Thai and U.S navies conduct anti-submarine drills

[webfact]

Thai and U.S navies conduct anti-submarine drills

BANGKOK, 26 May 2016 (NNT) - The Royal Thai Navy has sent three military ships to participate in anti-submarine warfare exercises with the U.S. Navy.

The drills are part of the bilateral naval exercise "Gardian Sea 2016," scheduled for 24-27 May 2016 in the Andaman Sea. The drills allow the navies to practice procedures related to anti-submarine warfar.

The drills involve His Thai Majesty's Ship (HTMS) Chakri Naruebet, HTMS Taksin and HTMS Naresuan of the Thai navy. The U.S. navy's USN Los Angeles-class attack submarine, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol craft and the RTN's sole aircraft carrier participate in the exercises.


-- NNT 2016-05-26

[andrew55]

Aren't there Thai-Chinese exercises happening about now?

Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds?

I'm sure it's all approved by the A-league players.

[thesetat2013]

Aren't there Thai-Chinese exercises happening about now?

Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds?

I'm sure it's all approved by the A-league players.

Yes! And this American exercise is a waste of time especially since the USA is starting to help those countries where China has their man made islands and are taking over control of the shipping lanes. Should the USA and China face a standoff, Thailand would not have their backs in the seas using their subs.

[BarnicaleBob]

I think is a good opportunity for the Thai Navy to see just how vulnerable subs are to modern anti-submarine tactics. Then maybe time to rethink any submarine purchases.

[Familyaffairs]

Now that Thailand is firmly in the grip of mother China and the Russian bear, locked the US out of weapons contracts, they have become an unreliable partner., and best left to their own devices.

[Winniedapu]

I know I'm probably a lone voice in the wilderness, but I really do think it's shameful that the USA are prepared to do business with, train with and teach an illegal junta government - they must really be hard up for friends these days because they are scraping away at the bottom of the barrel.

My opinion of the USA before the Cobra Gold deceit was pretty poor, but that was before this betrayal of the Thai people. I somehow expected more of the USA, though given their track record I'm not sure why I would expect anything other than venal self-interest.

Winnie

[Winniedapu]

Aren't there Thai-Chinese exercises happening about now?

Running with the hare and hunting with the hounds?

I'm sure it's all approved by the A-league players.

Yes! And this American exercise is a waste of time especially since the USA is starting to help those countries where China has their man made islands and are taking over control of the shipping lanes. Should the USA and China face a standoff, Thailand would not have their backs in the seas using their subs.

Agreed, should there be a standoff in the South China Sea, Thailand would wait and see who is going to win before declaring allegiance.

This is a time-honoured tactic by Thailand, who have used it at ALL strata of society. And I do mean all. Always be careful whom you trust.

Winnie

Edited May 26, 2016 by Winniedapu

[sanukjim]

Take your lover to the sea to watch the submarine races. 5555

[tuanku]

I think is a good opportunity for the Thai Navy to see just how vulnerable subs are to modern anti-submarine tactics. Then maybe time to rethink any submarine purchases.

Psst, Bob, buying submarines isn't about the submarines, its about the buying, if you get my meaning, nod, nod, wink wink.

[tuanku]

I wondered why the old aircraft carrier wasn't tied up in its usual place in Sattahip. Thought they had sold it for scrap! Any planes to go with it or just the carrier?

Still nice for the old girl to get some exercise. Good opportunity to catch a few illegal fishing boats too. Plenty of them between Sattahip and the Andaman sea from Thailand and all your other favourite countries.

[Baerboxer]

I know I'm probably a lone voice in the wilderness, but I really do think it's shameful that the USA are prepared to do business with, train with and teach an illegal junta government - they must really be hard up for friends these days because they are scraping away at the bottom of the barrel.

My opinion of the USA before the Cobra Gold deceit was pretty poor, but that was before this betrayal of the Thai people. I somehow expected more of the USA, though given their track record I'm not sure why I would expect anything other than venal self-interest.

Winnie

You might think it's an illegal government, but other governments, including the USA, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Russia, China, India etc etc don't.

The current government has been formally approved as such.

The USA, and NATO allies, Russia, and China have all supported the overthrow of democratically elected governments when it suits. So stop pretending the US has some sort of moral ground anymore than anyone else.

[cpofc]

US and Thai relationships run deep and go back a long way. Even to when the King Of Siam offered his support to Lincoln during the Civil War.

The current diplomatic problems are just a 'speed bump'

This, from Stars and Stripes Magazine.

“Guardian Sea is an excellent opportunity to operate at sea in a realistic training environment with our friends and partners in the Royal Thai Navy,” said Commodore Doug Pegher, commanding officer of the USS Stethemwhich is taking part in the exercise. “Our Sailors gain valuable experiences from these engagements and we build important maritime relationships that endure beyond the exercise.”

[phoenixdoglover]

I think the game was called Hide and Seek, or "Can You Find the Los Angeles?"

Wonder if the Thai vessels performed well. I would guess that US sub is a slippery bastard.

[joeyg]

I know I'm probably a lone voice in the wilderness, but I really do think it's shameful that the USA are prepared to do business with, train with and teach an illegal junta government - they must really be hard up for friends these days because they are scraping away at the bottom of the barrel.

My opinion of the USA before the Cobra Gold deceit was pretty poor, but that was before this betrayal of the Thai people. I somehow expected more of the USA, though given their track record I'm not sure why I would expect anything other than venal self-interest.

Winnie

I'm American and a former Combat Vet. I can tell you we do much more. We are the major facilitators of drugs shipped from the Golden Triangle, via CIA, for over 60 years now. And we are the largest financial and logistical supporter of ISIS.

What more can we do?

[joeyg]

I think is a good opportunity for the Thai Navy to see just how vulnerable subs are to modern anti-submarine tactics. Then maybe time to rethink any submarine purchases.

I'd have a look at the "Ohio Class" and I think you'd change your opinion. Also even they not down there alone. They have full attack sub escorts now with airborne drone support above.

Believe they carry 27 missiles with 5 Nuclear Warheads on each.

[cpofc]

I think is a good opportunity for the Thai Navy to see just how vulnerable subs are to modern anti-submarine tactics. Then maybe time to rethink any submarine purchases.

I'd have a look at the "Ohio Class" and I think you'd change your opinion. Also even they not down there alone. They have full attack sub escorts now with airborne drone support above.

Believe they carry 27 missiles with 5 Nuclear Warheads on each.

Subs are a much sought after Naval Asset. Everyone wants them in their Battle Order. I was told many years ago that in the next big war the safest place to be, will be in a Submarine.

I spent about 9 years all up serving in Anti Submarine Frigates/Destroyer Escorts - Trust me they are not as easy to find as you may think. Especially when they don't want to be found. The British built Oberon Class Submarines were notoriously stealthy. In the right hands they were very difficult, and sometimes impossible to detect.

Anti Submarine countermeasures are still very much a work in progress.

Edited May 26, 2016 by cpofc

[wabothai]

Can you imagine all the confusement among the personnel about all the languages they have to deal with.

[Srikcir]

The Thai Navy has really sharpened its seagoing evasion skills with these exercises.

The US Navy could not detect a single Thai submarine nor the Thai naval aircraft carrier.

[marcusd]

US and Thai relationships run deep and go back a long way. Even to when the King Of Siam offered his support to Lincoln during the Civil War.

The current diplomatic problems are just a 'speed bump'

This, from Stars and Stripes Magazine.

“Guardian Sea is an excellent opportunity to operate at sea in a realistic training environment with our friends and partners in the Royal Thai Navy,” said Commodore Doug Pegher, commanding officer of the USS Stethemwhich is taking part in the exercise. “Our Sailors gain valuable experiences from these engagements and we build important maritime relationships that endure beyond the exercise.”

What they really wanted to say was

"amn excellent opportunity for our sailors to get a good laugh at stupid people and old crock boats before the real tests come about"

[Winniedapu]

I know I'm probably a lone voice in the wilderness, but I really do think it's shameful that the USA are prepared to do business with, train with and teach an illegal junta government - they must really be hard up for friends these days because they are scraping away at the bottom of the barrel.

My opinion of the USA before the Cobra Gold deceit was pretty poor, but that was before this betrayal of the Thai people. I somehow expected more of the USA, though given their track record I'm not sure why I would expect anything other than venal self-interest.

Winnie

You might think it's an illegal government, but other governments, including the USA, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Russia, China, India etc etc don't.

The current government has been formally approved as such.

The USA, and NATO allies, Russia, and China have all supported the overthrow of democratically elected governments when it suits. So stop pretending the US has some sort of moral ground anymore than anyone else.

"You might think it's an illegal government, but other governments, including the USA, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Russia, China, India etc etc don't."

Erm, I don't believe that's true. Can you point to any government that has said they recognise the junta government as legitimate? I don't think you can.

"The current government has been formally approved as such."

No, the current government says it has been formally approved as such. Not the same thing at all.

"The USA, and NATO allies, Russia, and China have all supported the overthrow of democratically elected governments when it suits. So stop pretending the US has some sort of moral ground anymore than anyone else. "

None of these governments or organisations have supported the overthrow of democratically elected governments so far as I am aware, with the one exception of the USA.

I did not claim any moral high ground for any country. (Please note that is the correct expression to use). Personally I think the USA is not the solution to any of the world's problems, but is certainly the direct or indirect cause of a lot of them.

A number of governments do business with illegitimate governments as a matter of expediency, but that isn't what you said. In Thailand's case, a lot of governments continue to do business with the illegal junta government because they (rightly) believe it's the responsibility of the Thai people to get their act on the road and get rid of them if they don't like them. But they make (and continue to make) their distaste plain. Thailand is widely recognised as a bit of a joke in the diplomatic circus, as is evidenced by the USA Ambassador publicly humiliating the Thai foreign minister a few days ago (last week iirc).

No point trying to be deceitful with me my friend, nor engaging in not-very-subtle propaganda under cover of verbal gymnastics. I deal with these tactics professionally every day. Better to send the junta a love letter, it'll be more productive and is certainly more direct - I regret I cannot pass your abiding fondness on to them.

Winnie

Edited May 26, 2016 by Winniedapu

[Winniedapu]

US and Thai relationships run deep and go back a long way. Even to when the King Of Siam offered his support to Lincoln during the Civil War.

<snip>

Indeed. As I recall, a squadron of elephants was offered but politely refused.

Nothing more need really be said.

Winnie

[Winniedapu]

US and Thai relationships run deep and go back a long way. Even to when the King Of Siam offered his support to Lincoln during the Civil War.

The current diplomatic problems are just a 'speed bump'

This, from Stars and Stripes Magazine.

“Guardian Sea is an excellent opportunity to operate at sea in a realistic training environment with our friends and partners in the Royal Thai Navy,” said Commodore Doug Pegher, commanding officer of the USS Stethemwhich is taking part in the exercise. “Our Sailors gain valuable experiences from these engagements and we build important maritime relationships that endure beyond the exercise.”

What they really wanted to say was

"amn excellent opportunity for our sailors to get a good laugh at stupid people and old crock boats before the real tests come about"

And an aircraft carrier with no aircraft, which must have been really entertaining. Freshly refitted from being a tourist attraction - for Thais only because of national security reasons... Dear Lord).

Winnie

[JAG]

I wondered why the old aircraft carrier wasn't tied up in its usual place in Sattahip. Thought they had sold it for scrap! Any planes to go with it or just the carrier?

Still nice for the old girl to get some exercise. Good opportunity to catch a few illegal fishing boats too. Plenty of them between Sattahip and the Andaman sea from Thailand and all your other favourite countries.

They took a couple of helicopters I believe.

All the way through the Gulf of Thailand, round Singapore and back up to the Andaman Sea, then home again.

That's the fuel budget blown then. Must have been a cheaper way of giving the USN something to practice on...