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American Warships Heading to Egypt
Connecticut's newspaper The Day noted on January 24th:
Connecticut
National Guard Detachment 2, Company I, 185th Aviation Regiment of
Groton has mobilized and will deploy to the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, to
support the Multinational Force and Observers.
The unit left
Connecticut Jan. 15 for Fort Benning, Ga., for further training and
validation. The unit operates C-23C Sherpa aircraft and has deployed
three times in the last seven years in support of the conflicts in Iraq
and Afghanistan.
The unit will provide an on-demand aviation asset
to the Multinational Force and Observers commander to support its
mission of supervising the security provisions of the Egypt/ Israel
Peace Treaty.
Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported:
The
Pentagon is moving U.S. warships and other military assets to make
sure it is prepared in case evacuation of U.S. citizens from Egypt
becomes necessary, officials said Friday.
The Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship
carrying 700 to 800 troops from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit,
and the Ponce have arrived in the Red Sea, putting them off Egypt’s
shores in case the situation worsens.
Pentagon officials
emphasized that military intervention in Egypt was not being
contemplated and that the warships were being moved only for
contingency purposes in case evacuations became necessary.
In
addition to the Marines, the Kearsarge normally carries around four
dozen helicopters and harrier jets that would permit evacuations and
other humanitarian operations, the officials said. More than 1,000
Marines from the Kearsarge were sent to Afghanistan last month on a
temporary deployment, leaving roughly one-third still aboard, officials
said.
The Kearsarge is an attack vessel.
As Wikipedia notes:
In carrying out her mission, Kearsarge
not only transports and lands ashore troops, but also tanks, trucks,
artillery, and the complete logistic support needed to supply an
assault.
The assault support system aboard ship coordinates
horizontal and vertical movement of troops, cargo and vehicles. Monorail
trains, moving at speeds up to 600 ft/min (3 m/s), transport cargo and
supplies from storage and staging areas throughout the ship to a
13,600 square feet (1,260 m2) well deck which opens to the
sea through huge gates in the ship's stern. There, the cargo, troops and
vehicles are loaded aboard landing craft for transit to the beach. The
air cushion landing craft can "fly" out of the dry well deck, or the
well deck can be flooded so conventional landing craft can float out on
their way to the beach.
Simultaneously, helicopters are brought
from the hangar deck to the flight deck by two deck-edge elevators and
loaded with supplies from three massive cargo elevators.
Kearsarge's
armament suite includes the NATO RIM-7 Sea Sparrow point defense system
for anti-aircraft support, RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles, 25 mm
chain guns and the Phalanx close-in weapon system to counter threats
from low-flying aircraft and close-in small craft. Missile decoy
launchers augment the anti-ship missile defenses.
However, the Kearsarge has also been used in missions to evacuate people stranded in war zones. Wikipedia describes this unique dual capability:
Kearsarge is
fully capable of amphibious assault, advance force and special purpose
operations, as well as non-combatant evacuation and other humanitarian
missions. Since her commissioning, she has performed these missions the
world over, including evacuating non-combatants from Freetown, Sierra
Leone, on 31 May 1997 and rescuing Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady from
Serb-controlled territory in Bosnia on 8 June 1995. Additionally,
Kearsarge is fully equipped with state of the art command and control
(C&C) systems for flagship command duty, and her medical facilities
are second in capability only to the Navy's hospital ships, USNS Comfort
(T-AH-20) and Mercy (T-AH-19). These facilities allowed Kearsarge to
serve a dual role during the 1999 NATO bombing of the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia, as a platform for bombing missions against Serb forces in
Operation Allied Force, and as a treatment facility for Albanian
refugees in Operation Shining Hope.
The Los Angeles Times continues:
In
addition, the aircraft carrier Enterprise is in the eastern
Mediterranean. The Pentagon originally announced that the carrier was
heading through the Suez Canal for the Arabian Gulf, but the crisis in
Egypt appears to have prompted a decision to keep it in the
Mediterranean at least temporarily.
Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea (as well as the Red Sea):
The Enterprise is the longest naval vessel in the world, and is powered by eight
nuclear reactors. The Enterprise does not appear to have any dual role
for evacuations, but is simply an offensive aircraft carrier.
Therefore,
I see no clear indication that the U.S. government has affirmatively
decided to directly involve our military in Egypt. However, it is
obvious that the government is at least planning for the possibility.
Update: Business Insider notes:
A "very senior" member of the US Marine corps is telling people "multiple platoons" are deploying to Egypt, a source tells us.
There is a system within the US Marines that alerts the immediate
families of high-ranking marines when their marine will soon be deployed
to an emergency situation where they will not be able to talk to their
spouses or families.That alert just went out, says our source.
This senior Marine told our source that the Pentagon will deploy
"multiple platoons" to Egypt over the next few days and that the
official reason will be ‘to assist in the evacuation of US citizens."Our source was told that "the chances they were going over there went from 70% yesterday to 100% today."
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For what it's worth "colonial" I did not junk you.
I never junk opinions unless they are extremely mean spirited.
I simply disagreed with yours; but respect your right to your opinion. At least it was interesting. A movie reference never hurts!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV3jgYHvTmk
COLONIAL:
Someday you'll realize that all this "we're the biggest baddest" is all NONSENSE, all this bravado at the expense of thousands of lives and trillions for the military would not be necessary if we would GET THE FUCK OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S BACKYARDS, and secure and mind our own country withing it's borders, but it's not really your fault, as you've bought the bullshit fron the government and are not able to think for yourself but merely parrot what your year from the propaganda machine.
I think it is the 140 country military Empire we maintain that many readers here find objectionable.
A lot of people notice we can't afford it and don't think America was founded to be a Global Empire.
In my language, it is not of God.
AGREED! Empire Building.. IS NOT OF G_D!
Also, giant robots are buried within one of
those great pyramids. With treasure. (Plato the Greek knew of this!)
Wait, that's from moves: The Transformer Tomb Code.
Bravo! Better over-prepared for nothing than under-prepared for disaster.
BS: It's probably not cost effective but if we can use 8 nuclear reactors to power a ship, why can't we build something similar to power a city? Build a nuclear sub for future use and dry dock it if that's what it takes. NAS-CC would be the perfect location as it's the only thing keeping Corpus Christi in existence.
Here's a short video animation of a nuclear sub type shell used for powering a city:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiSKbQ4azhI
The CT Gaurd Aircraft will have a time trying to get across the pond. They are better off packed up into C-5's and HAULED to the Sinai.
The Enterprise is a aging Carrier, but a special one. It can most certianly provide everything in way of services. It may be a Offensive Warship but it can most certainly recieve many people and feed, treat and transfer them out.
I don't expect a fight in Egypt. There is already enough of a fight by the Egyptian People against their current ruler.
Beruit Deja vu all over again in the early 80's
You lost all credibility by leading with the story of the CT National Guard deploying to the Sinai. That means nothing, it is a completely routine deployment to the Multinational Force and Observers, which has been going on for more than 25 years.
http://www.mfo.org/history.php
But, GW does cut and past so very well.
I got scissors and glue too and want to be a contributor.
There are likely a great many warships in the Eastern Mediterranean right now. The prize to be protected and defended is of course the Suez. There are probably at least 3 US carrier battle groups in the region.
The oil supertankers will now traverse Suez under heavy military escort. Any nation with a vested interest in ME energy resources will be tasking their combat naval platforms with escort duty.
The War for Peak Oil is about to begin.
At the risk of letting facts get in the way:
Statfor claims less than 2% of gobal oil transits the Suez canal. And without locks I don't see how "protestors" could ever "close" it.
It is the SUMED oil pipeline and the Arab Gas Pipeline we would be protecting; which is harder...
2M per day goes through.
Gnat on a camels ass.
I was generalizing, and I admit that I know few specifics with regard to supply logistics.
I suppose if there was a point to my speculation, it would be to refute any assertions that there is any humanitarian intent involved in this decision to re-task naval battle groups.
I'm also unfamiliar with the land-based security operations along the length of the Suez. Would it be possible to fire antiship missiles from the shoreline?
I share your point. I think there is abundant evidence our Government doesn't care about the American citizens. Actually may hate them? What with the clinging to guns and religion and all...
And I'm no military expert but I expect you could make a mess with a missile. I just hear people who know more than me suggest it wouldn't matter much. But the pipelines sound different: e.g. one little bomb temporarily shut off gas to Jordan and Israel? (I mean, unless the U.S. did that for some window dressing...)
"(I mean, unless the U.S. did that for some window dressing...)"
The art of creating a "pretext" for military action dates back to the Roman Empire.
It was a relatively small enough event that nonetheless created sufficient pretext for the American Navy to mobilize and deploy to the region.
It's about to get interesting.
... er ... dude, like the Sixth Fleet like hangs out in the Med.
- Ned
Yeah, I know.
I served onboard an anti-air platform with the Kennedy battle group in the 80's.
Back then, there was an overlay of about 2 months when rotating battle groups, hence there was a good possibility of both carrier BG's being present.
It is likely that Condition 2 operating status for combat platforms is in effect. This is a wartime condition of readiness.
Mention of Ponce brought back so many (repressed) memories ;-)
I recognize we are in risk of falling into the great EUUA black hole, but, well here goes.
ARG http://www.navy.mil/navydata/navy_legacy_hr.asp?id=148 in Eastern Med. I'll buy that.
Enterprise group supposed to be in the area, but
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/navy_legacy_hr.asp?id=146
doesn't have them deployed or u/w. Looks like 3/8 MAR have decamped the ARG and are playing in OEF:
http://www.usmc.mil/unit/26thmeu/Pages/2011/BLT38entersHelmandprovince.aspx
Which makes the "platoons" comment a bit more sensible. Seems that they will have to repopulate the MEU GCE with some lash-up out of Camp Swampy. The technical term we used to use is "leaping through your asshole."
- Ned
If they actually just came out and said, we are sending in troops to protect the suez canal I wouldn't mind so much.
Ta-da. Exactly. If the gov had just said 'we are invading iraq as a means to protect our oil interests". "We are invading Afghanistan to protect our oil and gas interests and to assure we get a piece of the opium and natural resource pie". "We are ignoring the plights and oppression of African countries with dictators with whom we have no economically vested interest" Just be truthful for christ's sake and many of us could stomach the BS a little further along.
She,
you are off the wall.
How long do you think it would take to break EVEN on the Iraq, Trashcanistni Wars?.
The dead price has no$ fathomable way to even count.
What are we getting for pay, for all this disaster,and death?.
Iraq just signed on to a huge deal with Russia for the Oil, that could be helping to repay our costs.
You keep blathering about WE are getting value out of Trillion dollar wars WHERE is it?.
Sure as hell is not going back in the till it came out of, and or to the families of the maimed, dead, and mentally ill for life crew.
if by "we" you mean the corporation of the US, plenty have profits to show - but I suspect you don't really care. . .
keep telling yourself amrka invaded Iraq for "WMD" or whatever your justifications are - that the US is the global police (en)force for the global banking/corporate class is obviously beyond your ken.
Absolutely pathetic,
Earlier this week, Department of Homeland Security boss Janet Napolitano traveled to Arlington, Texas, where the Super Bowl will be held to shill the government’s recently unveiled “If You See Something, Say Something” propaganda campaign.
“If You See Something, Say Something” propaganda campaign.
“If You See Something
SCREAM ANTISEMITE
“If You See Something
SCREAM ANTISEMITE
“If You See Something
SCREAM ANTISEMITE
“If You See Something
SCREAM ANTISEMITE
“If You See Something
SCREAM ANTISEMITE
“If You See Something
SCREAM ANTISEMITE
Sieg Heil!!, she is SOOOOOOOOOOOO Hot.
Reach arounds also for everyone entering the stadium areas.
Free Sex, only at us.gov
IN AMERIKA...........WHERE YOU CAN "FEEL" THE FREEDOM OR BE ELECTROCUTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
................................IN AMERIKA...........WHERE YOU CAN "FEEL" THE FREEDOM OR BE ELECTROCUTED!!!!!!!!
How in the fuck did we get from "Loose Lips Sink Ships" to "Rat out your Neighbor"?
Vaat are you hidink?PAPERS!YOUR PAPERS PLEASE!
Hmmmm...your papers are not in order....surprise vacation in Uzbekistan!
It would be odd if the U.S. was not making military preparations given our Government's commitment to the State of Israel:
http://www.aipac.org/Publications/AmericasMilitaryLeaders.pdf
This is no secret. It doesn't matter if it is the will of the American people or not; and I'm not saying it is, or isn't...
YOU R AN
"ANTISEMITE!!!!!!!!!
YOU R AN
"ANTISEMITE!!!!!!!!!
YOU R AN
"ANTISEMITE!!!!!!!!!
I heard Obama will double up on the Nobel this year.
He may opt for the strap on this time, but Michelle also likes the double ender.
Yea, a war on a third front.
Normally fighting on just two fronts will get you in to the stupid catagory - but this year we're going for a winner!
I've always read the last two acts of a dying empire are printing money and the final is war.
Obama: Mubarak must go.
Natanyahoo: Mubarak must stay.
Obama: Mubarak must stay.
Natanyahoo: Get your troops in there, do you expect us to send ours.
Simple?
Like a pimple.
Let me get this straight? "The Enterprise doen't have any dual use for evacutation"? Did I miss the invasion of Indonesia just after their tsunami a couple of years ago or did the US just stage rescue and support operations from the decks of the deployed carrier?
GW please stick to writing about things you know about - and up to now I've only seen competence in your gulf oil spill writings - and I'm not familiar enough to know if you knew what you were talking about there either.
I was stationed on the Enterprise for most of my enlistment in mid 80's. Only Navy planes have tailhooks to land there. Cargo (c-5's) planes can hold some people but not more than 100 I would guess (imagine landing on a carrier w/out a seatbelt). The ship's crew population while underway is 5.5k, There aren't alot of empty beds, Maybe you could pile folks up in one of the galleys (there are only 2 for enlisted people, the others are small) and in the aircraft hangar bays but they are full of planes. So what you might get if you packed it up like a Beijing scooter full of chickens a few thousand more folks on board. No, it's not an evac' craft. Buses to neighboring countries airports seems more likely (as an evac route).
I was on a surfing trip in Indonesia around the time of the tsunami (which one?), there were some foriegn aid workers from around the world hanging around where we were lodging (other side of the island chain) for the surfing because the Indo' government wouldn't let ANY foriegners into the damaged regions. Word on the street was they (the Indonesian government) were settling accounts with the rebels while they had a good excuse to blame all of the missing people and bodies on. Were there evacuations, it's possible, but I was told by folks that were there immediately after the tsunami the entire region was on lock down (this is coming from medical professionals that weren't even allowed ashore).
There are rumours they finally found the Hall of Records beneath (the right paw) of the Sphinx...
And keep it for themselves.
C'mon...let us read and use whats in it!
Besides, now there are a lot of tanks outside the piramides
The few decent people that post here on ZH are a piss in the ocean compared to the millions stupid shallow people that just don't care as long as they collect the dole that the govnt passes out. Where are the protests, the marches on the cesspool that DC is.
Wish there was a way to communicate directly with the people of egypt that have REAL BALLS and to show some support for what they are trying to do over there.
And please don't come back with bush/obama dems/reps lib/cons, bullshit, because they are all one and the same and I include the fucked up tea party also in that worthless group.
We're angry now but we will be weeping later, for sure.
I include the fucked up tea party also in that worthless group.
Then you are wrong,they are the only thing right thats happened in D.C. in 75yrs.
What have they done to earn your wrath?,got some balls, and are trying to change shit?
You'll need a permit 9th-day guy...
Although I have neither faith in nor trust of our government, I don't see any reason to assume there's a big lie here, or any drive to start another endless war.
"Multiple platoons" could be as few as 300 guys, and evacuation of US citizens is a reasonable objective in this case. You send guns when evacuating so there's less risk of someone interfering.
How would you like it if the big one hits in San Fran and the chinese were sending their warships to our shores to evacuate their people from the lawleness that would ensue. I would imagine you would be pretty pissed, No???
No issue here, as long as thats all their doing.
Given your chosen level of discourse, I don't think a reasoned response is warranted. So that said...
How would you like it if I smacked you in your stupid face and handcuffed you to a radiator and sodomized you for a week and made you my bitch?
I'm not quite sure what your point is, I assume that you would approve? of chicese warships on our shores in a time of emergency?