Before the next storm hits, why not base a Navy hospital ship in the Philippines?
So asks my smart friend, Navy Capt. Henry Hendrix. It makes sense the amount of damage caused by storms is increasing (though not necessarily their frequency or intensity). He wrote this in an email exchange Tuesday that I am quoting, of course, with his permission: I have been suggesting for about five years now that ...
So asks my smart friend, Navy Capt. Henry Hendrix. It makes sense the amount of damage caused by storms is increasing (though not necessarily their frequency or intensity). He wrote this in an email exchange Tuesday that I am quoting, of course, with his permission:
So asks my smart friend, Navy Capt. Henry Hendrix. It makes sense the amount of damage caused by storms is increasing (though not necessarily their frequency or intensity). He wrote this in an email exchange Tuesday that I am quoting, of course, with his permission:
I have been suggesting for about five years now that we ask the Philippines to allow us to dock a hospital ship there with her non-medical caretaker crew. This would allow the ship to cut its response time to the disasters that predominate in the region. The medical crew could be flown out and the caretaker crew could ensure that the ship would not be trapped in port when a storm hits. I also think that we should suggest basing a squadron of unarmed JHSVs there to aide with intra-theater logistical lift. I think we could get the Philippine government to agree to both of these suggestions and would create the core of an influence squadron there in the P.I.
Thomas E. Ricks is a former contributing editor to Foreign Policy. Twitter: @tomricks1
More from Foreign Policy
Chinese Hospitals Are Housing Another Deadly Outbreak
Authorities are covering up the spread of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia.
Henry Kissinger, Colossus on the World Stage
The late statesman was a master of realpolitik—whom some regarded as a war criminal.
The West’s False Choice in Ukraine
The crossroads is not between war and compromise, but between victory and defeat.
The Masterminds
Washington wants to get tough on China, and the leaders of the House China Committee are in the driver’s seat.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.