As a matter of policy yes if it is a foreign port unless the ally is much more stable with a long proved record such as Australia or the PI's for example. Any ship that can not under it's own power {meaning requiring no tugs or a pilot} moor pier side and get underway needs to anchor off coast in the M.E. The ship may only have minutes to get underway.
If so, this is independent of the UAE issue then.
No not really.
Perhaps you should volunteer your expert information to the Pentagon. Write them. I'm sure with your credentials and expertise they would fly you up there to straighten them out since you have been on carriers and know what you're talking about.
No the leaders I served under weren't quite so foolish and arrogant. What we have running the Pentagon now is ones either Poppy or Bubba pushed up through the ranks. They are politicians first and have long since forgotten their military duties.
More of a clinton deal IMHO....see post #670.
Well if you are such an expert perhaps you should contact the Pentagon to suggest a few things to help them out. Write down your suggestions and send them in to them. Sounds like they desperately need your expert advice.