Reuters tells us:
Sep 18 - A fire on a Russian warship in the Pacific kills two sailors, the latest in a series of accidents that have raised doubts about the safety of Russia’s fleet. The fire occurred on the large anti-submarine ship the Marshal Shaposhnikov. Navy officials said they suspected the fire broke out in the engine room when an oil pipe ruptured during a naval exercise in the Sea of Japan.
This is undoubtely an embarissing incident for the Russian Navy as it gears up for a show of force in America’s backyard. Is the Monroe doctrine still in effect? We are not so sure considering the Roosevelt Coorelerary was based, in part, on the idea to “Speak softly and carry a big stick”! An idea that today’s politicians seem to have forgotten.
Either way, wth Russia increasing military spending by over 25%, China building Ballistic Missile Submarines and the US Navy’s inability to defend their own most valuable assets, the waters may soon be less safe for the average mariner.
Captain John Konrad is co-founder of Unofficial Networks and Editor In Chief of this blog. He is a USCG licensed Master Mariner of Unlimited Tonnage and, since graduating from SUNY Maritime College, has sailed a variety of ships from ports around the world.
He currently lives in Morro Bay, California with his wife and two children.
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Frank // Sep 25, 2008 at 12:18 am
Danm Them Ruskies!
2 Kevin // Sep 30, 2008 at 1:53 am
This is undoubtely an embarissing incident for the Russian Navy as it gears up for a show of force in America’s backyard. Is the Monroe doctrine still in effect? We are not so sure considering the Roosevelt Coorelerary was based, in part, on the idea to “Speak softly and carry a big stick”! An idea that today’s politicians seem to have forgotten. Either way, wth Russia increasing military spending by over 25%, China building Ballistic Missile Submarines and the US Navy’s inability to defend their own most valuable assets, the waters may soon be less safe for the average mariner.
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