The online world is having a bit of fun at the expense of the U.S. navy which appears to have allowed computers aboard one of its vessels to be used as a relay for spammers (this usually occurs when spammers plant code aboard the computer in question via a virus, which would then funnel the spam, or, if the computer is not properly configured, just do it without the virus).
The reports came out via anti-spammers who spotted the tell-tale fingerprints in the headers of some spam appearing to originate from the Chinese city of Zhuhai offering to export “electric & gas scooters, which are most popular with our customers at home and abroad”. There is some debate about which vessel it might be, but fingers point at the USS San Antonio, which is due for commissioning some time next year.
Needless to say, lots of opportunities for humour, but it does raise some serious questions about the security of communications aboard such craft. On the other hand, of course, this could all be an elaborate hoax.