Editorial: No reason for rejection

[unhappycamper]

Editorial: No reason for rejection

It’s been two months since the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan without its amphibs, yet Navy and Marine Corps leaders still haven’t adequately explained why chartered aircraft and a civilian-run cargo ship were preferable to the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group.

The MEU and ESG spent months training together in anticipation of their scheduled deployment, but when the MEU was ordered to Afghanistan, the Marines flew directly to the war zone; their gear followed on a fast sealift ship.

The ships of the Nassau ESG deployed, too — essentially empty.

Asked why May 22, Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway deflected the question and instead explained how flexible his forces are.

“I would say those things you just described more talks to our adaptability to go into a land-locked country than the need or value of amphibious ships,” he said.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/community/opinion/navy_editorial_rejection_060908/