force has the highest standard for Golf Courses, Exchanges, barracks, and other base amenities.

When I was in Charleston in the mid-90's, the Air Force enlisted were receiving a hardship stipend because they had to live in the Navy officer's quarters at the Weapons Station. Navy Officer housing was considered sub-standard.

Posted by: Grim at June 19, 2012 08:07 AM (0TjWd)

118 All talk.

Posted by: Sean Bannion aka Inspector #9 on the La Perla production line

I told you La Perla doesn't carry my size. Army guys, they never listen.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:07 AM (iYbLN)

119

And mpfs pulls out the big guns.......so to speak.

Pictures, etc.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:07 AM (0APJ3)

120 MARINE = My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 12:06 PM (0APJ3)Ha! I never heard that one until now!

NAVY = Never Again Volunteer Yourself.

U.S. ARMY = Uncle Sam Ain't Released Me Yet

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:08 AM (sbV1u)

121 CDR M,

Going to answer my question/statement?

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:08 AM (iYbLN)

122 USMC = Uncle Sam's Misguided Children

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:09 AM (0APJ3)

123 I told you La Perla doesn't carry my size. Army guys, they never listen.Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:07 PM (iYbLN)

Until the proof comes, it's all talk

HOWEVER....cut...jib....newsletter

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:09 AM (sbV1u)

124 Bannion,
You have a one track mind.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:10 AM (iYbLN)

125 Oh I would never pick on mpfs!

Posted by: CDR M at June 19, 2012 08:10 AM (F6+Y6)

126

You guys ever hear the story why the Marines are associated with the Navy?

Army and Navy had a choice between guard dogs and Marines. Army got first choice.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:11 AM (0APJ3)

127 Oh I would never pick on mpfs! Posted by: CDR M

Take note morons. There is one smart man.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:11 AM (iYbLN)

128 You have a one track mind.Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:10 PM (iYbLN)

See? Who said you're not bright?!?!?

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:11 AM (sbV1u)

129

I've often said that while the Navy and Army have their differences, we must never forget who the real enemy is: Air Force.
USN (retired)Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 12:00 PM (0APJ3)<<<

Butch is a fuckin' UNITER.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 08:12 AM (Bdaaw)

130 mpfs, all we Morons have a one-track mind.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:12 AM (0APJ3)

131 No tits for you EoJ.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:13 AM (iYbLN)

132 The Air Force understands that advanced technological warfare is confusing to most people. That's why it has to have such high standards. This understandably produces some anger from those who don't qualify or understand how or why the Air Force does what it does. That's ok, advanced aeronautics is hard. It's a confusing world, especially for those easily confused. Work smart, not hard. It's a useful maxim, though not one everyone can follow. And there's nothing wrong with saving the world in comfort. USAF: Providing complete aerial dominance. You're welcome, America.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at June 19, 2012 08:13 AM (R+6Q+)

133 It's a confusing world, especially for those easily confused.

Work smart, not hard. It's a useful maxim, though not one everyone can follow. And there's nothing wrong with saving the world in comfort.

USAF: Providing complete aerial dominance.

You're welcome, America. Posted by: Flatbush Joe

Standing ovation. Take a look....I'm showing you my tits.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:15 AM (iYbLN)

134 No tits for you EoJ.Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:13 PM (iYbLN)

Cheer up EoJ. I hear Gushie has a rack. Let's go see if she'll come out a play.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:15 AM (sbV1u)

135 See? Who said you're not bright?!?!?
Posted by: Sean Bannion

You are really asking for it this morning Bannion.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:15 AM (iYbLN)

136 You're just mean Bannion.

Oh and they are real and they are spectacular.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:16 AM (iYbLN)

137 A guy named Carl Builder once wrote an essay on the "personality" of each of the military services. It was HILARIOUS.

I gotta go find it again.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:16 AM (sbV1u)

138 Total. Air. Dominance. America, fuck yea!

Posted by: Thunderb at June 19, 2012 08:17 AM (Dnbau)

139 When we finally meet up Bannion you are in for a big surprise. What kind of drink do like thrown in your face?

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:18 AM (iYbLN)

140

No tits for you EoJ.<<<

That's okay. Sean'll email me a copy.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 19, 2012 08:19 AM (Bdaaw)

141 That's okay. Sean'll email me a copy. Posted by: Empire of Jeff

You'll be waiting a looooong time fellas.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:20 AM (iYbLN)

142 What kind of drink do like thrown in your face?Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:18

G&T will work if it's early in the day. Make sure it's Bombay Sapphire though.

Otherwise, stick with Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Reserve....that's bourbon for the gingers in the audience.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:20 AM (sbV1u)

143

"Standing ovation. Take a look....I'm showing you my tits."

Pics or it didn't happen.

Posted by: Huma Abedin at June 19, 2012 08:21 AM (JW/aG)

144 131 No tits for you EoJ.
---- The Tit Nazi has spoken

Posted by: Buzzsaw90 at June 19, 2012 08:22 AM (SO2Q8)

145 Most of the disparagement between branches is more an enlisted vs Officer.

Generally there's more Air Force pilots than Navy so it comes down to the quarters and conditions of the enlisted support personnel.

That includes the 2-N ships that are part of the Task Force that is MOST ALWAYS assembled around a Carrier.

Oilers, cargo ships, fast pickets, missile and submarine screens, subs (at least one attack sub) and auxilliary flight platforms and amphibian forces.

And believe me you haven't lived until you've tried to eat during a typhoon/hurricane or even a tropical or North Sea storm with waves 20+ feet and you actually come off the deck when the ship plunges.

That's of course if you CAN eat and retain it.

Even during the milder days, there's wind, spray and a relentless battle against corrosion. (it's really sweet when the snipes decide to blow tubes just after you've cleaned the upper decks.)

Then there's the knowledge that a lot of the time, you are MILES and hours away from any assistance and that the nearest land is 5 miles away . . . straight down. (Average ship dimensions not including carriers is about 350' by 50' with avg of 5 decks. Population 200-350. Carriers of course are larger with more people but this has it's own problems.)

On top of that, you maintain your work space, stand 2 4 hour watches and perform your other duties required by your specialty in you "OFF WATCH" time.

Now tell us how hard being on duty in the Air Force or Army is (except for those deployed to a combat environment.)

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:22 AM (CP+yl)

146

mpfs, cool your jets. The inter-service sniping is all in fun.

Now how 'bout them tits?

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:25 AM (0APJ3)

147 mpfs, cool your jets. The inter-service sniping is all in fun. Now how 'bout them tits?Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 12:25 PM (0APJ3)

She is cooling her jets. With ice cubes and....

I'll be in my bunk.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:27 AM (sbV1u)

148

Sean & EOJ, I call my one year at Army-centric MNF-I HQ in Baghdad my Navy appreciation tour.

The services are very different because the cultures are different. The differing cultures are due to their historical operating environments.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:28 AM (0APJ3)

149 Total Air Dominance.

To win in war, one must occupy the enemy's geography not just deny them the air.

Boots on the ground, most delivered by SEA, wins wars. Not Air Dominance.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:28 AM (CP+yl)

150 Figures. Army and Navy-- united by BUTCH fuckin'.

Posted by: Sarah Jessica Parker at June 19, 2012 08:29 AM (r2PLg)

151 maddog, while every American life lost in WW2 was a tragedy, the men of the USS Arizona, USS Juneau, USS Indianapolis, USS Wahoo, etc. etc. scoff at "10 at a time".

Posted by: tiger7_88 at June 19, 2012 08:30 AM (WAopo)

152 Sean EOJ, I call my one year at Army-centric MNF-I HQ in Baghdad my Navy appreciation tour. Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 12:28 PM (0APJ3)

I called my year at Newport my Navy Appreciation Tour.

Damn that was a good year. Way better than Leavenworth would have been.

The "short course" at Leavenworth....not the long one....

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:30 AM (sbV1u)

153 Not that it isn't nice to have no one trying to bomb or rocket one whilst approaching land or on patrol.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:31 AM (CP+yl)

154 the men of the USS Arizona, USS Juneau, USS Indianapolis, USS Wahoo, etc. etc. scoff at "10 at a time".Posted by: tiger7_88 at June 19, 2012 12:30 PM (WAopo)

My wife lost her grandfather last week. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Ain't many left now. He was supposed to be on the Arizona, but when he got to Pearl he ended up on the USS Ward.

Talk about a lucky break.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:33 AM (sbV1u)

155 Hey, the nuclear engineers who design and build our nuclear deterrent and nuclear reactors clearly are wusses who deserve our scorn. They do their jobs in air conditioned office and labs and sleep at home with their families. Scum-sucking bastards!! I demands they be forced to design and build nuclear reactors while living in a desert tent with no AC, or ship-board with 20 ft waves. Anyone who doesn't endure daily life-threatening discomfort is a sunshine fucking patriot. Fuck you, nuclear weapons designers! Pussies! I bet they golf and do crosswords in their spare time. Pricks think they're smarter than me just cause they can design a nuclear weapon. How hard could that be? They probably only got that job cause their Dad was connected or something. I coulda been a nuclear engineer if I wanted to, I just was to busy scoring with the chicks instead of being an arrogant prick-nerd. Bastards think they're better than me. Fuck them.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at June 19, 2012 08:33 AM (R+6Q+)

156

USAF: Providing complete aerial dominance.

******

Lol, you're bring up aerial dominance in a Army+Navy vs. USAF thread? Not only does the USN provide air superiority, we bring our own runways.

Posted by: Grim at June 19, 2012 08:34 AM (0TjWd)

157 GT will work if it's early in the day. Make sure it's Bombay Sapphire though.

Otherwise, stick with Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Reserve....that's bourbon for the gingers in the audience.
Posted by: Sean Bannion

You are really pushing the envelope with this ginger today. Brave aren't ya?

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:34 AM (iYbLN)

158

You can win the air war but still lose the ground war. It is difficult to win the ground war without winning the air war. Our ground forces have operated since the Korean War with total air dominance. The problem is the top ranks of the USAF are dominated by the fighter mafia - they don't care about close air support (CAS). Hence their long-term efforts to kill the A-10 and replace it with the supersonic F-16.

In WWII we could have won the Battle of the Atlantic and still lost the ground war. Had we lost the Battle of the Atlantic, we could not have liberated Europe.

Air Force & Navy exist to support that rifleman - Army or USMC - at the pointy end of the spear.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:35 AM (0APJ3)

159 Not only does the USN provide air superiority, we bring our own runways.Posted by: Grim at June 19, 2012 12:34 PM (0TjWd)

Oh! SNAP!

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:35 AM (sbV1u)

160 You are really pushing the envelope with this ginger today. Brave aren't ya?Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:34 PM (iYbLN)

I wear a titanium cup so it's all good.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:36 AM (sbV1u)

161

ItÂ’s not like theyÂ’re rowing the fucking boats.

One of these days, weÂ’ll have a president and a secretary of defense who will magically be able to provide the same level of security for half the price weÂ’re paying now. WeÂ’ve got to stop this blank check bullshit for the military.

Posted by: jwest at June 19, 2012 08:36 AM (ZDsRL)

162 Sean - Newport is niiiice. A Navy buddy of mine got to go through the NWC resident course. No such luck for me.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:37 AM (0APJ3)

163 Flatbush Joe puts it all into perspective.

Yeah everyone's got their particular job to do and they do it well.

Blah, blah, blah.

Still, Navy has it's own land force, it's own missile force and its own air force.

WE WIN.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:38 AM (CP+yl)

164 The Tit Nazi has spoken Posted by: Buzzsaw90

ROFLMAO

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:39 AM (iYbLN)

165 jwest - much of the additional cost is due to Congresscritters wanting $$$ to go to thier districts. There was a DEM CT congressman whose distric included Groton CT. He supported funding to build Ohio-class SSBNs at Elevtric Boat, but opposed funding for the nuclear missiles to be placed onboard.

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:40 AM (0APJ3)

166 JWest Is the same "strategist" that thought there would be a contested to GOP convention and to solve it - The Establishment would "appoint"- Sarah Palin. How you can have The Establishment gets you-Sarah Palin as a formulation I have no idea.

Posted by: Sarah Jessica Parker at June 19, 2012 08:40 AM (r2PLg)

167 How about this morons.

I love you all no matter what branch of the service you have served or are currently serving in. You are the best.

Now about those tits.....

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:42 AM (iYbLN)

168 Yeah, what about those tits?

Pics or your lying.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:43 AM (CP+yl)

169 There was a DEM CT congressman whose distric included Groton CT. He supported funding to build Ohio-class SSBNs at Elevtric Boat, but opposed funding for the nuclear missiles to be placed onboard.Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 12:40 PM (0APJ3)

Ha! Joe Courtney. I am working on a project with Groton now.

He's a tool.

No....he's a tool box. THAT'S how much of a tool he is.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:43 AM (sbV1u)

170

What Obama and his gang know does not frighten nearly so much as what they donÂ’t.

On this topic, let us consult Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783.. Admiral Mahan's strategic thinking on naval power influenced 20th century admirals and policy makers from Fisher, to Churchill to the Roosevelts, to Yamamato to Gorshkov to Reagan.

But not any more.

Â“Organized force alone enables the quiet and the weak to go about their business and to sleep securely in their beds, safe from the violent without or within.Â”

Â“The study of history lies at the foundation of all sound military conclusions and practice.Â”

Â“Force is never more operative than when it is known to exist but is not brandished.Â”

Posted by: Book readin' moron at June 19, 2012 08:43 AM (Xv7f/)

171 Now about those tits.....Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:42 PM (iYbLN)

Ahem....yes....about them.

:::: puts some Barry White on the stereo ::::

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:43 AM (sbV1u)

172 I'm sorry, Book readin' moron broke the blog thread.

*Putting boobs back into bra*

sorry

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:44 AM (iYbLN)

173 Hey, try formatting your copied stuff before you paste. pls.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:44 AM (CP+yl)

174 Ahem....yes....about them.

:::: puts some Barry White on the stereo ::::
Posted by: Sean Bannion

LOL

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:45 AM (iYbLN)

175 No wait. Come back, come back.

Oh, shoot!

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 08:46 AM (CP+yl)

176 Remember what that great philosopher Kelly Clarkson said "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger boys."

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:47 AM (iYbLN)

177 How you can have The Establishment gets you-Sarah Palin as a formulation I have no idea.

Posted by: Sarah Jessica Parker at June 19, 2012 12:40 PM (r2PLg)

At least I wasn't one of those idiots who thought Rick Perry was going to be the nominee.

Posted by: jwest at June 19, 2012 08:48 AM (ZDsRL)

178 Remember what that great philosopher Kelly Clarkson said "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger boys."Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 12:47 PM (iYbLN)

Actually, I heard that in Ranger school first.

Kelly Clarkson wasn't even born when I first heard that.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 19, 2012 08:50 AM (sbV1u)

179

And a great wailing was heard across the land.

Curse you, Book readin' moron!

Posted by: BUTCH at June 19, 2012 08:50 AM (0APJ3)

180 Actually, I heard that in Ranger school first.

Kelly Clarkson wasn't even born when I first heard that.

Posted by: Sean Bannion

I was KIDDING Bannion.

I read this stuff in high school.

Posted by: mpfs, pondering life today at June 19, 2012 08:51 AM (iYbLN)

181 Well, it's also the IA (Individual Augmentee) assignments. That is, using Navy personnel to augment Army/Air Force undermanning. Lots of folks I know in the Navy did their sea tours with two 9 month deployments in three years, than on their 'shore' tour went to the sand box for a year. With minimal training in infantry weapons etc. Nothing like going to do a job you didn't sign up for with inadequate training. (The Navy volunteering their folks to supplement the other services was naturally rewarded with a cut in personnel by the bean counters at DOD. Logic being if the Navy could afford to 'loan' their folks to USA/USAF than the Navy was overmanned to begin with.

Posted by: styrgwillidar at June 19, 2012 08:57 AM (IrbU4)

182 Pain is weakness leaving your body.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 09:08 AM (CP+yl)

183 I'm getting stronger and stronger.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and all that at June 19, 2012 09:09 AM (CP+yl)

184

A bad day in the Air Force was when the AC didn't work.

Last night it was 90 degrees in my machine shop. I still enjoy machining more than I liked working in a USAF DPC.

Posted by: digitalbrownshirt at June 19, 2012 09:52 AM (eHwT1)

185

My dad was a fighter pilot (VF-142, the Ghostriders) on the EISENHOWER's nine-month deployment in 1980, spending most of the time near Iran during the hostage crisis and the outset of the Iran-Iraq war. That is one heck of a long time to be at sea, even on something as massive as the IKE. My thoughts are with the men and women and their families who are facing this deployment under the reign of Jimmy Carter's ideological offspring.

We like IKE!

Posted by: Houstonian at June 19, 2012 10:00 AM (9ypY/)

186

Gentlemen, the enemy is not the other services. The enemy is out there.

Practicing his drives.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - USCG Auxiliary - no pay, no guns at June 19, 2012 11:22 AM (hLRSq)

187 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Posted by: steevy at June 19, 2012 04:26 PM (Xb3hu)

188 During peace time the Navy is tougher than the Army/Air Force. Try 119 days straight at sea. Fortunately there is a beer break. 2 beers. After 90 days. And there were, back in the days of all male crews, fights. Daily fights. As a supply guy I didn't stand watch, but during this period we had about a stretch where the watch standers, 80% of the crew, were on port and starboard for 30 days straight - 6 hours on, 6 hours off (and when you're 'off', you still have day to day 'maintenance' activities Mon-Sat i.e. writing evaluations, maintaining the equipment). It was so bad during this period I didn't watch the evening movie in the wardroom because I was sick of the hassle - 'the chop's here again, he's here every night because he doesn't stand watches'.

Posted by: East Bay Jay at June 19, 2012 06:13 PM (7v8o1)

189

I was in FITRON84 (Jolly Rogers) on the Independence in the 60's. 9 or 10 months was routine for deployments. My rack was directly under the arresting gear, and my job was nightcheck flight deck troubleshooter. Before that, however,I did my 90-day mess-cranking gig in the Chief's mess. The Gunny Sergeant in the Marine detachment schooled me on the difference of mission for each service: Air Force- To ensure each county in the USA has exchange/commissary/golf courses for AF retirees. Coast Guard- To ensure holes are bored through ice in winter and seine nets don't obstruct creek mouths. Navy- Portable assets for hauling Marines. Army- To do the dying. Marines- To do the killing. And of course, the Seabees- That niche crossover group between the Navy and Marines. They do the building, fighting, and heavy drinking. Seriously, they all play a part, but boots on the ground, and dead enemy, not to mention won and kept territory, is the name of the game. Word. And everybody knows it.

EROWMER, EOC (SCW/AW) Ret

Posted by: EROWMER at June 19, 2012 08:01 PM (sIm3i)

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