[Carry_Okie]

There are places on any ship where a really lucky RPG shot can do some damage.

Waaah. Then 20mm, or whatever it takes. My point is that at no time in WWII would we have been so stupid. We are virtually assuring that the Muzzie pirates will feel safe doing exactly what you needlessly fear by completely disarming supply ships and ordering them to avoid all confrontation. Such behavior places the time and place of a real attack at the enemy's discretion with virtually guaranteed substantial loss of life. Best that they not know what we are going to do and force them to maintain a safe distance.

[Oztrich Boy]

Waaah. Then 20mm, or whatever it takes

Funny you should mention that. On the Other side of the pond the closed equivalent (navy owned, mostly civilian crew) to the USNS Lewis and Clark is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Fort Rosalie

RFA Fort Rosalie this is what we do