Modern Piracy

Incredible. $30M? A supertanker? Insane. We might have to have Old Ironsides take to the seas again.

Conflict on the High Seas Is Historically a Casus Belli for U.S.

An interesting article, spurred by the recent incident in the Straits of Hormuz, talking about how the United States has often gone to war as a direct result of threats to or attacks on our sea power, whether it be military or commercial vessels.

These run the gamut from the (probably accidental) explosion of the USS Maine to the disastrous assault on our fleet with Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. The recent event in the Straits of Hormuz did not escalate due to the discipline of our naval officers - but it could have sparked a war with Iran.

Mead makes an interesting point, and while the Hormuz incident differs both in kind and scope than some of our past travails on the high seas, it nevertheless represents a direct threat to U.S. sea power. And that's something that we have defended vigorously in our history as a nation.

Link via Neptunus Lex, who you should put on your blogroll for great commentary on the military and foreign affairs with a naval bent.

PRC Hijinks

This is surprising. And rather disturbing. What does it mean? It remains to be seen, but this is a major cause for concern should it have been an enemy intent on attacking the carrier.