It's easy to make fun of the "coalition forces" in Iraq, consisting mainly of Iraqui and US forces, with a few hundred Brits in the south. There is another group that I just heard about today - that's the group of various armed ships of our friends who are protecting the oil tankers moving the crude and refined stuff out of the danger area. I understand that, in addition to USN, the French, Germans and several other navies are concerned. Obviously, they protect oil for all, but as I recall from speaking with folks from the mini-white fleet in the
1950's, it ain't such great duty. Lot's guys manning 50 Calibre guns in the sunshine aboard hot ships. I don't know if it counts for combat pay.
I wonder why it has taken so long to hear of them.
Karl