Military Develops 'Spaceplane' to Fly Marines to Trouble Spots Fast

FOXNews.com - Military Develops 'Spaceplane' to Fly Marines to Trouble Spots Fast - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News: "The American military is planning a “spaceplane” designed to fly a crack squad of heavily armed marines to trouble spots anywhere in the world within four hours.

At a recent secret meeting at the Pentagon, engineers working on the craft, codenamed Hot Eagle, were told to draw up blueprints for a prototype which generals want to have in the air within 11 years.

Pentagon planners have been encouraged by technical breakthroughs from Burt Rutan, chief designer on Sir Richard Branson’s White Knight spaceship, which is due to begin test flights next year and to carry tourists on suborbital journeys from 2010.

Last week Rutan, 65, who built the first privately funded craft to reach space and won the $10 million X prize for his achievement in 2004, gave his blessing to Hot Eagle, which could be based on White Knight’s technology.

Rutan said it would be an expensive way to transport troops “but it could be done. It is feasible.”

Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic, which is funding White Knight, recently predicted that it could be used to airlift emergency supplies into disaster zones."

Peralta to be given Navy Cross posthumously

I think you deserved the Medal of Honor, Sergeant. Semper Fi. Rest in Peace.

Peralta to be given Navy Cross posthumously - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter will award the Navy Cross medal — the nation’s second-highest combat award for valor in combat — to Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who pulled an enemy grenade to his body before it exploded, the Marine Corps announced Wednesday.
Discussion: If Peralta's actions don't rate a Medal of Honor, what does?

Peralta, 25, died Nov. 15, 2004, while he and members of Alpha Company of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, were in the second week of fighting in the Battle of Fallujah when he barged into a house with a rifle squad. They immediately came under fire from insurgents inside the house.

“Peralta was caught in a deadly crossfire between insurgents and his Marines, leaving him mortally wounded,” officials said in an announcement released by I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. “After the initial exchange of gunfire, the insurgents broke contact, throwing a fragmentation grenade as they fled the building.” The grenade stopped near Peralta’s head, they said, and “without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Peralta reached out and pulled the grenade to his body, absorbing the brunt of the blast and shielding fellow Marines only feet away. Peralta succumbed to his wounds.”

Officials did not say when the Navy Cross would be presented to Peralta’s family. In making the announcement, they acknowledged that the fatal blow may have come from another Marine’s weapon.

“Following multiple and exhaustive reviews, the evidence supports the finding that Peralta was likely hit by ‘friendly fire,’” officials said in the statement. “This finding has no bearing on the decision to award the Navy Cross medal.”"

Counter-Terrorism: Speed Becomes A Weapon

I love to harp on how great our boys are! It will take a couple of years to get the Afghan /Pakistan border developed to this degree, but the survivors of Iraq have been retreating to there. This means it will be quicker to set it all up and apply the lessons learned in Iraq to the new region.

Keep kicking butt! Semper Fi!

Counter-Terrorism: Speed Becomes A Weapon: "In the first six months of this year, Al Qaeda carried out 28 attacks in Iraq, killing 125 civilians. That's in sharp contrast to the first six months of 2007, where there were some 300 attacks and over 1,500 dead civilians. What made the difference was the growth of information on who and where the terrorists were. This was something that had been going on for over three years, and it hit a critical mass a year ago as U.S. forces gained enough traction (in terms of knowing who and where the terrorists were) to go in and strike a devastating blow.

.

Counter-terror operations in Iraq are increasingly concentrating on chasing down specific terrorists and their organizations. The amount of intelligence residing in databases, plus the daily flow of new information makes it possible to track terrorist cells and chase after them with high confidence that they will be caught. There are still a lot of Islamic terrorists out there in Iraq, but now they have to spend most of their time on OpSec (operational security, making sure that they, or their bomb making workshops, are not discovered.)

Every night in Iraq, about a dozen known bad guys are hauled in. Some of these guys give up their buddies, or incriminating documents or other evidence (often fingerprints) will do it. For the last three years, U.S. troops have been fingerprinting every suspicious character they have come across. The guy they turned lose three years ago for lack of evidence, may be on a wanted list today because his prints were found all over some warm weapons or bomb making materials. Prints can even be lifted off some fragments of exploded bombs.

The army and marines have been doing the same thing police forces and corporations have been doing for over a decade; taking data from many different sources and quickly sorting out what all the pieces mean. It's called fusion and data mining, and it's a weapon that is having a dramatic impact on what many thought was an unwinnable war.

The final factor in this trend was the parallel growth of raiding and command techniques. American troops have developed organization, equipment and tactics that enable them to rapidly and safely (for both the raiders and suspects) go after suspects in dense residential areas (or farms in rural areas). You don't hear much about this, because these raids do not generate casualties or the kind of violence that grabs headlines. American commanders and headquarters have also learned how to plan and execute these raids very quickly (sometimes within minutes of new information being discovered.) This means, that after a terrorist hideout is raided, information found there can generate additional raids in less than an hour. The new raids often catch terrorists who have not yet heard of the earlier raid that turned up the data putting them on the American radar. Speed is a weapon, and it takes years to develop a superior amount of it. "

Corps wants its Humvees back

Not sure why I have the song from the Chili's commercial going through my head on this.

I want my Hummers back, Hummers back, Hummers back....

This could be a trip wire that starts a war, which the Russians WANT! They want the world to back down from them to prove they are not weak any more.

Corps wants its Humvees back - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "U.S. officials continue to negotiate the release of five Marine Humvees seized by Russian forces in the Georgian port of Poti during their August assault on the U.S. ally.

The Humvees were taken Aug. 19, said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, a spokesman for U.S. European Command, and they contained no advanced tracking technology or cryptology hardware — a contrast with Russian news reports, which said the vehicles contained sophisticated communications gear and had been sent to Moscow for examination.

The Humvees were in Georgia as part of Operation Immediate Response, a multinational training exercise involving Marine and Army units, Barker said. They were awaiting commercial transport back to the U.S. when they were seized.

The team of Marines in Georgia — primarily assigned to Brooklyn, N.Y.-based 6th Communications Battalion and a Lexington, Ky.-based detachment with 4th Marine Logistics Group’s Military Police Company — were sent to a hotel in the capital, Tbilisi, when the Russian assault began."

SGT Nazario Acquitted!

That leaves almost every Marine accused of crimes acquitted! Semper Fi!

A big F U to the Liberals!

BLACKFIVE: Judicial Waterboarding of Our Marines - UPDATE SGT Nazario Acquitted!: "Just got word from GI W. that former Marine Sergeant Jose Nazario has been acquitted by the jury in Riverside California."

General James Conway - USMC Update (SWJ Blog)

Semper Fi, sir. Thanks for helping our boys be safe and providing great leadership.

General James Conway - USMC Update (SWJ Blog): "Iraq’s once-deadly Anbar province could within the next few days become the 11th province to be turned over to Iraqi control, paving the way for a reduced US Marine Corps presence there, the Marine Corps commandant said today.

Gen. James T. Conway told Pentagon reporters the marked drop in violence in Anbar sets the stage for a drawdown of Marine forces that could be freed up for duty in Afghanistan, if needed.

“The change in the al-Anbar province is real and perceptible,' with attacks at an all-time daily low of two to three, Conway said. He cited assessments by Marine Maj. Gen. John Kelly, commander of Multinational Force West, that a reduced US force in the region could keep violence in check.

“Anbar remains a dangerous place, but the ever-growing ability of the Iraqi security forces continues to move us closer to seeing Iraqi control of the province,” he said. Once believed to be “the last [Iraqi province] to turn for the better,” he added, it is expected to return to Iraqi control “in just a few days.”

Conway noted that signs of construction and rebuilding – not violence – were ever-present during his drive through the Anbar cities of Fallujah and Ramadi earlier this summer."

Corps to hand over control of Anbar

What a wonderful time for Iraq.

Corps to hand over control of Anbar - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "After a summer of delays, the highly touted handover of security in the once-volatile Anbar province of Iraq is scheduled for next week, the top Marine in Iraq said Tuesday.

Iraqi officials signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday that paved the way for the handover of security next week, Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly said from Iraq in a telephone interview with Marine Corps Times.

The announcement comes on the heels of Commandant Gen. James Conway’s trip to the region in which the top Marine officer touched down first in Afghanistan, where several thousand Marines are fighting the Taliban and training Afghan security forces, then visited Iraq — a sign of the evolving level of importance between the two theaters.

Conway is slated to hold a press conference Wednesday morning to discuss the details of his trip through the Middle East.

The security handover was originally scheduled for late June, but was postponed twice due to weather and then indefinitely due to a governing conflict between the local and national governments that was recently resolved, said Kelly, the commander of Multi-National Force — West.

The increasing success of the 28,000-strong Iraqi police force in Anbar in securing the province has freed Marines to hunt down the remaining"

Dear Senator Biden

Nothing to add to this. Go read the rest of it if you wish.

Something... and Half of Something: Dear Senator Biden: "Today, Senator Biden, the falseness of your statements have been proven. Eight of the Marines charged for the so called “massacre” have already been exonerated. There is but one case still pending and that case is likely to be dismissed as well. There was no massacre and if there was no massacre, there was no coverup, at any level.

Senator Biden, there can be no doubt you made a serious mistake in your accusations against our Marines and you made a serious mistake in your accusations against Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and you made a serious mistake in your accusations against the President of the United States, George W. Bush. Mistakes you should be held accountable for.

According to your own statement, your own "system of accountability," the gentlemanly thing to do would be for you, Senator Biden, you, to stand up and to acknowledge your serious mistake, for you to apologize to each of these brave and honorable men for your false accusations and misdeeds, for you to apologize for the injuries you inflicted upon them based on your rash and thoughtless words spoken without knowledge, that were based on rumor, innuendo and ignorance of the facts, the accusations you made without the benefit of a proper investigation and the gathering of information necessary to make intelligent commentary on such a sensitive subject.

Never mind the dangers inherent in your promotion of the propaganda of the enemy at a time of war and your undermining of our Government and the Military in favor of the enemy, which equals aiding and abetting the enemy, as your words were before the world and they put every soldier overseas in grave danger of suffering vengence for acts that did not in fact occur but which you claimed did occur.

Do the the right thing Senator Biden. The world is watching. The world is watching you.

Stand up Senator Biden. Be a man.

Acknowledge your serious mistake. Apologize to those you have falsely accused. "

Marines turn over training of Iraqi Police to Iraqis

It takes years to train a good cop, but with the training that the Marines have started them with, they will start to finish this insane war that the fanatics started. Good for them! That is the Marines and the Sons of Iraq, both. Semper Fi!

I MEF Home Page: "Marines train Iraqi citizen group to take over policing

By SSgt. Michael Hjelmstad

ZAIDON, Iraq(August 12, 2008) – Sixty-eight members of the Sons of Iraq, a citizen watch group trained in protecting the community here, took the next step in becoming law enforcement officers on Aug. 12.
Distinguished leaders of the greater al Nu’Amyiah area and Marines from Camp Fallujah participated in a graduation ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the first class of SOI to complete an academy that will prepare them to make the transition to Iraqi Police. Col. George Bristol, commanding officer, First Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group took the time to individually congratulate each graduate. (Photo by SSgt. Michael Hjelmstad)
“There are many great things a man can do with his life, but I believe the greatest is to protect other people,” said Col. George Bristol, commanding officer, First Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. “The emblem over your heart represents what you now stand for. Each one of you should be proud, as I am proud of you.” Bristol took the time to individually congratulate each graduate.
Sheikh Abd Al-Hamid Hussein from the Jumayli tribe presented a squad with their graduation certificates. (Photo by SSgt. Michael Hjelmstad)
Sheikh Abd Al-Hamid Hussein from the Jumayli tribe and other local leaders in attendance acknowledged the important role these graduates have as the region grows toward self governance. “There is now a great responsibility upon your shoulders to uphold the laws and protect the good people of [the greater al Nu’Amyiah area].” he said.
“Today is the result of a year of work for us,” said Capt. Ruth Wilson, company commander, Guardian Company, I MHG. “All the work-ups, all the sweat, all the patrols, everything went into making this day possible, and now it’s up to them to make it successful. All we can do is show them how.”
“This is how all future academies should be run,” said IP Lt. Col. Da’wud Ahmed Sliman who oversaw the training. “The first days especially were difficult, but you made great improvements with each day and now you stand before us having completed something worthwhile.” He said to the class. “We could have never achieved this without the Marine instructors and your hard work.” Sgt. Horton Brisco instructs a student what to do in case a person detained appears to have a possible explosive on their body as demonstrated by Cpl. Michael Farber. (Photo by SSgt. Michael Hjelmstad)
The Marine instructors were hand picked from Guardian Company as part of a long term plan to improve security in the region.
“It was really rewarding to see all that effort pay off today.” Wilson said. “Without security, nothing else is possible.”
In just six days the students were exposed to a challenging curriculum that ranged from the basics of law and how to conduct a legal search to the benefits of community policing.
“In six days we gave them training that should be done over a period of weeks or months,” said Sgt. Horton Brisco, Chief Instructor. “They are eager to learn and retain an amazing amount of information.”
The academy was also physically demanding as students were exposed to the intensity of Marine Corps physical training between periods of classroom instruction. The squads showed great enthusiasm as they competed, but then took time to recognize the abilities and motivation of each other. The Marines emphasized to the SOI how much stronger they are when they stand as a group, and after one event two squads lined up to congratulate each other just like an American baseball team.
Hussein recognized the training as a landmark in the turnover of security from Coalition forces to Iraqi authority. “I don’t not have words for how grateful I am for what you have done here.” He said to the Marines. "

Grandson Of Huey Joins The Marines

I love these old birds! They are smaller than the new toys the army likes, but they can get into areas that those larger choppers just can't fit. Like troop transports.

Air Transportation: Grandson Of Huey Joins The Marines: "August 20, 2008: The U.S. Marine Corps has accepted the UH-1Y transport helicopter for mass production, and will put the first UH-1Ys in service by early 2009. The manufacturer, Bell Helicopters, has a contract to remanufactured AH-1W Super Cobra attack and UH-1N utility helicopters to the AH-1Z and UH-1Y standard. Overall, the remanufactured models will share about 80 percent common parts, including a glass cockpit. The UH-1Y can carry three tons, has a cruise speed of 159 kilometers an hour and the average sortie lasts about 50 minutes.

Although the UH/AH-1 airframe design is half a century old, this is another example of how, via rebuilding, a basically sound design can continue to serve for decades. Or, in this case, half a century. The army went on to replace its UH-1s with the UH-60, and the AH-1 (which is a modified UH-1 airframe) with the AH-64.These new designs were superior in many ways, but as dozens of nations have discovered, rebuilt AH-1s and UH-1s can still do the job. Moreover, the marine refurbs contain many of the improvements built into the UH-60s and AH-64s."

Russian soldiers commandeer U.S. Humvees

The Russians are destroying everything they can so that they can do as they wish. They also want to scare the other former Soviet states into submission of some sort. It is going to take billions of dollars to replace all the damage that the Soviets are inflicting and no one will help them. NATO is a paper tiger. The US has the power, but is not willing to use it. The UN is a joke.

Who will prevent Russia from attacking others? Anyone willing to volunteer? Even the Peaceniks are silent when it comes to Soviet aggression. It never pays to denounce the one who pays you.


Russian soldiers commandeer U.S. Humvees - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "... Also in Poti, Russian soldiers commandeered four Humvees that had been used in U.S.-Georgian military exercises and were destined to be shipped back to the United States.

The Pentagon said it was looking into the theft. Georgian Deputy Defense Minister Batu Kutelia said Russian forces seized the vehicles.

Russian forces in Poti also blocked access to the city’s naval and commercial ports on Tuesday morning and towed the missile boat Dioskuria, one of the Georgian navy’s most sophisticated vessels, out of sight of observers. A loud explosion was heard minutes later, and a Georgian interior spokesman said the Russians had blown up the boat.

The acts of force demonstrated anew that Russia, days after agreeing to a cease-fire with Georgia, remained in control in much of the country, and that the state of the Georgian military was far from stable.

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said Russia was not only flouting its withdrawal commitment but that its forces were “not losing time” in damaging Georgia by destroying infrastructure.

“Right now there are Russian soldiers and tanks at Poti,” Georgian Finance Minister Nika Gilavri said. “They want to open every single container” and inspect them.

Georgian television showed footage of a tense standoff at a military training base in northwestern Georgia, where Russian troops tried to enter but were turned away by Georgian police. There was no violence, but the report said the Russians threatened to return and destroy the base if they were not allowed in."

24th MEU opens Garmsir Civil Military Operations Center

Thank the Lord for the Marines! They might have to spend a little more time in the mountains before they get to go home, but they are doing good things and just need a little more time to get the locals ready to take over.

Semper Fi!

24th MEU opens Garmsir Civil Military Operations Center: "Marines and the British Forces of Task Force Helmand opened a Joint Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC) yesterday in the vicinity of the British Forward Operating Base Delhi, in Garmsir District here.

On its first day the CMOC had 31 visitors and paid 15 claims.

The Marines established the CMOC; provided the initial administration, command and control to run the center; and will continue to maintain the secure environment in which the center will operate. The Marines’ focus will be battle damage reparations and coordinating with those follow-on agencies to continue the work of reconstruction and development.

Task Force Helmand will focus on building an enduring capability to support stabilization, reconstruction and development.

Already the British Forces have assigned a Stabilization Advisor to Garmsir. The Stabilization Advisor will work with the local government, military and support agencies to assist and coordinate reconstruction and development efforts as it applies to governance, law, security, and the economy. The Afghan government is also committed to Garmsir’s reconstruction and has assigned a representative from their Ministry of Reconstruction and Rural Development. Afghan locals will be hired for administration and support roles i"

2/7 Marines extended in Afghanistan

Not great news for the families, or the terrorists. If my Brothers keep up the good work they will be home soon enough.

Semper Fi!

2/7 Marines extended in Afghanistan - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "The decision to extend the tour of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, in Afghanistan comes just a month after defense officials told the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit that it would stay an extra month in Afghanistan.

According to the official, the decision to hold the battalion there longer is part of an effort to capitalize on the gains the Marines have made in the training mission. The extension means that the battalion would return home in late November.

Asked about Gates’ decision, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said the secretary was responding to a request from the commanders."

FOX News Cameraman Helps Rescue Injured Marine From Insurgent Blast in Afghanistan

This is proof that Fox News is totally biased to help the military! They are even willing to help save the lives of Marines! I can't wait to see how the non-balanced Media handle this. Will Olbermann totally freak out and call this cameraman evil?

Mr Jackson, I thank you for saving my Brother. Semper Fi!

FOXNews.com - FOX News Cameraman Helps Rescue Injured Marine From Insurgent Blast in Afghanistan - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News: "A FOX News cameraman helped save the life of an injured Marine in Afghanistan — and was injured himself — when the armored Humvee convoy he was traveling in was struck by a roadside bomb Sunday night in the Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold.

Two U.S. Marines were badly injured when the improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy. Though FOX News cameraman Chris Jackson was injured in the blast, he went back to the burning vehicle to rescue one of the Marines.

'The cabin was on fire and I jumped out,' said Jackson in a report filed immediately following the attack. 'I went, grabbed the sergeant out of the shotgun seat, pulled him out.'"

2 Marines Kill Another Marine Over Stolen Drug Money

The Corps has the lowest incidence of criminal behavior, but a few of these scum still get through. It is too bad that these idiots were not discovered in time to save a life. Bury them under the brig.

FOXNews.com - 2 Marines Kill Another Marine Over Stolen Drug Money - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News: "Carney, 21, and Lovely, 20, are charged with one count each of murder and making a criminal threat. They also face a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm. Carney also faces a charge of attempting to dissuade a witness.

Both have pleaded not guilty."

Meet the 4000

Military News, benefits, careers, photos, discussions - Military Times HOME

This is a link to the list of our Heroes who have been killed in this War. Go read it and say a prayer for them.

If it weren’t for the Marines

I love these humanitarian stories from the War zones. It is always nice to see Americans taking care of things that are within the abilities of the greatest nation on earth! Especially my Marines! Semper Fi, boys!

Go read the rest of this story to find out if you can help this poor kid. He needs the help. Thank the Lord for the people who help out kids like this.

If it weren’t for the Marines « MK’s Views - Down under on the right side: "Since his birth, Ahmed has suffered from a rare but fatal heart condition that if left untreated, will eventually kill him at an unthinkable, young age. Ahmed’s parents first noticed there was something wrong with their son when he was a year old. The medical condition present in Ahmed’s cardiac system keeps needed oxygen from reaching organs like a normal person’s circulatory system would, causing a bluish coloring around the eyes and on the face. Tasks such as walking up a set of stairs are very tedious for the young boy because of his medical condition.

Ahmed runs completely out of breath performing the simplest of daily activities. “I was extremely worried all these years, that I might not be able to get the help my son needs,” said Mallouki. “In our culture, the first born is very important and this is our first son.” Only recently did the light begin to peak through at the end of a dark tunnel for Ahmed and his family when Marines from Company B, Police Transition Team 8, Regimental Combat Team 1, and a charitable organization called “Gift of Life,” based in Tampa, Fla. intervened.

Ahmed’s condition was diagnosed at Fallujah Surgical when Marines took him in for an examination, said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Craig W. Pasanen, a corpsmen with the team. Doctors discovered a hole in the septum of his heart that causes oxygen and deoxygenated blood to pass through the heart and not the lungs. Mallouki and his son have been working with coalition forces for the past year in attempts to get the money and medical attention that they so desperately need to help Ahmed."

Pentagon extends tour of Marines in Afghanistan

Semper Gumby, Always Flexible. The Marines dropped in and found a lot of bad guys to kill. They just need a few more units to finish the job.

Good luck, boys!

Pentagon extends tour of Marines in Afghanistan: "The Pentagon has extended the tour of 2,200 Marines in Afghanistan, after insisting for months the unit would come home on time.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is doing combat operations in the volatile south, will stay an extra 30 days and come home in early November rather than October, Marine Col. David Lapan confirmed Thursday.

Military leaders as recently as Wednesday stressed the need for additional troops in Afghanistan. Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has repeatedly praised the work of the 24th MEU in fighting Taliban militants in Helmand Province.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, has repeatedly said he did not intend to extend or replace the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan, calling their deployment there an extraordinary, one-time effort to help tamp down the increasing violence in the south."

26th MEU assists rescuers after Indiana rains

Thank the Lord for the Marines! Semper Fi, guys. A MEU needs to be ready for anything, and I think this qualifies. This is not a usual mission for you guys.

However, since this is an AP story, I do wonder what was left off.

26th MEU assists rescuers after Indiana rains - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "26th MEU assists rescuers after Indiana rains

The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 10, 2008 10:09:56 EDT

WILMINGTON, N.C. — North Carolina-based Marines have joined rescue workers in Indiana as the state struggles with heavy rainfall that is flooding rivers to levels not seen since 1913.

As many as 11 inches of rain swamped Indiana over the weekend, flooding homes, threatening dams and closing several roads and highways.

Marines and sailors from Camp Lejeune’s 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provided video and photos of the storm damage. They also used H-46E Sea Knight helicopters to help evacuate equipment and beds from a hospital.

The nearly 2,200 Marines and sailors were in Indiana completing three weeks of urban training. The unit will deploy in the fall to Europe and the Middle East. It is made up of aviation, ground and logistics units."

31st MEU, Essex ordered to leave Myanmar

What a pity. I really feel sorry for those poor Burmese people who are stuck with these tyrants. If the Left really cared about people, then they would have insisted that the Marines and Navy force their way in and help the people. Instead, everyone is just ignoring these poor people. We need to help, even if the world refuses to. How can we help?

31st MEU, Essex ordered to leave Myanmar - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times: "Navy ships laden with relief supplies were told to steam away from Myanmar’s coast Thursday, their helicopters barred by the ruling junta even though millions of cyclone survivors need food, shelter or medical care.

More than a month after the storm, many people in stricken areas still have received no aid at all and the military regime continued to impose constraints on international rescue efforts, humanitarian groups said Wednesday.

“I am both saddened and frustrated to know that we have been in a position to help ease the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people and help mitigate further loss of life, but have been unable to do so because of the unrelenting position of the Burma military junta,” said Adm. Timothy J. Keating, head of the U.S. Pacific Command. Myanmar is also known as Burma.

The amphibious assault ship Essex and three other ships, which have been in international waters off Myanmar since May 13, were ordered to resume their previously scheduled missions on Thursday, Keating said in a statement issued by his headquarters in Hawaii."