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Ever been on board a US Destroyer
I haven't been onboard a US Destroyer, and am unlikely to, but if we get lucky enough with the below invitation from the visiting US Destroyer John Paul Jones, that would be exciting stuff (to say the least.)
It's not as if the US haven't been visiting, as friendlies, for the longest time. It's just great to have a general invitation from a greater nation.
It is a tremendous honor to be in Tonga on the 4th of July. Tonga and the United States have been allies in the Global War on Terrorism and in other coalition operations for many years. Just as the war for American independence required out forefathers to take a stand, Tongan and U.S. forces today are working together to fight oppression and tyranny. In celebration of the U.S. Independence Day, U.S. Ambassador Larry M. Dinger and I will host a reception for royal, government, and business leaders aboard JOHN PAUL JONES on the 4th. The evening promises to be a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and strengthen those friendships that already exist. It's also a perfect way for my officers and crew to showcase our great ship. Aside from the reception, we're all looking forward to experiencing all that Tonga has to offer.
-James J. Housinger, Commander, Commanding Officer USS John Paul Jones
The Commander makes statements about rebuilding friendships, and from an earlier post we remember how the US came to Tonga's aid during World War II. Past stories from family and friends of how the US presence during the traumatic years of the war effected the psyche of the population (positively.)
Well, at least my dad used to talk about how they were not allowed out at night due to the curfew on lighting, and a general sense of imminent danger. It sure helps the atmosphere when there is a tonnage of metal out in the waters with trained people and loaded weapons (even if they didn't speak a spic of Tongan.)
Oh, that boat ? This is the picture I got, but I don't know whether it's the same one since I haven't been watching my movies recently and can't really tell you the difference between a US Destroyer and a Japanese Squash loaded boat.
I think the local naval patrol boats would take up all of 1/4 the dimensions of the Destroyer ? Now, here's something that has some real meat on it (and they can have parties on board, apparently.)
Strange, how last night I was just watching the Discovery Channel's Future Weapons. Cool, this is old time technology (so far as the US is concerned) but it's still cool.
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