To the editor:
Despite word limitations imposed here it seems appropriate that I provide a brief introduction for this my very first letter to the editor. I am a fortunate United States Navy combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm whose fervent political independence was informed while on active duty by the Hatch Act. That cherished independence does not mean that I have not formed strong opinions on all things related to proper government operations, especially pertaining to the military. Close attention to such matters is common among those of us who have sworn to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic."
In keeping with the aforementioned limitation, I will address but one statement by Vice President Kamala Harris during the debate Tuesday night. She tested what appeared to me a well-rehearsed line suggesting that no active-duty service members are now operating in a "combat zone." I had not previously heard this declaration, but it seemed clearly designed to counter the frequent Trump talking point that "no wars began on my watch." The truth is that there are currently many USN warships under near daily attack since Oct. 19, 2023.
An Iranian proxy force in Yemen (Houthis) has been launching these attacks at merchant shipping as well as USN and allied surface vessels in the Red Sea. These maritime attacks have restricted the flow of commercial shipping there in alleged support of the Hamas (another Iranian proxy) war on Israel. I argue that this sustained cruise missile and drone barrage aimed at our warships rivals any USN combat operations since World War II. These warships have been awarded the Combat Action Ribbon in recognition of this unfortunate reality.
Why are you not likely aware of these acts of war? Simple. Not one of the scores of missiles or drones has yet penetrated our warship anti-air warfare defenses. Unfortunately, several merchant ships have been struck to include loss of life. Only the near flawless performance of our professional USN crews have kept these attacks out of the news.
Where is the righteous outrage over these continued attacks? Will it take a disaster like that of 17 May 1987, wherein two errant Iraqi missiles struck the USS Stark, costing the lives of 37 sailors, for this administration to finally take notice?
The ABC moderators/fact-checkers on Tuesday night were swift to set us straight about dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio, but ignored the aforementioned false statement, among other more flagrant ones, by someone vying to become our next commander-in-chief. Will they just as eagerly expose this administration for failure to recognize what any previous president considered acts of war?
Reality check: I recommend Vice President Harris attend any future transfer ceremonies at Dover AFB for receipt of flag-draped coffins and please leave your watch at home in the Naval Observatory. Furthermore, publicly apologize for this false statement and take action by refusing to appease Iran.
Remember the Stark.
W.E. Jackson
Steubenville