NAVY WIRE SERVICE - A WIRE (NWSA) - 18 November 1997 -
NWSA3123. Cruise missiles a top option in the Gulf
by JOCS(AW) Gwyneth J. Schultz, USN
WASHINGTON (NWSA) -- Should the situation with Iraq
turn from a diplomatic standoff into an armed conflict, the
first weapon of choice could be the Tomahawk Cruise missile.
Famous for its superb performance during the Persian
Gulf war and Operation Desert Strike, it has deadly pin-
point accuracy and can home in on specific buildings and
targets.
Launching the Tomahawk from Navy ships in the Red Sea
and Persian Gulf would be the number one option of attack if
military force becomes necessary.
There are nine U.S. Navy ships capable of launching
Tomahawk Cruise missiles currently in or approaching the
Gulf: guided missile cruisers USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS
Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Normandy (CG 60); guided missile
destroyers USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Carney (DDG 64);
destroyers USS Kinkaid (DD 965), USS O'Bannon (DD 987); and
attack submarines USS Annapolis (SSN 760), USS Olympia (SSN
717).
Elements of the USS George Washington battlegroup are
expected to arrive in the Gulf by the end of the week.
-USN-
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