From the 25-Nov-2013 navy.mil website news we get this update on Freedom's heroic disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. On 24-Nov, USS Freedom (LCS 1) delivered the 10 pallets of disaster relief supplies that we discussed previously, here. The supplies were delivered by helo from Freedom’s position 16 miles off the coast of Tacloban , Philippines San Diego
Here’s a photo of 2 of the 10 pallets aboard Freedom.
Does anyone seriously still think this was anything but a PR stunt?
The majority of relief vessels (GW Strike Group) left around the same time. The sea-based portion of Operation Daimyon was/is winding down.
ReplyDeleteNo denying the Navy got maximum PR value out of Freedom's deployment! But in terms of actual utility of her deployment, and how she was employed -- the facts are probably still forthcoming.
I'd imagine we'll see an article in Proceedings to that effect - objectively highlighting both the good and bad.
Matt
In fairness, almost all foreign disaster relief efforts are PR stunts.
ReplyDeleteThe immediate emphasis has to be on in evacuation, extremis rescue, and limiting the damage in the first 48-hours; but follow on disaster relief efforts simply must be focused on restoration of the transportation network and water/fuel/electrical services. This calls for major emphasis on restoration of harbors and port operations, airports, potable water, and fuel/electricity – pretty much in that order.
I would like to see a cost analysis of what it cost to deliver those ten pallets. I bet a single C-17 airdrop would have cost less and delivered more! Not that aerial delivery of supplies is efficient or cost effective, but compared to this…
GAB
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ReplyDeleteAre you shitting me.
Unless they're stupendously wide, I could fit about 4 or 6 of those in my trailer. Probably 8 if I really felt like it.
When the vaunted logistic capability of your multi-million dollar ship can be pretty much equalled by a 4WD towing an old, creaky trailer, you need to sit down and take bloody long, hard look at yourself.
That's just several kinds of sad.
My wife comes from the hardest-hit area - Eastern Samar, right on the open Pacific. Her family survived although many nearby did not. We've already shipped over to relatives in Luzon about as much stuff as would be held in two of those boxes, as well as money. The relatives then make the difficult journey down to Samar and distribute the supplies and use the money to purchase rice, nails, and pots & pans, and then distribute those. They're making sure this stuff is only going to the people who are now homeless or who have no food in her village. Not to brag or anything, but for about $1,500-$2,000, I think we've helped more people than has the Freedom.
ReplyDelete