Thanks again for your reply but "Generals aren't sailors?" That's weak. This isn't solely about the Navy. Being the General on the ground in Iraq I would have to think he knows what makes his mission work. As I said; if he says "the UAE is absolutely vital" I have to take him at his word.
Not in the least. Nobody understands a ships security needs & vulnerabilities more than a sailor especially a ships Captain who ultimately will be the scapegoat for Flags screw ups. You can't when tied up at a pier just put the key in the ignition switch and drive off. You tell me other than some PC charges when was the last time a Flag Officer was relieved of duty for their screw ups? None were relieved of duty even for the KITTY HAWK or USS KENNEDY problems even though the problems were a direct result of FLAG Officers {Admirals in the Pentagon} decisions relating to needed shipyard work.