January 20th, 2014
02:21 PM ET
Warships part of U.S. contingency plan for Sochi Olympics
By Barbara Starr
The U.S. military will have up to two warships and several transport aircraft on standby under a contingency plan to help evacuate American officials and athletes from the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, if ordered, a U.S. official said.
The State Department would take the lead in organizing and evacuating Americans, if necessary, the official with direct knowledge of the plan told CNN.
FULL STORY
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Best view i have ever seen !
https://images.google.ga/url?q=https://www.shinsen-mart.com
This is something New !
https://images.google.nu/url?q=https://www.shinsen-mart.com
. Be ready for anything I like that policy
Pride goes before the fall...I think that is from Religion...or something...
Maybe that is what people call tough luck.
If you & your Countrymen are imaginary or real what difference does it make too the Muslium terrorists who have already comitted a prolonged and drawn out form of suicide by opening their mouth in Russia...fact: Muslium terrorists already belive they are dead so what difference does their still breathing corpses make in the world...Ans: nothing short of what they & their ansestors have all too-many times previously stated...& what is that boys and girls...well if you cannot say it out loud then my I suggest you write it down and have someone else read it too you...now ask yourself what in Hell
does any of this have too do with Russia. Good luck you are going too need it especialy in your travels to the Worlds greatest games the Olyimpics where you can pay big big money too our friend Putin too watch Rusians and others go down hill fast just for fun.
The reality is: these kind of terrorists will even attack each-other to terrorize their imaginary enemy e.g. non-Musliums. Ask yourself are you and your Countrymen imaginary or real.
It is all mental until it is not...expect soft & hard targets too be hit @ once or in waves in multiples & locations by well funded & loosly organized Army of Islam terrorists...one can imagine the Russian statement indicating Muslium terrorists are back stabers @ best being played out @ each & every concevable & precived would-be Big-dog (both privet & Gov.) held pressure point maybe including places of non-Muslium gathering/worship.
Its only a precautionary measure, to be on stand-by to assist anyone who needs to get clear of any violence or trouble with terrorism, just being prudent i guess.
Wow they really are pulling out all the stops. Have they rented billboards stating they intend to do harm? Perhaps this is just the Russian flavor of extremist style, the more I study this the more it seems like bad news. Kinda seems like volo was a dry run , and the difference in flavor of attack is just a new flavor of gihadist. This musta been what it was like in the leadin to the tet. I still think this is either going to be nothing, or its going to kick off a war. A big war.
Putins Russian security fence around the Oylimpics is in vain @ best...but since rich people will be there Putin has an excuse too size them up (the rich people visiting the Olyimpics bank accounts)...in that case the Oylimpics are not safe for visitors that have money e.g. everybody.
Look @ this...surprise... surprise... just anounced: Head of bank bailout anounces run for the largest population/land state Governorship e.g. California which has the largest pacific ocean coastline–Anti-American...you can bet your bottle.
Put another way: Putin can smell a penny long before Putin smells a rotting corpse even if the blood is on his own hand...
Remember: Putin needs the Terrorists and Putin even though he knows exactly who the Terrorists are and where the Terrorists are Putin does little outside of propaganda service...
You can always tell a rich Oligarch by the apearences they keep & maintian... eather directly or through (ser-o-gets)...when the "People" start too get restless the Oligarch will let the "People" think they are accomplishing something by sliding the weight ever so slightly off the necks of the opressed...just long enough too let the "People" feel more empowered then the very next minute the Oligach will slam the proverbial boot back down on the adams apple of the oppresed "People" through the Oligachs (sir-o-gets) be it Military Gov. or Lawers & Privete sector board members & political arms...
Have you ever noticed how Putin handles his political opposition deftly but Anti-Gov. Militants he leaves alone...its all about the money his (Putins) not anyone else unless of course Putin sees a moneyed oportunity i.e. in this senerio Putin is not only everywhere he is the first person on the scene to rake in the big-bucks...Putin is a King/Czar and this condition he puts himself in is thus ever expanding...
Consider:: Putin is said too be the Worlds Richest man yet no Jew seems to have or tryed too take any of Putins money...
10 whole years and Putin can't find the Black Widow but any and all terrorists can find the Black Widow...you just can't make this stuff up...
Fact: The Black widow is linked with 10 whole years of terror in Russia.
Sensorship is in full effect now.
Putin is the Richest man in the World money is all he cares about he makes his money selling weapons that kill Musliums...thus every terrorist everywhere will live a very long and violent Anti-Gov. life...
really, does the US think the Russian will lose control over Sochi and they'll have to evacuate their people. It's Russia for God's sake.
We have warships ready to evac people over several suicide bombers?.... what am I missing?
No, probably for disaster relief.
Well, we've just become a desperate nation to get into or even just start any new war.
The poor US has nothing to offer that is any good in the world anymore except they will come and defend you against the bad ol terrorists. Once again the US are the terrorists. The government and the military... First rate worthless bloodsuckers.
HA! What are you talking about? The US are terrorists for sending warships, in order to evacuate their civilians? That doesn't even make sense.
You blind dummy. The warships is for possible rescue. Sometimes people are who think they know what's going on should be quite and say nothing, because when you open your mouth and stupid stuff comes out, it shows how much you really know. Nothing!
YOUR AN ASS
Yeah it doesn't make sense to send nuclear warships for no reason they can't be used for rescue because they would still have to get people to the ships. But they can be used as a first strike action against Russia. The worst thing that could happen and if it did it is definitely a false flag operation by the US, and that is if there is nuclear explosion in the Olympics and that it will be used by the US to start ww3. Many governments did this before people can google "false flag operation" to find out what it is. If this is the case then its a very dangerous situation because Russia has enough nuclear weapons to bomb the earth 3 times over and so does the US and the US will be wiped off the map if there is a nuclear war. This must be avoided but if the elite already planed this then we are in a lot of trouble.
they call people like this guy a troll. Don't respond
Awww, poor Martin. Is you towel too tight? You jealous a#%*holes crack me up. Go back in your mud hut.
The real issue is would America allow Russian war ships off Americas coast for same reason? Hmmm!
martin shore is a TROLL!! Don't feed him.
Wow. What loaded comments. Did you miss the fact that Russia is under a terrorist threat? The American warships are there to protect American's from a real terrorist threat against Russia? You should be thanking the US for its support and the fact that we are ready to help Russia if attacked.
Yes Muslim suicide bombers sent by Allah with gleeful anticipation of death are afraid of a war ship way out in the ocean,,,,
The US and Russia need to get on the same page. They are fighting the same enemy....
They're also supporting the same enemy. That should be obvious by now with just a cursory glance at history.
I can just see an F-18 strafing an athletic field, or a ship opening up with its guns on one.
And this will scare the terrorists off! on please...
The mountains in that region can be very dangerous, there are still HUGE remnants of glacial ice at very high elevations that have been known to break loose spontaneously and instantly bury entire valleys and villages under hundreds of feet of ice, absolutely no recovery of any kind is possible afterwards, the place is entombed until the next major melt.
shouldnt be entombed for long....GLOBAL WARMING
I love CNN's comment boards. They're always filled with r-tards who get easily flustered by trolls.
The warships are not there to bomb Sochi if terrorists strike. The warships are there so the american athletes (and american citizens at the games) will have a secure place to evacuate to if a strike does occur. They would be lifted out by helicopter, and brought on the warship until the threat clears up. The Russian police and Military would be the ones who respond if a terrorist strike happens.
B...b..b...but whatif Americans are taken h...h....h...hostage?
That's why we have DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6) and 1st SFOD (Delta Force).
If hostages are taken, the Russian Spetsnaz will be killing some terrorists and possibly a few collateral athletes. US special ops intervention in sovereign Russian affairs is pure macho fantasy..it .isn't going to happen. The warships are an easy way to evac the US delegation without having to resort to routine air travel. The whole thing is an idiotic PR stunt anyway.
Sending warships is stupid. It tells the terrorists that they have us quaking in our boots. We are not going to be attacked by the terrorists navy! Or any other navy. How would we like it if LA was hosting the Olympics and the Russians stationed warships off our coast.
Sending "warships' is a practical solution to accommodate quick mass evacuation. They have the personnel and resources. Don't be alarmed or read too much into the sensational headline that implies a US military response – it is just simple contingency planning and proper use of existing US assets.
The US Navy routinely shuffles ships around to (potential) trouble spots. That's their mission. Besides, it gives them a sense of purpose seeing that the last fleet battle worth discussing occurred almost 70 years ago.
So why don't we just fell Americans not to go and save all the money on the ship, etc. Anyone who goes after the warning is on their own.
Wonder how much it's going to cost poor Russian people.
Paid by Americans at gas pump
So the worshipers of the rotting corpse in the Saudi coastal town want a repeat of the Munich games. Now exactly how well did it work out for the Islamic cause after the Munich games. Did the world learn to respect those corpse worshipers? How much has Islam advanced through the ages? Well, just blowing up Zionists was not good enough. They needed to blow up other Muslim funeral processions because they are not the right tilt of Islam. Since that was not fun they needed to blow up a rival mosque because their burka threads are not the right mix of proper fibers. But at the end of the day, they all march to that square in Mecca and dance circles around the rotting worm feast. Its all good and well in the end, lawd be willin.
I'm not sure if that was irony or sarcasm. Dead on accurate, though.
1. If Americans do not attend the event the terrorists win. 2. Americans look out for other Americans or at least it used to be that way.
The State Department will be in charge of any evacuation? The same State Department responsible for the embassy in Libya that was spontaneously attacked due to a video that no one saw?
That's the one. Correct. And your point is? Would you rather they made no preparations like last time? Or maybe, just maybe they learned something.
Yes troll.. and the same state department that will save your ass if you get taken hostage on one of those softy tours it sounds like you would go on. The same state department that sends out travel advisories that places are dangerous, yet people travel to anyway and then act like its an american government conspiracy to hold them captive.
The state department acted rightly in Libya at the time, with the information they had available. They avoided putting more americans lives at risk hen it seemed the situation had ended. A diplomat died that knew he was in a dangerous area. Its sad. Diplomats put there ass out there everday like that, working for guess who... the state department.
No wonder we do no have any taxpayer's money to feed hungry children or to shelter homeless in DC
I would say the war in Iraq pretty much ate up most of any federal money. But I wonder if those kinds of funds come from the city instead.
So how many foreign military ships were sent to the USA costal areas during the 1996 Olympic to help evacuate their citizens after the bombing in Atlanta?
The difference is that there weren't signs that the attack was going to happen beforehand, dingus.
i don't want any gold meta,i'm sick, i stay home
Yeh, Stay home and take care of your own business.
It is always a good opportunity to move all those gadgets closer to an information-rich environment, and just let your kite fly up and away...
Sorry the Olympic committee needs to foot the bill for that not the US taxpayer.
Amen!
Same type person that would Wail and cry if something happened, about 'how could america be such a great country and let our citizens stand in harms way'. Well this is one way. Its not like those ships were going to be in drydock without the olympics. We're moving them from one part of the ocean to another. They likely have a lot of other assignments to do at the same time that we're not even aware of.
Much rather have them near russia potentially defending our diplomats and elite atheletes that wandering around Somalia taking potshots at skiffs.
Even if there's no terrorist incident (god forbid), this is going to be a joke of an Olympics. Putin is doing his best to be the biggest creep on the planet next to Kim Jong Un and Bashar al Assad, and Sochi is about as good a venue for winter games as Panama City is...
If you consider everyone to be a creep who doesn't want you around their children, then you're going to have a VERY long creep list.
So dramatic...O my God! The Islamists are coming! The Islamists are coming! Don't worry Westerners Al Qaeda is on the CIA payroll anyways and always has been.
"...it appears the only way to get a ship into the Black Sea is though a canal in Turkey – if there is one."
Check GoogleEarth and Wikipedia. There has been a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to Aegean Sea via the Sea of Marmara for the past 7,000 yrs or so. No need for any knowledge of shipping to know basic geography.
I wouldn't say that's basic geography, Squid. I liked looking things up and pretending I knew something when I was a kid, too.
I never stopped learning and spreading knowledge,so sad you gave up.thanks for sharing,Quid.
Considering that this is something I've known since childhood I'd say that geography is quite basic for me. It's a pity that you resort to flaming total strangers as a way to compensate for your own ignorance. Try getting an education if you're still capable of learning.
@elGiblet: Considering that this is something I've known since childhood I'd say that geography is quite basic for me. It's a pity that you resort to flaming total strangers as a way to compensate for your own ignorance. Try getting an education if you're still capable of learning.
Putin has been very reserved in his actions since the bombings took place,after the olympics are over,I think someone is going to regret the decision their group made.
New Olympic sport: The Bug-out.
The only way warships are going to be of any use whatsoever is to have the flotilla anchored in the Sochi harbor, at which point they may be targets themselves, ala USS. Cole.
They're called landing craft and helicopters.
Since I have a relative who will be in Sochi for the entire Olympics, I looked at a map of Russia. With Sochi on the Black Sea, I don’t see how “warships” will be able to get close to the venue. While I’m not a shipping expert, it appears the only way to get a ship into the Black Sea is though a canal in Turkey – if there is one. As this report doesn’t discuss specifics, all that could occur is first Americans would have to be flown out of Sochi on a charter flight to a larger airport that would then fly them to the warship. Are we also going to have airplanes in Moscow ready to fly Americans out? And why would anyone want to leave a plane to be put on a warship when that plane could simply land at an airport?
The canal is called the Turkish Straits.
You can get to the Black Sea from the Med. Look it up.
Why not just mail every Olympic athlete a gold medal? Would save big buck$, and life would just go on as usual. That'd be cool. Prevent the heartbreak of defeat – cancel the Olympics – forever!
The ships can cross thru the Dardanelle and Bosporus Straits in to the Black Sea, We already have aircraft in Turkey which is across the Black Sea for Sochi. We can keep the ships near Turkey just in case they are needed, it would take little time for them to cross through since we keep ships in the Med. all the time.
That "canal" is called the Bosphorus Strait, a major international shipping route. It is 1-2 miles wide and averages 200 ft. deep. The Russian Black Sea Fleet passes through it to the Mediterranean on a daily basis. No problem for even the largest US warship. Hope it is not needed and your relative is safe.
"...it appears the only way to get a ship into the Black Sea is though a canal in Turkey – if there is one."
Check GoogleEarth and Wikipedia. There has been a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to Aegean Sea via the Sea of Marmara for the past 7,000 yrs or so. No need for any knowledge of shipping to know basic geography.
The Bosphorus, the connection between the Mediterranean via the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea can accomodate oil tankers (and submerged subramines!), I don't see any problems driving amphibious assault ships right into the Black Sea. Since the plan is to launch helicopters from the ships on standby, if neccessary, I presume there will be at least one amphibious assault ship. The other ship could be a destroyer or a littoral combat ship.
Apart from the shipping explanations given by other commenters. . Its mentioned in the article that the ships have helicopters on board. They would likely be shuttling people directly to the ships from Sochi. ..and possibly support personel to Sochi as well.
Seals, Black hawks and transports, don't you go to the movies??
keep guns pointed and missiles targeted on Chechnya, no reason to waste time. get them guys.
Let the corporations that sponsor US athletes pay for the "contingency" plan, not the taxpayer. Nike has a lot more money than I do.
I am guessing that this is covered in the DOD budget. These ships and aircraft are normally carrying out a mission, the only difference is where they will be doing it.
The ships are already at sea doing routine patrols and training. And events such as this is why they are at sea. There is no additional cost for them to go to Sochi.
Wouldnt it be cheaper to get rid of all the muslims?
then who is going to do your mama?
and more desirable too
But not as "desirable" as having anoool with your wife.. Perhaps even your mother in her younger years.
Would actually be cheaper in the long run to burn rats like you.
Jesus, Obi you're not helping whatever cause you're working for. I guess you need an outlet for you hate, perhaps. You'd do better to calm down a bit.
The thing is that there are some innocent ones too I'm sure. Unfortunately there are no shortcut solutions to most complex problems...
Yeah, just like after Hitler the world felt it would be preferable to kill all the christians
I have a dream!
I thought you wanted to get rid of the Mexicans first, Obi? Get your priorities in order.
So do they plan to bombard Sochi if terrorist attack? How much of help warships and planes are against suicide bomber? It does not make athletes or tourists any safer: it only shows terrorists that they can make Americans to go any lengths! But whatever: that's your borrowed money!
Not bomb, just rescue. Do you really think Russia's going to be okay with us bombing their country? I'm doubtful they'd even allow a rescue attempt without throwing up some flak.
I think he was being sarcastic.
Those assets are for evacuation only, and monitoring. of the situation. They also might have some treatment on board in case of biological or chemical attack. Maybe some logistics capabilities. Not sure the scope, but I am sure a strike into Russia without permission is way out of bounds.
You can bet the US ships are loaded with Special Forces teams and helicopters ready to raise havoc when things get out of hand.
Forget the Olympics.
We are already in the hole.
Waste no more tax payers money.
No taxpayer money foes to the Olympics. The ship is out on patrol anyway so little if any extra cost there. Now, if they are needed for a rescue mission that will cost. But the same people who scream how much it costs would scream "Why were you not there to help?" Don't forget it was the Republicans who gutted the state department's security budget to begin with.
How about you learn to write your own sentences instead of someone elses talking points. Original thinking, give it a try. As has been said many times before in these comments there is no additional cost to the Us taxpayer. You think we just created those ships for the olympics and beamed them over there? Our navy is patrolling 24/7. They're just being ordered to a particulr place in the ocean instead of another.
Hmmm, so if "something" should happen, I would just like to tell the State Department that bringing Snowden back to the USA for trial is not "evacuating Americans," it is kidnapping 🙂
This is nothing new, most of the recent Olympics have had a contingency, just for looks.
How much so muslims cost the world in security?
The other way of looking at it is that they've created a lot of jobs
muslims? if you want to blame a religion blame Christianity they seem to find there way into more religious fighting then any other religion in history and account for some of the biggest mass murders during war.
Maybe. But not today.
Islamists not exactly working hard to keep from catching up over the last 100 years.
America the land of safety
The Centennial Olympic Park bombing was a terrorist bomb attack on the Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia on July 27 during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Isn't reporting movement or location of US military considered treason? Oh yea, It's CNN mode of operation.
No, it's not, given that these movements are not classified and the information is not being used to aid our enemies. You should learn something about a subject before making a flippant post.
It's a violation to discuss where US warships are going and when they'll be there. It doesn't matter if it's to a dangerous location or not. Look back at the USS Cole. The ship was bombed while pulling into port for liberty. The ship is in a state of restricted movement as it approaches/departs a port, called 'Sea and Anchor Detail'. Because of this, ships can't maneuver out of harms way... especially the larger ships. Granted, the ships will most likely just be patrolling off the coast. Also, you'll notice that the specific ship names are omitted from the report. This was intentional, CNN knows to avoid sensitive information...
Well, aside from that one pesky war when the enemy was using CNN broadcasts to fine tune their aim.
But other than that, nah.
pretty hard to 'tune ones aim' when using rpgs and mines. That story was just anti CNN fud, and you bought that corporate crap hook line and sinker.
It's public information http://www.stratfor.com/image/us-naval-update-map-jan-16-2014
I'll be tuning to the Paint Drying Network instead. I heard they're featuring an eggshell white room for 24 hours which is must see TV.
Olympics. Meh.
now THAT is must see tv!
How are warships going to stop a bomber? Are we going to bomb innocent folks to get the bomber if we have too?
Don't know what story you read, but this one makes no reference to the US ships stopping anything.
Forget it...he's just an ignoramus who didn't bother to read the article before he opened his ignorant yap.
"contingency plan to help evacuate American officials and athletes from the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, if ordered" – right there at the top, too. in case that didn't make sense, they are there to assist US citizens if something really tragic occurs, like in Boston. that assistance most likely consists of air lifting them directly to the ships where they can get medical attention. The ships would be a *lot* closer than flying them to Germany, etc.
Yes we are. If one of our guys is injured, trips over his skis or even has heartburn we are carpet bombing Sochi back to the Age of St0nes! Rolling Stones to be more precise.
The Boston bombers did not have any problems even after Russia warned the FBI and CIA many times.
An American would have to be foolhardy to attend this Olympics whether spectator or participant.
those ships are for invasion
of what? Certainly not Russia ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!
Will putting those warships out there for evacuation purposes finally FOX and it's blind herd?
***Please add the word "appease" before FOX.*** Thank you!
Don't talk to the article, just rant and waste everyone's time.
It is a pretty sad commentary when these types of plans have to be made. The Olympics should be an event that is peaceful and devoid of any political and/or religious ideologies. The goal is to highlight how to bring diverse nations/peoples together through their atheletes.
haha, that's funny, I didn't know ath-e-letes had three syllables...that's ama-za-zing!
So rather than add anything to the conversation you chose to go after their spelling. You're a class act.
@Wow...you obviously didn't get the movie reference. Why don't you try googling Richie and the quote and you'll learn something today. Life doesn't have to be uptight all the time...try to find some humor in it.
I was in a U.S. Navy task force assigned for the same thing for Athens. The Navy also sent warships in the area for security for London, Beijing....... Nothing new here, same old, same old.
Unfortunately the Olympics have been politicized since at least 1936 (Berlin) if not before. Terrorism has been a part since at least 1972 (the attach on Isreali athletes in Munich).
Yeah, and birds should drop $100 bills on your front lawn. Preschool must be a nice place to live; whoops juice and nap time.
Yeah – and bluebirds should fly around the White House.
What is upsetting to me is the political game playing by certain commentators on these news shows. They act as though Russia needs our help to secure the Olympics, when in fact, the Russians GAVE US the intelligence information warning us of the two Boston Bombers, but WE did not follow up.
Good Opinion. Me thinks much ado about nothing and over reaction by the US. These people want notoriety and achieve it by internet postings. Ever since 911 which US intelligence blew, there has been over reaction to anything to do with terrorists. This is not like Munich. Security in Sochi is immense.
This isn't about -stopping- anything. Its about rescuing our people should something bad happen. ..and if I was there I'd be glad to have that reassurance. Nothing like a group of marines to make you feel safe when overseas.
I couldn't care less
On the contrary, you COULD care less. As a matter of fact, you could care so much less, that you don't even bother to make a comment - which is the course of action we all wish you take next time.
Yet you clicked the article and commented lmao tool
Would you care less if I splattered a large steaming poop on your face?
Close enough to get into a conflict with China or North Korea?
You don't think those 'warships' will actually be carrying any weapons, do you? They will merely be a symbol, which, is laughable. What is not laughable is the real threat that if anything happens, the homeland of the perpetrators will be determined, and everyone in that region of the planet will be evaporated. But, nope, don't make threats that beasts like terrorists might be concerned about, just put a fake symbol of usless, after-the-fact power out there – for them to laugh at.
It would sound less menacing if "warships" were replaced with "navy transport vessels," but it also wouldn't be so interesting to report.
No weapons on those warships you say? THAT is what's laughable.
You are an idiot – of COURSE those warships will have their usual supply of weapons. Where the hell do you get your "information" from???? Do you know what it would cost to de-weaponize those warships, plus the storage?
As if a U.S. warship would be unarmed.
Are you old enough to remember that the US put 240 unarmed Marines in a hotel in Beruit, one which had already been attacked, and then simply walked away when it was blown to bits, killing almost all of them? If you think Russkies are going to allow US military to come into their country, armed, you aint got much activity upstairs.
These warships will be unarmed C-140 transports, or similar, and even the USAF pilots will be unarmed.
Snake, you DO know that C-140s are airplanes, not warships, don't you???
I would assume that they are in the Med or the Persian Gulf. But it would have been nice for CNN to say.
I always thought it was an act of treason to report military movements in the press.
and you assumed wrong, as people who assume usually do. If the movements are not classified, and instead made publically available its express purpose is get the news published. Times like these the idea is to get knowledge and reassurance from the presence of a military force. What we're not trying to do is sneak up and attack someone where secrecy would be involved.
Looks like they are getting ready for a FALSE FLAG attack.......
Exactly my first reaction.
This one's going to huge!
Go Illuminati Go!!!
Smart move by BHO. He is truly the best president since Lincoln.
You are forgetting FDR.
and Cleveland, McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Reagan, etc.
Left Iraq on the plan put together by the Bush Admin. Sent military backup support to Olympics like every other Administration in the past 3 decades. But his crowning achievement is the most potent Kool-Aid mixture ever created along with an army of lemmings passing out the glasses.
Everybody just stay home. The political nutjobs wrecked it already.
BHO is an Idiot !
Takes one to know one.
What an insightful addition to the discussion. Well done, Richard.
The host country should provide across the board protection and should be held accountable to emergency and evacuation procedures. I see no reason why our military should be used/abused to project power at the Olympics. Have we become a military state?
"Have we become a military state.."
We have, by far, the mightiest military in the world.... where have you been?
I wasn't questioning the strength or our military. My point is why do we have to project military power at the games? This seems like a political contrivance to humiliate Russia. I know so who cares it's only Russia. Nothing was done for Benghazi but now we need to have warships as a contingency. Our leadership is all messed up. It's a waste of tax payer dollars. The host country gets to host the Olympics only if it can demonstrate adequate protection to athletes and/or the audience.
Used/abused? would you rather have our boys there ready for an evac or depend on russian military counterparts to help us if the Olympics get bomb.
SHH! You're interfering with his ability to use the olympics to badmouth the president.
Who do you think has better emergency response ... Libya or Russia? I think a safe bet would be Russia. Yet we trusted Libya would have the response needed to evac our embassy. Was there a warship on standby?
The only thing unclear about the article is whether Russia said it needed backup because it didn't think it could get the job done. Otherwise ... it's an 'use/abuse' of our military resources.
Do our small town police forces have enough equipment to fight many 2nd world armies? Why do sheriff's departments have $700,000 armored vehicles on loan from the military to protect us from criminals? Why do those same sheriff's departments use unmanned aircraft to monitor citizens in the same way the military monitors enemies?
The answer to your question is "yes, we are a military state."
I think you need to look up what a Military State is. Just because law enforcement uses the same equipment that our miltary does, does not make them a military. I could buy some fatigues but that doesn't make me a part of the military. Some law enforcement agencies actually own, not loan, equpment once used by the military, most recently many armored vehicles. When we occupied Iraq, that was a military state. No military is in our country enforcing law upon us.
So your saying that with the threats that have been made in Russia towards the Olympics you would put trust in that country to make sure EVERYONE is safe Russia is only going to worry about Russia. Think if you had a love one competing your saying you would trust Russia to make sure there truly safe.
I see your point but look what happened at the Atlanta games. We, the US, know that things like this can happen anywhere in the world and at any time. We just want to provide our own support for our Olympians. All we are told is that there are two warships and several transport aircraft on standby. Do you really think they are going to tell us other things like additional submarines in the area, undercover agents out and about or and shared information between the US and Russia about the terrorist of concern? We are never going to know what is really going on.
I just wonder, how would warships have helped us against the Boston bombers...
No more than they did on 9-11-2001, or Atlanta Olympics, etc. But in the article, it says these are for evacuation of Americans, not everyone. So Americans will run away, while others stay there and deal with the trouble-makers?
If you have to send warships to participate, forget it.
The Olympics suck anymore
after five years without a president a failing america cant even afford the fuel for its rusting ships! probably trying to sell them to the Russians!
Are you naturally stupid or do you have to practice?
You are so misinformed about our military capabilities & materiel condition. Where do you get your information, from MAD magazine?
He is right about America is broke . The money is better spend to fix the domestic problems .
It amazes me how you trolls blame Obama for your own problems. Quite complaining. This is AMERICA man. Fix them yourself. Oops, right, you'd rather complain.
Is this service for the Athletes or for all the American spectators too .
Just for the VIPs
It's nice but Russia will take care of business if time comes.
Yep, no way in hell that Russia is allowing anything but empty planes there for symbolism. US planes in Russia, with weapons? No way – nothing but empty planes, which BTW are no more 'threatening' to anyone that the Russkie's own stuff. It's just a thanks for listening to us when we asked you not to blow the F out of Syria and Iran.
Like they did in Chechnya? Lol.
These ships wont be able to do much, other than help evacuate Americans, if things get too ugly.
"...These ships wont be able to do much, other than help evacuate Americans"
and the ARTICLE SAID
"The U.S. military will have up to two warships and several transport aircraft on standby under a contingency plan to help evacuate American officials and athletes from the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, if ordered, a U.S. official said."
Are you as stupid as you seem, or are you acting?
I won't be watching. So I could care less.
thanks for sharing that absolutely worthless piece of information with all. you must think quite a bit of yourself to think anyone but you would care about you watching the Olympics. It's not all about you.
So Brickell, since you could care less, how much do you care right now? What a worthless comment.
You understand that, by saying you "could care less", you're admitting that you do care at least some, right?
Furthermore, despite that fact that you do care at least some, one would think you would in fact care quite a lot about the safety of hundreds of your fellow countrymen competing on our nation's behalf in a foreign country.
you couldn't care less, not could care less.
and throwing knives
They should just give the Biathlon athletes live ammo.
They do...you think they're shooting paintball ?