It's one thing to move into the political arena to note a particular fact, reason, circumstance as to why a certain event occurred. But the hated and vilification that drips into this AVIATION! forum is really depressing. If you can't carry on a discussion calmly then please limit your attendance here to reading only.
This segues into my thought. I'm coming at this from life on the Carrier in the Gulf or Med or wherever. Just because you are at sea doesn't stop inspection requirements. The engine, in this recounting, still has to be inspected every 500 hours, or changed for whatever reason. P & W doesn't fly out and inspect it. The Squadron Power Plant guys do. So, is it any different with any of the airlines? Are they not responsible for these inspections? My flying history is just that, history. I would like to know the consequences of any of the inspections that the Airline is responsible for.
Having been there, Navy air, but same needs, I will tell you that that was not a boondoggle. Even the refueling was training. Try it some night, getting the lights right and not being distracted by the world below. Besides, they were not at optimum altitude for a good time period. I didn't open the down voted remarks. Didn't need to. You naysayers need to take a breath and look at this great country. Great because of men/women like these. (and why do people make such a fuss about a woman driving a big plane? Sheesh)