- Why Are There Four US Carriers In The Persian Gulf ?
-
-
- On Oct. 31, the two nuclear-powered carriers, the USS Eisenhower and USS Enterprise, arrived in Bahrain, accompanied by their carrier strike groups. On Nov 9th, the USS Iwo Jima, and the USS Boxer also arrived. The presence of these carriers, combined with Israel's talk of a Iranian strike, sort of makes a person wonder if Bush is up to something.
-
- This is an odd predicament.
-
- No one will stand for another invasion, with thousands of dead US servicemen. If America was to attack, it will be nuclear, but something needs to happen to enrage the US public to allow nukes. If Israel attacked Iran, and Iran nuked Tel Aviv, half the world would celebrate, and the other half would be holding back the chuckles.
-
- The only workable scenario:-
-
- If Bush plans on going into Iran, there must be a massive attack on the Fifth Fleet, or a nuke in an American city. The trouble is - Israel knows it too.
posted by kilamxx @ 1:46 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Iwo Jima ESG Departs 5th Fleet
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mike Jones
USS IWO JIMA, At Sea – The USS Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) successfully transited the Suez Canal Nov. 8, concluding operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AOO).
The USS Iwo Jima ESG includes USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Cole (DDG 67), and USS Albuquerque (SSN 706). Additionally, the ESG includes the 24th Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit Four, Beachmaster Unit Two, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26.
The ESG conducted Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
The deployment was also highlighted by the important role the ESG played in the volunteer departure of American citizens from Lebanon this summer.
“The safe evacuation of nearly 15,000 American citizens in Lebanon has been in keeping with the proud tradition of this ship’s history,” said USS Iwo Jima Commanding Officer, Capt. Michael Walley. “I continue to be amazed at the level of professionalism exhibited by each and every Iwo Jima Sailor and Marine of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.”
In addition to conducting security patrols of Iraqi oil platforms in the NAG, Philippine Sea served as the flagship for Commander, Task Force 158, Royal Australian Navy Commodore Peter Lockwood. The guided missile destroyer Cole participated in MSO with other coalition navies in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. Albuquerque supported theater and national level tasking throughout the region.
“Versatility has always been the Navy/Marine Corps strong suit. The Iwo Jima ESG has been no exception,” said Commander, Iwo Jima ESG, Capt. Brad Kyker. “Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations in Lebanon, exercises with major regional partners, MSO throughout the AOO, flying combat sorties in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom-- the team has done a bit of just about everything,” Capt. Kyker continued.
Iwo Jima left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 6, and began a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility to conduct MSO.
"Big E" Comes Home
Story Number: NNS061118-01
Release Date: 11/18/2006 12:53:00 PM
From USS Enterprise Public Affairs
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 5,400 Sailors from USS Enterprise (CVN 65) returned home Nov. 18 after completing a successful six-month deployment in support of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces.
Enterprise deployed May 2 as the flagship of the Enterprise Strike Group (ENT CSG) and supported operations in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).
While in 5th Fleet, ENT CSG was instrumental in the war on terrorism, conducting combat operations in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and Operation Medusa, as well as conducting maritime security operations. From early September through Nov. 1, Enterprise-based aircraft expended more than 130 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in Afghanistan.
“The 2006 summer deployment of the Enterprise Strike Group is historic for a variety of reasons,” said Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, commander of the Enterprise Strike Group. “From miles traveled, missions flown, distinguished visitors hosted – this strike group is the epitome of flexibility, engagement and forward presence. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Pacific Ocean, this strike group answered the nation’s call.”
“This deployment assured our nations newest partners in the global war on terrorism, reinforced enduring ties with long-standing friends and allies throughout the world, deterred those who plot against our nation, and brought triumph against the enemies of peace and security,” added Capt. Larry Rice, commanding officer of Enterprise.
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, embarked on Enterprise, flew nearly 23,000 hours, including nearly 12,000 hours of combat missions in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
“Carrier Air Wing 1 and the entire Enterprise Strike Group team were prepared to flexibly and effectively support a variety of missions,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, CVW-1. “Whether we operated carrier-based aircraft from land, engaged our nation’s enemies from the sea, or engaged our friends and allies from the flight deck of Enterprise, the entire strike group helped to set the conditions for security and stability throughout the world.”
Enterprise also led the way in promoting maritime leadership through cooperation with American allies abroad during their deployment. The ship entertained hundreds of foreign military officials, dignitaries and distinguished visitors in every numbered fleet and hosted numerous receptions and press conferences in the 6th Fleet and 7th Fleet AORs, including the Split, Croatia, Medal of Honor presentation ceremony for the family of Chief Watertender Peter Tomich. Tomich, a Croatian-American, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions aboard USS Utah (BB 31) during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
Sailors and Marines from Enterprise spread goodwill throughout the world by participating in more than 30 community relations (COMREL) projects, totaling nearly 2,800 man-hours, during port visits in the 6th and 7th Fleet AORs. Hundreds of Sailors and Marines made a positive impact in Split, Croatia; Souda Bay, Greece; Pusan, Korea; Hong Kong; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Lisbon, Portgual.
“Whether it was combat missions for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, coalition engagement, community relations project, or even Sailors and Marines on liberty from Split to Pusan, everyone serving in the Enterprise Strike Group made sacrifices, and I am proud of each and every one of them,” continued Spicer. “The Sailors and Marines of Enterprise Strike Group proved to be valuable ambassadors, teachers, mentors and friends.”
Enterprise Strike Group ships served as ambassadors in every port, opening their brows to more than 3,600 visitors during their eight port calls. Additionally, Enterprise finished its deployment by hosting the Navy’s first trans-Atlantic “Tiger Cruise” in more than 30 years for friends and family of crew members. The Big “E” Tiger Cruise began in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 10.
"This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table."
George W. Bush
Post a Comment
<< Home