'2 US aircraft carriers headed for Gulf'

Wrong. 2 carriers would be 4 to 5 times as powerful as the force we used the last time we had a confrontation with Iran during Operation Praying Mantis where we only used 1 carrier. It would allow for continuous sustained 24 hour offensive with surge capability and defensive sorties in the gulf to keep the shipping lanes open, maintain air superiority, provide CAS for SOF/USMC/CSAR, local and theater missile defense and anti-shipping operations. Moreover, such a CSF would be capable of striking about 2000 aim points a day and could saturate Iran with a flurry of offensive EW as well as provide limited tanker support. This would be an overwhelming force if it was two carriers.

Also, the SAM coverage of Iran is pathetic and hindered by terrain. Iran has limited long range EW coverage and the mountains provide very good cover. You could fly through Iran at 10,000ft and avoid detection if you had accurate mapping of the EOOB which we do. Remember we have flown C-130s into Iran before and they were not opposed. Iran relies mostly on it's fighters for air defense.

All of this would be augmented by SSGNs, Strtategic Bombers and fighters and support aircraft in Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait and elsewhere. This would be extremely worrisome for Iran.

Right now we have the CVN-72 and LHA-5 in the 5th Fleet AOR. So we already have more naval firepower there than we used in Operation Praying Mantis.

[edit on 8-8-2008 by DarthAmerica]

Why is it taking so long for American media to cover this?

Because there is nothing to cover except the dramatic progress in Iraq and increasing chaos in Afghanistan. The CVN-72 was moved south to assisti n Afghanistan and that was covered. With regard to carriers heading for the gulf. Thats a non story. There is already enough firepower in the region of strike hard against Iran if necessary.

Well, John Edwards did admit to having an affair. He says he did not love her, which is like saying he didnt inhale. Front page everywhere. Thank goodness the MSM covers crap like this, otherwise everyone else will be heading for a bomb shelter.

I'd say the most geopolitically significant story of late is the Russian/Georgian conflict which is right up there with Pakistan and OEF.

I just want to add that I really feel bad for the Georgians. They are here with us trying hard to earn a place at the table in NATO and the EU yet there is little we can do to help them. They eat side by side with us in the mess hall and I enjoy the enthusiasm their soldiers have to be here working with us.

[edit on 8-8-2008 by DarthAmerica]

reply to post by pluckynoonez

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Don't forget the Paris Hilton ad!!!! Now thats what I call news!

Well this link seems to give even more details.

europebusines.blogspot.com...

Many interesting points

I read that the two carrier groups were added to intimidate Russia and China and/or preventing them from wanting to contend with such a Naval build-up in the strait of Hormuz. In other words, a stiff deturrant if Russia/China should decide to intervene in escorting tankers through the blockade.

Here is what you were looking for:


The US Naval forces being assembled include the following:

Carrier Strike Group Nine
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN72) nuclear powered supercarrier
with its Carrier Air Wing Two
Destroyer Squadron Nine:
USS Mobile Bay (CG53) guided missile cruiser
USS Russell (DDG59) guided missile destroyer
USS Momsen (DDG92) guided missile destroyer
USS Shoup (DDG86) guided missile destroyer
USS Ford (FFG54) guided missile frigate
USS Ingraham (FFG61) guided missile frigate
USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG60) guided missile frigate
USS Curts (FFG38) guided missile frigate
Plus one or more nuclear hunter-killer submarines

Much more here:


europebusines.blogspot.com...


[edit on 8/8/2008 by CaptGizmo]

Is there a carrier group in the Black sea?

Or the Eastern Medetterianian?

I don't believe anything will happen until after the first of next year, and I do believe it will be Israel who strikes first...

abcnews.go.com...



The US has to be prepared for an Iranian retaliation on its oil interests and Israel.

The US may be holding the military option back, the Israelis seem to be preparing for no other option.

reply to post by The_Alarmist2012

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But that would be a big problem in a way. Should we really assume that Iran is going to hold off until the election is over? During the election would probably be the best time to attack (if they attack at all)!

-ChriS

[edit on 9-8-2008 by BlasteR]

Did anyone consider the timing of these events? The Russians are currently occupied with Georgia, could this have been deliberate? China has the Olympics. Could this be divisive and diversionary to keep them out of the picture? I see it as very possible that our people instigated the Georgians into moving their military in knowing full well there would be a Russian response and the Olympics have China busy. Although this would notstp their involvement, it may limit it or delay it long enough for objectives to be met then we would back off and negotiate a cease fire.

It is up to 5 now.

www.debka.com...

I don't think anyone posted this on this thread yet.