Originally Posted by
Pontius Navigator
How many merchant ships, how many frigates or destroyers. The numbers don't stack up. I would not disagree we need escorts but defending SLOC is a joke.
So because we can (and have no need) to protect merchant vessels anywhere - we should not protect them anywhere? What about where there is a proven threat:
Sailors recognised for going beyond the call of duty - RN website
A warfare officer who ensured 650,000 tonnes of British shipping safely passed through the gauntlet of ‘missile alley’ in the Middle East is one of several sailors to receive the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.
Lt Cdr Ben Martin was HMS Daring’s Principal Warfare Officer during her 2016-17 deployment to the Gulf.
The destroyer was called upon to safeguard shipping passing through the Bab el Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea following an attack on the MV Swift.
Operations lasted 50 days, throughout which the ship operated under the threat of attack by Houthi rebel-controlled coastal-defence cruise missiles and explosive boats.
Each transit of the chokepoint was conducted at the highest degree of personnel and material readiness and Lt Cdr Martin oversaw the preparations and conduct of every one.