Originally posted by SBS1908B:
True true and true. But can't Indon share a little of the blame for being slow in giving permission?
Bear in mind that not everyone is as efficient as you wish them to be. Remember your holidays overseas and you'll complain about this or that countries' inefficiencies? And yes, the US too. Sometimes they can be ridiculously inefficient.
In this case, the HQ of the small CBG (Carrier Battle Group), possibly PACOM would ve informed the US military attache, stationed in US Embassy, Jakarta about the CBG's movement. I believe it's the military attache's job to put the request to the Indonesian authorities. And his job to follow up if permission is not granted.
Apparently, he failed in his duties. He failed to get a reply from the Indonesians in time. He failed to notify the CBG Commander that permission was not forthcoming. Or if he did, then the Naval Commander of the small CBG acted in defiance of USN Standing Orders which forbids USN ships to sail into the territorial waters of another nation without the invitation or permission from that country. Except when the US is at war with that nation or when the ship is in distress.
Like i said, even if all F-16s are shot down, US still lose. They're in the wrong and even her friends and allies will find it difficult not to condemn her actions. What more her enemies? The incident will only give "ammo" to her enemies, both overseas and at home.
And now that the Indonesians and others too know that USN ships will sail thru even without permission, imagine this scenario. A rogue nation withholds permission for a similar CBG to sail thru. CBG continue irregardless. Rogue nation sends up 2 aging F-5Es or MIG-21s to investigate. CBG escorting F-18s intercept. F-5Es ignore IFF. F-18 fires. F-5Es pilots ejected to be picked up by SAR later.
Rogue nation's losses? 2 aging fighters and minor injuries to 2 pilots and some fuel. Cheap price to pay to humilate the US internationally and im sure there're more than a handful of organisations that would love to humilate the US.
US losses? Zero military hardware but faces international condemnation and possibly hostilities at home. Bad publicity the US can ill afford. Especially in the current world situation.
This is just my personal opinion. I've no access to classified information with regards to the said incident.
ORCA
DE OPPRESSO LIBER
I WILL ALWAYS PLACE THE MISSION FIRST.
I WILL NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT.
I WILL NEVER QUIT.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE A FALLEN COMRADE.
