Forming the Brown Water Navy

The Navy is readying the swift boats to take the lead in the War on Terror:

The Naval Expeditionary Combat Command will be inaugurated in a ceremony Jan. 13 in Little Creek, Va.
Rear Adm. Don Bullard will oversee the creation of three riverine squadrons and a reorganization of the Navy Seabees, harbor defense units, explosive ordnance teams and military police units. In all, the command will train and equip 40,000 sailors...

During the next two years, the Navy will staff three boat squadrons, about 700 sailors in all. Each squadron will have 12 boats and also will be able to carry about 200 Marines into battle. The units will be used in counter-insurgency operations, such as patrolling waterways and coastlines, looking for terrorists.

This statement by the admiral makes much sense:

“The technology has changed (since Vietnam),” said Bullard. “This war is not the Vietnam War.”

But its still as much about the men as the ships. In my opinion, an old style gunboat diplomacy, with small warships deep inside enemy waters showing American power, would go far toward keeping the peace and saving American lives.