tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post7617583687947622447..comments2024-03-27T06:40:56.148-04:00Comments on EagleSpeak: Persian Gulf: USNS Rappahannock Fires after Vessel ignores warningsMark Tempesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18172703868541571574noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post-45730381521793810012012-07-20T09:32:14.133-04:002012-07-20T09:32:14.133-04:00"It is a shame someone has to die for stupidi..."It is a shame someone has to die for stupidity."<br /><br />Unfortunately, it's probably the number one killer, everywhere. Considering how much press piracy has gotten (which makes naval reductions even more curious, but that's another discussion), it should be pretty common knowledge among mariners in the area, either through the media or word of mouth (the Middle East runs on rumors, so word gets around, whether it's accurate or not is a different question), that once shots have been fired, backing off is the only reasonable option.<br /><br />Even in the West, one periodically encounters someone who has a fragementary knowledge of the rules of the road. This is often seen in people who read the part about sailing vessels having the right of way but didn't continue on to the section about vessels constrained by draft, towing, minesweeping and so on. This has been the source of many exciting moments for OODs and the deck watch of large merchant vessels.Shadowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15388843890140644376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post-10898413084057877822012-07-18T10:23:29.756-04:002012-07-18T10:23:29.756-04:00It would appear that the EST sailors DID follow RO...It would appear that the EST sailors DID follow ROE, you assuming otherwise? And yes the Indian boat crew was wrong to approach a USNS and NOT heed many warnings. There is always the 10% who do NOT get the message.<br />OTOH maybe the boat was acting in a threatening manner and DID appear suspicious? And did NOT look like an ordinary fishing boat?leeseahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18420319144673744218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post-7911904055979732352012-07-17T09:04:48.502-04:002012-07-17T09:04:48.502-04:00It is a shame someone has to die for stupidity. I...It is a shame someone has to die for stupidity. I only hope that the sailors followed protocol and the Indian helmsman was just plain stupid. Does anyone not know that warships exude danger to anyone foolish enough to challenge?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post-62253109000579681742012-07-16T20:55:08.414-04:002012-07-16T20:55:08.414-04:00Very good wrap-up with great graphics; many thanks...Very good wrap-up with great graphics; many thanks for sharing!J. Scott Shipmanhttp://tobeortodo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438008.post-53571576102199838122012-07-16T14:40:54.075-04:002012-07-16T14:40:54.075-04:00I have served on the Rappahannock and numerous oth...I have served on the Rappahannock and numerous other vessels in the Persian Gulf. It is not uncommon to have unknown craft approach USNS ships, but never have I seen them not get the message and turn away. It is reported that they were just fishermen, but the question is why did they not turn away in the face of superior firepower. It is a tradgedy, but the security forces did the right thing and I am sure they are not happy about having to do it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com