Mc Kenna on HMS Ocean

by Terence Thu Jul 13, 2006 17:00

We can assume the above poster John O'Suilivan who has UNICEF listed beside his name as the organisation he represents, is either an imposter or else he is mis-representing UNICEF because I doubt very much they share his view nor would I assume he is free to represent their views.

by Caobhin Thu Jul 13, 2006 16:57

Did Iraq welcome international troops? Thery were overjoyed when they first arrived. I was in Bagdhad in 2001,

Welcomed? (I assume you mean 2003 as opposed to 2001) -the ratio of Brit/Septic troops killed in March/April 2003 has never been equalled by the resistance of the last three years. And Mr. UNICEF( based-on-thin-air assuming you're not lying) what exactly were you risking in Baghdad and for who? This was an illegal war you are cheerleading for and you claim to be working for UNICEF?

What minesweepers??? - The 4 docked by the IFSC, and yes minesweepers both lay and destroy mines, and patrol the waters ahead to intercept smaller craft which pose a threat.

Minesweepers do not necessarily do both, I suspect you are thinking only of the Brit and Septic models. Anyway there is a difference between Dutch minesweepers slinking in and out unannounced and those of an ex-imperial power still occupying part of our country seeking to slime it's way out of it's disgusting role in a shameful war by inviting NGOs to some corporate piss-up.

I've been on both and would be happy to answer any of your questions so you don't embarras yourself infront of any of your own friends.

Embarrassed? You're claiming to have been to Iraq in 2001, that all minesweepers lay mines, Brit warship is a glorified car ferry, what have I got to be embarrassed about?

by Anorak Thu Jul 13, 2006 16:18

Troops welcomed in Baghdad in 2001? You on a parallel universe?
HMS Ocean was involved in Operation Telic from the start. Therefore it was a part of the imerialist invasion of a sovereign country. End of.

by John O'Suilivan - UNICEF Thu Jul 13, 2006 15:17

Well Caobhin - Did Iraq welcome international troops? Thery were overjoyed when they first arrived. I was in Bagdhad in 2001, it's easy for you to critisize the efforts, when all you risk from waffle is arthritis in your fingers.

What minesweepers??? - The 4 docked by the IFSC, and yes minesweepers both lay and destroy mines, and patrol the waters ahead to intercept smaller craft which pose a threat.

HMS Ocean carries no missiles. It has three Phalanx machine guns, which are controlled by radar and destroy any incoming missiles which reach 500m of the ship. The ship is pretty much a car ferry, with a flight deck on top for some helicopters.
I've been on both and would be happy to answer any of your questions so you don't embarras yourself infront of any of your own friends.

by Caobhin Mon Jul 03, 2006 14:45

I am slightly embarassed that Ireland is the ONLY country that HMS Ocean has ever encountered protests. What did the tsunami victims think when the ship arrived with relief???

Did Iraq welcomed this floating death machine or is a country under foreign military occupation not a country to you? Are the idiots welcoming this warship really taken in by it's mockery of humanitarianism or are they as I suspect, being deliberately cretinous?

Was there a march on the 3 Dutch minesweepers also moored in Dublin this weekend?

What minesweepers? And do you know the difference between a minesweeper and a warship?

by Simian Mon Jul 03, 2006 11:40

Was there a march on the 3 Dutch minesweepers also moored in Dublin this weekend?

by anon Sat Jul 01, 2006 23:09

overiding purpose of ship is the reason not to welcome it

by Sarsfield Fri Jun 30, 2006 23:10

Reasons to welcome HMS Ocean to Dublin

While undertaking first-of-class trials, it was called to Honduras to give humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

Ocean was also diverted in 1999 to provide humanitarian assistance to Turkey in the wake of an earthquake.

The ship's Sea King Helicopters were involved in search and rescue operations and were responsible for locating several people trapped under wreckage and rubble.

In May 2000 HMS Ocean was deployed to the West African coast to support British forces in Sierra Leone. (a peacekeeping mission)

These points taken from the BBC.

by John O'Suilivan - UNICEF Fri Jun 30, 2006 21:28

Yes, may I also extend my warmest welcome to the fine ship. I am slightly embarassed that Ireland is the ONLY country that HMS Ocean has ever encountered protests. What did the tsunami victims think when the ship arrived with relief???

by ATAQ Fri Jun 30, 2006 17:49

I think that the HMS Ocean is a fine ship, and I am glad to see such a fine ship docked here.

by Chugger Alert Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:52

Can Daily Ireland do a follow up investigation into what Irish NGO's have been invited on to the ship and which ones accepted? Would like to know before I meet my next chugger!