US Navy Seeks Use Of U-Tapao

[Sailfish1]

Now why is the U.S. interested in establishing a permanent center for humanitarian operations in Thailand? If humanitarian needs arise in the future they can probably use U-Tapao by asking the Thai government like they did in the 2004 tsunami. With the buildup of the U.S. military in the Pacific, my guess is that the U.S. military is eyeing U-Tapao for use as a base for strategic bombers. And , as for Vietnam, the U.S. probably wants to base naval vessels there. Why is the U.S. looking at China as the "enemy" ? The U.S. needs to curtail their aggressive military posturing - they will initiate a confrontation.

[Buchholz]

That they are even issuing a denial says something....

[Buchholz]

Defense Minister: US’s use of U-Tapao Airport not exchanged for Thaksin’s visa

BANGKOK, 6 June 2012 (NNT) - Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat has denied rumors that the Thai government allows the US military to use U-Tapao Airport in exchange for ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s US visa.

Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol revealed that the government has allowed the US to use U-Tapao Airport in the eastern region as part of their military cooperation and the matter has nothing to do with Mr Thaksin’s visa. He claimed that the former Prime Minister can enter the US any time he wants.

The Minister said the US will use the airport as a center for disaster relief and humanitarian operations, rather than using it as a military base. He added that Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapragorn has talked to Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey about holding a joint military exercise, Cobra Gold, at the airport to test its efficiency.

Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol explained that U-Tapao Airport is a national airport and is accessible to any visitors; therefore, it is not a suitable place to establish a military base. He also assured that the issue will not irritate China as there will be no weapons at the site.

-- NNT 2012-06-06

[Buchholz]

He claimed that the former Prime Minister can enter the US any time he wants.

Surely, this was the Air Chief Marshall's facial expression while making the joke above.

[NomadJoe]

With this "super stealthy warship" they'll be able to "sneak up", "pound targets", and have "incredibly capable sonar system 'strike capability'." therefore, it would make an "ideal" humanitarian and operations center.

Silly of you to take two quotes from two unrelated stories (one about U-Tapao and one about a stealth battleship) and mesh them together as if they contradicted each other. Do you work for Faux News perhaps?

The Chinese as well as US taxpayers must be freaking out with these blue prints. General Dempsey and Secretary Panetta should take a tour of depressed economically ravaged US areas such as the Inland Empire in California, and other areas across the country. Millions of Americans are living below the poverty line in makeshift dwellings and tent cities and 11 or 12% of the population is struggling without a job. Hopefully, this military initiated and managed humanitarian and operations center at U-Tapao airport in Thailand will reverse all of that economic hardship in the general's and the secretary's back yard in the good old USA.

I suggest you do a little research before posting such nonsense.

Unemployment is 8.2%, not 11-12% http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Did you forget the shallacking Obama got from the right for his defense cuts in January? US defense budget has been shrinking as a percent of the GDP for years.

Obama announces Pentagon budget cuts

"The very serious debt and deficit problem here at home is national security risk. Curbing the growth in the defense budget from its expected $487 billion in increases over the next decade doesn't mean choosing between national and fiscal responsibilities." --- Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Jan 2012

The ironic thing about your comment is that these battleships are part of Obama's new "do more with less" strategy.

Millions in makeshift dwellings and tent cities? What are you on about?

.

Edited June 6, 2012 by NomadJoe

[hansnl]

If, just if, China must be contained, then somebody should do something.

The move to tie the strings with Thailand is indeed a good one, seen in the military ouvertures from Thailand to China not too long ago.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia, and several other countries in the region are not happy about China and the Chinese politics.

If you look well at the rhetorics of China, most of those are only one or two steps away from war-mongering.

I believe somewhere in history, a British politician already said not to wake up a sleeping giant.

By giving it a favoured status the US just did so.

Well, just look what is happening in the world.

And now the cat is out of the bag.......

[metisdead]

A derogatory post has been removed as well as a reply.

[NomadJoe]

It is split currently 50:50 and on the basis that Russia isn't exactly commanding the Atlantic these days, and with a bit of downsizing and retirement of ships, I doubt this amounts to an enormous increase in the amount of US ships in the region.

Another very practical reasons for a differing fleet size is geography. The Atlantic Ocean is only about half the size of the Pacific Ocean.

Not quite. You would be more correct if you were to include the Indian Ocean, and you should as it is part of the "Indo-Pacific region" that is getting the 60%.

Pacific Ocean: 63.8 million sq. mi.

Atlantic Ocean: 41 million sq. mi.

Indian and Pacific Oceans: 92.2 million sq. mi.

Your right, it really doesn't amount to much, and in reality will make very little difference if we needed to rapidly project military power into the region. It wouldn't take long at all to move 10% of our fleet assets. The US Navy is larger than the next 12 largest navies combined, and 11 of those are our allies. In my opinion making such an announcement as this, instead of simply quietly implementing it over the next 8 years was a foolish decision and exemplifies a dangerous lack of understanding of the Asian face-centric culture. Just look at how this reads in their headlines: US “pivot” to Asia threatens war with China What purpose does that serve?

[NomadJoe]

US building up weapon arsenal waiting to attack China.

Remember JFK and the Cuba event?

Same same here, only different is:

USSR -> USA

USA -> China

Cuba -> Thailand

ICBM = ICBM

WHAT? You are comparing this to the Cuban missile crisis?

Except that we already have a closer military base in Japan...and Korea....and the middle east... and warships regularly docked in Tawain...and.....

The imaginations of some eh? Surely it was in jest.

.

Edited June 6, 2012 by NomadJoe

[EvilDrSomkid]

It is split currently 50:50 and on the basis that Russia isn't exactly commanding the Atlantic these days, and with a bit of downsizing and retirement of ships, I doubt this amounts to an enormous increase in the amount of US ships in the region.

Another very practical reasons for a differing fleet size is geography. The Atlantic Ocean is only about half the size of the Pacific Ocean.

Not quite. You would be more correct if you were to include the Indian Ocean, and you should as it is part of the "Indo-Pacific region" that is getting the 60%.

Pacific Ocean: 63.8 million sq. mi.

Atlantic Ocean: 41 million sq. mi.

Indian and Pacific Oceans: 92.2 million sq. mi.

Your right, it really doesn't amount to much, and in reality will make very little difference if we needed to rapidly project military power into the region. It wouldn't take long at all to move 10% of our fleet assets. The US Navy is larger than the next 12 largest navies combined, and 11 of those are our allies. In my opinion making such an announcement as this, instead of simply quietly implementing it over the next 8 years was a foolish decision and exemplifies a dangerous lack of understanding of the Asian face-centric culture. Just look at how this reads in their headlines: US "pivot" to Asia threatens war with China What purpose does that serve?

The actual surface area of the oceans in question is not really the reason for the 60/40 spread.

The importance of the Indo-Pacific is.

Why care how this looks in the socialist's eyes? They will always put their own spin on it.

Any expantionist moves made by China are considered justified and peaceful in their own eyes.

Any moves made by other nations to counter this are considered belligerent.

Eye of the beholder etc.

[ratcatcher]

Now why is the U.S. interested in establishing a permanent center for humanitarian operations in Thailand? If humanitarian needs arise in the future they can probably use U-Tapao by asking the Thai government like they did in the 2004 tsunami. With the buildup of the U.S. military in the Pacific, my guess is that the U.S. military is eyeing U-Tapao for use as a base for strategic bombers. And , as for Vietnam, the U.S. probably wants to base naval vessels there. Why is the U.S. looking at China as the "enemy" ? The U.S. needs to curtail their aggressive military posturing - they will initiate a confrontation.

The Chinese can be just as aggressive when it suits them. The Spratly & Paracel Islands are an example of territory in dispute. China has recently used "gunboat diplomacy" re these (Spratly) outcroppings in the South China Sea.

The Spraty Islands lie close to The Philippine island of Palawan and are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan (R.O.C.) and China (P.R.C.)and Vietnam. They are also occupied by small military contingents from each country.

China has every right to object to any moves by the United States, but the U.S. presence in S.E.Asia is always a good balance against the potential might of China. PLUS the Americans are always pretty quick off the mark when it comes to humanitarian aid. 2004 Aceh, Nargis (Burma)etc, they have the equipment & facilities.

[h90]

Now why is the U.S. interested in establishing a permanent center for humanitarian operations in Thailand? If humanitarian needs arise in the future they can probably use U-Tapao by asking the Thai government like they did in the 2004 tsunami. With the buildup of the U.S. military in the Pacific, my guess is that the U.S. military is eyeing U-Tapao for use as a base for strategic bombers. And , as for Vietnam, the U.S. probably wants to base naval vessels there. Why is the U.S. looking at China as the "enemy" ? The U.S. needs to curtail their aggressive military posturing - they will initiate a confrontation.

Humanitarian Operations like in Iraq, Libyan, etc etc......

[sirchai]

Isn't U-Tapao exclusively for Russians who fly in directly via Moscow?

Hope there's not a new "cold war" coming.......

[NomadJoe]

Why care how this looks in the socialist's eyes?

It's that exact kind of thinking that is worrisome, and that gets us into wars. China boosts defense budget 11 percent after U.S. "pivot" This is how it always starts. And we already know the Chinese have no problem playing the role of the provocateur time and time again.

China deploys gunboat to disputed Philippines waters

India mum on Chinese provocation

"mentally prepare for the sounds of cannons" -China

Two Chinese Su-27 fighters penetrated Taiwan’s airspace

Chinese ships 'harass' US vessel

Harassing Chinese fighter collides with US surveillance plane while over international waters; crew makes emergency landing and is detained.

But perhaps the most telling, and most devastating actions by the Chinese are their blatant, proactive and continual theft of technological and intellectual patents and property rights, unfair trade practices, and widespread corporate espionage. Read here, here, and here.

In my opinion, the next world war will be humanities last.

Edited June 6, 2012 by NomadJoe

[Buchholz]

A super-stealthy warship that could underpin the U.S. navy's China strategy will be able to sneak up on coastlines virtually undetected and pound targets with electromagnetic "railguns" right out of a sci-fi movie.

From the perspective of American interests, the US does need to maintain its military superiority over the Chinese.

the electromagnetic railguns signal and end to the Chinese invented gunpowder as a projectile propellent and represents some of the technological superiority...

with result being record-breaking speed and velocity.... in multitudes of the speed of sound....

watch quickly or you'll miss it...

[EvilDrSomkid]

Why care how this looks in the socialist's eyes?

It's that exact kind of thinking that is worrisome, and that gets us into wars. China boosts defense budget 11 percent after U.S. "pivot" This is how it always starts. And we already know the Chinese have no problem playing the role of the provocateur time and time again.

China deploys gunboat to disputed Philippines waters

India mum on Chinese provocation

"mentally prepare for the sounds of cannons" -China

Two Chinese Su-27 fighters penetrated Taiwan's airspace

Chinese ships 'harass' US vessel

Harassing Chinese fighter collides with US surveillance plane while over international waters; crew makes emergency landing and is detained.

But perhaps the most telling, and most devastating actions by the Chinese are their blatant, proactive and continual theft of technological and intellectual patents and property rights, unfair trade practices, and widespread corporate espionage. Read here, here, and here.

In my opinion, the next world war will be humanities last.

I completely agree that the PRC is getting more aggressive and belligerent. However, what is the West supposed to do?

The PRC will do what it wants, no matter what the US with local allies does.

The US is stepping up efforts to counter the PRC, but need allies locally. India, Vietnam and to lesser degrees the PI and Thailand, further off Australia.

The US is doing what it can to be present in the region and trying to do it under over of various means.

The climate study of the SEA region (and SCS of course) by flying out of U-Tapao is one way. It will put eyes in the sky constantly.

I sincerely hope that there will not be a global war. However, a large regional conflict is possible. Is it likely? Are you willing to lay odds?

The DPRK is one of the powder kegs waiting to go off. the SCS is another, but less volatile.

If the US can get Subic Bay back, they have a foot hold

[chooka]

A super-stealthy warship that could underpin the U.S. navy's China strategy will be able to sneak up on coastlines virtually undetected and pound targets with electromagnetic "railguns" right out of a sci-fi movie.

From the perspective of American interests, the US does need to maintain its military superiority over the Chinese.

the electromagnetic railguns signal and end to the Chinese invented gunpowder as a projectile propellent and represents some of the technological superiority...

with result being record-breaking speed and velocity.... in multitudes of the speed of sound....

watch quickly or you'll miss it...

[media=]

[/media]

I have this little cat problem, where can I get one of these toys?

[IAMHERE]

The main job of the US NAVY is to protect corporations by keeping the international sea lanes open. It's other jobs like transporting Marines , bombing shore positions , providing air assult and cover , come second, and not even in wartime but especially in wartime. ........ The shopping must go on !

They keep the sea lanes open for all nations, not just the USA ships.

[IAMHERE]

If it makes anyone feel better most Americans are fedup with feeding the world during times of crises. We more and more understand that the rest of the world doesn't give a shit about us and that we are niether wanted or thanked for our help. We are tired of giving aid to every nation on earth that has a flood or earth quake or what ever and getting crapped on as a response. The well of endless money and concern is running dry and soon enough this humaitarian aid to the rest of the world by the USA will stop. Pretty soon Americans will want to spend money on ourselves and not the rest of the world.

I can hardly believe some board member actually thinks there is peace in the world and that it is no thanks to the USA. We truely are suckers and should bring all our troops home from everywhere, including our ships, planes, and pocket books.

[chooka]

The US "rebalancing" in the Pacific is not intended as a move to contain China, Dempsey said.

I don't think anyone believes this statement, certainly not the Chinese.

China does not and is pissed at Australia for siding with the U.S

ABC NEWS (Aust) about 10 minutes ago.

[ttelise]

I don't see the Chinese threat or concern. Both economies are too heavily dependent upon one another for either to severe ties. Economics after all plays a more pivotal role in diplomatic relations than any other factor. US could grind China's economy to a halt by simply defaulting on Treasury and bond obligations so China will not do anything at all. US economy also has massive reliance upon and investments in China and continues to forge economic relationships with Chinese businesses and IPOs. Wife is investment banker with a bulge bank and everything done these days is heavily Chinese influenced or related. I would say US us more concerned about Russia than China

[h90]

If it makes anyone feel better most Americans are fedup with feeding the world during times of crises. We more and more understand that the rest of the world doesn't give a shit about us and that we are niether wanted or thanked for our help. We are tired of giving aid to every nation on earth that has a flood or earth quake or what ever and getting crapped on as a response. The well of endless money and concern is running dry and soon enough this humaitarian aid to the rest of the world by the USA will stop. Pretty soon Americans will want to spend money on ourselves and not the rest of the world.

I can hardly believe some board member actually thinks there is peace in the world and that it is no thanks to the USA. We truely are suckers and should bring all our troops home from everywhere, including our ships, planes, and pocket books.

If the USA would bring home everything, there would be more money for Americans and no one can complain about the USA anymore.

So what is stopping the USA?? My guess is the politicians are like everywhere bought from the big companies....

[sgtsabai]

I believe the "stealth destroyers" and battleships being referred to don't exist, certainly not battleships which are in no great demand anywhere. The current plan for the US Navy is to have "around" 300 operational ships, and it is well below that mark. There are plans to retire several of the cruisers, one of which certainly needs to be, not so sure about the others. There is a new hull being built that I believe the poster may have been referring to. They are LCS's and 3 are currently in the water, although not combat ready and are still undergoing trials. There are only about 43 crew members on-board, it remains to be seen how well that works out. Lots of good true information available, no it isn't secret and it certainly isn't on faux news. To set the record straight, I'm not Navy, I'm USMC (Vietnam-not active), I am all for cutting the hell out of the military budget and stopping all the ill begotten wars the US has gotten itself into but I do believe in keeping strong. And yes I believe that NASA will only be establishing a weather type station and the US Navy only has humanitarian ideals for U-Tapao just like I believe the CIA didn't have any black prison sites in Thailand and one of my best friends never did cross border operations into Lao from Thailand during the Vietnam War. That last is sarcasm for those that don't recognize.

SAN DIEGO (May 2, 2012) The first of class littoral combat ships USS Freedom (LCS 1), rear, and USS Independence (LCS 2) maneuver together during an exercise off the coast of Southern California. The littoral combat ship is a fast, agile, networked surface combatant designed to operate in the near-shore environment, while capable of open-ocean tasking, and win against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines, and swarming small craft. Picture attached

Edited June 6, 2012 by sgtsabai

[Johpa]

The US definitely needs to contain China for the good of the world.

Too bad that's not its reason for doing so.

That is of course your opinion and I support your right to express it. Many others may have contrary views. US foreign policy has been less than brilliant for years and that it is now headed up by a power at all costs woman who worked her way to her lofty height by hook and by crook, mainly crook according to knowledgeable people in Arkansas, gives me no comfort.

As another poster has pointed out, US Governments have not been particularly successful in looking after the welfare of its own peoples so it seems reasonable to suppose that they wouldn't make much of a fist of supporting its allies and/or ensuring a peaceful World.

As an American citizen, I am as critical of US foreign policy, and perhaps even more critical of domestic economic policy, as anyone else I meet. But despite all the warts and blemishes, there is nothing more unsettling to me than the PRC becoming the major power, the next hegemon. At the very least there remains the traces and the legacy of the 18the century "age of Enlightenment" in the US and the majority of "the west". Such is not the case with the political leadership within the PRC. Inside Beijing there are political battles between the more open and slightly liberal groups and a younger but more nationlalistic and militaristic group that is becoming drunk on new found economic power. And like all young drunks, they don't handle it too well. The Japanese government went thorugh a similiar process at the end of the previous century and it did not bode well for the Pacific region.

And as much as I am bothered by people who believe in an invisible man in the sky who is determing their political destiny, I worry perhaps even more about people who burn money at funerals so that the deceased may have funds available in the afterlife.

[khaowong1]

This 50 year US Military/Thai partnership adds up to a boom for Thai sex trade, an increase in drug traffic, lots of siphoned off US taxpayer money for lining corrupt Thai politician pockets. No residual benefit for US taxpayers.

Or normal Thai people on the street.

[hellodolly]

If it makes anyone feel better most Americans are fedup with feeding the world during times of crises. We more and more understand that the rest of the world doesn't give a shit about us and that we are niether wanted or thanked for our help. We are tired of giving aid to every nation on earth that has a flood or earth quake or what ever and getting crapped on as a response. The well of endless money and concern is running dry and soon enough this humaitarian aid to the rest of the world by the USA will stop. Pretty soon Americans will want to spend money on ourselves and not the rest of the world.

I can hardly believe some board member actually thinks there is peace in the world and that it is no thanks to the USA. We truely are suckers and should bring all our troops home from everywhere, including our ships, planes, and pocket books.

If the USA would bring home everything, there would be more money for Americans and no one can complain about the USA anymore.

So what is stopping the USA?? My guess is the politicians are like everywhere bought from the big companies....

Being a American and living out side the country I would have to disagree with you.

The USA has a huge military budget for one reason and one reason only. It has nothing to do with business.

It is a cultural thing with a name. PARANOIA. They are afraid of their own shadow.

[NomadJoe]

Why care how this looks in the socialist's eyes?

It's that exact kind of thinking that is worrisome, and that gets us into wars. China boosts defense budget 11 percent after U.S. "pivot" This is how it always starts. And we already know the Chinese have no problem playing the role of the provocateur time and time again.

China deploys gunboat to disputed Philippines waters

India mum on Chinese provocation

"mentally prepare for the sounds of cannons" -China

Two Chinese Su-27 fighters penetrated Taiwan's airspace

Chinese ships 'harass' US vessel

Harassing Chinese fighter collides with US surveillance plane while over international waters; crew makes emergency landing and is detained.

But perhaps the most telling, and most devastating actions by the Chinese are their blatant, proactive and continual theft of technological and intellectual patents and property rights, unfair trade practices, and widespread corporate espionage. Read here, here, and here.

In my opinion, the next world war will be humanities last.

I completely agree that the PRC is getting more aggressive and belligerent. However, what is the West supposed to do?

The PRC will do what it wants, no matter what the US with local allies does.

The US is stepping up efforts to counter the PRC, but need allies locally. India, Vietnam and to lesser degrees the PI and Thailand, further off Australia.

The US is doing what it can to be present in the region and trying to do it under over of various means.

The climate study of the SEA region (and SCS of course) by flying out of U-Tapao is one way. It will put eyes in the sky constantly.

I sincerely hope that there will not be a global war. However, a large regional conflict is possible. Is it likely? Are you willing to lay odds?

The DPRK is one of the powder kegs waiting to go off. the SCS is another, but less volatile.

If the US can get Subic Bay back, they have a foot hold

If something major jumped off in the region, you can be assured that Subic and Clark will be quickly swarming with US military activity.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/26885/us-eyes-indefinite-stay-in-philippines-through-mutual-logistics-deal-bayan

Plus, there is believed to already be several Cooperative Security Locations (CSL's) in the Philippines.

http://zamboangajournal.blogspot.com/2007/11/where-are-us-secret-bases-in.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative_Security_Location

Edited June 6, 2012 by NomadJoe

[cdnski12]

The USA needs to focus on containing International Muslim asperations, rather than containing China. Muslims want to destroy America and any "Non (Islamic) Beleiver. China wants to do business with America ... not destroy her ... well other than the American Economy, which China has already accomplished .... well maybe steal a lot of American Technology .... did I miss anything?

[ttelise]

The USA needs to focus on containing International Muslim asperations, rather than containing China. Muslims want to destroy America and any "Non (Islamic) Beleiver. China wants to do business with America ... not destroy her ... well other than the American Economy, which China has already accomplished .... well maybe steal a lot of American Technology .... did I miss anything?

Nope. We have about $ 3 trillion of PRC's money. They have no choice or options, but to sink about $ 400 billion a year into US bonds/t-bills. In reality, we have their economy by the balls and they may be buying another chunk here soon if Euro destabilizes, our market dips to 11,500 or lower, and Fed implements QE 3.

China's economy has been sustained by useless construction of cities that are vacant wuth high rise midern housing priced out of reach of it's citizens. This construction of ghost cities is grinding to a halt causing job loss, decrease GDP and a slowing of their economy.

[easybullet3]

With this "super stealthy warship" they'll be able to "sneak up", "pound targets", and have "incredibly capable sonar system 'strike capability'." therefore, it would make an "ideal" humanitarian and operations center.

The Chinese as well as US taxpayers must be freaking out with these blue prints. General Dempsey and Secretary Panetta should take a tour of depressed economically ravaged US areas such as the Inland Empire in California, and other areas across the country. Millions of Americans are living below the poverty line in makeshift dwellings and tent cities and 11 or 12% of the population is struggling without a job. Hopefully, this military initiated and managed humanitarian and operations center at U-Tapao airport in Thailand will reverse all of that economic hardship in the general's and the secretary's back yard in the good old USA.

Who says that these stealth ships would be based in U-tapao?

Too bad that the source of that item is from Fox ..cough.. "news"

The US defense budgets are being cut across the board. Did you know that? The Navy will mothball a large number of ships in the near future. And why should Panetta and Dempsey take tours of the impoverished areas in the US?

Congressmen/women should be doing that.

That US army general needs to loose some weight!! too much of the Standard American Diet is worse than any War-Ship!