USS Kitty Hawk

The USS Kitty Hawk visited Guam two days ago. Stars and Stripes reports that she will stay in commission longer to cover for the USS George Washington, undergoing repairs after a fire on board.

That means that Kitty Hawk will take part in RIMPAC, Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

Picture above: "Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Michael Bramlett, of Moreno Valley, Calif., watches flight operations from an aircraft tow tractor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photoh by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Anthony R. Martinez (Released)"

USNS Mercy Helicopter Faces Gunfire in Philippines

A newspaper in San Diego notes that someone put two bullet holes in the tail section of a helicopter from the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship, that is now doing good work in the Phillipines.

The helicopter was transporting people from inland to the ship and the damage was found when it returned to the ship.

There are various rebel, terrorist and Marxist groups in the area, apparently, who could be responsible.

Photo above is from the Mercy:
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Jon Gesch

Fleet Reluctantly Leaves Burma

I heard on the news last night that the fleet waiting offshore to help with the disaster in Burma has finally had to leave because it was not allowed to help, in spite of many, many offers to help.

Just a few flights were allowed in.

Who knows how many people could have been saved, and could still be helped, by those ships.

It's a real tragedy.

The military "leaders" of Burma serve nobody but themselves, not the people, no higher good, just "I, me, mine."

Myanmar Fears US Invasion

The International Herald Tribune has an interesting article about Burma, the key points being:

1. Burma fears a US invasion to take their oil.

2. They fear it would come from the Irrawaddy Delta, hardest hit by the storm.

3. They have "abandoned the previous capital in Yangon, in the south, in 2005 and built a bunker-laden operation in the dusty, less populated north to prepare for it — or so goes the popular belief."

4. Hence, the USS Kitty Hawk and three other ships that are ready to help (not invade), along with a French ship, the Mistral, and a British ship, the HMS Westminister, plough the waters offshore, hands tied.

It's a tragic situation.