Flood-Hit Thailand Declines Offer Of Help: US Navy

[OzMick]

The turning of billions of liter of salty sea water into drinking water is a nice thing but having a source for drinking water is probably the least problem useless without any logistics to distribute all the drinking water to the places where its needed.

Problem sorted.

(photo of helicopter caring goods removed, cause i cannot post links)

What's the next one?

Hello team America. Its not needed.

Who said that the Thailand runs out of sources for drinking water?

The Thai army thinks they can do what necessary and PM Yingluck authorized them to do so.

Its nice the some US sailors help and fill sand bags. But Thailand will not be doomed without that nuclear powered US ship and has its own army that battles with the flood.

So please stop insulting the Thai authorities, the PM and the Thai armed forces. That water swaps trough Thailand with or without any US navy seals on the ground. They cannot do what the Thais could not do too.

"The Thai government on Tuesday approved a plan to import food and drinking water................." They'd rather pay for it. I'll have to google "Ample Rich Drinking Water"

[bangkokrick]

This is what the US ship Mustin has been doing.

My link

[BigRick]

There is only one word needed "Logistics" The United States is pretty exceptional at this very important concept. The worlds best equipped(Seriously we got little robot planes that can kill you in the middle of nowhere) military needs the best logistics system to support it. Thailand benefits from the United States just like it benefits from many nations who bring business here like Japan and the European union. Those people should have a vested interest to save as much "materials" as possible. The crazy part about a flood is its a slow burn disaster it does not happen in a small window of time this is weeks long. Thailand should have said "Yes" use your resources and logistics to give us more scope on what is considered a historic flood. When its 50 year flood its no <deleted> around flood save as many people as you can get them food shelter clean water medical help. If your house was under water and your friend said let me help are you going to say no? Its not like the Cambodian navy came.

[ricku]

I have said it before and I'll happily say it again.

What Thailand needs is a Singapore style government.

There, I said it again.

[zorro1]

The conversation US navy and Thailand

US navy: Thailand can we help?

Thailand: Up to you

US navy: we want to help

Thailand: No thanks we dont want your help

US navy: <deleted>? you need help , yes or no?

Thailand: Up to you

US navy: <deleted>?..........

[MaxYakov]

An American aircraft carrier the size of the USS George Washington has the following.

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

At least they would be dry.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

And delivering 220V/50hz, without overload, right?

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Let's not forget to feed the crew as well. Or would they all be ashore?

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

How much is used by the crew and the propulsion system and is bottling and delivery practical?

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

These could come in handy, but if it really on a serious relief effort, one would think it would be carrying many more.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

I saw at least a planeload of inflatable boats with motors being delivered from China.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

Not in your wildest dreams. Not unless the US was somehow the cause of this disaster.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

Definitely. Maybe it is better to keep the warships doing warship stuff.

There must be more practical ways to deliver relief aid than using a Carrier Task Force.

[transam]

An American aircraft carrier the size of the USS George Washington has the following.

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

At least they would be dry.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

And delivering 220V/50hz, without overload, right?

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Let's not forget to feed the crew as well. Or would they all be ashore?

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

How much is used by the crew and the propulsion system and is bottling and delivery practical?

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

These could come in handy, but if it really on a serious relief effort, one would think it would be carrying many more.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

I saw at least a planeload of inflatable boats with motors being delivered from China.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

Not in your wildest dreams. Not unless the US was somehow the cause of this disaster.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

Definitely. Maybe it is better to keep the warships doing warship stuff.

There must be more practical ways to deliver relief aid than using a Carrier Task Force.

Change your avatar to a bicycle eh.

[KeyserSoze01]

To refuse help from the US is bordering on insanity. What is better, to lose 'face' or to lose lives?

The way things are going the Government will end up begging for International help. The flood is the tip of the iceberg,as the coming diseases are going to be the biggest problem.

Why do you think like this?

The USA is trying to make MONEY out of other peoples suffering - all countries that accept "The offer" will be handed a HUGE OVER INFLATED BILL later on, of course this can be negotiated later on BUT SELLING your PEOPLES SOLES to the DEVIL is not the right way to go.

Face up to the real world Rick, as the Thai politicians obviously do, they are not stupid as you are inferring.

And just how would the US make any MONEY from providing relief aid to the Thais at this time?

Do you have any evidence that this has ever taken place before or that it would take place in this case?

Come on, we're waiting for the all powerful Oz to show us the light.

There are some truly ignorant people posting on this thread, but you take the cake. Either ignorant or a troll, either of which is disgusting given the current state of affairs in Thailand.

[MaxYakov]

Change your avatar to a bicycle eh.

What is it now? I haven't checked lately.

[KeyserSoze01]

No, I am serious the invoice typically would read as follows: Helicopter time = @ US$11,350. per hour x 50 = US$ 567,500 ---- 300 mud shovels (US army issue) @ US$200 x 300 = US$60,000 --- etc.... etc... the prices the US government charge is outrageous so if the Thai Government and authorities can just about manage on their own its far better than accepting help. its like "with friends like these who need enemies"?

In comparison when the Thai army or navy runs a bell helicopter for one hour the cost is set at around Baht 45,000 (US$ 1,459) See the difference?

Source, please? If this is commonplace then there will be public reporting of it and I would be interested to see it.

Sorry Emily, but trolls have no need to substantiate their claims. Their only mission is to rile everyone up with innuendo and misdirection. Don't expect any facts form this lot.

[transam]

To refuse help from the US is bordering on insanity. What is better, to lose 'face' or to lose lives?

The way things are going the Government will end up begging for International help. The flood is the tip of the iceberg,as the coming diseases are going to be the biggest problem.

Why do you think like this?

The USA is trying to make MONEY out of other peoples suffering - all countries that accept "The offer" will be handed a HUGE OVER INFLATED BILL later on, of course this can be negotiated later on BUT SELLING your PEOPLES SOLES to the DEVIL is not the right way to go.

Face up to the real world Rick, as the Thai politicians obviously do, they are not stupid as you are inferring.

And just how would the US make any MONEY from providing relief aid to the Thais at this time?

Do you have any evidence that this has ever taken place before or that it would take place in this case?

Come on, we're waiting for the all powerful Oz to show us the light.

There are some truly ignorant people posting on this thread, but you take the cake. Either ignorant or a troll, either of which is disgusting given the current state of affairs in Thailand.

+1

[OzMick]

To refuse help from the US is bordering on insanity. What is better, to lose 'face' or to lose lives?

The way things are going the Government will end up begging for International help. The flood is the tip of the iceberg,as the coming diseases are going to be the biggest problem.

Why do you think like this?

The USA is trying to make MONEY out of other peoples suffering - all countries that accept "The offer" will be handed a HUGE OVER INFLATED BILL later on, of course this can be negotiated later on BUT SELLING your PEOPLES SOLES to the DEVIL is not the right way to go.

Face up to the real world Rick, as the Thai politicians obviously do, they are not stupid as you are inferring.

And just how would the US make any MONEY from providing relief aid to the Thais at this time?

Do you have any evidence that this has ever taken place before or that it would take place in this case?

Come on, we're waiting for the all powerful Oz to show us the light.

There are some truly ignorant people posting on this thread, but you take the cake. Either ignorant or a troll, either of which is disgusting given the current state of affairs in Thailand.

Thank you for the compliment, but please leave me out of it.

[Just1Voice]

An American aircraft carrier the size of the USS George Washington has the following.

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

At least they would be dry.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

And delivering 220V/50hz, without overload, right?

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Let's not forget to feed the crew as well. Or would they all be ashore?

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

How much is used by the crew and the propulsion system and is bottling and delivery practical?

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

These could come in handy, but if it really on a serious relief effort, one would think it would be carrying many more.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

I saw at least a planeload of inflatable boats with motors being delivered from China.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

Not in your wildest dreams. Not unless the US was somehow the cause of this disaster.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

Definitely. Maybe it is better to keep the warships doing warship stuff.

There must be more practical ways to deliver relief aid than using a Carrier Task Force.

Were you born a pessimist, or is this something you work very hard at being?

[OzMick]

An American aircraft carrier the size of the USS George Washington has the following.

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

At least they would be dry.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

And delivering 220V/50hz, without overload, right?

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Let's not forget to feed the crew as well. Or would they all be ashore?

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

How much is used by the crew and the propulsion system and is bottling and delivery practical?

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

These could come in handy, but if it really on a serious relief effort, one would think it would be carrying many more.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

I saw at least a planeload of inflatable boats with motors being delivered from China.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

Not in your wildest dreams. Not unless the US was somehow the cause of this disaster.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

Definitely. Maybe it is better to keep the warships doing warship stuff.

There must be more practical ways to deliver relief aid than using a Carrier Task Force.

The Abe Lincoln was parked off Aceh after the tsunami. Strange as it may seem, it was very welcome and helped immensely, even though the locals had been assured that the US was the Great Satan by the muslim separatists (they now seem to be out of business). It seems we have your opinion as opposed to actual recent historical record.

[endure]

...today the US help you, tomorrow they'll be ready to reclaim the favor and put it in your a**...

and don't tell me it never happened before

Yep, and here is their telephone no, if you need help: 1914-1918 1939-1945

There is a special no for Koreans: 1950-1953

I tried calling the first two numbers but couldn't get through. I found that 1917-1918 and 1941-1945 worked though.

[NiratLipivetchkulkit]

this is what i think

my eng suck so please dont bother with my poor spelling and grammar

from what i saw when i was deliver supply to flood victim (ayudthaya 4 time and navanakorn industrail zone serveral time) i dont think more heli will help. we got enough heli and supplies we got shit load of supplies at refugee camp and i dont think heli is a good way of distribution heli is good when doing heavy lift from prepare landing zone a to b , med evac , surveillance but when you need to deliver supplies to flood victim who stuck in 2 floor or live in narrow alley, wind power from heli will cause a lot of problem for surrounding environment.

and where do you think heli can land most of dry place got a lot of victim occupied not much dry ground left to spare

usa carrier not much a helper but usa man power, boat and truck that what we need

1.i dont think carrier group will carry a lot of motorized inflatable boats and willing to give it away to victim

2.no no large scale refugee at carrier, it call cbg carrier battle group for some reason (may be im wrong about this)

3.we got a lot of supplies most of reason that you cant buy dry food or water because a lot of people stock or donate them but yesterday when i go to chonburi to buy water they still got a lot

4.man power or medicare, we need this

5.large scale evac then good to have extra heli but small deliver from heli i dont think so

Edited October 25, 2011 by NiratLipivetchkulkit

[hedonist44]

Amazing how folk here knock the USA, yet they are giving more aid to more countries than anyone, Always there when another country has a problem. Jealousy or envy comes to mind for some. If it wasn't for the USA l wouldn't be here now and a particular religious race would have been wiped out. No l am not one of these folk but my dad survived so l can be here cos of the USA.

Foreign folk, who wanted to help after the Tsunami had problems with naff bureaucracy who had no consideration for their own natives.

Well said, Thank you!

[ThaiKiwi]

This whole story is wrong. The spokesperson for the US Navy confirmed that they are presently providing all the help that they can under the present circumstances and that all communication with the Thai government has been straight forward and clear.

You never know but this story might have been made up to make the government look bad.

[craigt3365]

This is another warning to STOP with the Thai and American bashing. You've been warned numerous times. Warnings and posting suspensions are now in process.

PLEASE! Stay Civil!!

:jap: :jap: :jap: :jap: :jap:

Edit: Several off topic/bashing posts have been removed. Apologies to the members who replies to these threads.

Edited October 25, 2011 by craigt3365

[Screws]

"There were two channels (in the Thai government)," the defense official told AFP. "One was saying 'Yes' and one was saying 'No.'"

I wonder which channel of the Thai government said no? I sure hope this fact is revealed.

Things are different now. All will be revealed.

[itishothere]

this is what i think

my eng suck so please dont bother with my poor spelling and grammar

from what i saw when i was deliver supply to flood victim (ayudthaya 4 time and navanakorn industrail zone serveral time) i dont think more heli will help. we got enough heli and supplies we got shit load of supplies at refugee camp and i dont think heli is a good way of distribution heli is good when doing heavy lift from prepare landing zone a to b , med evac , surveillance but when you need to deliver supplies to flood victim who stuck in 2 floor or live in narrow alley, wind power from heli will cause a lot of problem for surrounding environment.

and where do you think heli can land most of dry place got a lot of victim occupied not much dry ground left to spare

usa carrier not much a helper but usa man power, boat and truck that what we need

1.i dont think carrier group will carry a lot of motorized inflatable boats and willing to give it away to victim

2.no no large scale refugee at carrier, it call cbg carrier battle group for some reason (may be im wrong about this)

3.we got a lot of supplies most of reason that you cant buy dry food or water because a lot of people stock or donate them but yesterday when i go to chonburi to buy water they still got a lot

4.man power or medicare, we need this

5.large scale evac then good to have extra heli but small deliver from heli i dont think so

The first post in this thread that makes sense. Someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

:jap:

[elektrified]

Before this wreck is done, Thailand will be asking for and getting help from a dozen or more nations and the UN.

Disease will likely break out due to people being forced into unhealthy living conditions.

I hope I am wrong but I see bad things ahead.

. . . I hope that I am wrong about this major disease thing, butwhen I see the Thai government refusing the aid of three or four US Navy shipsand personnel for two weeks, I have to resist the temptationr to do anything on their own and are stuck depending on a failed stateto help and communicate solutions.

Frankly, I don't know what to do about a nation whose priority during a time of crisis and evacuation is to give preference to parked cars on overpasses instead of supply and escape routes. That is absolute madness! And they could remedy the situation so easily. Just call in some tanks and/or bulldozers and push those cars off in the ditch in one or two spots and the rest of them would rush to clear out their cars in a minute.

"Unhealthy living conditions" is a mild definition of the problem - It's gargantuan. Disease and contamination is and has been the main issue. Astonishing how little has been mentioned about this in the Thai press. Hardly a word. It's rather obvious when you look at those photos of people in waist deep waste. Where are they urinating and defecating? Where are all those dogs urinating and defecating? right where they eat is the answer. Right where they are standing. What about the dead animal corpses of dogs and cows and horses that have just drowned or starved to death? Are they just decomposing in the flood water with all that fecal matter? Is that contaminated garbage, decomposed animals, and extensive fecal matter flood water flowing through hundreds of clinics and hospitals? This in an already suspect sanitary condition and unhygienic nation. I've seen photos of people preparing food in a make shift market with flood water up over their waste and others just waiting for the food. I don't see any sign of the government ever "cracking down" on sanitary conditions for as long as I can remember. Why should they worry now? Well , I hope I am wrong too, but we'll have to hope that there are no outbreaks of Cholera and Typhoid as well as many other outbreaks and health problems. Yet the newspapers still run articles promoting that travel is safe in many areas and tourism should be unaffected. Business news keeps promoting that we'll be re open for business in 45 days. The Thai flood disaster sets up a sitting duck health disaster with an unusually large scale. It just mystifies me as to how the government and business leadership could just ignore making preparations for human relocation on advance notice as well as put measures in place to offset the hygiene and health issues. In photographs, you can also note the dogs and cats being invited in to the temporary encampments at Tamest and Don Mooing and now being moved to National Stadium. I hope that I am wrong about this major disease thing, but when I see the Thai government refusing the aid of three or four US Navy ships and personnel, I have to resist the temptation, knowing Thais, is that they already know something we don't and they don't want outsiders being alerted to the scale of the problem. I hope I am wrong for the sake of the Thai people who had no power to do anything on their own and are stuck depending on a failed state to help.

Good post. Some good issues raised. I agree with the potential crisis of disease from unsanitary conditions. When we were flooded in Chiang Mai we had dead and bloating rats, snakes, and fish laying all over the moobaan. Also the moobaan is littered everywhere with dog feces and that was mixed in with the water coming in to our property. I also saw people fishing in the sois. How could anyone even consider eating the fish after it had been in dog-shit laced water?

BTW, I was watching NHK (Japanese news channel in English) tonight and they are showing some footage that is not being shown on Thai television. If you can get NHK check it out.

[sbk]

OK, this is ridiculous. I realize that feelings are high and that people are stressed out but the vitriol and nastiness displayed by people in this thread is beyond belief.

I am going to start suspending every single person that infringes a rule regardless of how minor that infringement is, starting now. It seems that some of you people are incapable of retaining a modicum of civility, so perhaps some time off will allow you to regain that civility.

[rogerdee123]

Good post. Some good issues raised. I agree with the potential crisis of disease from unsanitary conditions. When we were flooded in Chiang Mai we had dead and bloating rats, snakes, and fish laying all over the moobaan. Also the moobaan is littered everywhere with dog feces and that was mixed in with the water coming in to our property. I also saw people fishing in the sois. How could anyone even consider eating the fish after it had been in dog-shit laced water?

BTW, I was watching NHK (Japanese news channel in English) tonight and they are showing some footage that is not being shown on Thai television. If you can get NHK check it out.

elektrified you really have a way with words. Makes me want to run over to 'Chester's' for a "pla tuu" plate.

[MaxYakov]

An American aircraft carrier the size of the USS George Washington has the following.

< snipped specifications of USS George Washington for brevity >

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

At least they would be dry.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

And delivering 220V/50hz, without overload, right?

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Let's not forget to feed the crew as well. Or would they all be ashore?

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

How much is used by the crew and the propulsion system and is bottling and delivery practical?

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

These could come in handy, but if it really on a serious relief effort, one would think it would be carrying many more.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

I saw at least a planeload of inflatable boats with motors being delivered from China.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

Not in your wildest dreams. Not unless the US was somehow the cause of this disaster.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

Definitely. Maybe it is better to keep the warships doing warship stuff.

There must be more practical ways to deliver relief aid than using a Carrier Task Force.

The Abe Lincoln was parked off Aceh after the tsunami. Strange as it may seem, it was very welcome and helped immensely, even though the locals had been assured that the US was the Great Satan by the muslim separatists (they now seem to be out of business). It seems we have your opinion as opposed to actual recent historical record.

USS Abraham Lincoln Wiki Entry:

... The carrier was on a port call in Hong Kong when a the 9.0-magnitude 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake struck southern Asia on 26 December 2004. To help with the international relief effort and assist with search and rescue efforts already underway, the Lincoln to provide humanitarian assistance. The deployment was designated Operation Unified Assistance.

In mid-January 2005 the carrier left Indonesian waters after the Indonesian government refused to allow fighter pilots assigned to deployed to the hard hit western coast of Sumatra Lincoln to conduct air patrols and training flights. By law, US carrier-based pilots must practice at least once every two to three weeks to remain "fit," otherwise they are grounded. Despite the move into international waters, Lincoln continued to provide support to the region until 4 February. During the carrier's 33 days on station, she and her battle group, Carrier Strike Group Nine delivered 5.7 million pounds of relief supplies. The 17 helicopters assigned to HSL-47 Sabrehawks and HS-2 "Golden Falcons", attached to CVW-2 flew 1,747 relief missions along the western coast of Sumatra. The carrier's departure coincided with the arrival of the hospital ship Mercy.

Extract from a 1/30/2005 Article by Journalist 1st Class (SW) Joaquin Juatai, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs:

Crew members ensure that vital food, water and medicine supplies are ferried to the survivors of the devastating tsunami that struck the Aceh province on the island of Sumatra Dec. 26.

...

The Sailors catch the morning's helicopters to Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base in Banda Aceh, the logistics hub for relief efforts in northern Indonesia. There, they unload trucks and airplanes full of aid supplies, such as food and medicine, and then load it all back into the helicopters of CVW-2 for delivery to towns and villages isolated by the destructive wave.

Are you comparing the 2004 tsunami event to the current problem in Thailand where the government and the people have had months to prepare? Do you suppose the Indonesian government reimbursed the US for services rendered? But I digress.

I was pointing out item-by-item what I thought were the restrictions of using an aircraft carrier for disaster relief. All those restrictions I mentioned applied equally to the USS Abraham Lincoln. If the USS Abraham Lincoln had done anything more what I have quoted above, then why didn't Journalist 1st Class (SW) Joaquin Juatai (Public Affairs) mention those? Apparently it used used primarily to unload and load supplies by supplying manpower from the crew and ferrying them to shore. I'm sure it's helicopters were useful.

However, there was nothing mentioned about supplying water, cooking meals for refugees, supplying power, providing medical care, supplying inflatable boats or sheltering tsunami victims. And this was an emergency!

A new restriction of a US aircraft carrier has emerged from my research (Wiki):

"By law, US carrier-based pilots must practice at least once every two to three weeks to remain "fit," otherwise they are grounded."

Perhaps the Thai government office that (allegedly) said 'No" had some qualms about US warplanes buzzing around?

Also, we don't know exactly how the USS George Washington was provisioned for the relief effort or any of the details regarding its deployment. However, perhaps we can look back at the USS Abraham Lincoln experience for insight. It was doubtlessly ill-equipped for the relief effort since it had to sail on short notice.

Even if the USS George Washington had been fully-provisioned as a disaster relief vessel, there are still practical limitations as to how it could be used and limitations on how much degradation of its primary task capability would be allowed.

It does have a day job. That job is to provide a deterrent threat. There are Japan, Taiwan and South Korea to consider.

[thaiphoon]

STAY ON TOPIC.

Posts/responses have been deleted.

[annabel]

I so absolutely absolutely agree with you !! I am certainly not a USA fan and very very far from it.... However this is one occasion where I can give them a high five as there is nothing here in Thailand that they come back and claim and take over ...so to the psoter who insinuated that ,,,Pfff on you... opps I forgot ... Thailand is the no1 rice producer in the world... Ahhh.. that's why the USA wanted to help ... so they can take over the no 1 rice production country of the world and control rice as well as petrol....!!! Hehehe///

Nah ! Sorry but I think the Thai Government has acted in a total selfish egotistical way.... HOW CAN THEY REFUSE SUCH PRECIOUS HELP ??? IT IS SO MIND BOGGLING AND DISGUSTING .... Sure go ahead and let your people die ...! what a bunch of morrons ... And Tacky's pumps are arriving Wednesday... that is tomorrow ... And we will now have a new future national holiday in the years to come .... The TACKY DAY in rememberance of how Tacky saved thailand in disastrous flood moments ....

There is only one word needed "Logistics" The United States is pretty exceptional at this very important concept. The worlds best equipped(Seriously we got little robot planes that can kill you in the middle of nowhere) military needs the best logistics system to support it. Thailand benefits from the United States just like it benefits from many nations who bring business here like Japan and the European union. Those people should have a vested interest to save as much "materials" as possible. The crazy part about a flood is its a slow burn disaster it does not happen in a small window of time this is weeks long. Thailand should have said "Yes" use your resources and logistics to give us more scope on what is considered a historic flood. When its 50 year flood its no &lt;deleted&gt; around flood save as many people as you can get them food shelter clean water medical help. If your house was under water and your friend said let me help are you going to say no? Its not like the Cambodian navy came.

[annabel]

Ok, so can you then explain WHY they came to Thailand?? All 4 super ships which I am sure cost a ton of $$$$ to get them here ... and then turn back as we are told because they were told they were not required ... Why diid they come in the first place if thisis the rule of the land???

Not a good decision. Kind of reminds me of the Bush Administration when they refused help during Katrina. A cruise ship from France (I think) was willing to put people up.

Federal law prevents the US Federal government from "moving" in on a state in time of crisis. The state must formally ask for assistance (sound familiar?) before the Federal assistance can be deployed.

The Bush administration acted according to the law, the Louisiana Governor didn't ask for assistance and the mayor of New Orleans blew it as well. Maybe the mayor and the governor are consultants to the YS administration.

[Throatwobbler]

An American aircraft carrier the size of the USS George Washington has the following.

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

3 hospitals that can treat several hundred people.

At least they would be dry.

Nuclear powered and can provide electricity to off shore facilities.

And delivering 220V/50hz, without overload, right?

3 cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people 3 times a day.

Let's not forget to feed the crew as well. Or would they all be ashore?

Can produce 400,000 gallons (1514164.72 L) per day

How much is used by the crew and the propulsion system and is bottling and delivery practical?

Over half a dozen helicopters of various size and design that can be used to transport food and medical supplies, and also rescue victims stranded and take them to safety.

These could come in handy, but if it really on a serious relief effort, one would think it would be carrying many more.

Half a dozen, or more, motorized inflatable boats capable of carrying 6 – 12 people at a time.

I saw at least a planeload of inflatable boats with motors being delivered from China.

Not to mention the large areas below the flight deck that could be used a temporary shelter for those in need.

Not in your wildest dreams. Not unless the US was somehow the cause of this disaster.

But Amazing Thailand doesn't need any of this, as they have things under control, right?

Definitely. Maybe it is better to keep the warships doing warship stuff.

There must be more practical ways to deliver relief aid than using a Carrier Task Force.

So if your house gets flooded and it is Americans coming to help you you would refuse.

Some people on here make me sick. Ask the people in Ayyutya what they feel about people coming to help them. If your house gets flooded by 2 metere of water will your princapals still be there. Of course not. Like I said before you make me .

[theblether]

The heat being generated on this topic would power a desalination plant for a month!! At the end of the day this is a Thai issue and it's up to them to sort it out.

I'm out of the country at the moment and I haven't booked a return flight yet, this story has got a way to run and once it subsides the Prodigal Son will be back. Interesting times in Thailand.