Those who have been following our
series of
US naval updates will not be surprised to learn that US forces are
amassing around Tripoli. The LHD-3 Kearsarge is now within striking
distance, and certainly within No Fly Zone enforcement, while the CVN
65, which according to some prior reports had already passed the Suez,
is waiting just on the Southern tip of the canal. This is somewhat odd
as it indicates that Naval command is still split as to where the
Enterprise may be needed more: Libya or off the Persian Gulf where the
Vinson is keeping watch for a potential Iran escalation. Of course,
should Iran flare up, it is likely that Pakistan, Afghanistan and even
India could rapidly go downhill which is why the US will probably need
two aircraft carriers before it considers a full on attack against
Iran. But the most surprising development was the launch of all three
San Diego based aircraft carriers which three weeks ago were all
sitting peacefully, their crews binging in the Gaslamp District, and
since moving on to new deployment areas, most of which in the Pacific
theater. Which means that very soon, the US will promptly need to get
the 7 aircraft carriers that are currently at home port back in
commission as things are heating up faster than the US can
appropriately cover.