So while we were having dinner in Nice, it turns out the table next to us is the Commanding Officer and two colleagues from a US naval ship moored in Cannes. Somehow Shelley wangled us a private tour of the ship, so here we are!
Being a bit of a pacifist myself it was all a bit weird... but I was impressed. The boat is an LSD (I didn't dare crack any jokes) which stands for Landing Ship Dock. The whole bottom deck of the ship can drop down to allow other boats to be floated in and out.
As well as their standard crew of 300, they currently have an additional - yes, additional - 400 marines currently on board, along with a lot of their gear. Currently the bottom deck has around six tanks, two ducks and other assorted vehicles including around a dozen or so jeeps, humvees and trucks.
They seemed remarkably relaxed about showing us around and completely unconcerned about taking photos and asking questions.
They even let us wander around the bridge - this is the CO's chair, just in case you were in any doubt about who's in charge.
And these are to make sure you know they're not there for the sightseeing...
No comments:
Post a Comment