The United States sent the seagoing ferry — a tourist vessel with flat-screen televisions and a small casino — on Wednesday to transport about 600 people, mostly Americans, after being turned down for permission to land a chartered plane in Tripoli. The passengers would remain on the ferry, which has been secured, and were being provided with food and water, according to the report.This suggests that a marine expeditionary force (MEF) that has historically been in the Mediterranean 24/7 for as long as one can remember is no longer there.
So, the United States is reduced to leasing a "tourist vessel" to evacuate 600 Americans who are now in harm's way.
And the US Marines are not there to provide cover or support, if my assumption is true.
Actions have consequences.
