USMC Squadron Commander Killed

[Bison]

God bless their families.

The officer, Lt. Col. Chris Raible of Marine Attack Squadron 211, died in the assault in which the Harrier jet unit lost around half of its aircraft.
Also killed in the attack was Sgt. Bradley Atwell of Kokomo, Ind.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443816804578002651859024198.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories

[undercovergeek]

+1

i know a few of the UK guys here sometimes dont want to say anything and speak out of line, but for me personally, after reading about the burning embassies and this new attack, i hope im not out of place in saying and agreeing with a few of you that its time to pack up and get the hell out of the region

[LongBlade]

I'm sorry to read that.

I hope the folks in the White House are starting to figure out that the other side is playing for keeps. Hopefully we soon will be, too.

[Steelgrave]

God bless our military. It's shameful that so few among our political "leadership" ever found time to serve.

[TheCommandTent]

God bless our military. It's shameful that so few among our political "leadership" ever found time to serve.

+1

[Gusington]

RIP

[bob48]

+1

i know a few of the UK guys here sometimes dont want to say anything and speak out of line, but for me personally, after reading about the burning embassies and this new attack, i hope im not out of place in saying and agreeing with a few of you that its time to pack up and get the hell out of the region

I'm with you on that one Geek.

[LongBlade]

+1

i know a few of the UK guys here sometimes dont want to say anything and speak out of line, but for me personally, after reading about the burning embassies and this new attack, i hope im not out of place in saying and agreeing with a few of you that its time to pack up and get the hell out of the region

I'm with you on that one Geek.

Picking up our marbles may or may not be the right course of action, but it should be clear that there are elements over there which have zero interest in reconciliation with our culture.

[undercovergeek]

indeed - it would seem that no one wants the hearts, or minds, but all the cash

[Jarhead0331]

This attack appears to be a pretty devastating blow.  The loss of 6 AV8Bs (plus two damaged) represents about a fifth of the Marine Corps total inventory of the aircraft.  It is the greatest loss of aircraft in a single day since the Vietnam War.  These planes are no longer in production and are due to be replaced by the F-35B, which is not set to fly until 2015.  Accordingly, it seems the gap will be hard to fill until then. 

Although, as always, our Marines will improvise, adapt and overcome, the blow to the 211 Squadron is severe, especially when you factor in not only the loss of the aircraft (totaling some $200 million), but the loss of its commander, LT COL Christopher K. Raible, as well.

S/F

[LongBlade]

This attack appears to be a pretty devastating blow.  The loss of 6 AV8Bs (plus two damaged) represents about a fifth of the Marine Corps total inventory of the aircraft.  It is the greatest loss of aircraft in a single day since the Vietnam War.  These planes are no longer in production and are due to be replaced by the F-35B, which is not set to fly until 2015.  Accordingly, it seems the gap will be hard to fill until then. 

Although, as always, our Marines will improvise, adapt and overcome, the blow to the 211 Squadron is severe, especially when you factor in not only the loss of the aircraft (totaling some $200 million), but the loss of its commander, LT COL Christopher K. Raible, as well.

S/F

I'm sorry to hear that. It sucks our base was so badly compromised. I'm still having difficulty even believing it.

[Windigo]

Good men can never be replaced ....  respect and condolences to the families.

[Staggerwing]

Good men can never be replaced ....  respect and condolences to the families.

My thoughts as well.

[bayonetbrant]

Good men can never be replaced ....  respect and condolences to the families.

+1