WATCHTOWER. . .

 (WATCHTOWER. . .)

On August 7th, 1942, an operation called WATCHTOWER, the 1st Marine Division was put ashore on the jungle choked Solomon of Guadalcanal. Guadalcanal was to be initiating point for a campaign that would conquer the rest of the Solomons with a concurrent operation to seize New Guinea. Over the next months, as the various islands were being secured, there were also a series of naval engagements that had the effect of atriting Japanese naval power. By the time the Solomons were secure, Japan had lost numerous cruisers, destroyers, even two battleships. There were severe losses sustained by the U.S. navy as well, the difference being that U.S. losses could be made up. Japan, not so much.

In the news, a combined Sino-Russian flotilla was seen off the coast of Alaska. Some eleven vessels flying both Ensigns. The fleet never penetrated territorial waters and was shadowed by three destroyers and a cruiser. A P-8 Poseidon offered aerial surveillance, but the point was what would be the American response and, considering the current Administration, whether there would be any response at all.

However, if there was any doubt as to ultimate intentions from either Beijing or Moscow, this exercise should clarify things. As American leadership is fluid at the moment. and neither country is necessarily certain of who will be in charge in Washington. That being said, the so-called Russia's strategic aims in Ukraine and eventually China's with regards to Taiwan.

Guadalcanal took till February, 1943 before the Japanese were forced out and the rest of the Solomons well into 1943 with combat on Bougainville lasting till the end of the war. If there is a caution to either of these American adversaries, it would be that naval demonstrations notwithstanding, like what took place in Ukraine and while that is a stalemate at the moment, a Chinese assault against Taiwan would be considerably more difficult. But what that flotilla off Alaska is saying is that both countries are committed to try.