Trap, I see your point (and can't help but agree), but don't forget our own forces recently took two tremendous blows over dealing with "our own people" (see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Kovco )- it's six of one, half a dozen of the other.
But then, I've also met two new RAN officers - one ex-USN, the other ex-Dutch Navy - on the one HMA Ship.
Nat, as for your crews bypassing DOH for BAH, I've no idea why - there are some fabulous hotels in DOH. And while FP may not bless them all (and the one with decent Aussie beer is one of those unfortunates), the good ones are spectacular.
H
Glad our charter bridge isn't via OTBH