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Originally Posted by MS@HK  an air craft carrier with hundreds of foreign soldiers....im not much into geopolitik but that sounds a bit unappetizing...I can already hear the pentagon abuzz if a Chinese destroyer crew decided to take a Hawaii sojourn...... |
A a member of the navy for 25 yr years i feel I should point out.
1) Vessels ( Ships / boats / submarines ) have sailors not soldiers. Their air arm is navy so classified as sailors.
2) The guys on vessels in olive green are Marines and they fly aircraft in Camouflage gear in respect for their comrades serving below.
3) The Chinese Navy would no doubt have no problem turning up announced in the Hawaiian Island, unlike the Japanese who preferred to hold a surprise party. However they are, unlike the US, not a deep water navy and with few exceptions never ventured to far from home. Not because they wouldn't like to see the world, but maybe because they have limited experience and logistic support required for such adventures as a flotilla, rather than a single unit attached to a multi national group.
I think a lot of us, with experience of doing multiple visits, in the " floating " foreign service, where not surprised to see such a cock up. It isn't just a case of turning up and saying howdy. I have a feeling that their was some goings on on both side of the pond. I was on a ship not allowed into a US port because state department clearance had not arrived. We went to Jamaica instead and made the most of our disappointment !!!!!!!!
